Donald V. Little, MFH

Myopia and the fox hunting world suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of our beloved Master, Donald V. Little on Feb 29th.

Mr. Little succumbed to injuries suffered in a fall on Sunday, February 26th, in the Masters Division of the Wellington Horse Show in Wellington, Florida.

Mr. Little's contributions to the equestrian world were far reaching and demonstrate the passion he felt, from a young age, for horses, hounds and the sporting life. Joint Master of Myopia from 1989-2001, and Master from 2001 to the present, Mr. Little was dedicated to hunting and actively promoted its ability to teach young riders the value of open space, and to bring equestrians from all disciplines a new outlook on the joys of a good gallop after hounds over beautiful country. He sought out any willing rider and generously provided them a horse and a quick lesson on the hounds and protocol. Mr. Little managed to bring into the field Olympic show jumpers, polo players, cowboys, and top-notch dressage competitors. He was not fully content until all agreed that hunting was the best fun they'd ever had!

Mr. Little's involvement with horses went far beyond the hunt field. He was well respected and highly successful in the show jumping world, competing in Wellington, Europe, Calgary and throughout the Northeast. His accomplishments include being Captain of Myopia Polo and President of the United States Polo Association; his polo teams played at the highest level across the country. He founded the racing syndicate company, Centennial Farms Management Co., Inc., which is in its thirtieth year and successfully continues in active operation under the management of his son, Donald V. Little, Jr. He watched his horses achieve incredible success, including Colonial Affair winning the Belmont with Jockey Julie Krone in 1993.

The greatest impact Mr. Little had on the equestrian community was to challenge, inspire and most of all, personally encourage any rider that had the privilege to meet him.

Mr. Little is survived by his loving wife Judy, son Donald, and daughter Andrea.

A memorial service will be held at Noon on Thursday, March 8, at the Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church, 188 Elliott St , Danvers, MA.

Donations in memory of Mr. Little may be made to

Fisher House Boston, P. O. Box 230, South Walpole, MA 02071
Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor Brookline, MA 02445
Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, P.O. Box 3387, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866