THE field, followers and many spectators were greeted by master Sheree Mills on a demure Taj, in brisk conditions, that had the thrill of excitement running through many a mount at Limestone Lodge, property of Mack and Carlene Doudle, near Wangary on Sunday.
Elaine Enge accompanied the master on board Our Tads who took the front position in her stride; the pair enthusiastically lead the field with a smile, engaged by unfolding events.
The appointment of acting deputy master was short lived by Tiff Firth, who came to grief two strides prior to the first jump, as Jerry unceremoniously sent her flying for the second week in a row – he’s still looking for a gig in the rodeo circuit.
Vying for a spot on the gymnastics team in Beijing, Firth executed an almost faultless dismount with a twist, followed by a tuck and forward roll, but, unfortunately was forced to surrender to an early withdrawal. Jerry was locked into solitary confinement to reflect on his reckless behaviour.
Tatum Petherick on Fine Line aptly filled the deputy master’s position, joined by Tarnya Giddings riding superbly aboard her young mount Shanny. Incredible to think Shanny’s debut hunt was at this run earlier in the year on the June long weekend.
The demanding task of field master presented no problem for experienced hunter Maria LeBrun, riding her ever cool, calm and collected steed Brodie. The pair providing leads time and again throughout the hunt to both the inexperienced, and yes, dare we say the experienced.
Expecting a tranquil afternoon and easy ride joining the mounted followers, Sandi Burke rose to the occasion, graciously accepting the responsibility at short notice of leading the mounted followers on board her extremely green mount Sunny.
Starting the day under Sandi’s wing were Giahn Garner riding Pocket, Steve McReay on Red, Maddy Richardson aboard Chester, Jorja Greenland riding a Welsh M\mountain pony named Fudge (on loan from Maddy), and Miffy Purslow on Milo.
Chris Pope put in an impressive ride on her stunning young mount Dusty; not even the rain could dampen the spirits of these two.
The master was reminded of the basics of jumping, taking a couple of attempts at Taj’s not so favourite jump, the optional old burnt, narrow, solid tree trunk, which provided great viewing for the spectators and a refreshing challenge for the field.
During stirrup cup Tiff Firth unleashed a new variety of ice pack with a frosty cold beer sufficing and providing relief for her injured muscle.Our Tads seriously wasn’t keen on one particular old tree trunk in the creek bed and after numerous refusals Elaine admitted to the field master she had never used a whip on her before ... well a persuasive tap was all it took and the pair soared over with a metre to spare.
Due to great guidance from Sandi and a little practice prior to stirrup cup, the mounted followers diminished occasionally during the second half with riders joining the field intermittently.
Congratulations to junior hunter Michelle Whillas riding with great courage and determination aboard her wilful mount Karluana. She had a battle on her hands in the opening stages but she kept at it and with sound advice from the field master and her own exceptional efforts she proved persistence pays off. At the end of the day, the smile on her face spoke a thousand words.
Helen Taylor, riding Snoopy, and Bruce Mills on Fonzie rode as a duo, both drawing on their skill and expertise, to overcome the odd challenging moment. Fonzie’s ‘moments’ became a little too frequent and Bruce reluctantly, although wisely retired prematurely.
Sandy, the landowner’s chubby black Labrador, found the vacant float area full of temptations and became Goldilocks while the field was at large, sampling various horse pellets and leaving some steeds in the same dilemma as baby bear ... all gone.
The ritual continued with all enjoying Carlene’s scrumptious soup around the roaring campfire.
Hunting continues this week at Morley, northeast of Arno Bay, on Sunday at 2pm; the last northern end hunt for the season.
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