Ottawa Valley Hunt Club | newsletter0505.html

Ottawa Valley Hunt Newsletter

October 2005

What wonderful hunting weather we’ve been having! With the dry fall, the farmers have been able to take the corn off their land early – leaving lots of galloping room for the horses and plenty of scenting ground for the hounds. The days have been warm: jackets have been excused at practically every hunt so far this season. And the odd shower of rain has helped make the footing just about perfect. Make the most of it – soon enough the world will return to its natural state: covered in snow and ice.

August and September brought some memorable times at special events.

August 28th saw the Treasure Pace at Sunset Farms. 57 riders enjoyed the day (and raised $850 for the Hunt), hosted by Tim and Grits with help from many other people. Pierre Poitras was a tremendous help with pie plates and maps; Norm and Janet Major donated the Grand Champion cooler; Audrey Buckingham donated all kinds of prizes; Gurtie Kenny was secretary and donated the port-a-potty and half-way-house treats; Les Vandor was the official timer, scorer and resolver-of-disputes; Simon Vandor was the runner. Everyone at the farm helped with (and can be blamed for) the awful poems. Ian Kenny and Amber Hutchings ran the half-way house, and Tim and company cut every blade of grass in sight.

September 17th was the Official Opening Hunt, there were 27 riders in all who enjoyed a great day in what was ideal hunting conditions-damp and cool. This was followed by a Super Greenbox, hosted by Gillian Levy and Pierre Poitras, great fun was had by all until the very last minute.

September 18th was the Fall Hunter Pace. 80 riders took part in glorious weather. Elizabeth Gray and Brenda Nightingale were the winners on the day, with a time of 2 hours 22 minutes – less than a minute from the ‘hidden’ time. Our thanks to all who helped make the day a success.

The first of our Jasper Hunts was a tremendous success, thanks in large part to Kevin Abbass, a Jasper landowner, who bush-hogged the trails.

Thanks to Basia Anders and Gord Hunter for organizing the Orienteering held in the Torbolton Forest, Constance Bay - once again Basia had us doing outrageous things but great fun was had by all.

In September Bill Irving celebrated his 90th birthday with a party at the Hunt Farm. He received many ‘old’ friends and was delighted to be once more surrounded by a pack of hounds. At the party, he was made a life member of OVH.

Announcements

It seems that being Master of the OVH is a hazardous occupation this year. Kay had an unfortunate spill while hunting recently, and is nursing some very painful broken ribs (please try not to make her laugh), and Bob Allum is keeping the healthcare system busy for a couple of months. To fill the gap, we have drafted a ‘new’ Master – Ted Thomas has generously agreed to fill the role of Honorary Temporary Master, and is helping lead the fields and provide direction to the hunt staff.

Just a reminder to check the website (www.ottawavalleyhunt.com) for information on hunt etiquette, on the rules and procedures for greenboxes, and on clothing guidelines. We all ‘know’ these things but very often forget some of the details, and an occasional reminder helps keep everything running smoothly.

Hounds

The hounds have been working well this season, due no doubt to the many hours of preparation by Sue Hobin and Jill Bryant (and others) through the summer. The pack is working well as a group, and we are getting some excellent views of them working the open fields.

Thanks to Doris Phillips who has been walking puppies Hopeful and Hamilton.

A litter of seven puppies was born August 20th – the bitch was Favor, and the doghound was Luc. If anyone is interested in walking these puppies, please see Sue for details.

Dates to Remember

Hunt at Jasper – October 1st

Montreal Festival of Hunting: Thursday October 6 at Mirabel; Saturday October 8 at Bromont; Monday October 10 at LTMH (all hunts at 11am.) Note that OVH will be hunting October 8 and 10, with our Thanksgiving Hunt October 10.

For those following the Thanksgiving Hunt, the half-way house will be at Heslops, Concession 12 Ramsay. And if you plan to attend that greenbox, please book with Betty Sulpher.

The Halloween party will be at the Hunt Saturday October 29th.

This will be followed October 30th by a Team Chase competition at Rocky Ridge Farm (the Leachs). There are notices in the clubhouse, or call/email Kay for details. Pre-registration is not needed, but please let Kay know if you plan to attend, so she knows approximate numbers.

Good Hunting,

Kay Leach and Bob Allum
Joint Masters