History, Tradition & Community
We are the original
Help Us Hang On Tight
Help Us Hang On Tight
HISTORY
The Red Hook Society is the oldest such organization in the country. Our formation occurred in 1796 and official annual meetings have carried on with intention. Records are filed with New York State, some of which are available upon request.
230 years old in 2026....WOW and Congratulations!
PURPOSE
Our purpose was announced in the fol
HISTORY
The Red Hook Society is the oldest such organization in the country. Our formation occurred in 1796 and official annual meetings have carried on with intention. Records are filed with New York State, some of which are available upon request.
230 years old in 2026....WOW and Congratulations!
PURPOSE
Our purpose was announced in the following
1796 NOTICE:
HORSE THIEVES! Public notice is hereby given that a Society is established in the upper part of Rhinebeck for the sole purpose of recovering Stolen Horses and Apprehending the Thieves, and to carry the same into effect, a number of riders are engaged to go immediately in pursuit of stolen horses, at the expense of the society, for which adequate funds are established.
Published by order of the Society,
October 28, 1796.
(Originated in what is now Upper Red Hook, The Town of Red Hook was formed some 17 years later in 1813.)
By periodically posting and publishing the members names, the society sought to ward off potential rustlers. The theory was that a thief would keep clear of any horse belonging to a society member because pursuit would be certain.
WHAT HAPPENED IN 1796
* US President George Washington issued his Farewell Address (Which warns against partisan politics and foreign entanglements....)
* John Adams defeats Thomas Jefferson in US Presidential election
* Tennessee became the 16th State
* The Red Hook Society for the Apprehension and Detention of Horse Thieves is Born
4
Help Us Hang On Tight
Help Us Hang On Tight
Help Us Hang On Tight
PLEASE HELP SUPPORT THE SOCIETY
Help sponsor our Scholarship, Charitable giving, help fund the annual meeting that sustains the organization. (To keep dues down for our seniors and those on a budget.)
Your name or your company name will be recognized and shown appreciation here, in social media and at the annual meeting.
The Society is focus
PLEASE HELP SUPPORT THE SOCIETY
Help sponsor our Scholarship, Charitable giving, help fund the annual meeting that sustains the organization. (To keep dues down for our seniors and those on a budget.)
Your name or your company name will be recognized and shown appreciation here, in social media and at the annual meeting.
The Society is focused on the community and is very proud to grant an annual $500.00 scholarship to a deserving graduating high school senior interested in studies in the equine field.
WE APPRECIATE OUR DONORS
* Anonymous donor 2017 for the 2nd $500 Scholarship
* In October of 2018 an anonymous supporter donate $350 in support of the organization and the annual dinner meeting.
* In October of 2019, Susan Kayne of Unbridled Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation pledged $500 for a scholarship in memory of
Stephanie Bodie.
BOARD MEMBERS
Todd Baright, President
Edward M, Secretary
Paul Laibach, Treasurer
Karen Baright, Dues Collector &
Membership
.
Upcoming Events
Help Us Hang On Tight
Upcoming Events
ANNUAL MEETING
Our official meeting is held annually in Red Hook NY (the upstate 12571 Red Hook not to be confused with Red Hook in Brooklyn, NY) on the first Tuesday of October.
The meeting followed by dinner will begin
at 6:00 PM.
JOIN THE SOCIETY
Please plan to join us for what is always a hoot, a step back in time, with horse stories, gre
ANNUAL MEETING
Our official meeting is held annually in Red Hook NY (the upstate 12571 Red Hook not to be confused with Red Hook in Brooklyn, NY) on the first Tuesday of October.
The meeting followed by dinner will begin
at 6:00 PM.
JOIN THE SOCIETY
Please plan to join us for what is always a hoot, a step back in time, with horse stories, great people and good food.
You will also enjoy hearing of the horse thievery and pursuits of the previous 12 months, told by this years Riders.
A horse related speaker also makes an always interesting presentation. New hopeful members make a short speech professing their recollection (real or fabricated) of a horse tail....tale. (All fun, no pressure and usually resulting in membership acceptance)
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
Become a Horse Thief Apprehender (member) or RSVP for the October dinner by calling
845-758-9121 or by using the "Contact Us" section below.
We Appreciate Our Sponsors and Donors:
CJ's Italian Ristorante
353 Old Post Road
Rhinebeck, NY 12571