Ox Ridge Riding Racquet Club

The polo barn housed dairy cattle until the barn was converted to stable horses. The Club's name in itself represents the use of oxen in John's operation, as well as the ridge that crowns our polo field. In 1929, a man by the name of Otto Heuckeroth came to ride; he was to remain for over forty years as the nationally famed manager of Ox Ridge. Felicia Townsend had already been in reign of a top instructional program for two years. Their combined efforts are still felt today through some of their more successful students; George Morris, Ronnie Mutch, Victor Hugo-Vidal and Otto's daughter, Patty Heuckeroth. These names are the trend-setters in Hunter Seat Equitation today. The Ox Ridge Hunt Club has hosted a number of important, nationally recognized horse shows over the years, including our own Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show and the Ox Ridge Dressage Horse Show. The Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show has a seventy-five year history and has featured internationally famous riders in breathtaking exhibitions of Show Jumping at its very best for five days in June. Our extensive indoor and outdoor facilities represent some of the finest in Fairfield County. The Club is situated on thirty-seven acres, twenty-two of which consist of the beautiful front field that is used for a variety of riding activities through the summer. The field provides the premier setting for our June Show and recognized dressage competitions. In addition, the field is used on a regular basis by members for instruction, horse show and pleasure riding. The Club has two outdoor rings, one of which is 178 x 278, and a 200 x 100 foot indoor arena with seating. The stabling accommodates seventy horses and includes: an outdoor wash area, an indoor heated wash room, and several tack rooms. A complete system of fans provides ventilation and comfort throughout the stable. In respect to fire concerns, the feed room is separated by fire walls, fire extinguishers are located throughout the facility, as well as an electronic heat detection system monitored by a professional service. The Club also maintains the services of a night watchman to help insure the utmost in care and surveillance of the horses each evening. The stables have access to twelve turnout areas that are all independent of each other.