The Eglinton & Caledon Hunt began as an offshoot of the Toronto Hunt, which was founded in 1843.
In 1919, George W. Beardmore, MFH of the Toronto Hunt, set up an elaborate facility for horse sports on a property located at the corner of Eglinton and Avenue roads, at that time open countryside. A center for horse shows, racing and social activities, it was also the home of the first Canadian branch of the Pony Club. The Club House still stands, recognized as a heritage site by the Toronto Heritage Foundation.
During the 1920's, the Toronto Hunt split their pack of hounds moving one group to a farm in Aurora to live hunt and the other to the Eglinton facility to hunt as a drag pack. In 1934, the Eglinton Hunt Club was officially recognized as a separate entity by the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America.
The years leading up to and throughout WWII were difficult ones for the Eglinton Hunt Club and in 1939 the club was reorganized and renamed as the 'Eglinton Hunt'. In 1945, a new property on Leslie Street in Thornhill was acquired. Kennels were built and the farmhouse converted to a clubhouse.
By 1960, the city of Toronto was encroaching on the club's territory. A year later, the Hunt accepted the invitation of the Caledon Riding Club to relocate on their 100 acre property in the Caledon Hills. It was decided to blend the names of the two organizations by renaming the hunt as the 'Eglinton and Caledon Hunt'.
By 1963 the kennels and accommodation for the huntsman had been built and the hounds were moved into their new quarters. The Eglinton and Caledon Hunt remains at the CRC site to this day. A complete history can be obtained from the publication “75 Years. The Eglinton and Caledon Hunt.” |