|
About
Us The original
Jersey Drag Hunt was formed circa 1884, possibly
making this hunt amongst the oldest in the United
Kingdom. Tradition has it that the hunt was started
by officers of the British army garrisons which
were regularly stationed in the Island Bailiwicks
of Jersey and Guernsey. With no foxes in the
island, a drag hunt was the only obvious answer.
The hunt was always well supported by serving
officers, as well as the farming community, whose
horses would be used on the farm and in the fields,
as well as carrying their masters on hunting days.
|
|
||||
|
Originally hunting was held on a Thursday afternoon (in order to coincide with early closing) and a Saturday afternoon; however, that has changed in more recent times to fit in with modern life. The way of hunting, too, has changed over the years, even having a period in the 1920’s where there were no hounds, which resulted in the hunt being more of a drunken “follow my leader” across the countryside, with the meet, check and “kill” usually being near, or indeed, at, a pub. Agriculture has also had a strong impact on hunting in Jersey over the years, with the trends of crops restricting the use of land at certain times, together with dairy farming, which, sadly is something now on the wane. More recent times have seen the hunt kennels moved from Trinity Manor, where they were stationed for some thirty six years, to new, purpose built kennels at Hatherleigh, St Mary, home of Joint Master Stephen Arthur. These new kennels were the result of an arduous but successful fundraising campaign by hunt members, and were designed by our very own huntsman, Mark Evans. Foxhounds are drafted in from packs in the UK, more frequently from the Hampshire Hunt and the Surrey Union, but occasionally from other packs. This dispenses with the need for time consuming and costly breeding. Hunts are now held twice weekly on Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, with the season running from early September (cubbing) until the end of February. Although Wednesday afternoons are not as well supported as Saturday mornings (due to modern day life work commitments) they are, however, still very popular with the stalwarts, who claim that “a good Wednesday line” simply cannot be beaten! Saturday hunting is open to all abilities and age groups, where jumping is usually optional. For those not wishing to actually take part on horseback, there is always a strong contingent of car followers (a group not to be messed with down the country lanes – especially for any oncoming vehicles!). There are usually in the region of six couple of foxhounds leading the way across the countryside – quite a sight to behold on a crisp winter’s day. |
|||||
