The season opens in April with Hound Exercise and regular Hunts on Wednesdays and Saturdays start in May, depending on the condition of the land. Hunting continues until the end of June, when the temperatures are generally too warm for good scenting conditions. Hunting recommences at the end of August and the official Opening Hunt is held the first Saturday after the Labour Day weekend. Hunting continues until the weather gets too bad, usually by the middle of November. Hunt’s are followed by a Hunt Breakfast, called a ‘Greenbox’ in the OVH, to which all riders, members and cappers are invited.

The OVH Kennel is near Ashton, Ontario and most hunts depart from there. We are fortunate to have many generous landowners who allow the hunt access to their properties. Recently, new country has been opened up near Lanark and Jasper. The hunt maintains the trails and constructs safe natural jumps to add to the thrill of the chase.

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