With only 2 hunts remaining on this season’s calendar, the club has joined forces with the Clare Valley Horse Trials group to stage a fundraising dinner to help finance next year’s milestone.

Details of the dinner can be found in the ‘Whats on Where’ section and in outlets around Clare, and the club encourages all those who wish to see the Hunt Club and Horse Trials continue into the future to patronize the event.

On Sunday, June 29, Brian and Kerry Kirchner hosted the hunt run at their ‘Poverty Plains’ property.

A large field turned out in cold and blustery conditions, fortifying themselves for the day ahead with a fine port rather than the traditional hot mulled wine that Kerry so professionally brews.

Such is its popularity that it was held back for the luncheon to ensure supply despite the pleas of several riders.

With some of the field adversely affected by the remnants of their previous evening, it was a slow start, but riders soon warmed when faced with Brian’s inviting rows of fences.

Riders took the opportunity to practice coordinated jumping in pairs, trios and quads in preparation for the upcoming hunter event at the Royal Adelaide Show.

All indications are that more practice will probably be needed.

Stirrup Cup was staged in the shelter of a ring of shrubs and riders and followers enjoyed pastries, smoked salmon tidbits and a refreshing libation before remounting for the run home.

The day was made more eventful for Master Stephen Heinjus, when his riding exertions resulted in the seams on his jodphurs coming adrift.

Whilst this affected his comfort for the remaining run, it provided no small amount of amusement for the rest of the field. Hunting on the day were Master Stephen Heinjus, Soraya Papesch, Emma Coles, Katie Boud, Annie, Hamish and Angus McGregor, Dave Hartwell, Pat Overton, and Naomi Betts.

On Sunday, July 6, a small field gathered at Paulett’s winery for the annual combined run with Salisbury Hunt Club. Master, Stephen Heinjus, resplendent in new jodphurs led the field out, with Leonie Phelps acting as field master.

The sunny skies soon gave way to a more English climate with ominous clouds gathering and cold, very windy conditions.

The field again practiced jumping in combinations around the picturesque and hilly course, determined to outdo each other at the Royal Show.

All riders enjoyed a smooth run and after a brief check for Stirrup Cup, the field returned to the winery for lunch.

Timing was immaculate as the skies soon opened and the ensuing downpour had folks quickly heading for cover.

Clare Hunt Club’s next run will be this Sunday at Hammat’s ‘Oaklyn’ property with the final run scheduled for the property of Jim and Heather Hackett on the 3rd of August.

The fundraising dinner is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, at the Clare Showground’s brick pavilion.