JUNIOR PROGRAM

The Ottawa Valley Hunt’s (OVH) junior program educates those 21 and younger in the ways of hunting.

Calling all equestrians, young and brave, to the 2025 Junior Foxhunter Program; proudly presented by the Ottawa Valley Hunt Club

A chance for equestrians age 21 & under to “ride to hounds”; a thrilling tradition. Combine your love for riding, nature, and horsemanship this year.

Hunting and the OVH

The Ottawa Valley Hunt (OVH) is a drag hunt, where we are privileged to ride cross-country over more than 1,000 acres of land.

Drag hunting is an equestrian sport in which mounted riders hunt the trail of an artificially-laid scent. In a drag hunt, the hounds have been trained to follow ("hunt") a prepared scent.

Drag hunting does NOT involve the hunting of live animals.

The 2025 Junior Program

In 2025, generous donors will be sponsoring successful applicants. There will be no fees associated with the program.

Eligibility for Sponsorship:

  • Age 21 & under by Jan 1st 2025
  • Able to walk, trot and canter independently in open spaces
  • An adult chaperone, approved by the junior's guardian, must be available to hunt with juniors aged 17 and under
  • Applicants must have access to a horse or pony, and trailering to scheduled activities and hunts
  • Commit to attending the mandatory scheduled activities. See schedule below

How to Apply:

  • Applicants should email Laura Hillary, MFH, with a letter indicating their interest and commitment to the program;
  • The letter should be between 200-500 words
  • You can write about why you are interested in hunting, and indicate your commitment to the program
  • Please also tell us about your riding experience and the horse you plan to participate with
  • Send to masters@ottawavalleyhunt.com , subject line “2025 Junior Program”

Program Schedule

Most activities will take place at the OVH Farm, located in Ashton. Some activities and hunts will take place in the surrounding area.

Mandatory Activities
  • Icebreaker activity (without horses) on May 4th
  • Mounted group cross country lesson on June 8th
  • Attend 1 “work day” focussed on land maintenance from April-September
  • 1/2 day educational sessions (x4) with the Huntsman, dates TBD
  • Participants are expected to participate in a minimum of 5 hunts
Optional Activities
  • Attend a Joint Meet with another Hunt
  • Participate in Hunter Paces and Hunter Trials
  • Attend the North American Field Hunter Championships in South Carolina

Spring Hunting takes place in May-June
Fall Hunting begins late August-November

children riding horses