NORTH Kilkenny has remained true to its roots as a farmers’ pack, founded by a couple of farming families, most of whom are still very involved in the running of the hunt. For all that, everything is run on very professional lines with the hunt staff beautifully turned out up to Leicestershire standards.

Much of this must be attributed to Tanya Heffernan who turns out the hunt horses immaculately and, thrown in for good measure, she also ensures huntsman Noel Rafter is also spic and span. Tanya started her career as a work rider and sometimes jockey with the great Jim Bolger stable. She told me that she was going to be on her best horse for the day as she didn’t want to feature in an Irish Field report of falls or refusals!