Route Hunt Celebrates News Year at Portrush
Despite the celebrations of New Years Eve and a poor weather forecast, 17 route hunt members and 3 visitors celebrated New Year’s Day out hunting. Everyone met at the kennels where refreshments were served by Emily Foster. Hunt master Phil
Vicky Slater on Harry clearing the ditch
ip White welcomed everyone to the meet and wished all a Happy New Year before the hunt set off. There was a short hack before entering stubble fields where all enjoyed a good gallop before the fences and hedges that lay head. Having completed a few laps with ease there was then a ditch which for some riders was quite a challenge but with encouragement and perseverance all crossed safely. The next challenge was following the hounds which had picked up a scent through rough ground and were chasing hard. To keep up all had to up their pace and this as well as the sighting of a fox at the start of the New Year lead to great excitement for both hounds and riders. The hounds were gathered and the hunt continued with 2 stone walls, a small ditch, some plank fences and a couple of hedges to tackle. One of the hedges had a surprise drop and it was here that one of the visitors while jumping summer salted over his horses neck and landed on the ground while still managing to hold onto the reins. By this time the forecasted heavy rain had arrived and some riders finished for the day, however several continued and saw the hounds pick up another scent despite the rain. Returning to the kennels all were glad of the warm food and beverages served once again by Emily Foster. Thanks goes to the farmers and landowners who give the hunt the use of their land and to huntsman Jonny Butler for organising the meet.
The next hunt is at 12 noon on Saturday 11th January .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 Secretary (Julie Smyth 07793209899)
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- Vicky Slater on Harry clearing the ditch
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- Unseated but still holding on
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- Stephen Grieves clearing the fence
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- Rosie Alcorn mid flight at the drop hedge
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- Martin Mellet clearing the plank fence
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- Kate Alcorn on Jeeves clearing the fence
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- Jan Barr on Broody clearing the fence
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- Huntsman Jonny Butler gets ready before setting off
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- First outing of 2014 for Route Hunt
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- Cormac Carr happy to be surrounded by 3 young ladies
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- Brendan Gormley on Dermott raises a toast for the new year
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- Brendan Gormley on Dermott approaching the drop hedge
