Debbie Butler 75cm class winner receiving prize money and rosette from Hazel Kelly representating RA Kelly Electrical Contractor Class sponsor

Maddybenny Riding Centre Portrush was the venue for Hunter Trials run by The Route Hunt on Sunday 26^th April 2015. The temperature on the day was low but the forecasted rain held off  which was a relief for all. In the 75cm class there were 26  competitors, 28  in the 85 cm class  9 in the 95cm class and 36 in the pairs class. The course designed and built by Fred White with help from Philip White and Jonny Butler and other hunt members and friends  was first class with a few tight turns and some tricky fences to test horses and riders. Not all completed the course successfully with faults being picked up by some riders for not clearing the fence at the first attempt, some falling off  which lead to elimination, some with steering problems which added faults to their scores and some missing fences or jumping the wrong fence. While this disheartened a few riders all returned home without needing ambulance assistance.

Lisa Boyle 85cm class winner receiving prize money and rosette from Norma Wilkinson repesenting The Lodge Hotel class sponsor

Spirits were high amongst the competitors as all were wanting to win the cash prizes for 1^st to 3^rd places in each class and the rosettes for 1^st to 6^th places.

Lee Johnston & Alex Greer 75 cm pairs winners receiving prize money and rosettes from Martin Mellet and Gerard McCloskey class sponsors

Thanks goes to Philip & Fred White and their team of volunteers for building a great course and to Eavan White for her help on the day and with the organisation of the day. Thanks also goes to those who volunteered on the day as fence judges,  scorers, time keepers, starters and  secretaries and to the competitors who attended the event especially those who had travelled a distance to Maddybenny. A big thanks  goes to the Sponsors for the day :-  Lee Johnston Farrier,Coleraine  for the £150 prize money for the 95cm class, The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine for the £100 prize money for the 85cm class, R A Kelly Electrical Contractor, Coleraine for the £100 prize money for the 75cm class and Martin Mellet (Jazz Horses), Coleraine and  Gerard McCloskey (Route Hunt Whipper in ), Limavady for the £100 prize money for the pairs class. Without the generosity of these people it would be impossible to run this event so remember to support those who support us.

The Route Hunt  will be holding hunt rides over the summer months as well as the annual Hunt BBQ on 11^th July.

For further details please contact the Hunt Secretary (Julie Smyth 07793209899)

Lisa Boyle 95cm class winner receiving prize money and rosette from Farrier Lee Johnston class sponsor

RESULTS

75cm Class  Optimum time  3 minutes 20 seconds

1^st Debbie Butler on Frenchie  ( 3 min 29 secs )

2^nd Rachel Kelly on Micky   ( 3 mins 30 secs )

3^rd  Norma Wilkinson on Tara   ( 3 mins 37 secs )

4^th Emma Wright on Blue  (3 mins 45 secs  )

5^th Maria Carr on Keltic Mist  (3 mins 58 secs )

6^th   Rosemary Moffett on Mo  (3 mins 27 secs )

85cm Class    Optimum time 3 minutes 35 seconds

1^st  Lisa Boyle on Bannside Boy  (3 mins 35 secs)

2^nd Jourdana Busby on Misty (3 mins 30 secs )

3^rd Campbell Smith on Diamond ( 3 mins 40 secs )

4^th Kirsten Thom on Clonlee Red River ( 3 mins 26 secs )

5^th Geraldine Parker on Milo ( 3 mins 49 secs )

6^th Debbie Butler on Frenchie (3 mins 19 secs )

95cm Class  Fastest time

1^st Lisa Boyle on Bannside Boy  ( 2 mins 40 secs)

2^nd Lee Johnston on O’Harabrook ( 2 mins 46 secs )

3^rd Philip White on Larrado  ( 2mins 56 secs )

4^th   Ryan Lamb on Patch

75cm Pairs   Fastest time

1^st  Alex Greer on Sparky & Lee Johnston on Tara (2 mins 49 secs )

2^nd Colin Thom on The Gymnast  & Sophie McPeak on Dominoes Way  (2 mins 59 secs )

3^rd Jan Barr on Broody & Robyn McCann on Larkin ( 3 mins 4 secs )

4^th  Shannon Livingston on Bob & Clodagh Barry on Mervyn ( 3 mins 9 secs )

5^th Victoria Kennedy on Rosco & Ellen McCormick on Tanto ( 4 mins )

6^th Rachel Kelly on Micky and Emma Wright on Blue   ( 3 mins 27 secs + 20 faults )

There will be 4 classes :- 75 cm , 85 cm, 95 cm and 75 cm pairs with the 75cm and 85cm classes being an optimum time and the 95cm and pairs classes being the fastest time.

