Bloomfield Open Hunt Club

Bloomfield Open Hunt Club. Established in the late 19th century, it is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the Northeastern United States. The club has been a central fixture in the social and sporting life of the Greater Hartford area for generations. It is renowned for its dedication to equestrianism, field sports, and community traditions.

History

The club's origins trace back to the post-American Civil War era, a period when the traditions of English fox hunting gained popularity among the American gentry. Influential figures from Hartford's industrial and insurance sectors, including associates from companies like Aetna and Travelers Insurance, were instrumental in its founding. Initially operating across the open farmland of Bloomfield and neighboring Simsbury, the club's early meets were grand social events. Throughout the 20th century, it adapted to changing landscapes, including suburban development, by securing permanent land holdings. Key moments in its chronicle include hosting notable equestrian competitions and surviving the economic challenges of the Great Depression.

Facilities and grounds

The club maintains an extensive estate characterized by rolling meadows, wooded trails, and meticulously maintained paddocks. The centerpiece is a historic Colonial Revival-style clubhouse, which houses formal dining rooms, member lounges, and trophy displays. Equestrian facilities are comprehensive, featuring a large outdoor riding arena, a network of cross-country jumping courses, and stable complexes for member-owned horses. The property also includes kennels for the club's pack of foxhounds, managed by a professional huntsman. Additional amenities often encompass tennis courts, swimming pools, and skeet shooting ranges, catering to a variety of country pursuits.

Events and activities

The core calendar revolves around fox hunting, with formal hunts conducted during the fall and winter seasons in accordance with the rules of the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America. The club hosts prestigious horse shows and combined driving events that attract competitors from across New England. Social gatherings are equally important, ranging from formal black tie balls and hunt breakfasts to family-oriented barbecues and holiday parties. Educational programs, including riding lessons for all ages and clinics with renowned trainers like George H. Morris, are regularly offered. The grounds are also available for private events such as weddings and corporate functions hosted by firms like United Technologies.

Governance and membership

The club operates as a private, member-owned corporation governed by an elected Board of directors and executive committee, including a president and secretary. Day-to-day operations are managed by a professional staff overseen by a general manager. Membership is typically by invitation and requires sponsorship from existing members, often involving a review process by a membership committee. The structure includes various membership categories such as equestrian, social, and junior members. Prominent members have historically included leaders from Connecticut's legal, financial, and political spheres, including former governors and justices from the Connecticut Supreme Court.

In popular culture

The club's distinctive atmosphere and heritage have made it an occasional backdrop for feature films and television series set in New England, often depicting aristocratic or pastoral themes. It has been referenced in novels by authors from the Hartford literary scene, sometimes serving as a setting for pivotal social encounters in works of historical fiction. The club's iconic imagery—red hunt coats, hounds, and the autumn landscape—has been featured in editorial spreads in magazines such as *Town & Country* and *The Chronicle of the Horse*. Its annual events, like the opening meet, are frequently covered by local media outlets including the Hartford Courant and WTIC-TV.

Category:Private clubs in the United States Category:Equestrian organizations in the United States Category:Organizations based in Connecticut Category:Bloomfield, Connecticut