Maddybenny Is First Meet of 2015 for Route Hunt
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.
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- Whipper in Jan Barr on Broody
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- Visitor Shane O’Grady on Polly over the first fence of the day
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- Sam Woodrow on Bobby in flight over the last fence of the day
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- Pit stop for Rachel Kelly on Micky and Emma Wright on Blue
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- Nicole O’Loughlin on Cody mid flight
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- Florence Campbell on Tara over the first fence of the day
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- Fiona Thompson on Humphrey
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- Anthea Moffett on Chip in flight over the last fence of the day
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- Campbell Smith on Dan in flight over the hedge
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- Debbie Butler on Frenchie in flight at the last fence of the day
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- Conan Gormley on Dermott and Florence Campbell on Tara take the fence side by side