Prize money for the 75cm,85cm and 75cm pairs classes is £50 for 1^st place, £30 for 2^nd place and £20 for 3^rd place and for the 95cm class is £75 for 1^st place, £50 for 2^nd place and £25 for 3^rd place. There will also be rosettes for 1^st to 6th place in each class.

Entry fee is £15 per class, £25 for 2 classes and £10 per rider for the pairs class.

The course will be designed and built by Fred White  with help from hunt members and friends. If you are free to help with this or free to help on the day then volunteer your help. This event will be great training for cross country enthusiasts and potential hunt members and with good weather and a good turnout in each class will also hopefully be a fun day for all.

For further details about this event please contact the Hunt Secretary (Julie Smyth on 07793209899)

Mr Rex Humphries receiving cheque for £1000 from Route Hunt for RDA Coleraine

Saturday 14^th March was the last hunt of the 2014/2015 season for The Route hunt .Hunt members and friends gathered at Ballylagan Equestrian Centre  and enjoyed refreshments provided by Martin & Frances Mellet of Jazz Horses. Before setting off a cheque for £1000  was presented  to Mr Rex Humphries President of RDA Coleraine. Mr Humphries expressed his thanks and appreciation for the generous donation which would help fund the worthwhile work of RDA Coleraine. At 12.30 pm the hunt set off for the first round of the gallop at Ballylagan under the leadership of the Rockwood Harriers hunt master who was visiting the Route Hunt for the day.

Emma Louise Murray on Paddy in flight over the gallop logs

There was then another gallop lead by hunt member Eamon O’Connor for numerous more jumps. Having completed the jumps at Ballylagan the hunt went for a short hack to   Mr Humphries farm. Here there were numerous fences, bales, ditches, hedges and laneways. Several riders parted company with their horses  but all were able to remount and carry on. By 3.30pm the majority of riders had been out long enough and had jumped enough fences  so they returned to Ballylagan for further freshments and to discuss the events of the day.

Lesley McDowell on Charlie in flight over the gallop logs

A few stayed out for longer but  managed to part company with their horses and ended up with cuts and bruises and jodphurs and jackets  needing  several hours steeping to get them ready for next season. Thanks goes to Huntsman Jonny Butler and  the Jazz Horses team for setting up the day and to Rex Humphries for the use of his land and Martin Mellett for the use of Ballylagan. The hunt members and committee thank all those involved in setting up this seasons hunts and the farmers and landowners who allow the hunt the use of their land.

If anyone has any free time and would be willing to help with the set up of meets for next season or if you have fallen stock for the hunt then  contact the huntsman Jonny Butler on 07845810563.

The next Route Hunt event  will be  hunter trials held at Maddybenny equestrian centre on Sunday 26th April 2015.The course will be as used by Eventing Ireland on Saturday 25^th April so as well as being a great training ground with lots of prizes and rosettes up for grabs it should also be a fun day for all.

Walter Stewart in flight over the fence

On  Saturday 14^th February  2015,  17 Route hunt members and  visitors met at Killeague West the home of Campbell  And Helen  Smith. Hunt Master Philip White welcomed everyone to the meet , thanked Campbell and all involved in setting up the hunt and asked all to join in singing Happy Birthday to Florence Campbell nee Smith. Before setting off riders warmed up in the arena and over x country fences before jumping out of the arena into the first field for a stone wall with a drop. Throughout the day there were ditches, hedges, a 6 bar gate and numerous fences to jump. The weather conditions were perfect and new ground had been  opened up so it was 3 ½ hours before the hunt returned to Smith’s  for the final jump of the day followed by soup and rolls served by Emma and Helen Smith. All had enjoyed another good day out and all had stayed on board. Thanks goes to Huntsman Jonny Butler and all those who had made the hunt possible.

The next hunt is at 11.30am on Saturday 21st February .The organisers hope to see a good turnout of members and remind everyone that  the annual Route Equestrian Ball is at 7.30pm  in the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine.  For further details and tickets for a great night out while supporting Northern Ireland Chest ,Heart And Stroke, contact Norma Wilkinson on 02870344848.

