Route Hunt members gather at Portrush

Refreshments were served by Eavan White, while Hunt master Philip White welcomed everyone to Maddybenny and Billy Roulston presented best turned out male and female prizes to huntsman Jonny Butler and Olivia Quinn respectively.

The first jumps of the day were spaced out around a stubble field and after three laps all were ready to take on the jumps that lay ahead.

These included several plank fences some proving quite tricky with a few riders ending well up their horses neck on landing after the jump, telegraph poles, two drop fences with the landing side for one being a rather wet and muddy field but all riders managed to stay aboard, a few hedges with some giving the horses and their riders the thrill of mid air flight, stone walls and a couple of laneways to give everyone the chance to get their breath back.

For many the highlight of the day was seeing a fox but much to the dismay of huntsman Jonny Butler the fox was on the wrong side of the railway and was running off in the distance so the hounds weren’t able to make chase.

Thanks to huntsman Jonny Butler who had organised the meet, new ground was made available for the day and despite the icy road conditions, the sun shone and all enjoyed another good day out.

Returning to Islandtasserty all appreciated the soup and bread served by Eavan White in the Maddybenny horse lorry. Once again thanks goes to the farmers and landowners who give the hunt the use of their land.

For further details about joining the Route Hunt please contact the Hunt Secretary Julie Smyth 07793 209 899.