Pony Club Shop
Hunting in Kildare Hunt Pony Club
As the pony club associated with Kildare Hunt Club, KHPC members have automatic membership of the Hunt club and are welcome to go hunting with the Hunt Club while they are paid up pony club members.
Hunting with hounds is a tradition in Ireland that goes back centuries. The hunting field has long been recognised as an ideal nursery for both horse and rider. Many of Ireland’s leading jockeys, event riders and show jumpers have honed their skills on the hunting field. It is not unusual to find generations of a family out hunting together.
We try to have two children’s hunts during the hunting season (November to end February).
Traditionally we start the season with a children’s meet during the Halloween midterm break. This is usually in a location where members can get the experience of riding their ponies in a large group and in an open space along with a small number of hunt members to chaperone them. This meet usually lasts about 1 hour.
We aim to have another meet suitable for children of all abilities including lead rein during the Christmas holidays.
All members are required to sign a KHC Hunting Insurance waiver with KHC Secretary John Dillon on their 1st day out hunting of the season.
Throughout the season competent KHPC Members are welcome out on the hunt field. Some hunts are much more challenging than others and it is recommended that you get advice on suitable hunt meets.
When hunting always:
- check in with the KHC Hunt Secretary (John Dillon) prior to hunting
- introduce yourself to the Field Master at the start of the day
- thank any landowners you may meet, traffic on the roads and the gate shutters
- always obey the instructions of the Field Master or any members who are giving instruction while hunting
- be aware of surrounding horses and keep yourself and your pony in a safe space
- Thank the Field Master and Huntsman and the end of the day for giving you a day’s sport
Anyone wishing to get information about suitable hunts should contact the KHPC hunt liaison (Una Holohan) or the KHPC Hunt Secretary John Dillon 087 2566311
Hunter Trials
The only Competitions that are held under the Hunting category are Hunter Trials. These usually take place in Spring and Autumn. Hunter Trials are a great way to get experience going cross country.
In Hunt Club Hunter Trials, the winners are those to go around the cross-country course clear in the fastest time. Classes are usually Pre-Novice (60-70cms) Novice (approx 80cms) and Open (90cms – 1m approximately). Depending on the event there might be singles, pairs and trebles competitions. Clubs sometimes differ in their height categories, so it is always important to read the details of each class / category.
KHC traditionally holds one Hunter Trials per year on or around St Patrick’s Day. Entry is through the KHC Itsplainsailing and tends to sell out well in advance!
Other hunt clubs will also hold Hunter Trials and you will find details on their facebook pages.
IPC holds an annual Hunter Trials Championship (usually Springtime). The IPC Hunter Trials championships have a number of competition categories. Please refer to the IPC rule book for details of each category. Hunter Trials rulebook
Usual Classes to expect are:
U12’s: Singles & Pairs,
Junior: Singles, Pairs & Teams of Three
Intermediate: Singles, Pairs & Teams of Three
Open: Singles, Pairs & Teams of Three
Hunting Horn Competition
Entry is through the KHPC online entries, dates will be on the club calendar and parents will be notified via the what’s app group.