THE Tipperary Foxhounds welcomed hunting enthusiasts from around the country for their special ladies side saddle meet, followed by their annual hunt ball last Saturday, February 26th.

Nestled in some of the best hunting country in Tipperary, with the backdrop of the snow-capped Slievenamon mountains, Friarsgrange afforded itself as a beautiful setting for the lawn meet. Hosted by Thomas and Jeanie Ronan, who provided refreshments prior to the hunt, Friarsgrange was buzzing with excitement. Thomas and his four daughters Karine, Romy, Slaney and Maresa all rode to hounds on the day.

A field of 140 horses and riders turned out for the final hunt of the season, led by field master Comdt Tom Freyne and 26 elegant ladies braved the long day in the side saddle. The group included 10 ‘Tipperary ladies’ who were either novice or completely new to side saddle, who rode for the day.

The bravest lady of all was probably the event organiser, Jacqui Stokes (Freyne), who completed the hunt with a broken hand.

Jacqui told The Irish Field: “I decided to organise a side saddle day for the hunt as my grandmother, Ann Grey, hunted side saddle all her life and my Mum, who hunted with the Tipperary’s for over 50 seasons, sadly passed away last year.

“It was my idea to host the hunt and to not see it through would have broken my heart. I was very lucky to inherit my mum’s wonderful hunter (now 20) who I rode on Saturday and we managed to hunt all day and jump everything we met, even with a broken hand!”

After a wonderful day of hunting, the Tipperary Foxhounds hosted their annual hunt ball in The Minella Hotel in Clonmel, with the largest attendance in over a decade. The Waterford band, Brass & Co ensured the dance floor was packed for the night, followed by a disco into the wee small hours.

A lot of hard work went into the day and the Tipperary Foxhounds are extremely grateful to the landowners who allow them to cross their land.

“We are very lucky to have some great landowners (many of whom hunt with us) in that part of our country and we are very grateful to them for the fabulous country to hunt,” added the meet organiser.