Irish eyes were indeed smiling at the “Spring Horse Shows” at Old Salem Farm in North Salem on a breezy Mother”™s Day, May 14, as two riders representing Ireland took first and third place in the $125,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix, sponsored by The Kincade Group/UBS Financial Services Inc.
Paul O”™Shea of Wellington, Florida ”“ the winter capital of the equestrian world in the United States ”“ took first prize aboard the bay gelding Imerald Van”™t Voorhof. Jordan Coyle of Brewster was third aboard another bay gelding, For Gold. Zipping into second place was the young American rider Mimi Gochman aboard the gray stallion Cosmos BH.
In the thrilling jump-off that featured almost a dozen of the 37 riders representing 12 countries, the immaculate Coyle looked unbeatable. But O”™Shea answered his performance with a stunner of his own while Gochman showed a poise beyond her 18 years to sneak into second place.
As usual, it was a moment to celebrate mothers and mother figures with vendors featuring food and beverages, equine accessories, balloon sculptures and face painting.
The fun and action continue Tuesday, May 16 through Sunday, May 21. For more, visit oldsalemfarm.net.