Hunter Pace Series 2026 — Wellington-Waterloo Hunt | Wellington County, Ontario
Wellington-Waterloo Hunt · Est. 1965

Hunter Pace Series 2026

Four outdoor local riding events across the Waterloo Region and surrounding area. All levels welcome. No hunt club membership required.

📍 Waterloo Region · Puslinch and area
The Event Explained

What Is a Hunter Pace?

A Hunter Pace is an outdoor horseback riding event where pairs of riders follow a marked course through open fields, forests, and farmland — at whatever pace feels right for their horses and ability level.

It is not a race. Our Huntsman rides the course earlier in the day and sets an optimum time. The team that finishes closest to that time wins. Courage, feel, and partnership matter far more than speed.

The course simulates a fox hunt: orange trail tape guides your route, and instruction boards at key points tell you what's happening in the hunt at that moment, helping you decide how to pace yourself.

The Wellington-Waterloo Hunt has been hosting Hunter Pace events for 30+ years. Our 2026 series spans four venues across the region — each one a different landscape, a different challenge, and a different community of riders.

Whether you're a seasoned competitor or someone who has never followed hounds before, the Hunter Pace is the single best introduction to what our club is about: riding together through beautiful country, without pressure, without pretense.

Who Should Come

Built for Every Rider

You do not need to be a hunt club member. You do not need a fancy horse or specialized gear. You need a horse, a helmet, an Ontario Equestrian number, and a willingness to enjoy a day outside.

🐴

Arena & Show Riders

Looking for something different from the ring? The Hunter Pace gives you open terrain, varied footing, and a whole new way to connect with your horse.

🌿

Trail Riders

You already love riding outdoors. The Pace adds light structure and friendly competition — plus a BBQ lunch and a community that shares your values.

🎗️

First-Timers

Never been to a hunt club event? Good. This is exactly where to start. Our volunteers will orient you completely. Come with a friend and enjoy the day.

🦊

Hunt Club Members

Ride for the series ribbon. High Point awards go to 5th place across all four events. Members ride two events free — April and October entry fees are waived.

2026 Schedule

Four Events. One Series.

All events begin with first riders out at 9:30 AM. Register by the Wednesday before each event. Rain or shine — no refunds.

01
April 26, 2026

Meadow Rock Hunter Pace

Meadow Rock Farm
4584 Wellington Road 35
Puslinch, ON N0B 2J0

Members Ride Free
02
June 7, 2026

Snapping Turtle Stables Hunter Pace

Snapping Turtle Stables
Wellington County, Ontario

Summer Ride
03
September 13, 2026

Hunters' Run Hunter Pace

Hunters' Run
Wellington County, Ontario

Fall Series
04
October 4, 2026

Conestogo River Hunter Pace

Conestogo River Horseback Adventures
Waterloo Region, Ontario

Members Ride Free

Ride the Full Series

High Point ribbons awarded to 5th place across all four events. Ride all four for your best chance at series recognition — and the best reason to keep coming back.

Entry Fees

What Does It Cost?

Entry includes a BBQ lunch (Non-Members). Teams of two per entry. Register at wwhunt.ca/hunterpace no later than the Wednesday before each event date.

Rider Type Entry Fee Notes
Non-Members $95.00 Per team of two riders
W-WH Riding & Associate Members $80.00
Free for April & October events
 Lunch available at regular fee on free-entry events
Junior Riders (18 & under as of Jan 1, 2026) $5 discount Parent or guardian must sign waiver
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need to be a member of the Wellington-Waterloo Hunt to participate?
No. The Hunter Pace series is open to all riders. Non-members are welcome at every event. If you enjoy the experience and want to explore membership, we'd love to talk — but there's zero obligation.
What experience level is required?
The Hunter Pace is designed for all levels. The course is well-marked, the pace is your own, and our volunteers are there to support you throughout the day. Beginners ride it. Experienced hunters ride it. Everyone finishes with a story.
What do I need to bring?
A horse, an approved riding helmet, and a valid Ontario Equestrian (OE) membership number. Every rider must complete the registration form and liability waiver before the event. Arrive at least 45 minutes before your start time.
Is it a race? Will I be timed?
It is not a race. Our Huntsman rides the course and sets an optimum time earlier in the day. The team that finishes closest to that time wins — not the fastest team. This rewards judgement, feel, and partnership with your horse over raw speed.
Where are the events held? Are they near Guelph?
Our 2026 series runs across Wellington County and Waterloo Region, Ontario — including venues in Puslinch, and the Conestogo River area. All locations are within easy trailering distance of Guelph, Fergus, Elora, Cambridge, and Kitchener-Waterloo.
What if it rains?
All Hunter Pace events run rain or shine. No refunds are issued for weather. Dress and pack accordingly — and know that some of the best rides happen in interesting weather.
Is food included?
Yes. A BBQ lunch is included in the entry fee for all events. On member free-entry events (April and October), lunch is available at the regular fee.
What is a drag hunt? Is any animal harmed?
The Wellington-Waterloo Hunt is a drag hunt — no animals are harmed. An artificial scent is dragged along a planned route for the hounds to follow. The experience simulates a traditional fox hunt in every way except the quarry. Our hounds are registered with the Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America (MFHA) and cared for to the highest standards.
Can I ride in just one event, or do I have to commit to the full series?
You can come to any single event you like — no commitment to the full series required. That said, High Point awards are given to riders who accumulate the best scores across all four events, so there's real incentive to ride more than once.
How do I register?
Register at wwhunt.ca/hunterpace. You must register no later than the Wednesday before the event date. Every rider must also complete the liability waiver before participating. Questions? Email [email protected].
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On the Course

Rules & Expectations

The Hunter Pace is a community event run on private farmland. These rules protect riders, landowners, and the future of the event series.

  • Arrive at least 45 minutes before your start time. All riders must be mounted and checked in at the Starting Gate at your specified time.
  • Follow the orange trail tape exactly. Do not deviate from the marked course.
  • Respect landowners' property. Walk when instructed. Ride headlands (single file along field edges) when asked.
  • Pass with caution: call out your intention clearly, confirm it's acknowledged, and pass at a walk in a safe area only.
  • Ride single file on any road sections and remain alert to vehicle traffic.
  • Cross the finish line as a team — both riders must finish together for your time to count.
  • At the finish, return to the Starting Gate and announce your team number.
  • Clean up around your trailer before leaving. Remove manure and loose hay. We want to be invited back.
  • Ribbons are presented as soon as possible after the final team finishes. Stay for the ceremony!

Ready to Ride With Us?

Register for the 2026 Hunter Pace Series. First event April 26th at Meadow Rock Farm, Puslinch, Ontario.

Register — April 26 Explore Membership
Wellington-Waterloo Hunt · Puslinch, Ontario · [email protected] · wwhunt.ca
Member of the Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America (MFHA) since 1965 · Facebook · Instagram