I first went out with the MSFD at the Children’s Meet at Nurstead Court in 2006. I was 9 and riding a 13hh racing pony and immediately I was hooked. After that, Dad would seek advice from the Masters as to which meets or line were suitable for me to tackle. We were always sensibly guided so that I was never over faced, and without exception I came back with a huge girn, desperate to go again. Those early days saw me dragging at Meopham, Stammer Park, Ringmer, Firle, Underriver and Hankham and my overriding memory is of how kind everyone was and how I was included into this great big family of mad people. After the thrill of the riding, my next best bit was sitting in front of Ginni’s slideshow at tea, watching all the photos roll around as the whiskey went down me around me!

But what really got me hooked for life was a rather strange looking 12.2hh roan pony called Frosty. After a couple of times out with the foxhounds I took Frosty with the Drag at Plumpton, and after that to about every meet you can think of. There wasn’t a fence, hedge or ditch that Frosty didn’t tackle. What was so great is how I was included in the day with everyone. There was no banishing me to the back just because I was a kid and when we drew breath between lines I was as much a part of the banter and laughter as anyone else. I have made some great friends and mentors through the Drag who have helped me in all parts of my life. Thank you MSFD!!!