DRAG-HUNTING enthusiasts in the New Forest have been accused of turning the current trials into a potential free-for-all.

The Verderers and the Forestry Commission have attacked a poster that encourages riders to take part in the controversial experiment.

Leaders of the two organisations say the invitation issued by the New Forest Drag-Hunt could cause chaos at future trials.

But the drag-hunt has dismissed the claims, and says the small number of people who oppose the sport are "grasping at straws".

The poster reads: "For those members of the equestrian public who wish to try drag-hunting during the trials, please contact the hunt secretary."

The National Federation of Drag-Hunting (NFDH) poster was produced at this week's Court of Verderers by Brockenhurst commoner Peter Sweet.

He said: "This is no longer a trial by an outside pack, but a leisure activity for which the Verderers have not given permission."

Official Verderer Maldwin Drum-mond said he deplored the poster.

He added: "If Uncle Tom Cobley and all turn up at the trials it will defeat the object of the exercise.

"These are meant to be controlled trials, not a free-for-all."

The poster was also condemned by the Forestry Commission's most senior officer in the area, deputy surveyor Donald Thompson.

He told the court: "Enough people are trying to create difficulties for us - and now it seems someone is trying to create another one."

But the poster was defended by NFDH chairman Michael Thomas, of Har-bridge, near Ringwood.

He said: "The deputy surveyor invited the media to attend the first trial, which created an enormous amount of interest. We are greatly concerned that this interest will attract riders with insufficient experience.

"We have put this notice out to ensure that all applications to join the trials are properly vetted through one channel - the hunt secretary.

"I wish the people who have complained would have the decency to contact the hunt to find out how we organise ourselves."

"These guys are just grasping at straws."

Opponents of drag-hunting include people who fear its introduction in the Forest would signal the end of foxhunting in the area.

But Mr Thomas said the master of foxhounds, Pat Hudson, had passed on her good wishes for the trials.