Thanks to the strong British Military presence in Canada in the early 1800's, and their love of sport, particularly hunting and racing, the Toronto Hunt was formed and now as the Toronto and North York Hunt we are proud to have celebrated 150 years of foxhunting in 1993 and are now in our 158th year. The original membership was made up of many leading families from the area and it is interesting to contemplate the influence that the Hunt Club and its members must have had back in 1843, when the population of Toronto was only approximately 10,000 people.

Golf became part of the Toronto Hunt when it established its permanent facilities in Scarborough, as shown in the adjoining picture, in 1895. With the competing interests of Polo sharing the same facilities, it is entertaining to reflect on the difficulties incurred by golfers playing "through" a Polo match, or riders having to contend with sand traps on the field, which according to old records did actually occur.

The lady members of the Hunt Club were responsible for organizing the first race meeting held at Woodbine in 1894, and continued to do so until it was taken over by The Ontario Jockey Club.

The history is extremely interesting, and frequently parallels many of the complications that are similar to the challenges that still face hunting today. The continuing need for country necessitated the move from the original club in Scarborough, and the division from the Toronto Hunt Club, which still operates as a Golf Club at the original location, to become the Toronto and North York Hunt.

This next photograph shows a group crossing the Bathurst Street bridge a short distance north of St. Clair in present day Toronto, believe to have been taken on an autumn day morning.

In 1919 George Beardmore, MFH, purchased an old aerodrome site and spent something in the neighbourhood of $350,000 (a sizable fortune in 1919) creating a spectacular equestrian facility. It was considered part of the Toronto Hunt and referred to as the Toronto Hunt, Eglinton, until 1929, when a new hunt, the Eglinton Hunt was established and centred there.

Records show that hounds were maintained in Aurora as early as the 1920's on a temporary basis, and The Club was permanently housed at "Beverley Farm" by 1931.
In 1933 Lady Eaton's son Timothy (from the T. Eaton's department store empire) returned from England, where he had been joint Master of the Foxhounds at the Crawley and Harsham Hunt. He was appointed Joint MFH of the Toronto and North York Hunt. During 1938 he resigned, and Lady Eaton was appointed Joint MFH in his place. As shown in the following photograph, Eaton Hall was a second home to the Hunt, and while its many acres provided excellent sport, the hospitality provided by Lady Eaton more than matched it.
Continual urbanization necessitated the move to Newmarket in 1985, and the subsequent expansion to Creemore. It is with a great deal of pride that we note that the families of a number of our active members today have contributed to the success and development of this Hunt Club for many generations. Over the past 158 years, the love and fascination of the sport of Foxhunting has led some very dedicated people to give an inordinate amount of time, expertise and financial support to the preservation and improvement of the Toronto and North York Hunt Club. We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude, and the promise to continue with the same commitment.

It is obvious that the territory needed for successful foxhunting is so large that only a small part of it is owned by the Hunt or by Hunt members. Most of the country over which we hunt is owned by non members and their permission to hunt over properties must be secured and maintained.

As foxhunting exists only by virtue of landowners' permission, it is incumbent upon every member to see that this permission is not abused, and that the interest of the landowners over whose property the Hunt rides be guarded most scrupulously. Gates, if opened, must be closed; fences, if damaged, must be repaired and livestock protected.

Since foxhunting is a rural sport, it is natural that many farmers and landowners should participate and all are welcome with capping fees waived. As well, all landowners are very welcome guests at all hunt functions and particularly at hunt breakfasts.

We wish to extend our sincerest appreciation to our landowners. We thank them for their continued support in allowing us the privilege to hunt over their property.

Hilltopping is a very popular part of our hunt field providing members with an opportunity to enjoy a hunt at a slower pace without jumps. It is also an excellent method to introduce new members, guests or green horses to the hunt field.

Members riding in the hilltop group are requested to remain with this group and if changing to the regular field do so only at a time when both groups are together (calling hounds) and only after permission from the hilltop Master.

Most hunts strive to breed hounds that are not only efficient in their work but are also pleasing to the eye. This is not just a matter of the breeders preference, but it is a fact that hounds with better confirmation "move" better and consequently last longer and suit the country they cross.

To determine where you stand with your breeding efforts to maintain a strong pack of hounds it makes sense to compete against the best of the rest at hounds shows. Of course the hunt that producers a Champion or a Grand Champion certainly feels a great sense of pride and achievement.

Hound Shows also provide a grand opportunity to see the best stallion hounds available for future breeding purposes. If you see a particular hound that you really like, you can check out his bloodlines to see if they would compliment your breeding program.

Of course hound shows do offer an opportunity for Masters, members and staff to compare notes, socialize and visit with other hound enthusiasts at a venue where only hounds matter.

The premier hound show is the Virginia Show held at Morven Park in Leesburg. The show attracts more than 800 hounds from 45 to 50 packs from across North America with four different breeds showing simultaneously in 4 separate rings representing the best from the English, American, Cross Bred and Penn-Marydale packs. Each breed by the end of the day produces a Champion following which the 4 compete for the Grand Championship of the show. TNYH hounds have been Grand Champions 3 times in the past 10 years which is a significant achievement for a relatively small 2 day a week pack.

The Canadian Hound Show was until recently unique to only English hounds however in response to the increased demand for Cross Breds they have been added to the show. The standards of this show are extremely high and it is regarded as the most competitive other than Virginia. Considering our success in Virginia it is not surprising that TNYH hounds have produced 5 out of a possible 6 champions over the past 3 years.

We have thirty and a half couple of hounds in kennel as we go into the spring of 2002 which is a little higher than usual. They remain high even though we have given a number of hounds to hunts both here and in the United States. Our high number is primarily due to the fact that we kept most of last years entry as the lack of game in 2001 gave them little chance to prove themselves. They will be reassessed in June following spring hunting.

In 2001 we had 7 couple of puppies from 3 litters using 2 young dog hounds Cromwell and Crackshot as well the David Davies Gethin to get the outcross of Welsh blood which should help on poorer scenting days.

I would like to offer my thanks to our very special puppy walkers who continue to support our breeding program. Without your help our young hounds would not have the confidence and happy character that we desire. Walking puppies is an essential part of the hunt club and I would encourage any member with the necessary facilities to become involved. Puppies leave the kennels when they are about 10-12 weeks and stay "on walk" for approximately 3 months although the longer the better. This is a critical time for them as they learn about life in the real world outside the kennel environment and do particularly well when children are involved. Those that walk puppies enhance their hunting days as you are always looking for "your hound" and follow their development closely.

As well if your hound has that special confirmation you will get great enjoyment watching him progress through puppy shows to hound shows. Again thanks to everyone who walk hounds and in particular to our 2005 puppy walkers.

Your board of directors approved the establishment of reciprocal guest privileges with The Toronto Hunt. While this does not include the use of their golf course, it does permit TNYH Members to use their dining and meeting rooms. Reservations are requested and should be made directly with The Toronto Hunt. TNYH members will be asked to sign a chit for services utilized following which The Toronto Hunt will mail a statement directly to the member. Prompt payment is requested.

“We are fortunate to own property south of Creemore, where our hunt staff now resides and our kennels are located.”