| But she was obviously very apprehensive and
nervous. Rory, noticing her nervousness, winked broadly and remarked loudly to Sean:
"Isn't that the same big grey that gets so worked up in the hunting field? The one
that reared and went over backwards last week? I hear it broke that American visitor's
back." "To be sure it is, Rory, but then Michael Dillon
needs the money desperately. That's why the brute's out. The truth is, though, he normally
settles down after he's taken a couple of flips." |
| Poor Donna! As intended, she took it all in and her
face was a picture. She almost had apoplexy right on the spot, while those who were in on
the joke looked away and tried to stifle their laughter. My conscience got the better of
me and I reassured her quietly that the horse was fine and that she would have no problems
with him.
The area we were in was very bleak and uncharacteristic of Limerick County, with small
stunted trees that grew leaning away from the prevailing winds. Scenting conditions were
not good and it took us nearly an hour to put up a fox. Then came the welcome holler
echoing across the countryside, and we were away with the creak of saddles and clatter of
metal shoes on rocks.
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| The Galway County or, as they are known, the
Blazers, is a super Hunt to be with if you like to see hounds work. There is no more
inspiring sight than multi-coloured black, tan and white hounds streaming away from you
across the emerald-green turf through a patch-work of grey stone walls that stretch as far
as the eye can see. There is something exhilarating about galloping down on a large
unmarked stone wall, picking your spot, spurring your horse and sailing over. Do this for
a day, and you get intoxicated - it is sheer heaven! The beginning of the run normally
sorts out the cautious and the timid, and you rapidly learn who not to follow. |
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