HATS off to Gabriel and Shauna Freeney of Rathmorrissey Lodge in Athenry for managing to turn out their family of seven immaculately recently at a meeting of the Grallagh Harriers from Monivea.

It was the first time all five siblings plus parents were on the field together, as it was the youngest, Bonnie’s, first day of hunting.

Archie (16) riding John, Reuben (12) riding Venus, Rowan (11) riding Blossom, Sybil (8) riding Moshi and Bonnie (6) riding Jester looked a picture with their five grey mounts, along with dad riding home-bred William and mum riding Walter.

Gabriel and Shauna are both full-time farriers, who met in England while they were both in training. They also breed and produce horses for the sales market.

“It was a very proud day, we had a blast,” Shauna said.

“The children were just so excited. There was a lot of scrubbing to be done the day before and Reuben and Rowan even plaited up their ponies for the first time by themselves, as there was so much to do!

“Archie is more into boxing now, but does help us with the young horses and loves to hunt, while the girls are simply pony mad.

“We were extremely well looked after by huntsman David Burke and fieldmaster John Cantillon. John tucked Bonnie in behind him and looked after her all day, she even got her first canter! Jester is well into his thirties, so he looked after her very well. And Reuben got to go up front to have a go at whipping in, which was great experience for him.”