Fairfield County Hunt Club

Nearby gyms & sports facilities

Fairfield County Hunt Club - Stables
Long Lots Road

Welcome to the Fairfield County Hunt Club, a private year-round country club with dining, social and sports activities for the entire family. C.I. Cornwall. Burr.

1923 - 1949

The Fairfield County Hunt Club was organized in 1923. It had its beginning when Averill Harriman commissioned Mrs. Laura Gardin Fraser, of North Avenue, Westport, the famous sculptress, to design and execute a polo medal. To study her subject she borrowed polo mallets, mounted a horse and started knocking a polo ball around on her estate. This attracted local attention. Another artist

, Oscar Howard, joined her. Soon games were organized, with two stone gateposts serving as goals. After a year the idea of a club, horse shows, polo and hunting were discussed with General and Mrs. DeBevoise, George Gair, Fred Bedford, Donald Perkins, Karl Dolge and Laurence M. Hunting started informally in 1923, formally in 1924, and the Hunt organized by Donald Perkins was recognized by the Masters of Fox Hounds Association in 1926. Polo was played first in Westport, later on the field opposite Charles Stillman's house on Hulls Farm Road, and horse shows were held on the Bedford estate. The present property was purchased and George Gair elected first President in 1924. The Club at once prospered. The Horse Shows became nationally known three-day Class A Shows attracting the finest exhibitors in the East. The extensive horse show stabling system, the present show ring and stands and the Clubhouse were built, and the polo field was contributed by Henry A. Rudkin. Then came the depression, and it seemed that the "horse" was doomed. Membership dropped rapidly, and the Club found itself facing a reorganization. At this same time, with foresight and generous financial backing, Smith Richardson, Fred Bedford and Fred Sturges put through, with the help of interested property owners, a reorganization and laid down sound plans on which the Club has gone forward. Instead of lowering membership standards, they were raised, and sound financial controls were introduced. At the close of 1937, the New Year's Eve fire gutted the Clubhouse. The insurance was such that the Club could easily have paid all its obligations and quit with honor. Instead, it was decided to rebuild and carry on. Then came World War II and gas rationing. A "Syndicate" headed by Charles Stillman, Roy Larsen, Chester LaRoche and Ira Warner was formed which advanced $10,000 to assure the Club could meet any deficit during the war. Ira Warner took over the Presidency, horse shows were continued and all services streamlined. Somehow people continued to ride, and although membership dropped to 70, the Club came out of the war in good shape, its place tested and proved. The Syndicate money was not used until after the war when it was used for improvements in the Clubhouse and to retire some of the outstanding indebtedness. Meanwhile, regular restaurant service was instituted, and a new program widening the Club's usefulness was begun. The membership increased one hundred percent to over 140 — and it is steadily growing.

1949 - Present

Since Chet LaRoche's presidency in 1949, the Hunt Club has grown in terms of activities, facilities, membership and finances. The swimming pool was built in 1952, and in 1958 six tennis courts were installed along with Charles Stillman's gift of the Club's first paddle tennis court. In 1965, the first indoor ring was erected, permitting year-round riding activities. In 1969 and 1971, two additional paddle tennis courts were added. In 1975, an ambitious building program was undertaken, including the second indoor ring, two more tennis courts, the paddle tennis-warming hut and two more courts, the new building for pool and tennis and major refurbishment of the pool and the Clubhouse. In 1991, the Club initiated a Capital Improvements Program. The Clubhouse was renovated and redecorated; new energy-efficient windows and doors, central air-conditioning, radiators, furnace, and generator were installed: the kitchen area was updated, Barns 3,4,5 were improved; the baby pool was refurbished. Two paddle courts were rebuilt from the ground up and the other two were updated with new lighting. Other improvements included a new snack bar kitchen; a polo field irrigation system; fire alarm system in every FCHC structure, resurfaced roads and the placement of all utility conduits underground. The Club's calendar is a full one. Notable events include major horse shows in June and August, the December Governors' Reception, and a number of tennis and paddle tennis tournaments. There are many other activities, which reflect the strong momentum of the Club and the diverse interest of its members. The Club celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1998, with a myriad of events scheduled throughout the year. The festivities began on Saturday, May 30, with an equestrian event hosted by Emerson Burr and attended by local dignitaries, Club members and invited guests. The Fairfield County Hunt had always been a great tradition at the Hunt Club since its inception and it was exciting to have the hounds return to the polo field guided by the Master of the Hounds and accompanied by scarlet-jacketed huntsman and the Whippers-in. The event continued with a carriage driving demonstration, a pony demonstration and a jumping exhibition over the reconstructed historic “old course” around the perimeter of the polo field, each accompanied by an entertaining running commentary by Mr. The day concluded with a barbecue and entertainment. The weekend continued on Sunday with pool activities, a luncheon with Country/Western music and a “20’s” style tennis tournament complete with wooden racquets. An afternoon polo match featuring Club players followed by afternoon tea served on the Verandah gave the members a “moment in time” glimpse of Club history. The 75th Anniversary Ball was held on June 13 – a magnificent black tie dinner dance featuring past presidents and other honorees who helped develop and maintain the traditions of the Club through the years. Memorabilia and photographs from the archives were displayed in the Clubhouse and provided members with either nostalgic memories or historic references. The celebration officially ended with the Hunt Ball, held November 14. When the Fairfield County Hounds officially moved to Newtown in the late ‘40s, some of the glamour and history went with them. The night of the Hunt Ball brought all that back to the Clubhouse as huntsmen and their ladies joined members in a gala to honor a unique institution that started with a group of men who got together to start a riding club.

