| Lyndhurst |
|---|
| OPENING HUNT The 2008 hunt season was held in superb conditions on Sunday May 4 at Lyndhurst, Jennifer and Nathan Trethewey’s cattle farm. After a quick luncheon of chicken burgers, our 2008 Master, Mr Tony Blight assembled the riders ready for the official ribbon cutting. President Robert Benney then introduced Mr Andrew Rabbitt who had the honour of opening our season. Robert spoke of Andy’s involvement in our club since 1985, as a committee member, deputy master in 1989 and 1994 and regular hunter. Andrew is best remembered for his willingness to help other riders and his cheerful manner both in the field and as a spectator. Andy’s range of riding horses was extensive over the 20 years namely, Buster, Summer Fluke, Morning Star, Harvey, Fred, Smokey, Winona, Medina, Blackie, Boofy (favourite) and Pegasus. Several stories were told about Andy. Robert fondly remembered the day we hunted at ‘Burnfield’ then lunched at the Parndana Club afterwards. Andy having another ‘roadie’ told Leanne to pack all the gear and load the horses to go home. Leanne did this willingly as she had had a fall at hunt and hurt her ankle. After hobbling around loading, and then unloading at home, Andy decided Leanne needed to see a doctor, only to discover her ankle was broken (again). President Robert then invited Mr Rabbitt to accept the engraved scissors and respond. Andrew remarked on the familiar faces of families still heavily involved at Hunt Club, being the Tretheweys, Benneys, Borgmeyers and Coombes. Andrew also recalled the day at ‘Bonegilla’ when a film crew was present making a documentary. Riding his daughter’s little grey ‘Peggy’, they came across the creek jump, full of running water. Just as they were about to jump, a spectator called out to him “show them how to fall in the water”, which he did! Andy landed full-length in the creek! Very amusing. He dragged himself dripping wet back on the horse and finished the hunt, all the while seeing the funny side of it. With the story telling and formalities over, Mr Rabbitt cut the ribbon, officially declaring the 2008 hunt season open, wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable year. Fifteen immaculately turned out horses and riders rode under Master Tony Blight who looked resplendent in all his new attire. Mr Blight led the field over a variety of jumps, ditches and through scrub patches with ease and expertise. Richard Trethewey on Teerex had a lucky escape on the fence jump, which had all spectators gasping, and the jump in bad need of a new strainer post. Great to see new faces in our hunting field Ice Queen Rachel Buttel on ‘Mystic Star’, Ange Ward on ‘Tumai’, David Huxtable on ‘Pud’ and Lucille Steyn on ‘Tequilla’ all riding extremely well and looked to be enjoying themselves. Familiar regulars on new horses, Rodger Borgmeyer on ‘Cochise’ Nathan Trethewey on ‘Wittows Creek’, Karen Hammat on ‘Smiley’, Carmen Joseph on ‘Shrek’ and Annette Florance on ‘Sam’ rode with their usual wisdom and confidence. Riding in the field on their ‘faithfuls’ were Suzanne Trethewey on ‘Aria’, Carly Hammat on ‘Tango’ and Alicia Blight on ‘Mickey’ all in fine form. Stirrup Cup One was enjoyed in Nathan’s hideaway complete with bar, hitching rails and seesaw for the kids. Alicia had her own personal hook for her halter and was seen being a koala bear to retrieve it. David Hall toasted the landowners, then horses were resaddled and we resumed the second leg of the hunt. ‘Mistake of the Day’ goes to Bridgit Burns – Mother Judy had got out of the passenger seat to give lollies to the kids, unbeknown to Bridgit, who drove off leaving her stranded. Lucky for Judy she had the horse tracks to follow and could send out an SOS. Ange managed to do one jump before her saddle, then neatly slid back in. Well done. Huxy had his gorse going along really nicely for its second hunt and his family enjoyed watching. The youngsters Carly, Alicia and Lucille jumped in threes whenever possible and Carmen and Annette did the same in pairs. Quite good to watch. Second Stirrup Cup saw Sue keep the 20-plus children entertained while we erected safety cones to keep the horses out of their way. President Robert called on patrons Rodger, Ralph and Kaye Florance, Dudley and Marj Roberts, and Eddie and Anne Nitschke to come forward and be presented with engraved goblets. Once filled, we enjoyed a toast to them for their patronage. Last leg of hunting ran smoothly, Nathan’s ditch jump complete with water lilies – minus the water – was a photographer’s dream. Plenty of good shots were captured for the history books. Once back, Master Tony was thanked by riders and spectators alike for his leadership – he did an excellent job. We stood/sat around the blazing fire, chowing down on soup, steaks and delicious salads followed by a mouthwatering Pavlova (ask Simon, he ate half), an endless array of scrumptious desserts, and a dozen red wines kindly donated by Bay of Shoals Winery, which was extremely generous – thank you. Simon Dennis was ‘fines master’ today and he managed to fine most newcomers including our special guest for his ‘backend’ comments. Rachel received the ‘Crooked Horseshoe’ award for an excellent ride. Lorraine Huxtable received the ‘Spectator’s Choice’ award for her driving ability. We sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Jamie Boyle, while son Riley won the lucky square draw. Robert then thanked everyone for coming and making it a successful fun day and those people who helped in any way, especially Nathan for his hospitality and great course. He then made mention of the working bee at St Ives ready for the 2008 Combined State Run held here in June: chainsaws, pliers and manpower welcome. Hunting is always a great family day out, with visitors made to feel right at home among us. Empty Hip Flask |
Kangaroo Island
Hunt Club Inc.
