Sligo Hunt Pony Club show

Sligo Hunt Pony Club show

Sunday 15 December was local Pony Club Interclub show held at Kerins, Tubberbride, County Sligo, luckily it was indoors and therefore wasn’t cancelled.  Kids from Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal descended onto the equestrian centre, jumping all jumps from cross poles, 50/60cm, 80/90 classes following with a team competition, everyone got rosettes and prizes, and won great prizes on the raffle!  It was a great day and all the kids were happy.  Congratulations to the Kerins family on the new surface on the arena, very nice.  Contact Joy for further info on joining the Pony club and what’s coming up 0877601064

Does it always rain in Moygownagh?

Does it always rain in Moygownagh?

On Sunday the 8^th December the North Mayo Harriers set out on their annual meet.  There was a great turn out from across the ages, with little ones on ponies and old ones on big horses, and all experiences trotting along side each other in the drizzly rain!  I was riding a young 14.2 pony, I had just sat on and was given a tremendous ride, and it was a much more sedate affair after last weeks hunt around Aclare, Toulestrane and Banada.  We trotted along the Owenmore river, and the first set of jumps were all nice and natural and although I was near the rear not all the jumps were demolished, as the followers on foot were at hand to replace poles, logs and barrels.  My little mount took to them by storm and gave me great confidence to take them on without taking off, and I felt assured of a good days hunt! We did a short bit or road work along the bogs and lanes, and even though it was a dreary day you could see for miles.  A short while along the road and down another string of jumps we arrived at Glenmore House where we were served mulled wine, hot chocolate, mince pies, variety of cakes, sweets crisps and some of the older folks even got brandy.  Chairman Brian Tuffy led the thanks and praises to everyone in the house and happy birthdays to hunt members Cian Garrett and glamorous granny Glyn Morgan. 

What followed was a string of fences suitable for all levels and anything that was big – you could go round, it was brilliant, when we got to the other end everyone was talking about the string of fences, the question on everyone’s lips was ‘Did you jump the big one?’ it was big enough and I wasn’t brave enough to give it a go myself but most of the kids did! We went up and over them again and back down to the start, it wasn’t a long hunt but it’s a good one!

After untacking and loading horses into the boxes we descended onto Moygownagh Community Centre.  Where we were treated to a fine feast!  Where the ladies of the town fed over a hundred riders and followers!  The soup and sandwiches was delicious and much needed.  Hunt members put there hands in their pockets to support a raffle and everyone had a great time!  Once again thank you Moygownagh! Next Hunt is Sunday 22^nd December at the Quays in Ballina and then St Stevens day Pullaheaney, then Boniconlon on New Years day! Contact Ita on 0876497046 for CAP information

Out and about

The North Mayo Harriers large turnout in Aclare

The first of December saw the North Mayo Harriers descend onto the small village on the edge of South Sligo.   The Timlins and Caroline and Kevin Walsh from Banada Stables hosted this hunt, and they were blessed with fabulously warm weather for the time of year and we set out round the bogs and lanes around the glorious country side.  The lanes had ample jumps, from logs on the floor to pallets and barrels we took a break after 2 hours at Caroline Walsh’s Banada Stables and then continued on for a further hour and half, a good long hunt.  Refreshments was held in Aclare at Flynn’s pub!  It was a good day for a ride and there were plenty of jumps suitable for all levels of riding.