About
Redefining the rider experience
Founded in 1994, the Ontario Hunter Jumper Association (OHJA) emerged from a collective passion for competitive riding and a desire to simplify and enhance the hunter jumper experience in Ontario.
Our purpose: Every day, we work on enhancing the joy of competitive riding for owners, riders, and trainers in Ontario by simplifying the complex and ever-changing world of hunter jumper competition.
Our ambition: To be recognized as the leading competitive discipline in the equestrian community by delivering a seamless experience where members have access to trusted knowledge, programs and platforms that support and recognize their success.
Join our AGM. Join our Board.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is your chance to stay informed, review our financial performance, and elect the leadership that guides our programs, communications and events.
📌 Why Attend? • Vote on key association decisions and leadership. • Hear directly from the Board on strategic plan updates. • Ensure your discipline (Hunter, Jumper, Equitation) is represented.
📌 We are seeking New Board Members! Do you have a passion for growing our sport, background in governance, event management, or equestrian administration? Applications for the Board of Directors are now open.
📅 Important Dates: • Board Application Deadline: November 20, 2026 • Virtual AGM Date: November 30, 2026 via Zoom
Leadership & Committees
President
Victoria McDonald
Past President
Diane Ratigan
Vice President
Elizabeth Rous
Treasurer
Sharon Batista
Secretary
Ellen Gowland
Additional Board Members
Alana Aird
Carrie Whitwell
Ellen Gowland
Karla Scott
Kathryn Kitchen
Kelly Traver
Pam Dorion
Taylor Brooks
Hunter
Committee
Diane Ratigan, Co‑Chair
Elizabeth Rous, Co‑Chair
Alana Aird
Kristine Kubota
Victoria McDonald
Kelly Nicholls
Elizabeth Rous
Jackie Tattersall
Debbie Weir
Emily Woon
Jumper
Committee
Pam Dorion, Chair
Diane Ratigan
Elizabeth Rous
Debbie Weir
Victoria McDonald
Banquet & Awards
Committee
Victoria McDonald, Chair
Diane Ratigan
Liz Rous
OHJA Administrator
Melanie Widmeyer
Communication
Committee
Katheryn Kitchen, Chair
Sharon Batista
Kelly Traver
Melanie Widmeyer
Junior Ambassador Committee
Liz Rous
Melanie Widmeyer
Looking for a way to help shape our sport? Volunteer your time on an OHJA Committee!
Please email info@ohja.ca for additional information on how to volunteer.
Our 3-year strategic plan
Our strategic plan will drive and support the transformation of the OHJA into a stronger organization that will deliver more value to its members. Check out the on-going transformation.
Governance
Our by-laws
Discover how our by-laws protect your interests, ensure fair competition, and support a thriving OHJA community. We have also included an updated Social Media Policy and Guidelines document which can be found here.
Voting at meetings
The Constitution & By-law #2 of the Association permit voting at meetings, whether annual or special, by individual senior members who have paid a membership fee for the current year.
AGM Minutes
Stay informed with AGM minutes—your resource for key decisions and updates shaping the OHJA’s future. Minutes of the 2025 AGM are available to download below.