A Rich History of Riding Established in 1914, the Ox Ridge Hunt Club transformed a suburban riding stable into one of the most storied equestrian facilities in the US, along with creating a vibrant and community-focused social club. Many of today’s most notable equestrians and trainers got their start at Ox Ridge, including the famous father of equitation, George Morris. Ox Ridge has always held a 5-day charity show to kick off the summer outdoor season, featuring classes for hunters, jumpers and equitation, and perpetual trophies that continue the tradition. Top professionals have shown at Ox Ridge, including McLain Ward, Georgina Bloomberg, Paul O’Shea, Kevin Babington, Sydney Shulman, and Amanda and Juliana Starbuck, to name a few.
Stirrups & Strings: The Best of Both Worlds The next chapter of the Ox Ridge story is in progress, including the name: Ox Ridge Riding & Racquet Club, to reflect the addition of racquet sports along with riding. A new, 18,000-sq. ft. clubhouse opened in Spring 2019, offering eight state-of-the-art squash courts (6 singles, 2 doubles); a fitness center overlooking the courts; platform tennis; locker rooms; and a cathedral ceiling dining room with a wraparound terrace. Combined with a new 24,000-sq ft indoor riding arena, two outdoor riding rings and a fully renovated stable complex, and with membership options that match the varying levels of interest, Ox Ridge Club has activities for every family member.
Equestrian Highlights:
60-stall modernized barn
Heated tack rooms
Heated Indoor ring (200’x120’) with elevated viewing area
12 grass paddocks
125’ x 250’ hunter ring
180’ x 280’ jumper ring
High-performance footing for indoor & outdoor rings
Clubhouse & Racquet Features:
18,000-sq. ft. clubhouse
8 squash courts (6 singles and 2 doubles)
4 Platform tennis courts (lighted for night play)
Squash and racquets instruction, with a focus on youth development
Fully equipped fitness center
Men’s and Women’s locker rooms
Dining room with cathedral ceiling, indoor/outdoor fireplace, bar
Event lawn available for weddings & private functions
With the focus on junior development in a fun, family club environment, members enjoy a range of athletic and social activities for every member of the family.
Cherish the history and live in the moment at one of the most desirable membership clubs in Fairfield County.
Our History
The Ox Ridge Hunt Club was founded in 1914. The present 22-acre property was formerly owned by the opera singer, John McCormick. He operated this property, in addition to some adjacent properties, as a dairy farm. The polo barn housed dairy cattle until the barn was converted to stable horses. The club's name itself represents the use of “oxen” in John's operation, as well as the ridge that crowns the polo field.
In 1927, a man by the name of Otto Heuckeroth came to ride; he was to remain for over 40 years as the nationally famed manager of Ox Ridge. Miss V. Felicia Townsend had already been in place, leading a top instructional program for years. Otto and Felicia’s skill and leadership continue to impact today’s equestrian community through some of their more successful students, including George Morris, Ronnie Mutch, Victor Hugo-Vidal and Otto's daughter, Patty Heuckeroth. These are legendary names in Hunter Seat Equitation to this day.
The Ox Ridge Hunt Club has hosted numerous important, nationally recognized horse shows over the years, including the Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show and the Ox Ridge Dressage Horse Show. The Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show has an 82-year history featuring internationally famous riders in breathtaking exhibitions of show jumping at its very best for five days in June each year.
Ox Ridge was recently featured in the March/April Issue of the New Canaan Darien & Rowayton Magazine.
