IT is not always easy to broaden the reach of a hunt, however, the Ballymacad Foxhounds have successful found a way of bringing new, old and current members together. The Ballymacads have their kennels in Oldcastle.

For the past two seasons they have organised non-jumping hunts with great success. These days are a regular days hunting and the hounds hunt as normal, however, through careful planning and organisation hunt goers can be guaranteed that they won’t have to jump.

According to Ballymacad hunt secretary Anne Marie Galligan, the non-jumping days give people a chance to experience hunting and what is involved without the risk of being over-faced. The non-jumping meet is arranged the same way every other meet is. The non-jumping days help cater for those who have a horse at home but lack the confidence or knowedge about what is involved in following hounds across country.

CAREFULLY CHOSEN

The location of the meet for the non-jumping days are chosen very carefully. The field master and the huntsman take great care is walking all of all of the land before the meet and knowing how to get around without jumping. There is no telling which direction the hounds will go in so the huntsman knows how to follow the hounds and avoid any jumping efforts.

Galligan went on to explain that the non-jumping day attract a wide range of followers. Followers include those who are experienced on the hunting field but for one reason or another no longer want to jump and those who are new to hunting and interested in finding out what is involved.

Anne Marie explained how a number of the regular Ballymacad hunt members will go out on the non-jumping days. This is a great opportunity for the regular members to circulate and chat to new hunt goers. Galligan added: “The non-jumping days attract a great mix of people.”

The Ballymacad Foxhounds also organise Newbie-Novice riders which are similar but having jumping routes for different levels.

This year the non-jumping day will be run on Bank Holiday Monday October 29th.

The meet will take place at Fore, Co Westmeath (between Castlepollard and Oldcastle). Enquires to Rachel Gilsenan 087 2969137.