A DAY out behind the lens took Gillian Condon to Lismore, Co Waterford, recently where the Lismore Harriers held their very popular fun ride. The fun ride started and finished in the castle fields right next to the town. The sun was shining and it was just like a summer’s day for the 250 riders who attended this year. Horses and ponies crossed over beautiful countryside with the Knockmealdown mountains always in sight. The day consisted of plenty jumps to suit all levels from man-made banks to logs and some lovely fences to ensure all are ready for the upcoming hunt season and any hunter trial course.

One young lady who particularly enjoyed the day was Olivia Walsh, 10, pictured above catching some air on her pony Marshmallow. Olivia is a member of the West Waterford Hunt Club and is getting ready to hunt locally this year.

“There were lots of smiles on the day,” reported Gillian. “A huge well done to the club for organising a great day out with plenty of help on road crossings and it was obvious there was a lot of work put into building the course which is great to see from small clubs.

“It was great to also see lots of members from other hunt clubs coming out in force to support. As everyone knows, insurance costs are rising and it is great to support one another in making these great days out a success.”

This weekend’s plans will take Gillian to her own hunt club’s fun ride - The Kilworth and Araglen Harriers Fun Ride (tomorrow, Sunday). This fun ride will start and finish at Araglen Church (Eircode P61 DN28). There will be a supervised group for beginners leaving at 11am, all others can leave at any time between 11am and 1pm. The course will consist of everything to prepare horses, ponies and riders for the hunting season ahead, with lots of natural ditches, drains and banks with beautiful countryside in sight for the day.