CAR following has never been an easy game and maybe recently conditions have been more testing. But certainly this year we seem to have experienced a number of difficult viewing days, especially with packs of which one had high expectations — none of this their fault I might add. A visit to the Duhallow in Ireland recently sadly fell into this category, despite brilliant company and great craic.
Our tour leader was John White, a celebrated and popular former field master at the Beaufort. John had hunted with the Duhallow in the past, plus bought horses from the Colemans who, as a family, have been linchpins of the hunt for years. Therefore, when he suggested we took a trip to see these famous old English hounds and stay at one of the most celebrated sporting hotels, the Dunraven Arms in Adare, we jumped at it.
We were accompanied by their daughter Nancy and three of her friends — Rachel White, Sarah Rippon and Hetta Stevens. Arriving at the Dunraven, we were immediately made very welcome by the proprietor, Louis Murphy, whose family have long been involved with hunting and bloodstock. Seeing Louis later that evening personally carving the house specialty, the beef, was an example of a really hands-on host.
GUINNESS FOR THE GIRLS
THE following morning, after an amazing breakfast, I did smile to see the girls fortifying themselves with a Guinness or two, just as they were about to get on unfamiliar horses.
This story is from the February 13, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 13, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Tanking over the Plain
The Royal Artillery are out in force for their closing meet a fun and fast day out on Salisbury Plain
Sweet dreams
Whether you're looking to smarten up an existing yard or build a new one from scratch, there's a growing range of kit to add comfort and quality, finds Stephanie Bateman
'I didn't think I'd win it from the front'
Jamie Wingove claims an unexpected grand prix victory and a super-versatile 15hh working hunter comes away crowned a showjumping champion
The pick of the picnics
Sport is the main part of an equestrian day out, but good food enhances it. Netia Walker finds out about picnics that will beat the burger van if it ever stops raining
To the bone
Are you searching for a complete guide to joint injections? The hunt is over. Thijs de Bont MRCVS demystifies their contents, application and use in pain and performance management
Deadlock
A deadly disease characterised by lockjaw, tetanus is fatal in the majority of cases. Karen Coumbe MRCVS explains how a vaccine protects your horse
Ready to roll
A lot goes into ensuring safe road travel for horses, be it training, vehicle safety or on-the-day measures. Kieran O’Brien MRCVS explains
Carl Hester's PA
Claudine Bichard on alleviating the enormous paperwork burden, working alongside Valegro and why you mustn’t tell Carl he’s lucky to have her
Robbie Llewellyn
Covid chicken sales and working on Hollywood blockbusters might be an unlikely route to National Hunt success, but Robbie Llewellyn is forging an entrepreneurial path. Gemma Redrup meets him
'No atmosphere was lost'
Ronnie Lee Jones on the importance of good sportsmanship