AS Master of the United foxhounds and an international event rider, Norman Van de Vater was well accustomed to crossing beautiful terrain. The Co Cork landscape was full of rolling landscapes and interesting features and Robert Fell’s scenic pastures at Ballindenisk House were no exception. Steeped in equestrian history, and the venue of the United point-to-point since 1926, the farm was a horseman’s dream.

One day while out hunting however, Van viewed it with an eventer’s eye, and with his imagination in overdrive, he asked his host if he could bring some friends for a gallop around. Having received an affirmative answer, Van then waited a few weeks before requesting if it would be possible to put a red and a white flag at a strategic point. A somewhat bemused Robert again agreed, saying, “If that is what your friends would like to do – then it’s fine!” Two weeks later in the spring of 1974, and with massive input from Van, the noted jockey Bill McLernon, Dick Foley, Claire (Ryan) and Mary Warlow and others, the first event at Ballindenisk was staged.