These conditions apply to all those who attend activity associated with the Vale of Lune Harriers (VLH).
In General, Trail hunting and any activity related to the VLH are high risk sports.
From time to time it is inevitable that accidents will happen, whether or not it is the fault of the rider or any of those
otherwise concerned. For this reason, the VLH make it a condition- that anyone coming out with the VLH must have
read carefully and must observe the safety requirements which follow.
Insurance Requirements
It is strongly recommended that:
- You insure yourself whilst trail hunting against all risks, including any claims which may be made against you arising out of your participation in the day’s trail hunting, from injury, loss or damage caused to any rider or
third party sustained in the course of, or as a result of any VLH activity, however or by whomsoever.
- You insure your horse against all risks including injury, loss or damage sustained in the course of or as a result of trail
hunting, or and other activity associated with the VLH, however or by whom so ever caused, including ourselves and
whether or not anyone is to blame.
Safety Requirements
The requirements that follow are intended to minimise the risk of those involved and are given in the best
interests of the rider.
- It is important that you note that our trail hunting days and any activity, differ in complexity and type. Please be
aware that VLH cannot be held responsible for those bringing out inexperienced or unfit horses or riders. Accordingly
you should check the severity of the day with one of our Joint Masters or Secretary to assess if the day is suitable for
you and/or your horse.
- Headgear - FOR THOSE TAKING PART IN ANY ACTIVITY WITH THE VLH AND ANY ASSISTANTS, WHENEVER RIDING OR
DEALING WITH HORSES ON THE GROUND, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE CORRECT SAFTEY HAT IS WORN. The headgear
recommended- is a hunting cap of the established crash helmet variety with fitted safety harness up to the current
standard.
- Jumping - Whenever possible give your fellow field members room at a fence and never ride immediately behind
the horse in front. Always ride straight at a fence. Horses ridden at an angle may cross the path of others and put
them at risk. If your horse attempts to refuse or refuses, do your best to keep it going in a straight line, do not run
down the fence. Turn away and join the back of the group. We do ask that no more than 3 attempts are made at any
one fence thus causing minimum damage to the land. When a horse in front of you has fallen, stop and make sure
the horse and rider are well clear before attempting to jump.
- Visitors/Guests - Should any Member wish to bring a guest, the secretary must be informed. It is sometimes
necessary to restrict field numbers (at the landowner’s request) to minimise damage. The onus is on the Member to
ensure their visitor/guest is aware of all conditions set and the suitability of the day’s activities. A declaration MUST
be signed and a guest cap paid directly to the secretary or person acting on their behalf.
- Loose Horses - These must be caught at the earliest possible moment. Taking into consideration- Stock and ground
conditions.
- Gates - All gates that were shut must be re-shut. If you go through a gate, either shut it or ensure that somebody
behind you will do so by raising your hand and waiting for a raised hand response from the people behind you. A
“thank you” to the gate opener is always appreciated.
- Damage - If you cause serious damage to any fence or break a rail, you must inform a Hunt Officer as soon as
possible (Fieldmaster, Master, Secretary or Treasurer or other representative of the VLH).
- Horseboxes - Drivers of horseboxes and trailers are requested to ensure that the highway is kept clear at all times
and no gateways blocked, even if they appear unused.
- Minors (under 18yrs) - It is strongly recommended that all minors wear, when out hunting, protective hats and back
protectors as required by the Pony Club. No minor is to come out unless his/her guardian or accompanying adult has
read the Safety Code to the minor and signed it on the minor’s behalf. The minor is advised to be a Member of The
Countryside Alliance to comply with the above. Telephone numbers of guardians/accompanying adults to be
provided
Declaration – In General, consideration for being permitted to trail hunt with VLH or take part in any other activity
associated with the VLH I confirm on my own behalf that:
- I recognise that Trail hunting or any other activity associated with the VLH is a high risk sport, and that the VLH
through its officials, servants or agents take all reasonable steps to reduce the risks for those trail hunting or any
other activity associated with the VLH.
- The value of horses differs significantly and cannot be expected to be known by the Masters and Officers of the VLH.
- Accordingly, in the event of injury or death to my horse or any horse ridden by me, whether due in part or full to any
error, neglect or default on the part of the VLH, its officials, servants or agents, I will not hold the VLH, or its officials
or employees responsible for such injury or death or any consequential expenses and I further agree that it is my
sole responsibility to arrange effective insurance cover in respect thereof and (where I do not myself own the horse
which I am riding) to indemnify and save harmless the VLH, its officials, servants or agents against any claim or claims
made by any person howsoever arising. By coming out with the VLH, I agree to be bound by the above terms.
- I can confirm that: I HAVE READ THESE CONDITIONS AND FULLY UNDERSTAND AND WILL COMPLY WITH THEM.
- I can confirm that I have/have not made an insurance arrangement, to cover Third party and Public Liability.
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