09/14/2024

🚨 𝐒𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟐 𝐅𝐂𝐇𝐂 𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐅 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐖
📢 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓 show to qualify for the 2024

09/08/2024

🗓️ Mark Your Calendars! 🗓️

Indoor Horse Show Series is just around the corner🐴✨

Tag your friends and make plans!!!

08/15/2024

☀️Good Morning from the Fairfield August Horse Show Medal Finals☀️
🏆Who will be our first champion crowned?
📸 Snap a photo and tag us in the Winner’s Circle Sponsored by

07/15/2024

Dear Friends,
Please be aware that the “Fairfield August Show 2024” page is NOT an official Fairfield page. It is spam!!! Please report and block.
Thanks for your help cleaning this up.

07/08/2024

🚨 Exciting News! 🚨

Entries and stall reservations for the Fairfield August Show (August 15-18) are NOW OPEN! Don’t miss your chance—reservations close August 6th.

Fairfield is proud to host the 2024 CHJA-Connecticut Hunter & Jumper Association Medal Finals! 🌟 This year, we’re introducing two amazing new Finals classes: the Short Stirrup Hunter Classic and the Short Stirrup Medal Final.

📅 Hurry, the qualification period ends on July 31!

🔗 Tap the link in our bio for all the horse show details! 🐴✨

07/01/2024

Hoofs and Woofs Go Virtual on June 20 at the Fairfield June Show EQUUS Foundation: Protecting America's Horses and Strengthening the Horse-Human Bond

07/01/2024

🌞🎉 The summer show schedule is about to heat up at Fairfield County Hunt Club! It’s time to break out the calendar. 🗓️

🐴 Our USEF Shows feature a full slate of Medal classes as well as Hunter & Equitation Divisions.

🏆 The 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐃 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐖 will host the Medal Finals. This year, they are excited to introduce TWO new Finals classes: Short Stirrup Medal Finals and Short Stirrup Hunter Classic.
𝔽𝕌ℕ 𝔽𝔸ℂ𝕋: The 𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧 date to qualify for the Finals is July 31 (and yes, we have a show that day 😉).

✨ Do you have a developing horse? Introducing a rider to horse shows? Need more ring time for your rider? For decades, Fairfield’s traditional Schooling Show Series have provided riders and horses the opportunity to get show ring experience over REAL horse show fill in a more casual environment. AND it is a member of the . Points count today

Follow Link in Bio for show information
Come join us and be part of the tradition! 🌟

06/17/2024

06/12/2024

☀️ 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤☀️
We thrilled to welcome our 🆕 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫

Boost your performance and recovery with our IV Vitamin Infusions tailored specifically for riders like you. From powering through intense training sessions to speeding up post-competition recovery, our infusions deliver the essential nutrients your body craves. Say neigh to fatigue and saddle up for success!

Visit them in the Paddock Boutique for IV Vitamin Infusions, Cranial Osteopathy & Stretching, and KT Taping.
Pre-registration preferred (🔗 in bio)
🏃‍♀️Walkups are welcome.

06/11/2024

🌟 Join Us for an Exclusive Learning Experience! 🌟

Dive into the finer points of Hunters and Equitation with two esteemed members of the Fairfield June Show’s Judges panel. Renowned for their expertise in Hunters, Equitation, and Hunter Derbies, they have judged top-level competitions across the country.

Meet our distinguished judges:

𝐋𝐲𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐓. 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝
🦊 2024 ASPCA Maclay Finals Judge
🦊 Head Trainer at The Kent School

𝐉𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐃𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝-𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫
🦊 2023 Platinum Performance/USHJA Hunter Championship Week Judge

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to get is straight from the judge’s mouth!

