Learn to Hunt Clinic 2026

Have you ever wanted to learn more about fox hunting or wanted to try riding to hounds?  We are offering a two-part “Learn to Hunt” clinic for riders of all levels and disciplines.  Perfect for anyone who is interested in our sport and wants to give it a try. It is also a valuable refresher for current foxhunters, with the added benefit of one-on-one time with hounds and staff.  Learn more about the “why” behind the “what” we do and build your skills.  This clinic is a great confidence booster for everyone!  

The cost is $169.50, including HST (for both parts) for non-members. Since juniors must ride accompanied, the clinic is free for coaches, or chaperones who are OVH members. Non-member chaperones pay $50. If participants choose to join the hunt, the cost of the clinic will count towards their new memberships.

The clinic cost is $84.75 for OVH members.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Pre-clinic - Welcome Package
Participants will be sent a welcome package upon registration including all the information you need to know prior to arriving, including etiquette for horses & humans, where, when, and why to be at the clinic and supporting hunt, and finally, what to wear for both you and your horse. These tips & tricks fact sheets will help to ensure a fun and successful day for both you and your horse.
Part One - We Prepare!  In hand and mounted exercises
Participants: Humans & Horses
Location: Ottawa Valley Hunt Farm, 8935 Abb Road – Off Ashton Station Road 
Date/Time: May 17, 2026 at 10:00am
Attire:  Clean and tidy, all participants must wear an approved safety helmet for mounted activities

Join the Ottawa Valley Hunt’s Huntsman, Jamie Hughes, his whippers-in and the Masters to meet the OVH hounds.  Observe the amazing relationship between Jamie and his charges as he manages a pack of hounds with only his voice (and maybe a few treats!) during this in hand experience for you and your horse. Afterwards, we will mount and gather in the front field to begin the riding portion of the clinic. 

This will be a day of Introducing your horse to the experience gradually and gently. There are all sorts of strange sounds and smells at the kennels.  Here is your opportunity to ease into it.  Riders will be divided into their groups and will have a fun-filled day of hunt-related activities with their horse, including an introduction to hounds (in hand),  mounted exercises and a short hunt (about 30 minutes).

Afterwards we will have a “tailgate” in the front field, where there will be refreshments and snacks. Please feel free to bring a dish to share. During the tailgate, we’ll have a Q & A with staff and Masters of the Hunt.
Part Two - We hunt!
Participants: Humans and Horses
Location: OVH Territory
Date/Time: Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 9:00am
Attire: A hunt or show jacket and show shirt or turtleneck with a stock tie (if you have it), riding boots, neutral-coloured breeches and a safety helmet. Basically, anything neat and tidy that you have in your closet will be fine, but the safety helmet is a must.

Put all your new-found skills and expertise together.  This part is a real OVH hunt with hounds at one of our beautiful fixtures.

After the hunt is over, Huntsman Jamie will blow his horn for the last time to signal that the hounds are going home. Everyone will thank him, as well as their field masters and the whippers-in who help the Huntsman manage the hounds. Then we will return to their trailers.  

After you have seen to your horse, there will be a tailgate “breakfast” before everyone hits the road. Please bring a dish to share.

Remember to share your post ride selfies on our OVH FB page and tag us on Instagram – we predict lots of smiles and stories to tell your friends!