First taste of hunt action for Mid-Antrim youngsters

The hounds were raring to go in spite of a somewhat limited programme of cubbing due to the weather and the point-to-point preparations, and it wasn’t long before they picked up a scent and were away.

The day was also for the pony club members who had previously completed the first part of their Hunting Certificates at the Hunt Kennels where they were taught all about the do’s and don’ts of hunting.

They were also told about the work that goes on in the background with all the Fallen Stock operation and the care of the hounds. The children then had to answer a questionnaire on what they had learnt which they all completed mostly successfully. And “no” to the young man who filled in the question of what to bring with you on a hunting day, a hip flask is not what you need to put in your pocket!

They learnt a little of the history of the Mid Antrim Pony Club which was started in the 1960’s by the Mid Antrim Hunt to introduce children to hunting and how to behave when they are out.

The children then came out at the Opening Meet to complete the mounted part of their certificate by having a day actually hunting with hounds and seeing how it all works.

To quite a few of the children this was nothing new as they had hunted for years but it was an exciting new experience to the others.

They had certainly taken in what they had been taught as their turnout put some of the adults to shame and their behaviour was exemplary.

They had really taken in the rules of etiquette and general good manners required in a properly run hunt and it was very impressive to see all the ponies with their rear ends neatly to the hedge when the Huntsman and hounds came past each time.

The youngest child was little Bethany Gordon who had just had her 7th birthday and, apart from needing a little reassurance/ bracing words from Judith Hamilton half way through, managed beautifully.

After the huntsman had finally gathered in the hounds at the end of the day the field set off for home with some of the members feeling the difference between exercising horses and actually hunting.

At the Buffs Club John McIlveen welcomed everybody and after an extremely generous supply of soup and sandwiches very kindly made by Betty Caves, the children were presented with their certificates.

Mrs Muriel Colvin made the presentations including the Junior Best Tack and Turnout prize which was well deserved by Taylor Hunter, with the Senior prize going to Stuart Gillespie who is one of the most intrepid young men with quite a few seasons under his belt. It was a difficult choice as all the children and their ponies were beautifully presented.

The usual half-term children’s meet was held at Woodgreen on Wednesday 31st October and while cold, at least there wasn’t the snow of a few years ago.

Again there was an excellent turnout and the children should be very proud of themselves for their conduct. The day was hosted by Darius Graham and there were some very young riders out for their first hunt.

Master Gordon Cunningham had his 7 year old grandson Luke literally in tow and he did extremely well to follow his grandfather.

In spite of hitting the deck a few times he showed great courage and came back smiling, very proud to be the Hunt’s youngest member.

The children all had a good time and the hounds picked up the scent of a fox and had a good run so the Huntsman was very pleased with the day. The Huntsman also commented that he never heard the children once so they had clearly taken in the lessons of the opening meet.

The children who achieved their certificate were: Bethany Gordon, Louise Gillespie, Taylor Hunter, James McNabney, Sarah McNabney, Orla O’Kane, Aaron Reid, Josh Mark, Jamie Lee Mark, Jessica Mark, Erin Dunseath, Stuart Gillespie, Jamie Boyd, Brigid Delargy, Courtney Hamilton, William Hamilton.

Many thanks to Audrey Hunter for the photos, and to all the farmers over whose land the hunt passed.