The 2010 Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows began their two week run at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. The two-week long horse show features superlative hunter-jumper competition at one of the country's most beautiful equestrian training centers.

As the saying goes, "Neither rain...", nothing could deter the over 800 horses and their humans from arriving at the rings at Old Salem Farm for the start of two weeks of top equestrian competition.

Patricia Griffith successfully piloted Platinum, a nine-year-old, 17.2-hand dapple grey gelding around the courses to win the title of First Year Green Hunter Champion. They won the division title with three first-place ribbons, one second place and one third place. Platinum is a repeat winner at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, having earned the title of Grand Children's Hunter Champion last year with owner Lexie Maounis of Jupiter, FL, aboard.

Griffith continued her winning ways in the Second Year Green division by winning the championship with Travino, a 12-year-old chestnut gelding owned by Heritage Farm. Travino adds this win to his impressive resume; he carried Samantha Schaefer to victory in the 2009 WIHS Equitation Classic Final as well as winning numerous times in the First Year division.

Avalon and T. Lyman Whitehead broke Griffith's streak and put themselves in the running for the $10,000 Cavalor Leading Hunter Rider Award by claiming the Regular Working Hunter Championship. Avalon, owned by Visse Wedell of North Salem, NY, is no stranger to the winner's circle. The 10-year-old bay Belgian-bred gelding has been a consistent winner in this demanding division all through the winter.

The big jumpers came out for a few classes to stretch their legs and get a feel for the rings. Catherine Pasmore and her Haddon House Carlson took the blue ribbon in the 1.2 meter class with no faults in a time of 34.019. The next class, 1.3 meter Jumpers, was won by Kate Levy and Gralli with two clear rounds in a time of 32.755. The 1.4 meter class was won by Sarah Segal and Ramses, fault free in a time of 36.013.

The 2010 Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows will feature the $40,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix, $75,000 Empire State Grand Prix, $25,000 North Salem Grand Prix, as well as a $15,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic part of the Cavalor Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series, $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby, $10,000 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby Presented by The Premier Collection/Land Rover of Mt. Kisco and Land Rover of Larchmont, and the $10,000 Cavalor 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 dog 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 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.

Tickets for the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows are $10 for a three-day pass, valid Tuesday-Thursday, and $20 for weekend pass, valid Friday-Sunday. A portion of the admission proceeds will benefit Pegasus Therapeutic Riding and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Tickets for the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows can be purchased online at www.oldsalemfarm.net or by calling (914) 669-5610, as well as on-site during the horse shows.

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.