Riding to Hounds has a certain mystique that too often has discouraged many interested people from pursuing the sport. Part of this is the sport's false reputation of being a pastime of the wealthy. The Santa Ynez Valley Hounds (SYVH) takes pride in being a club that offers congenial family-oriented fellowship, healthy outdoor activity and a love of horses and hounds to anyone who can afford to own a horse.

One of our club's greatest assets is our beautiful hunt country. Together with our warm hospitality, we enjoy riding our horses out in the wild while appreciating the work of the hounds seeking and chasing the scent of the quarry.

The social interaction and non-competitiveness of SYVH is what is unique and special to this equestrian discipline. Mounted on horseback, you become part of nature's theater through the rolling hills and meadows of the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos Valleys.

The Santa Ynez Valley Hounds purpose is to provide our members with an enjoyable sport. Our traditions are devised to respect our landowners, to enhance our riding pleasure, and to preserve the traditions of our sport for future generations.

SYVH's growth has come from members who encourage others to learn about the sport and to participate not only by riding to hounds, but also by supporting social activities such as our Hunt Ball, Landowners' Appreciation BBQ, and summer trail rides. Camaraderie among members also comes from support of the Western States Hound Show, the Hound Performance Trials, The Western Hunt Challenge Tour, and our Race Meet & Derby Trials.

With the support of our members, SYVH will continue to provide the opportunity to meet with friends who share the love of riding to hounds.

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