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Grosse Pointe Hunt Club
Founded 1911
The History of the GPHC
Since its founding in 1911, the Grosse Pointe Hunt Club has steadfastly
remained an intimate, exclusive and comfortable family-oriented club. The
founders were enthusiastic horsemen; Colonel Fred M. Alger, Captain Burns Henry,
George Lothrop, Elliott S. Nichols, Wesson Seyburn and others whose names are
woven into the fabric of Detroit's history. Each member loved and understood
horses, and each was eager to see riding become an important part of their
children's and grandchildren's lives.
Today, their vision remains the centerpiece of the Grosse Pointe Hunt Club's mission; an intimate, exclusive and comfortable environment for our members and their families to enjoy.
Our programs have expanded to include year-round
equestrian and tennis instruction and competition, outstanding summer swimming
programs and top quality dining, catering and banquet opportunities. What
really sets us apart, however, is the friendliness and hospitality of our
members and staff. That is why we call the Grosse Pointe Hunt Club the
"family resort in the Pointes".
The Grosse
Pointe Hunt Club horse shows have always been popular,
dating back to the early
1920's.
Below are just
some of the historic moments captured on film over the years.
Unknown Horse & Rider
Grosse Pointe Horse Show,
1929
(This was the jumping position that was most widely up to this date. It was
believed that this position over the jump was the easiest on the horse because
less of the riders weight was being placed on the horses front legs once it
landed from the jump. The goal at the time was to actually try to get the
horse to land on it's hind feet first! This style was on its way out
though, transitioning on to, what we use today, the "forward seat".)
Unknown Horse & Rider
Grosse Pointe Horse Show,
1928
(This was quickly becoming the classic form over fences of the day. The
forward seat while releasing over the jump was just starting to come into style,
with the rider's feet in the "home" position in the stirrup irons.)
Peggy Ainsworth on "Valley Grey"
Grosse Pointe Horse Show, 1929
William Clarke on "Sir John"
Grosse Pointe Horse Show, circa 1920's
Mrs. E.S. Nichols
Grosse Pointe Horse Show, 1929
Mrs. S.L. Depew
Grosse Pointe Horse Show, 1929
Miss Lyon on "Little Mogul"
Grosse Pointe Horse Show, 1929
Valerie Pingree Depew
Grosse Pointe Horse Show, 1920's
(Notice that saddle pads were never used back then)
Ned Jewett
Grosse Pointe Horse Show, 1920's
(Look at how he is looking completely backwards over the top!)
Johnny Wallace
Grosse Pointe Horse Show, circa 1920's
"Phil" Standart on "Hackler"
Grosse Pointe Horse Show, 1929
(Notice how much this horse curled his fetlocks!)
Allen Lee
Grosse Pointe Horse Show, 1929
Fred Alger
Grosse Pointe Horse Show,
circa 1920's
Peggy Ainsworth on "Ilderton"
Grosse Pointe Horse Show, 1929
Conformation Class
Grosse Pointe Horse Show,
circa 1920's
Unknown kid
Grosse Pointe Horse Show,
circa 1920's
(So much for "approved helmets" for junior riders back then)
Mrs. J.E.J Keane on
"Highland Rhyme"
Grosse Pointe Horse Show, 1929
(Notice her "helmet")
Champion, "Advanced Working Hunters", Peter Grassi, rider (horse unknown)
Grosse Pointe Hunt Club Horse Show,
circa 1960
(During the indoor horse shows at the GPHC, the ladies were always on hand to present the
blue ribbon,
dressed in their best fur coat. Also, notice the running martingale being
used in the hunter division.)