Home | Fairfield County Hunt Club | Fairfield, CT

05/18/2024

Visit our website

Home | Fairfield County Hunt Club | Fairfield, CT The Fairfield County Hunt Club is a unique, four-season, family-oriented country club with a nationally recognized equestrian program. The FCHC sits on 40 open acres in Westport, Connecticut, centrally located and easily accessible from both Fairfield County and New York. Along with year-round dinin...

05/03/2024

The 100th Fairfield June Horse Show is right round the corner.
Link to horse show info: https://linktr.ee/fchcstables

04/09/2024

☀️Time to get ready for Summer!!!
𝟙𝟘𝟘𝕥𝕙 𝔽𝔸𝕀ℝ𝔽𝕀𝔼𝕃𝔻 𝕁𝕌ℕ𝔼 ℍ𝕆ℝ𝕊𝔼 𝕊ℍ𝕆𝕎
𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟭𝟴-𝟮𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰
📝 Online Entries & Stall Reservations are open
🔗 LINK in Bio for all Horse Show & FCHC information

02/20/2024

For 2023, the Fairfield June Horse Show ushered in a new vision and dedication to our roots in the Hunter World and well-maintained grass show rings.

We are absolutely thrilled and honored that our 2023 Fairfield June Horse Show received the 𝑻𝒐𝒑 𝑻𝒆𝒏 𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝑻𝒐𝒑 𝑺𝒊𝒙 𝑯𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒓𝒃𝒚 of 2023 from the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame! 🏆🐴. We were only one of two to have received honors in both horse show categories.

Thank you to everyone who have supported the Fairfield June Horse Show on this incredible journey. A special thanks to our Horse Show Management Team, and as as well as our long-time resident course designers Andi Christiansen & Gerry Briggs and all of their support staff. This would not been have been possible without your hard work and dedication.

Can’t wait to continue striving for excellence and are excited for to 100th Fairfield June Horse Show (June 18-22, 2024)

📸 SEL Photography

02/17/2024

What a fantastic article ‼️
We are honored and proud to be the foundation to your path on to a burgeoning professional career.

🍀Good luck in tonight’s $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular at . We will be cheering you on 🎉🎉🎉

An excerpt of the article from the February issue of :

Before long, Vivian wanted her own lessons, and a neighbor encouraged the family to contact Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport, Connecticut, where the legendary Emerson Burr was teaching at the time. “I did a lesson with him, and he told my mom, “She may be too young now, but bring her back in a year, and she should start riding seriously,” Vivian said.

Although Emerson passed away before Vivian began her lessons, she quickly found a home at Fairfield, competing in the pony hunters under the tutelage of Jenny Martin-Rudaz. “Fairfield Hunt Club was the most incredible place to grow up,” Vivian said. “I basically lived there. I got to take care of my own pony, hung out with friends; it was such a great experience. I learned so much and got to spend so much time with horses. I got really attached to them.”

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02/01/2024

Dave Kelley & Reach A Bit jumping though and in & out on the field at Fairfield June Horse Show.
We maintain our tradition of grass show rings and double jumps with wings on our Hunt Course.
𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰
𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟖-𝟐𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
Fairfield County Hunt Club - Stables
#06880

01/14/2024

You will always find friends at the barn! Pony rides are the best!!

Photos from Fairfield County Hunt Club - Stables's post

12/17/2023

10/22/2023

Junior Medal Finals brought together 178 competitors
3️⃣ Fairfield Riders .eq and were ranked in the Top 28 after the First Round of competitions to continue to the Second Round
🦊 Consistency was key for who moved up to place 7th💜 overall.
👏🏻👏🏻 Congratulations to all of our riders for a fantastic week. Coming home with great experiences and memories.
🙏🏻🙏🏻 A huge thank to the team for training, care and endless support Javier and Moises. A special thanks to for her setup creation. 🛫 Next Stop ➡️

Photos from Fairfield County Hunt Club's post

09/11/2023

Fairfield Adult Amateur Riders started off Fall Finals Season at HITS Horse Shows Championship Week this past weekend
🦊 Brenda Tananbaum & Fellow were🥉 in the inaugural United States Hunter Jumper Association - USHJA 3’3” Adult Jumping Seat Medal Finals Flat Phase with a score of 88.
🦊 Wynatte Chu & Contador were 🥉 in the highly competitive $50,000 United States Hunter Jumper Association Jr/Am National Derby.
🙏🏻 Many thanks to Jenny Martin-Rudaz for her expert training and guidance. Also immense gratitude to Moises for her excellent horse care and preparation.
🚌🚏NEXT STOP: MARSHALL & STERLING FINALS

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