LIMESTONE CREEK HUNT

GENERAL RULES

 

• All riders MUST wear an approved helmet and appropriate footwear. There are no requirements for tack—all disciplines are welcome.

• Please be aware that you are riding on private land and are doing so at the grace of landowners who have existing relationships with LCH. Additionally, the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation trails are open to riding ONLY by paid permit—contact CPF if you are interested.

• You may NOT ride any of the courses at any time aside from Pace Day.

• If you knock down or damage a fence, please alert the pace staff on your return.

• Pass with care and caution—do not canter within 50 feet of another team. Let other teams know you are coming up behind them and wait for the team ahead to acknowledge and move out of the way for you to pass.

• Please do not jump fences that are not on the course.

• LCH reserves the right to eliminate riders and teams who display unsafe or unsportsmanlike behavior.

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HOW DO I REGISTER FOR PACES?

 

• Teams are strongly encouraged to register online in advance of each pace, but may register day of at the table for a premium of $20 in addition to regular entry fee. Cash only at the table.

• The paces will happen rain or shine. Barring natural disaster that forces a cancellation, no refunds will be given

• Teams will be asked to select their preferred ride out timeframe on our online form. This will allow for social distancing and ensure a smooth flow of teams on course. Ride time preferences will be taken into account on a first come first serve basis as the registrations are completed. If you do not receive an email from LCH asking to adjust your ride time, it is safe to assume you are good for the time you chose.

• Teams may go out at any point within the 30 minute ride time window they chose.

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WHAT IS CONSIDERED A TEAM?

 

• A team must contain at least 2 riders and may contain up to four.

• Teams made up of minors under the age of 16 must have an adult mounted as well.

• Horses do not factor into the awards; you may ride a different horse in every pace and still be considered.

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WHAT DOES THE HUNT REQUIRE FOR PAPERWORK FOR TEAMS AND HORSES?

 

• LCH requires a current negative Coggins and proof of Rabies vaccination for each horse participating in the paces. You may upload these when completing your online registration. If you are riding the same horse in more than one pace, we do not need multiple copies of their paperwork. However, new copies must  be submitted each year.

• LCH also requires release of liability forms for all riders, including minors. These may be completed online. We will retain your release for the duration of the season, but new copies must be signed each year. Releases for minors MUST be signed by a parent or legal guardian (NOT a trainer).

 

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WHAT IS THE FOOTING AND TERRAIN LIKE AT YOUR PACES?

 

• Hunter paces are meant to emulate the fox hunting experience and are held in the LCH hunting territory. This includes open fields, manicured trails, some rougher trails, hills, mud, and the occasional road crossing (traffic control in place).

• The Classic Pace, the Heritage Hill Pace, and the Fall Colors Pace all pass through active farmland that includes farm equipment, cows, and associated fencing. We do not have control of whether the cows will be grazing or contained in the barns.

• The Classic Pace and the Fall Colors Pace contain shallow water crossings.

• Our courses are well marked and any holes or other ground hazards are flagged when we are able. Generally, we try to avoid these when laying the course. Nature finds a way, however, so please mind your surroundings and speed.

 

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HOW DO YOU DO PLACINGS AND HOW IS THE CHAMPIONSHIP CALCULATED?

 

• A hunter pace is a competition, though many ride them for fun and pleasure. There is an optimum time for each course and the goal is to come to as close to it as possible by riding the course appropriately for the weather and conditions. You can be over or under it and still be in the ribbons, but the faster or the slower you ride, the farther your chances.

• We try to have the awards posted online to our Facebook Page and sent out via email 24 to 36 hours after Pace Day.

• Ribbons will be available for the winners at the next pace and will accumulate during the season.

• In order to be eligible for the Championship in the pace series, at least two riders must compete in all paces of the series. Other teammates can come and go, but there must be two who remain consistent. Awards will be given to only those riders who have participated in the entire series on a team.

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