The newly renovated Old Salem Farm will once again host its highly popular Spring Horse Shows, May 11-16, and May 18-23. The two-week long horse show series features top-notch hunter-jumper competition at one of the country's most beautiful equestrian training centers.

Already popular classes such as the $40,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix, $75,000 Empire State Grand Prix and $25,000 North Salem Grand Prix will once again return to the Spring Horse Shows, while the newest class being added to the schedule, the $10,000 United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) International Hunter Derby, is sure to become an instant favorite.

"We are very excited about the return of the Spring Horse Shows and the addition of the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby," said Scott Hakim, President of Old Salem Farm. "The addition of the Hunter Derby is just one more thing that sets our Spring Horse Shows apart from other events. I am looking forward to sharing this special experience with everybody right here at Old Salem Farm in May!"

The $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby will take place on Saturday, May 22. International Hunter Derby classes were created by the United States Hunter Jumper Association to help increase spectator interest and elevate show hunters to the international level, much like their show jumping counterparts.

The Hunter Derby consists of four events—the Hunter Classic Course, the Handy Hunter Course, the Jump-off and the final jog. During the first three classes, horses and riders will be asked to navigate a challenging course of jumps varying from 3'6" to 4'3" in height and which resemble jumps that would be found in a hunt field. During the final jog class, horses are evaluated by a veterinarian for overall soundness.

The $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show is just one on a list of similar events being held across the country. They will culminate with the 2010 USHJA Hunter Derby Finals, which will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, August 20-21, 2010. For more information on the USHJS International Hunter Derby schedule and class specifications, please visit www.ushja.org/ihd/Default.aspx.

In addition to its three Grand Prix events, the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows will also host the $15,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, part of the Cavalor Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series, $10,000 Hunter Classic and the horse shows' $10,000 Leading Hunter Rider Award.

The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows also feature non-equestrian activities, including the fun and popular Canine Puissance, co-sponsored by The Pooch Paddock, the onsite doggy daycare service. The Puissance takes place on Friday, May 14, and is open to all dogs and includes three size sections—small, medium and Large—with $500 in prize money for each section.

Old Salem Farm boasts its historic pristine grass Grand Prix field as well as three all-weather outdoor rings, all which will be in full use during its Spring Horse Show dates.

Old Salem Farm has a long, cherished history of hosting elite horse shows for the nation's premiere horses and riders. Over the years, it has played host to Selection Trials for U.S. Teams for World Championships and Olympic Games. With the completion of it renovations, Old Salem Farm now has a state-of-the-art stabling facility to go with its outstanding show and schooling rings, all surrounded by one of the nation's most quaint and picturesque settings.

Old Salem Farm is located one hour north of New York City. In addition to its year-long horse show series that includes more than 20 horse shows in addition to its flagship spring horse shows, it maintains state-of-the-art stabling facilities for year-round boarding. Old Salem Farm's training staff offers training for every level of riding from Short Stirrup to Grand Prix hopefuls. Exceptional horses are also available for sale or lease.

For more information on Old Salem Farm, including its year-long horse show schedule, clinics, boarding, lessons and training, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call (914) 669-5610.