RED ROCK HOUNDS

Red Rock Hounds is devoted to fox hunting as an activity of sportsmanship, houndwork, horsemanship, land conservation and wildlife habitat preservation. We take seriously the responsibility of stewardship of the land we are so graciously permitted to access and to respect the animals that make that land their home. Red Rock Hounds endeavors to educate our membership and the public on observing the natural instincts of a team of hounds working in harmony and the responsibility we have for protecting open space and wildlife. Red Rock Hounds is an organization that welcomes horse owners and riders from all disciplines and skill levels.

The hounds meet Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays and the first and third Saturdays each month, from mid September through mid April. We are very fortunate to have a number of fantastic local fixtures thanks to many private landowners and the abundance of public land here in Northern Nevada.

Once a month, we travel to an ′Away fixture′ and hunt for three days in a row throughout the Western United States. Please contact Angela at 253-376-6711 for more information on local or away dates and fixtures. We have experienced livery available at all times for all riding abilities.

Foxhunting

Foxhunting is the sport of mounted riders chasing wild quarry with a pack of hounds. It is a union of humans and animals in the beauty of nature's setting. Man is an observer mounted on a horse, the vehicle that allows him to follow and observe the hounds as they hunt the quarry. The scenario unwinds before the foxhunters eyes and ears with the sound of the huntsman's hunting horn as hounds give chase. The fox or coyote maneuvers, circles and runs through the country cunningly evading the hounds.

The music of hounds in ′full cry′ is laced with the sound of the horn echoing off the woodlands and hills as they pursue the quarry across plains or through woods, fields, creeks, marshes and over rock walls and fences. A crescendo of sounds and sights that thrill you beyond imagination play out in front of you and your horse until the quarry goes to ground or hounds lose the scent and the hunt is over. One can compare it to a theatrical production with mother nature the conductor and the hounds in full cry, accompanied by the hunting horn, the orchestra. Man is the audience privileged to watch, as hounds and fox or coyote, the actors, unveil the plot with never the same act repeated twice.

The popularity of foxhunting continues to grow. There are now 151 organized clubs in North America and Canada and organized member hunts exist in 37 states. There are many reasons for its popularity. There is an old adage that says, “some people ride to hunt, others hunt to ride”. Certainly the thrill of galloping over the countryside on a fine horse, who meets his fences well, is a thrill for anyone. Also, the sight of a pack of hounds in full cry is breathtaking. Today's hunters have a special reward, the permission to ride over private and public land which still constitutes magnificent open spaces. No group of individuals is more aware of this privilege, nor is there a group more outspoken in their desire to protect quarry and preserve their environment. It is enjoyed by people from all walks of life and any age. It is a wonderful recreation for the whole family that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

Hunting Etiquette

HOUNDS

• Once the hounds have been cast, please refrain from talking in the field. The purpose of our days sport is to find our quarry and have a fantastic run. Even whispering can cause the hounds to lift their head and miss an opportunity.

• Please do not speak to a hound. It is never acceptable for a field member to give instruction to a hound. Only staff and the huntsman may speak to the hounds. Please make way for the hounds but and do not interfere with their movement in any way.

• When hounds move through the field, please acknowledge them to the field "hounds please"

FIELD

• Please do not pass the Field Master. As a foxhunter, you are expected to control your horse. If that isn’t possible, you may be asked to go to the back of the field, or be dismissed from the field.

• Please leave plenty of room between you and the other horses. If you can’t see the horse’s heels in front of you - you are too close! We’re in Nevada! We have the luxury of wide open space so you may ride parallel to, but behind the Field Master.

• Please be courteous to other riders. Please be conscious of young/green riders and horses.

• If your horse kicks, you must place a red ribbon in your horse’s tail and ride in the very back position of the field. It is both the right thing to do and the safe thing to do.

• If you are not prepared to jump every coop and if your horse has a tendency to refuse, please refrain from riding in First Field. The Field Master’s job is to ride to the hounds and cannot stop to assist, nor is it fair for other members to stop and assist repeatedly. Second field may be a better choice given that all jumps are optional.

• When queuing up for a jump, please leave at least 4 horse lengths between you and the next horse. Following too closely will not be allowed - it is too dangerous. If your horse refuses a jump, go to the back of the line and try again - do not continue to school your horse at the coop and do not prevent others from taking the jump and following the hunt.

• Should you see an individual who needs assistance, please do offer your help. It is always our goal to extend a helping hand and help everyone to enjoy great sport.

• If you must leave the field, please ask permission of the Field Master. Please stay in your field and should you wish to ride in a different field, please ask permission before doing so.

• At Red Rock, Juniors are allowed to ride to the front of the field if their ability and mount are appropriate. Please do not ask a junior member to go to the back of the field. If there is a problem, please alert the Field Master.

• You may not ride with a Whipper-In unless given advance permission. Should you be given permission, please make sure you ride behind them at all times and give them room, ride on the opposite side of the hounds - so they can be closest to the hounds. Lastly, please refrain from talking. Often they are listening for hounds.

Welcome To Your New Hunt Club!

BECOME A RED ROCK HOUNDS MEMBER
Red Rock Hounds is an organization that welcomes horse owners and riders from all disciplines and skill levels.
Click on the link below and download the Red Rock Hounds Membership form.
After filling out the form send it to:
Red Rock Hounds
25 Spoke Road
Reno, NV 89508

MASTERS OF FOXHUNTING ASSOCIATION

The Masters of Foxhounds Association of America (MFHA) was formed in 1907 and is the governing body of organized fox, coyote, other acceptable legal quarry and drag hunting in the United States and Canada.

The MFHA’s main activities

• To promote, preserve and protect the sport of mounted hunting with hounds.

• Establish and maintain standards of conduct for foxhunting.

• Register eligible foxhounds in a "Foxhound Stud Book" and improve the breed of foxhounds.

• Registration of hunts as a preliminary step toward recognition.

• Record countries and boundaries for organized hunting establishments.

• Recognition of organized hunts which have met MFHA standards.