TO have a ‘bucket list’ is a great thing, even if it’s only aspirational, it gives you something to look forward to, hoping you might get to do it one day, it keeps you alive!

Well this quinquagenarian had ‘To do a Hunt’ on her bucket list. However, being neither a landowner, nor having any kind of background in horses or farming, a ‘townie’ really, - it probably was somewhat aspirational.

But in 2011, through the trust and urging of a very good friend, horseman and landowner - I finally got my chance!

I guess horseriding could be considered in the ‘riding a bike’ category, you never really lose it. The usual childhood lessons in the local stable and the odd hack out on holiday stood to me. It’s a world away, though, from the horsemanship required to hunt competently.

So in 2011, at the yard in Rathcoole, with the help and encouragement of the farm and horse manager, I had a couple of schooling sessions. Three weeks later, was step two - a leap actually - and I was taken out over the hunter trial course on nearby land. I remember the big grey, his name was ‘Tommy’, probably near enough 17hh and I’m 5 ft! There were three tumbles, remounting each time, (have had innumerable tumbles since, but generally only the pride was bruised), and I believe that was the test, having the mettle to be worth persevering with.

Now, into my fifth season, I have the pleasure of finding myself heading out to the weekly meet in the horse truck, (which incidentally is the social centre for our hunt, gathering for a little ‘nip’ when we a lack a local pub), into wonderful countryside, to charming villages I may have never heard of before – Bracknagh, Co Offaly or Nurney, Co Kildare – where we arrive at the local pub and discuss and joke about what is before us.

Fix a friend’s stock tied like a granny knot – because he was stuck for time! Get the ‘low down’ on who’s line it is – who is doing the drag etc? What hazards to watch out for, which fences not to miss! Enjoying the chat and banter even though its only a week since we last all met.

Then the word goes up – the drag has gone and we head out to the sound of the hounds baying with excitement, eager to be released. Mounted up, the hounds master, Paul Kerr, sounds his horn and we are off!

Though we may be going over some land we are familiar with, there is always something unexpected. Taking a different direction, some new obstacles to deal with, or a member of the hunt, often the masters, Barry Murphy and Nial Byrne, could have put in a week’s work building jumps and improving the line to make it all the more enjoyable for us! Our lady master Aine Doyle keeps a close eye on us and is there to offer assistance when needed, in conjunction with the field-masters.

The territory is varied, great ditch country north and west in Kildare and Meath, and many congenial farmers who might have a good run of hunting fences on their land. The Hazelhatch run being a great favourite with the line going back and forward and across the Grand Canal.

FUN AND BANTER

And the lands in West Wicklow, where we have stunning scenery as we round the Blessington Lakes and cross the Liffey at Manor Kilbride. To see the hounds – nine and a half couples – swimming across the river ahead of us is a wonderful sight. Or we will be up in the foothills of the Dublin and Wicklow mountains with the view out over the city and as far as the plains of Edenderry.

Good horsemanship is required when challenged with all manner of hurdles, fencing, forestry gates, stone walls and banks. The ground under foot is solid on forestry paths to soft going through bog and heather, truly all-round terrain, developing strong and sure- footed hunters and adept riders. There will be a couple of gathering stops, maybe even a stirrup cup on a cold day with the whole hunt – 50 or 60 horses – creating a miasma of steam - like a cloud on the hillside, along with the aroma of hot toddies! And an announcement of importance from the master, such as the name of the landowner to thank after, or even more important that our new chairman, Mr Mulvey, had just completed his 650th hunt!

And then, tired, muddy with a few scratches here and there, and hopefully all riders and horses safe, we return to base. This season has been wonderful so far and injury-free.

The horses are washed down and looked after and then all retire to the local refuge for one drink and the post mortem. Discussions centre on how wet/dry the ground is, how soon the cattle will be housed and off the land, whether the stubble fields will be ploughed and planted shortly. One thing I have learnt is that horsey folk are great raconteurs and the ribbing and the banter will be mighty. The highlights of the day will be relished anew, and I have learnt to put my tuppence worth in, and my ‘fish’ will have been just as big, or even the biggest!

With a slap on the back and the happy thoughts of next week’s line, it’s homeward-bound. And not a sound from the lads in the back, tired and eager to get to their stable and a welcome feed.

THRILLS AND SPILLS

This weekly helping of thrills and spills starts in September and continues through until the following March. A magazine article was quoted to me once, stating that among the top adrenalin-fuelled sports, hunting is right up there.

I can attest to that now, when all that horsepower is striding under you and are heading for a five-bar gate with the knowledge that your horse can and will jump it – but never the certainty! Nothing comes to mind that can match that.

So if there is to be a moral to this story, surely it has to be - if you get the opportunity to fulfill an ambition – what are you waiting for – grab it with both hands and run with it.

Carpe Diem!