The characteristic purpose of the Pau Hunt Drag is to hunt following an artificial scent, called “drag” rather than the live fox. The hunt staff lay the drag on the morning of the hunt using a straw filled sack impregnated with the smell of a fox. Their role is essential for the riders to have the most fences to jump in complete safety and without damaging the cultivated land.

The hounds are brought to the start of the drag and impatiently await the order to begin hunting. The hounds rush on to the line. Covering 10 to 12km, the riders and horses will jump as many as 100 fences chosen by the draggers. At the end of the rag, the Huntsman will blow his horn (called tute or pibole) then joined by the rest of the field, everyone removes their hats at this point.

Of course, it is possible not to follow the exact line being followed by the pack, it is often more fun not being in file with the other riders, but more risky (obstacles are not cleared, there may be stumps wire etc.). It can also be helpful to watch how the riders in front of you negotiate the obstacles. Two or three times during the hunt, the Huntsman will stop the pack to give time for the hounds, horses and riders to recover from the chase.

The rules to follow:
• Not to pass the Field-Master during the hunt, he is there to stop the followers getting too close to the hounds, not to hurt, frighten or prevent the hounds from following the scent of the drag.
• When jumping obstacles, the priority is given to the “Boutons”.
• If you want to shortcut the field to catch the others riders or to avoid an obstacle (no shame in that) you must be careful not to ride on sown fields or irrigation drains.
• Do not forget to say hello to any pedestrians you might meet, they will often be the owners of the land being crossed by the drag.