Show jumping horses aren’t the only four-legged creatures in the spotlight at Old Salem Farm’s Spring Horse Shows in North Salem (Tuesday, May 6, through Sunday, May 11, and May 13 through 18).
Therapy horses, rescue dogs and even conserved wolves are among the animals that will have their moment as the Spring Horse Shows – featuring amateur and professional riders of all ages in hunter (emphasizing form) and jumper (timed obstacle) events — share the ring with several philanthropic causes.
“Hosting local charities and giving them added opportunities to interact with the public is one way we can give back and help support the local community,” Scott Hakim, owner and president of Old Salem Farm, https://oldsalemfarm.net/ said in a statement. “Having all these fun family activities available to the public free of charge makes our horse shows more appealing and is a creative way to help introduce what these charities do.”
Spring shows charity partners SPCA of Westchester and A New Chance Animal Rescue will hold dog adoption events on May 10 and 17 respectively. Also on those Saturdays there will be ice cream parties sponsored by Pegasus Therapeutic Riding (May 10) and South Salem’s Wolf Conservation Center (May 17), with the latter also hosting a book signing by Leokadia George. She was inspired by her time as a wolf center volunteer to pen a series of children’s books about a Mexican gray wolf nicknamed Trumpet.
On May 17 and Sunday, May 18 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), the EQUUS Foundation – caring for horses through select equine charities –will host games, arts and crafts and a Miniature Horse Meet & Greet with Rising Starr Horse Rescue. Also on hand May 18, Animal Embassy will discuss how it provides sanctuary for more than 100 domestic and exotic species on three acres in Westchester County.
It’s not just about the animals, however: The Riders’ Closet will be a daily presence, offering new and gently used apparel to riding programs, clubs, charities and individuals in need.
Of course, such philanthropic partners as well as food and retail vendors are but the setting for events like the $135,000 Grand Prix presented by The Kincaid Group (May 11) and the $225,000 Empire State Grand Prix presented by Old Salem Farm (May 18). Among the stars you can expect to see in action are two-time gold medalist McLain Ward, who owns and operates Castle Farm in Brewster, and fellow Olympians Daniel Bluman (Israel), Nayel Nassar (Egypt) and Rodrigo Pessoa (Brazil).
Added Hakim: “What a great year we have in store at Old Salem, featuring two weeks of our traditional FEI Spring Horse Shows as well as our second year hosting FEI shows in August and September. We greatly appreciate the support and feedback of our riders to help us make our shows the best they can be. We look forward to seeing everyone again…for the first of several world-class events.”
