RIDERS of all ages enjoyed getting out and crossing country nationwide at hunt meets this Christmas.

The field of the Ward Union Staghounds on the move from Bellewstown on Monday \ Siobhan English Photography

Huntsman of the Galway Blazers, Anthony Costello and Oisin Rigney lead the pack out on Monday's hunt from The Kennels at Craughwell Co Galway \ Alan Leonard Photos

Paul Kerr, Grace Kerr (left) and Eve Kerr leading the South Dublin Hunt on St Stephen's Day at Kilcock \ Sagittarian Photography

Philip Lazenby and Errol, out with the Bray Harriers at their meet from Ashford \ Gabby Harding

Helga Ryan jumps a stream while out with the South Dublin Hunt on St Stephen's Day at Kilcock on her lovely grey \ Sagittarian Photography

In tandem: Camilla Beirne and Jodie Skelton fly a fence during the meet of the Kildare Foxhounds from The Brown Bear \ Siobhan English Photography

Orla Cleary, daughter of jockey Rory, arriving at the meet of the Kildare Foxhounds from Dunlavin on St Stephen's Day \ Siobhan English Photography

Catherine Mullarkey in action with the Ward Union Staghounds from Bellewstown on Monday \ Siobhan English Photography

Sarah Browne on her first day's hunting on her four-year-old pony Gypsy under the watchful eye of Anne-Marie Galligan, riding her four-year-old mare Prada, also on her first days hunting. There was a great crowd of 60 plus on horseback for the meet of the Ballymacad Foxhounds and a large crowd came out to see them

Caprini Flynn, former master of the Westmeath Foxhounds and Rosie Wentges at the hunt's Castletown Geoghegan meet \ Noel Mullins

Joint-master Ann Derwin and Caprini Flynn, former master of the Westmeath Foxhounds at their Castletown Geoghegan meet \ Noel Mullins

Declan Carroll having a cut at the trench while out with the Golden Vale Foxhounds \ Catherine Power

North Tipperary Foxhounds having a day with Golden Vale Foxhounds - Ellie Span, James O’Meara, Laura Span, Dymphna and Declan Carroll at Drombane \ Catherine Power

Gillian Hughes on Tim out with the Bray Harriers at Ashford \ Gabby Harding