Route Hunt Meet at O’Harabrook Estate
Who needs a ladder for apples when you have a horse
On Saturday 30th November 21 Route Hunt members travelled to O’Harabrook Estate in Ballymoney for their weekly hunt. The hunt set off along the back lane of The Estate onto the Drumahiskey Road viewing the jumps that lay ahead on the way. There were several jumps around the estate including barrels, large fallen trees, planks, rustic poles and banks. The hunt then hacked to Drumskea for several more fences, some of which were quite challenging, as well as a laneway where all enjoyed a good canter. The final hack of the day brought the hunt via Bendooragh to the back of O’Harabrook Estate at 3pm. Despite the fact that 2 riders had parted company with their horses the weather was good and all had enjoyed another good day out thanks to Ian Holmes and Gerard McCloskey who had set up the hunt and to O’Harabrook Estate owners and farmers, Martin Wilson, The Hegarty Brothers and The White family who allowed the hunt the use of their land for the day. Without this the hunt would not exist.
On Saturday evening some hunt members and friends met at the Brown Trout in Aghadowey for a quiz night with lots of questions, tasting sessions of various crisps and jellies supplied courtesy of The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine and puzzles to solve. Paul Young of Ashbourne Kennels was quiz master for the evening and Carol Young kept scores. Supper was served at the interval and the evening was enjoyed by all with lots of banter as all were wanting to earn the prize money.
The next hunt is at 12 noon on Saturday 7th December . The organisers hope to see a good turnout of members and visitors and welcome anyone who wishes to follow the hunt on foot. 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)
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- Anthea Moffett on George clearing the rustic pole
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- Brendan Gormley on Dermott clearing the planks
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- Florence Campbell on Diamond clearing the rustic pole
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- Gerard McCloskey on Rio clearing the planks and bank
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- Hounds waiting patiently with Huntsman Jonny Butler
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- Hunt Master Ian Holmes on Pancho clear the barrel and plank
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- Huntsman Jonny Butler and Hunt Master Ian Holmes leading the hounds
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- Martin Mellet of Jazz Horses clears the fallen tree
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- Mike Alcorn clearing the rustic pole
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- Olivia Quinn on Bella between the trees
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- Rosemary Moffett on the Garvy
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- Who needs a ladder for apples when you have a horse