Nicole O’Loughlin on Ted clearing the hedge

On Saturday 7th February 2015, Route hunt members and visitors met at Ballyhacket primary school for their weekly hunt. For many members this was their first visit to Ballyhacket as it has been several years since The Route has hunted at Ballyhacket but for a few it was a return to familiar ground. The hunt

left at 12 noon and headed towards Ballyhacket viewing point in glorious sunshine. There was a pause along the way to take in the amazing view over the surrounding countryside before heading across the hillside.There was then a decent into a small stream before the first ditch of the day.

Mike Alcorn on Lou clearing the wall

For some the ditch proved a bit tricky and they parted company with their horses but despite being rather muddy they remounted and carried on. The weather turned, with mist and drizzle making it impossible to see the countryside. This did not deter the hunt as they continued on jumping several hedges, a couple

of walls and numerous ditches. Throughout the day the hounds had picked up scent and set off but they returned without anything. There had been a few fallers throughout the day but the landings were soft so despite being rather muddy no one was too concerned. After 3 ½ hours all were happy to head back to their boxes for a well earned rest.

Hunt Master Philip White clearing the hedge

Once again thanks goes to those who organised the meet and to all the farmers and landowners who gave the hunt the use of their land. Without the co-operation of these people it would be impossible to exercise the Route Hunt horses over such wonderful

countryside.

The next hunt is at 12 noon on Saturday 14th February .The organisers hope to see a good turnout of members and visitors and welcome anyone who wishes to follow the hunt on foot. The next Saturday, 21st February , the annual Route Equestrian Ball takes place in the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine. This is open to anyone who wishes to attend and

this year the hunt is supporting Northern Ireland Chest Heart And Stroke. For further details and tickets contact Norma Wilkinson on 02870344848.

Rosie Alcorn on Blue over the ist fence of the day

On Saturday 24^th January, despite the freezing conditions in the morning, 17 Route hunt members and visitors  met at the home of Lesley and Freddie McDowell at Ballyversal, Coleraine.Hot port was on offer and was welcomed by all  before setting of just after 12 noon.

There was a short hack along the Ballyversal Road to the laneway which lead to the first jump of the day which all cleared with ease.

Jan Barr on Broody

There was then a chance for a good canter in stubble fields before the next jump which was rustic poles with a heafty drop into the next field. After this  was a watery ditch which all crossed successfully before heading for  the stone wall. Some riders missed this out and used the gateway to the next field for another rustic style fence. It was here that the hounds picked up scent and were off at full pace. To follow them it was necessary to cross another ditch where one horse and rider parted company. Once the hounds were gathered,  after a short hack on the road it was  back to jumping. The rest of the afternoon was spent  clearing hedges with a small stream crossing added in. Despite a bit of a rain shower the weather had been  good and all returned back after a good 2 ½ hrs in the saddle in high spirit despite the offs throughout the day.

Thanks  goes to  Lesley McDowell, Jonny Butler and  Lee Johnson  for setting  up another good day out for the Route hunt  and to  the farmers and landowners who give the hunt the use of their land.

The next hunt is at 12 noon on Saturday 31^st January .The organisers hope to see a good turnout of members and visitors and welcome anyone who wishes to follow the hunt on foot.

Brendan Doherty in flight over the last fence of the day

On  Boxing day the  Route hunt  met at  the home of Alison & Alan Millar  Killeague, Coleraine.  Despite the wintery conditions there was a turnout of 23 horses and riders  and  some followers on foot. Before setting off refreshments were served, Hunt Master Philip White welcomed everyone to the meet, thanked the Millars for their hospitality  and handed over best turned out  junior and senior   prizes  to Niamh Carr  who was riding  Oliver previously owned by Alison Millar and Martin Mellot of Jazz Horses  respectively.

Route Hounds at last fence on Boxing Day

Hunts man Jonny Butler blew the horn and the hunt set off  into the field at the back of the Millars house.Throughout the day there were plenty of jumps. New ground had been made available for the day and this provided  numerous natural  stone walls of various heights  which pleased everyone.

Terence Doherty on Harry in flight over the wall

There was also an optional  5 bar gate which most riders took on and  a tricky drop fence from one field into another which all managed successfully despite some riders feeling anxious about it as it has  caused a few offs in the past. For some this was the last jump of the day as they decided it was best to finish still on board rather than take on the last jump of the day which was a sturdy wall not for the faint hearted.

Apart from one rider who took a tumble when her horse reared, the rest of the field had stayed on board and after a hack back to Millars returned back to their boxes just before the rain came. Despite the chilly temperatures all had enjoyed another good day out  thanks to Gerard McCloskey and Jonny Butler who set up the hunt and to the Millars and all the other landowners and farmers who gave the hunt the use of their land.

