OVH HUNT TEAM

Jamie Hughes began to ride to hounds in 1998 after he was invited to a stirrup cup by a friend who was a member of Bethany Frontenac. Jamie enjoyed himself so much that the next week he bought a horse!

Throughout the years Jamie has led the first field for ten years, carried the horn for fourteen years and served on the boards for three different hunt clubs. Presently, working with the wonderful members of Ottawa Valley Hunt Club and the hounds fulfills his days. “Please come join the hounds and myself at the kennel,” says Jamie.

Jamie has had the great fortune to own three spectacular hunt horses: King Arthur (Han x thb); Royal Regalia (thb); Full Moon 3E (Dutchwarmblood). He is presently working with R Flashy One (thb). “Each of these stellar steeds has taught me the rules’n’regs of following hounds”.

Best thing about hunting: The sights and sounds of a good working pack of PennMarydel and crossbred hounds.

Etiquette tip: “To play the part, you have to dress the part!” The more involved you are with hounds, the better your enjoyment of riding to hounds.

Kirsi O'Connor first joined Ottawa Valley Hunt in 2014 after having participated in some hunter paces and deciding that she wanted to ride in the beautiful OVH territory on a regular basis. Kirsi served on the OVH board in 2020 as treasurer and was a member of the 2021 and 2023 OVH masters team, then rejoining the 2026 masters team.

Kirsi has also hunted with the Montreal and Lake of Two Mountains hunt clubs in Canada as well as with the Belle Meade, Camden, Moore County and Whiskey Road hunts in the U.S.  She has participated in hunter trials and is experienced in leading all fields. 

Kirsi’s riding roots are in dressage and showjumping, but she likes to switch it up and practice cowboy obstacles, ground driving, distance riding, natural horsemanship and skijoering as well.

Best thing about hunting: The euphoria after a rousing gallop on the harvested bean or corn fields.

Etiquette tip: Check the condition of your tack and make sure your girth is tight enough. Surprisingly many riders fall off because their stirrup leather breaks or because their girth is too
loose.

Master responsibilities: Etiquette (members); emergency protocol; contact for cappers and capping information; materials for hunt education and membership recruitment; responding to emails sent to the masters' email address and Messenger; liaison with other hunt clubs and pony clubs; radios; supporting the junior program, territory development; relationships with an assigned portfolio of landowners; landowner night.

My love of all things horse started at a young age which, over time, led me to the sport of Eventing, the pursuit of training horses using natural horsemanship methods, Xtreme Cowboy Racing and ultimately, my passion for riding to hounds.

I have served the club in many capacities over the years as Joint Master 2018/19/21/22/23/24/25, as a member of the Board of Directors for 5 years and have been a Senior Riding member for the past 15 years. I was Chair/Co-Chair of the club’s Hunt Ball 2012-2020, participated in many educational clinics along with countless social events raising funds and friendship within our hunt family.
I love serving on events that are designed for all members and guests to have FUN!

After enjoying the view for many years I turned to leading riders over hill and dale as Field Master for 2nd & 3rd fields on a regular basis for seven seasons. I have six horses, two of whom I regularly use to lead the field on, but have made my horses available as reliable guest mounts or to provide lease opportunities to members either without their own horses or whose horses are currently out of commission. I enjoy fostering good relationships with area landowners, neighbours and members, lending support and reassurance to all while ensuring there is a focus on fun and having enjoyable days in the country with your horse.

Best thing about hunting: Watching hounds work, enjoying nature and the joy of sharing time in the saddle with friends and guests.