A WEBSITE supported by a number of high-profile celebrities has been launched to encourage riders to participate in drag hunting in the New Forest.
The website, at /www.nfdh.org.uk>www.nfdh.org.uk has been set up by the New Forest Drag Hunt, and provides information about the hunt and its meets.
The initiative has attracted the support of a number of household names including Joanna Lumley OBE, Ann Widdecombe MP, art critic and columnist Brian Sewell, and astronomer Sir Patrick Moore CBE.
Chairman of the New Forest Drag Hunt, Michael Thomas, said: "The aim of launching our website is to help people understand more about us, our drag hunt and to encourage local riders to join in.
"We also want everyone to support our initiative of giving long-term suitable homes to redundant foxhounds that might otherwise be put down. They are wonderful animals and deserve a second chance.
"With the current situation on hunting this is now terribly important. Drag hunting is a fun and exciting equestrian sport which is ideal for young and old riders alike.''
While the number of live quarry hunts has dropped since 1965, the number of drag hunts has trebled.
The New Forest Drag Hunt rides out weekly either on Saturdays or Sundays between September and the end of March. During the summer months the hunt organises many other activities such as hound shows, barbecues, pub rides, hound exercising and training days.
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