The Courtfield Cup 2024 - Rules and Disclaimer

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The Courtfield Cup 

Saturday 15th March 2025 at 12pm 

Instructions & Rules 

1. The Courtfield Cup is a hunt Ride which will take place over a grass and woodland course at Courtfield, Herefordshire HR9 6JJ. The course will be about 5 miles long with approximately 23 obstacles. 

2. There will be a section at every fence where riders can bypass the obstacle either through a gate or longer route; therefore the Ride will be suitable for those who wish to have a pleasant ride across country at their own pace on a fit horse, as well as those who wish to compete for the prizes. 

3. All successful entrants to pay an entry fee of £80.00, before the closing date for applications which is on Thursday 13th March. The full entry fee must accompany applications (otherwise the entry will not be valid).

4. The Ride will be limited to a field of 40 horses with all riders starting at the same time. There are no weight restrictions or classes. 

5. Numbers will be issued at Control before the start and all riders must wear a number cloth under the saddle.  

6. Full details of the course including a plan, together with instructions about horse boxes and parking will be emailed, after receipt of a completed entry form and payment. 

7. Participants are reminded horses should be fully fit to run over 5 miles before being entered, and may be subject to a veterinary inspection before and after the Ride. 

8. All those taking part in the Ride must walk the course before taking part in the Ride. There will also be a rider’s brief given by the Chief Steward on the day of the Ride. 

9. The Chief Steward and nominated on course stewards reserve the right to instruct any rider to stop during the Ride, if the horse or rider is considered unfit to continue for any reason. Their decision is final. 

10. Crash hats to current recognised British or European Safety Standards must be worn by all members taking part in the Ride. Hats must meet with one of the following standards – British All PAS15, VG1 or European VG1 provided they are BSI Kitemarked. Competitors are strongly recommended to check their hats regularly and to replace them if damaged or 

following a fall. All those mounted at the Ride (including grooms and helpers) must wear a hard hat complying with the above standard. 

11. Tack carried by the horse should be suitably marked to ensure that loose horses are quickly returned to their owners. 

12. In the event of cancellation we will notify applicants by email. 100% of the fee will be refunded in the event of cancellation. 

13. The organisers reserve the right to disqualify anyone found guilty of unsuitable conduct. 

14. The overall winner of the Ride will be awarded the Courtfield Cup and £1,500.00. The second and third placed riders will win £750.00 and £250.00 respectively. 

15. Rosettes will be awarded to the first 3 finishers of the Ride. 

16. The prize giving will be at the barbeque at about 2:00pm. 

17. There will be a barbeque and licensed bar immediately after the end of the Ride. Riders, Stewards and Vets will be provided with complimentary lunch and drinks. 

18. The distance and terrain over which this challenge has been set is not to be underestimated.  The ride is about tactics not straight line speed. It is a test of fitness and stamina for both horse and rider, but in particular the horse, which should have been prepared accordingly.  Horse welfare is of paramount importance at this event and the Ride is not without its risks.  These however can be minimised by thorough fitness preparation, knowledge of the course, pacing yourself according to the horse’s ability and riding sensibly. There will be plenty of water available in the wash-off area at the finish but please ensure you bring sufficient buckets to deal with your horse immediately after the event. 

Parties and Definitions 

This Disclaimer operates in respect of the Courtfield Cup, a cross country ride on horseback over obstacles to be held on  15th March 2025   (“the Event”). 

By entering the confirmation code at the bottom of this page into the entry form, The Competitor is agreeing to the below Disclaimer form in lieu of a signed copy. 

This Disclaimer shall be a pre-condition of a Competitor’s participation in the event. 

Disclaimer 

The Competitor acknowledges that neither the Organiser nor the Trustees acts in the course of a Business in staging the Event and that the Event is not held in the course of a business or for the purpose of profit. 

The Competitor further acknowledges that the contents of this Disclaimer have been fairly and reasonably drawn to their attention and that they understand and accept the terms of the same in full.  

It is the sole responsibility of the Competitor to ensure that they and their horse are appropriately experienced and of an appropriate level of fitness to participate in the Event. 

It is the sole responsibility of the Competitor to ensure that their horse’s tack and their own equipment, including safety equipment, is of an appropriate standard and well-fitting. 

It is the sole responsibility of the Competitor to ensure that they familiarise themselves with the course and that they follow all instructions given to them on the day of the Event and they hereby declare that they will walk the course before the Event. 

The Competitor agrees to participate in the Event voluntarily of their own choice and free will acknowledging that the Event is a ride on horseback across uneven terrain involving obstacles and that such events carry inherent risks which they hereby agree that they voluntarily assume. 

The Competitor hereby agrees that they participate in the Event at their own sole risk and the Competitor hereby exempts the Organiser and the Trustees from the consequences of any negligence or any breach of contract on their part or on the part of their servants or agents in the preparation and running of the Event or otherwise in connection with the Event and shall not hold the Organiser or the Trustees liable for any loss or damage howsoever arising. 

The Competitor hereby declares that they have in place a valid policy of insurance including personal accident and liability cover which provides cover for their participation in the Event. 

Confirmation Code to be entered in the ENTRY FORM that signifies The Competitors agreement to this disclaimer is GLENWYE.