Yadkin Valley Hounds

Liability Releases
YVH by-laws require all members and cappers, or their guardians, if they are minors to agree in writing to assume full responsibility for the risks of participating in activities of Yadkin Valley Hounds. They must agree in writing not to bring a claim for damages or compensation of any nature against the corporation, its directors, its officers, and its staff or against any landowner. The annual delivery of such a written agreement to Yadkin Valley Hounds prior to the participation in any Hunt activity is a condition of becoming, or continuing as, a riding member of Yadkin Valley Hounds and is a condition of being permitted to participate as a guest of Yadkin Valley Hounds.

Coggins Test
Every horse must have proof of a negative Coggins Test (current within 6 months) upon arrival at a hunt.

N.C. Hunting License and Hunter Safety Course
Riders must carry a valid N.C. hunting license. In order to hunt at the Perkins fixture, riders must also purchase a gamelands permit. Both the basic hunting license and gamelands permit, which are $15 each, can be purchased from the N.C. Wildlife Resourses Commission and must be carried in the hunt field.
If you have never been issued a hunting license before, you must complete a hunter safety course and present your hunter safety certificate at the time you purchase your license. If you are under the age of 16, you do not need a hunting license as long as you are accompanied by a licensed adult, but you do need to carry a hunter safety certificate when you hunt.

Foxhunting Clinic
A great opportunity to learn more about the sport is at the foxhunting clinic offered by Huntsman Kim Sigmon before the hunt season starts . You don't have to have any previous hunting experience, just curiosity and the riding ability to control your horse at a walk, trot and canter. You don't even have to jump! We have a hilltopper group for those who don't. Spend the day in mounted and ground sessions which cover everything you need to know—what to wear, what to expect in the hunt field, what the hounds are doing. It includes a cross-country trail ride and a tour of the YVH kennels, and everyone gets a free capping certificate to use at their first hunt!

Juniors' Day
During the regular hunt season, YVH sets aside one Saturday as Juniors' Day. Junior riders are assigned to accompany the huntsman, whippers-in and field master as they perform their duties. Juniors also ride at the front of the field on this day. Special attention is given to riders new to hunting, particularly riders on horses new to the hunt field.

Open/Spouses’ Day
YVH holds an Open Day/Spouses’ Day during the hunt season. Riders who have never hunted before and spouses of YVH members may hunt without paying a capping fee on this day. Attire restrictions are waived and newcomers are encouraged to use any tack they prefer, English or Western, on their horse. Riders who have hunted before may wear any attire or use any tack, but they must pay a capping fee.

Yadkin Valley Hounds Pony Club
Yadkin Valley Hounds is delighted to be affiliated with the Yadkin Valley Hounds Pony Club. The Pony Club offers young people ages 8 to 21 equestrian education and opportunities to become better riders and horse persons. It provides opportunities to compete in combined training events and to fox hunt. For more information, www.yvhpc.org or contact:

D.C. Randi Hoiness: email srhoiness@earthlink.net

The capping fee is waived for members of Yadkin Valley Hounds Pony Club who participate in our Juniors’ Day Hunt.