‘We … galloped hard and straight over some big stone gaps’: Freedom of the Hunt for Elite Women in Ireland, 1860-1914

Hunting was an elite social pastime accessible to both men and women, of the correct class, throughout period 1860-1914. Female involvement in this sport preceded their widespread other sports pastimes such as tennis cycling. This article explores contradictions inherent women’s masculine sport. The demanded that participants display contemporary characteristics bravery, strength, independence, yet it open married unmarried women gentry ascendancy class Ireland. a dangerous one, considerable skill all participants. However, daughters hunting families were not persuaded against joining hunt, instead encouraged necessary competitiveness ride horse side-saddle cross-country at speed; jumping stone walls banks along way. It norm for wear adapted dress modelled on attire, however did diminish perceived femininity, by some circles most alluring form female dress. numbers involved during utilising fiction directories. also provides case study one woman’s experience she partook hunt while battling long term ill health; challenging notion inherently weak unable rigorous physical activity.