Pied Piper Pony Rides are always a hit with the kids. (The Book LLC)
Don't miss all the fun and excitement before the American Gold Cup begins. Come for the world-class competition, and stay for the acrobats and world-class musical performances.
Family Fun
If you have young ones or are simply young-at-heart, the American Gold Cup offers pony rides, face painting, a petting zoo and the popular JustWorld horseless horse show.
For more than 25 years, The Pied Piper Pony Rides and Petting Zoo has delighted and educated children about animals, as well as giving kids an opportunity to experience the joy of riding. Operator Melanie Pien, a mother of two, understands what makes kids smile and ensures the ponies are always safe and happy. After watching the speedy grand prix jumpers, any child at the American Gold Cup will be excited about riding one of the Pied Piper's friendly ponies.
The artistic and beautiful designs by professional face-painters will certainly brighten up the Old Salem show grounds. Whimsical designs will make children of all ages smile.
There will also be a hula hoop performer, a high-energy dance troupe and appearances by pageant winners, including Miss Westchester and Miss Hudson Valley.
The atmosphere at the American Gold Cup inspires young people to partake in show jumping, and any child may compete in the imaginative JustWorld International Horseless Horse Show. On Sunday pint-size competitors can try their own legs over a miniature show jumping course. Proceeds from the event benefit JustWorld's programs that aid children in need around the world.
Magical Acts
The light-hearted fun doesn't stop there. Keep an eye open at the show grounds for some unique and fascinating performers, including a gold living statue, a strolling juggler and magicians. They will be displaying their mystical talents around the show, providing amusing and intriguing sleights of hand and impressive feats.
Face painting at the American Gold Cup.
Contributing to the show's festive and fun atmosphere will be many harmonious musical acts, from bagpipes to national anthem singers.
Darius Kaufmann, a world-renowned musician from local North Salem Boy Scouts Troop 1, will display his skill with Celtic instruments on the bagpipes.
Each day of competition will also highlight a uniquely talented singer performing the national anthem. On Friday, Alison McConekey, an incredible opera soprano, will wow spectators with her beautiful tone and commanding stage presence. Saturday will showcase 18-year-old Amber Lewis, and Sunday wraps up with Maureen Hamill, an experienced theatrical singer.
Equestrian Attractions
Show jumping fans and enthusiasts will have the chance to meet the friendly and inspiring Grand Prix riders, potential Olympians of the future. They will be signing autographs on the Grand Prix Field after the final awards ceremony for the featured event Sunday, the $215,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York.
With thrilling international show jumping competition and impressive, world-class horse and rider combinations, the American Gold Cup is a can't-miss event. Add to that the family-friendly activities, musical performances and magical entertainers, and the American Gold Cup promises to please all spectators.
Children's tickets are $15 per day (free admission ages 12 and under) on Saturday and Sunday.
Wednesday through Friday the American Gold Cup competition is free to the public.
For more information about the Jockey Club, please contact [email protected]
#AmericanGoldCup.
About the American Gold Cup
Held over five days, the American Gold Cup brings together a diverse crowd of elite equestrian athletes, discerning horse owners, excited fans and young hopefuls waiting to catch a glimpse of their idols set amongst a fanfare of family-friendly activities, competitions, shopping, entertainment and celebrity sightings.
In addition to the competition ring, the international show jumping event features high-end shopping located along Old Salem Farm's boutique row. From top-notch equestrian tack and equipment to fashion, jewelry, antiques, art and much more, the scenic outdoor boutiques offer show-goers the perfect opportunity to get some shopping in while taking a break from the competition action.
Old Salem Farm, located an hour north of New York City, boasts a state-of-the-art stabling facility, an historic pristine grass Grand Prix field and outstanding competition and schooling arenas, all of which are surrounded by one of the world's most charming and picturesque competition venue settings. For the past four years, the North American Riders Group (NARG) has recognized the Old Salem Farm competitions on their NARG Top 25 List. For more information on Old Salem Farm, including its yearlong competition schedule, prize lists, clinics, boarding, lessons and training, visit www.oldsalemfarm.net.
45th Annual American Gold Cup Fast Facts:
What:
Featuring the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York
When:
Sept. 9-13, 2015
Where:
Old Salem Farm, 190 June Road, North Salem, New York
Highlights:
Thursday, Sept. 10
$35,000 Welcome Class CSI 4* Table A against the clock
Friday, Sept. 11
$85,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York Qualifier , Table A with a jump-off
(40 best riders qualify for Sunday's Grand Prix)
Saturday, Sept. 12
$35,000 Hermès Sellier Speed Derby CSI 4* Article 239 C
$85,000 Fidelity Investments Classic CSI 4* Table A with a jump-off
Region 2 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Championship
Sunday, Sept. 13
$215,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York
Hours:
Wednesday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday - Friday
Saturday and Sunday Family Entertainment begins at 11 a.m. including pony rides, face painting and shopping on Boutique Row featuring Hermès, Danbury Porsche. Other shops feature custom riding apparel, antiques, jewelry, pet clothing, pet accessories, portrait artists, clothing and home accents.
Tickets:
Weekdays: Admission is free to the public
Saturday and Sunday: Admission is $20 per person, $15 per child 4-12 years and seniors 65+, children 3 and under are free.
Jockey Club VIP Tables:
High-top tables of four or six or tables of eight.
For reservations call
(941) 744-5465 or email [email protected]
Parking:
Available on the grounds and overflow parking with shuttles.
Directions:
From Interstate 84 or Interstate 287: Take interstate 684 to exit 8 (Hardscrabble Road), turn right. Old Salem Farm is on the right.
Information:
Before Show - (800) 237-8924
During Show - (914) 669-5610 ext 201
Stable office - (941) 744-5465
Prize List Advertising - (941) 744-5465
Vendor Boutique - Matt Morrissey (941) 915-3457
Website: http://www.theamericangoldcup.com/