ENTRIES are open for the North Tipperary Hunt Challenge, which returns to Tullaheady, outside Nenagh on Saturday, December 7th.

By kind permission of landowners, Tommy and Ann Elizabeth Riggs-Miller, riders are coming from all corners of the country and as far as the UK to take part in the event.

Kicking off proceedings on the day at 11am is the under 14 pony challenge, which will be followed swiftly by the under 16 pony challenge at 11.30am – both over a distance of 2.2 miles. Next is the novice challenge for over 16s, which is run over the same course as the ponies, this event is at 12pm.

The coveted open challenge, which has been extended to three miles, takes place at 1pm - consisting mainly of hedges, drains and timber. There will be a maximum of 40 runners and riders in the open challenge, carrying a minimum weight of 11st 7lb.

The open challenge will be followed by the team of four challenge over the same course and distance.

All riders must wear a back protector and produce a hard copy of their signed waiver to the secretary’s tent. Prizes on the day will be donated by sponsors Arrabawn Co Op and Treo Eile.

Entries can be made on The North Tipperary Foxhounds - Its Plain Sailing Online Payments page, while spaces remain.

Speaking ahead of the event, North Tipperary Foxhounds committee member and course designer, Fergus O’Shea said: “It’s a great, fun event open to all levels of horses and riders. It’s the only team chase event in Ireland and brings lots of hunts together for a bit of friendly competition - as they say, if you’re not in, you can’t win.”

The events will not take place in the form of a race, however, there will be optimum times for each category.