Make way for the young thrusters

Don’t expect these youngsters to hang about –they’ll be over the gate before you get there

- CATHERINE AUSTEN

You’re waiting your turn to jump a gate, desperately hoping that someone chickens out and opens it before you get there — or breaks the top rail. From somewhere below your eyeline, a pony and small child nip in, canter up and pop it. Damn! No wimping out now. You can’t help but smile, despite the slight tickle of irritation because you know perfectly well the prep school-aged child is far braver than you. Good for them – what it is to be young and fearless.

Many of Britain and Ireland’s packs of hounds feature these baby thrusters among their fields. They go better than most of the adults, with utter faith in their brilliant ponies, who are as in love with the sport as their riders. At the Quorn, the inseparable nine-year-old duo of Oscar Cope – son of Joint Masters Rowan and Lydia – and Paddy Finnegan, son of huntsman Ollie and his wife, Rachel, are celebrated for flying over all the Quorn’s famous country. Both boys hunt every day they can.

“They absolutely love following hounds – they live and breathe it – and cross pretty much any country now,” says Lydia. “They are very lucky boys, they both have exceptional ponies, but just how good they are does surprise me.”

The right pony is the key. The first pony needs to be safe, rather than brave, to give children confidence and trust. Once that’s established, a jumping machine is needed.