LAST August, the Kildare Hunt Pony Club’s (KHPC) games trailer, which was full of pony club games equipment, was stolen from the grounds of Punchestown. It is an enormous loss to all of the pony club children who love to play pony club games and used that equipment on a weekly basis. The most frustrating aspect of the theft is that the equipment was of no resale value and only of use to the children.

Unfortunately however, the equipment is costly to replace and so KHPC have held a few fundraisers to replace the stolen property. The pony club is therefore most grateful to their friends at Punchestown Racecourse, the West Wicklow and the Kildare Foxhound Hunt Clubs for their support.

KHPC members were invited to join the West Wicklow Foxhounds’ children’s meet on December 29th in the lovely surroundings of the Macauley family’s Ballyward Farm, with the day’s cap going to their fundraising drive. About 50 followers turned out and, after enjoying wonderful hospitality from Paula Harte and Judy Maloney, Judy then led the juniors on her lovely coloured horse, Jack and the more confident riders followed Fieldmaster Rupert Macauley.

Huntsman for the day was Ronan Maloney with whipper-in Christopher Harte. In a lovely gesture, Ronan invited some of the field to ride upsides with him to see what it takes to hunt hounds. Evie Holohan, a regular out with the Kildares, was first to seize the opportunity. Then Barney Macauley and Eve Whelan got the nod and loved the experience. There was plenty of sport for two hours, with the young followers up close to see the hounds work obediently for their huntsman and enjoy a very pleasant afternoon in the beautiful Wicklow foothills.

KHPC would like to extend their sincere thanks to all the members and parents, who have been so supportive during their fundraising drive. They expect to be in a position to replace most of the stolen equipment in the springtime. Community support at its best.