The next  hunt is  at 12 noon on Wednesday 31^st December 2014 . The  organisers  hope  to see a good turnout  of members and visitors and welcome anyone who wishes to follow the hunt on foot.

Nicole O’Loughlin on Cody mid flight

On Saturday 3rd January 2015, 20 Route hunt members and 9 visitors met at Morelli’s Lane, Maddybenny for the first meet of 2015.The weather was perfect and spirits were high amongst horses and riders so all used the field at Morelli’s Lane to give the horses some exercise. Hunt Master Philip White welcomed everyone to the meet, wished all a happy, healthy and safe riding new year and reminded everyone to take care of their horses and themselves by only jumping what they knew they could.

Visitor Shane O’Grady on Polly over the first fence of the day

Huntsman Jonny Butler blew the horn and the hunt set off at 12.05pm. There was a short hack and a race across some stubble fields before the first jump of the day where one rider took a tumble. It was then a gallop across more stubble fields where the hounds picked up a scent and were off in chase.

Whipper in Jan Barr on Broody

The hunt followed on at full pace but with no joy as the scent was lost. It was then back towards Maddybenny for several more jumps including a sturdy stone wall. Some gave this a miss and instead took the lane way to the next jump where a few riders came unseated. The hunt then headed off towards the coast and were rewarded with a view from the hill top over Portstewart and Portrush.After this there were several hedges to tackle as well as more fences and stone walls before the hack back to Maddybenny after 3 ½ hours of riding. Despite there being a few fallers all had enjoyed another good day out.

Thanks goes to Jonny Butler for organising the meet and to all the farmers and landowners who give the hunt the use of their land. The next hunt is at 12 noon on Saturday 10th January .The organisers hope to see a good turnout of members and visitors and welcome anyone who wishes to follow the hunt on foot.

Rosie Alcorn on Holly in flight over the ditch

On Saturday 20^th December 2014   Route hunt members  gathered at The Coast Inn Myroe  for a pre-Christmas drink before setting off on their weekly hunt. Hunt Master Philip White welcomed everyone to Myroe and thanked the owners of The Coast for the use of the carpark.There was a short hack along the Seacoast Road before heading  onto  the laneway at Kanes farm which led to the field with the first jump of the day. There were then several ditches before the willow path where jumps had been made out of cut willow.

The hunt then followed the river with  a few more jumps, a 5 bar gate and another ditch before making their way onto the land used by Foylehov for hovercrafting. The hunt then crossed the road towards the point to point field  for a pallet jump  and the last ditch of the day. Huntsman Jonny Butler crossed with ease.  Whipper in Julie Smith was next to take on the ditch. Unfortunately Humphrey didn’t quite make it and Julie  had to dismount in the water filled ditch. This did not deter  Eamon O’Connor or Campbell Smith who flew over the ditch to great cheer.

Campbell Smith on Diamond in flight over the last ditch of the day

Whipper in Gerard McCloskey was next  but like Humphrey, Rio didn’t quite make it so both Whippers in  were wet. By this stage Huntmaster  Philip White had found another point to cross which wasn’t as wide and  several others including Gerard and Julie took this option. For some the thought of getting wet so close to home was not a plan and they took the road back to The Coast Inn where all met and  enjoyed soup and wheaten bread  around the open fire and discussed the events of the day with a drink with the local farmers and landowners who had allowed the hunt the use of their land for the day. All had enjoyed another good day out and the weather had held up.

The Route Hunt Committee and hunt  members wish all their farmers and landowners  a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2015.

The next  hunt which is only for hunt  members is  at 12 noon on  Boxing Day.

Claire Quinn on Juke clearing the fence

On Saturday 26^th October  18 Route hunt members and 3 visitors  met at the kennels for the Knockertotan hunt organised by hunt secretary Julie Smyth. Hunt master Philip White welcomed everyone before the hunt set off at 12.15pm. There was a hack along the Gateside Road and Ballymacrea Road to get everyone warmed up before the stubble fields that were ahead.Here there were both hedge fences and purpose built fences set up in the fields.  The hunt then hacked to the reservoir on the Corbally Road where there were 2 ditches to jump. There was then more stubble fields where all enjoyed a good canter before a stone wall  and yet another ditch. By this stage the weather had broken and the rain was pouring down but this did not deter the horses or  riders. There was then a canter along a laneway before facing the large plastic water pipe which most riders took on. After this it was another hedge jump with quite a drop on the other side which came as a surprise to some but all managed to stay aboard.There was then an optional  5 bar gate, a lane crossing and a double pole jump into another stubble field.There were several more hedge jumps and walls before the hack back to the kennels where all enjoyed the soup and wheaten bread provided by the hunt secretary Julie Smyth .

