Ottawa Valley Hunt Club

Ottawa Valley Hunt logo

About the OVH

Every Saturday and Wednesday from the beginning of May to the end of June and from the end of August to the middle of November, the huntsman, members and guests of the Ottawa Valley hunt enjoy the excitement of riding to hounds, the enjoyment of their horses, the spirit of the foxhounds and the fellowship and friendship of fellow riders.

The hunt is very proud of its tradition as a drag hunt. Unlike live hunting, a drag hunt follows a scent trail laid earlier by members of the hunt.

The hunt usually meets at the OVH farm in Ashton Ontario, 40 km south west of Ottawa, but also meets near Lanark and Jasper, both further southwest of Ottawa. After every hunt the members meet for a Hunt Breakfast – known in the OVH as the “Greenbox”.

In addition to hunting, the OVH runs 2 Hunter Pace events (a ride over hunt country with lots of optional jumps and lasting about 2 hours). We also have many parties and an Annual Hunt Ball in February. See Upcoming Events for details.

As a Drag Hunt, the OVH is dependent on several fit and enthusiastic members who lay the drag on foot. Setting out 2 – 3 hours before the hunt departs, they drag an old cloth soaked in the ‘John Phillips’ mixture of fox urine, glycerin and water – the mix depends on the weather. These drag layers must know the country and try to act like a fox to make a day’s hunting challenging for the Huntsman and Hounds and to ensure a ‘good day’ for the Field.

Each year waivers must be signed by all riding members to absolve the Hunt and Landowners from any claim by riders in Hunt activities and events. Cappers must also sign a waiver before mounting for a hunt, as must all riders in any OVH riding event.

Each hunt is divided into two, sometimes three fields, each with a Field Master. The first field follows the Huntsman and Hounds closely and is expected to jump, although there are ways around most jumps. The second field travels at a more modest pace and need not jump. The third field is lead by their Field Master so that they can see as much of the hunt action as possible, but riders do not attempt to follow the hounds. The Field Masters try to give good viewing of the hounds working. In the interests of safety, new members and Cappers are requested to start in the second field, until the Field Master considers their riding ability and horse’s manners acceptable for the first field.

The OVH and it’s members host social events such as a Robbie Burn’s Night in January, a traditional Hunt Ball and Silent Auction in February, and a Golf Tournament and Steak Night in August. There are also Hunter Paces, Trail Rides and a Fun Horse Show. There are also children's Christmas parties, dances, and land owner BBQ's.

The OVH welcomes new members and cappers.

Thank you for your interest in the OVH.

For further Membership and Capping Information see Contact Us and Capping Information for Guests