If it’s May, then it must be time for the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, which have become one of the premier stops on the show jumping circuit.
Today – Tuesday, May 7 – through May 12 and May 14 through 19, riders of all levels and ages, from young children on ponies to local Olympic veterans like two-time gold medalist McLain Ward, will compete in hunter (emphasizing form) and timed jumper (emphasizing athleticism, speed and accuracy) events sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).
The shows continue a tradition at the North Salem farm that has seen the United States Olympic Team Selection Trials, FEI World Cup qualifiers, FEI North American Youth Championships and ASPCA Maclay Regional Finals.
“Over the last few years, Old Salem Farm has taken major steps to become one of the nation’s finest horse show facilities, and we greatly appreciate everyone’s support of our shows,” said Scott Hakim, owner and president of Old Salem Farm. “This year’s Spring Horse Shows promise to be the best yet, as many of the top athletes competing at Old Salem will be here with their eyes set on this summer’s Paris Olympic Games. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another fantastic event.”
Of course, the horse shows are about more than horse and rider. There’s shopping at equestrian-related stalls on Boutique Row; face painting, pony rides and autograph sessions; and dog adoptions on Saturdays with the SPCA of Westchester (May 11) and A New Chance Animal Rescue (May 18). Saturdays also feature free ice cream parties sponsored by Pegasus Therapeutic Riding (May 11), which began at the Ox Ridge Hunt Club in Darien, and the South Salem-based Wolf Conservation Center (May 18). Pegasus Therapeutic Riding will also host a “Pre-Prix Reception” before the $125,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix Presented by The Kincade Group on Sunday, May 12, and before the $200,000 Empire State Grand Prix Presented by Old Salem Farm, on Sunday, May 19.
Westchester’s Animal Embassy — home to more than 100 species of rescued and adopted domestic and exotic animals – will have an educational event May 19. There will also be special events sponsored by The EQUUS Foundation, which aims to safeguard the comfort and dignity of America’s horses throughout their lives. The EQUUS Foundation supports The Rider’s Closet, which provides new and gently used riding apparel to riding programs, clubs, charities and individuals in need. A spot for donations will be set up near or inside the Old Salem Farm barn lobby for anyone who’d like to donate.
For more, visit OldSalemFarm.net.