Gerard McCloskey on Rio clearing the hedge

Despite the rain all had enjoyed a good days hunting and appreciated the work of the hunt organisers  and the generosity of the farmers  and  landowners who give the hunt the use of their land.

The next  hunt is the  annual children’s hunt at 12 noon on  Saturday 2^nd November. The  organisers  hope  to see a good turnout of children, members and visitors.  For further details on this or about  joining the Route Hunt  please contact the Hunt Master (Philip White 07732630963) or the Hunt Secretary (Julie Smyth 07793209899)

Gerard McCloskey on Rio clearing the hedge

On Saturday 15^th 2014 Route Hunt members met in the car  park at ST Agri Stores ,Letterloan, Coleraine to mark the launch of Stephen Taylor’s new business venture before setting off for the weekly hunt. All had made a special effort with regards to turnout as ST Agri Stores in conjunction with Thompson Feeds were sponsoring a prize for the best turned out. Mike Alcorn on Lou was chosen by Stephen Taylor as the winner and all cheered Stephen’s choice. Hunt Master Philip White welcomed everyone to Letterloan, thanked Stephen Taylor for allowing the hunt the use of the car park and land and wished Stephen every success in his new venture. Stephen then served a stirrup cup to all before the hunt set off. There was a short hack from the yard at ST Agri Stores to the first ditch of the day. All cleared the ditch successfully and proceeded to jump the numerous hedges that lay ahead ,all of which had a lower option for those not wanting to tackle the full height.It was then back over the ditch and another short hack to the next field for the first stone wall of the day before the hill climb from which all were able to enjoy the view of the surrounding countryside.

Homeward bound

Next was a couple of marshy fields which due to the heavy rainfall during the week proved somewhat tricky. Most horses looked as if they’d had a mud bath and some of the riders  looked the same. Thankfully there was a stream across a laneway which helped wash off some of the mud. There were then several stone walls and a couple of banks before heading home. On returning to the yard all appreciated the refreshments provided by ST Agri Stores. Without the co-operation of farmers and landowners the hunt would not be able to operate so if you are needing supplies for horses, dogs, cows or sheep then remember to pay ST Agri Stores a visit where you will receive a warm welcome, help and advise  about   agri supplies .

The next hunt is at 12 noon on Saturday 22^nd November 2014.

The  organisers  hope  to see a good turnout  and welcome members, visitors by prior arrangement and anyone wishing to follow the hunt on foot.

Hunt Master Ian Holmes Gives Maria Carr a lift across the rive

On Saturday 8th Nov 2014,  22  Route hunt members  gathered  in Mary Pats bar, Macosquin for liquid refreshments around the fire before setting off for the day. Hunt master Philip White welcomed everyone and thanked the staff at  Mary Pats for the  stirrup cup served. There was a short hack out of the village to the first laneway which led into the field for the first jump of the day and the first ditch. After this  was the first river crossing which was fine for the horses but proved rather damp for the foot followers except Maria Carr who got a lift across on Pancho , Hunt Master Ian Holmes’s horse. There was then some rough reedy ground to tackle before the next ditch which for some proved  tricky. A canter along a laneway  and over some fields  brought the hunt  to another small river crossing which helped with washing the horses legs.There was then several more ditches to tackle before the 5 bar gate that lay ahead. Hunt Master Ian Holmes reminded everyone that jumping  was optional but all took it on in style. There was then a  lovely old  stone wall, numerous fences  and a surprise drop hedge which only a few  tackled   before the last jump of the day which was another stone wall. While there  had been a few offs throughout the day all  were able to return to  Mary Pats bar to enjoy the soup and sandwiches served by Lizzie and her staff and discuss the events of the day around the  open fire. Hunt members thank huntsman Jonny Butler and Ian Holmes and Gerard McCloskey for organising another great day out  and the local  farmers and landowners who give the hunt the use of their land.

The next hunt is at 12 noon on Saturday 15th November .The organisers hope to see a good turnout of members and visitors and welcome anyone who wishes to follow the hunt on foot.