Ottawa Valley Hunt Club

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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 and fellowship of riding to hounds.

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 southwest of Ottawa, but also meets at other locations in the greater Ottawa area. After most hunts the members meet for a Hunt Breakfast (actually a lunch or dinner) known in the OVH as the “Greenbox”.

As a Drag Hunt, the OVH depends on several fit and enthusiastic members who lay the drag on foot. Setting out 2 to 3 hours before the hunt departs, they drag an old cloth soaked in the ‘John Phillips’ mixture of fox urine, glycerine, anisette, 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 day of ‘good sport’ for the Field.

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 is a way 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 (guests) 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.

In addition to hunting and trail rides for members, the OVH runs other riding events open to the public. These may include Hunter Paces (a ride over hunt country with lots of optional jumps and lasting about 2 hours), the Radical Jumper Series Summer Shows (a horse show with a combination of cross-country and stadium jumps), a Team Chase (a cross-country event for teams of riders), and a Foxhunters Day (like a hunter trial).

The OVH and its members also host many social events such as a Robbie Burn’s Night in January, a traditional Hunt Ball and Silent Auction in the Spring, and the occasional pub night. In addition, we have an annual Christmas party, and a landowner Supper. See Upcoming Events for details.

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.

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.