MASTER Andrew Bammann on his big bay Charlie led a large enthusiastic field on an exciting and challenging hunt at Limestone Lodge on Sunday for the Queen’s Birthday run.

Dion LeBrun accompanied the master while Tiff Firth and Tatum Petherick filled the deputy master positions.

The run started with some confusion between riders and car followers as to the course for the day, but after getting much closer to the action than they expected the cars learned not to park in front of jumps.

A large number of new riders and regulars on fresh horses gave field master Shaun Stringer plenty to do, but he and the ever reliable Lucas soon had everyone settled and jumping.

Giahn Garner, riding Bee, Elaine Enge on Our Tads, and Helen Taylor with Snoopy all had a sticky start for the first few cap fences.

Nakhita Porter was the first dismount for the day when Sofia tricked her into parting company, but with no damage done and a huge smile on her face, she remounted to join the followers.

The two Clutterbuck ponies, Jeda and Luke, once again performed faultlessly, giving riders Lucy and Claire a very easy day.

The large number of spectators after stirrup cup gave Tarnya Giddings the opportunity she had been waiting for to announce her return to hunting by performing a very gracious exit from the saddle.

After refitting the boot she lost during the performance, she remounted Shanny and rejoined the field.

It may have been the oysters or maybe it was just the pleasant conditions, but the second half of the day set a much faster pace with horses and riders all feeling more confident.

Navigation errors that plagued the first half were sorted out and the field, followers and cars all ended up at the same place at the same time.

Joe Cooper was in charge of the followers and it was reported he had them all jumping some of the more inviting logs by the end of the day.

The normally calm and sedate leader of the cars, Carlene Doudle, decided to end the day by joining the field with her mount Camry.

Encouraged by passenger Pam Barns they challenged the leaders to a test of horsepower and, despite being offered a good head start, were left floundering when Angel blasted off to easily win the 200-metre sprint.

Thanks to Mac and Carlene Doudle for hosting a magnificent day.

Hunting continues at Wullara on Saturday for the twilight run with a 4pm start and a BYO barbecue afterwards. Camping is welcome.