Recently, the North American Riders Group (NARG) voted the Old Salem Farm Horse Shows as one of their Top 25 Horse Shows in America for 2010. With a mixture of new and returning events scheduled for 2011, the Spring Horse Shows are sure to remain one of America's favorites.
Highlighting the two weeks of competition are four Grand Prix events – the $25,000 Welcome Stake on May 13, $40,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix on May 15, $25,000 North Salem Grand Prix on May 20, and the $75,000 Empire State Grand Prix, presented by Land Rover, Mt. Kisco and Larchmont, on May 22.
The shows also feature a $20,000 Speed Derby of North Salem on May 21, $15,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, a member event of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame on May 22, $10,000 United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) International Hunter Derby on May 21 and $10,000 Leading Hunter Rider Award , which will be announced on May 22.
Among the new classes on this year's schedule are the Young Jumper divisions for 5, 6 and 7/8 year olds as well as a Master's Division for adult jumper riders age 50 and older.
The horse show's "top dogs" will be showing their winning form on May 13 in the popular Old Salem Farm Canine Puissance class, co-sponsored by Purina. This canine extravaganza, which features dogs jumping in similar style to their equine counterparts, is a horse show favorite, and one not to be missed by any dog enthusiast!
Horse show grooms will also have their chance to be recognized during the $5,000 Groom's Class on May 20. This class is open to all grooms in the hunter and jumper divisions, and is sponsored by local barns to support the efforts of these terrific hardworking individuals.
The popular Old Salem Farm Ice Cream Party, sponsored by Staysail Farm, will be held each Saturday after competition finishes in the Grand Prix ring and is always a crowd pleaser! This fun event is open to all.
For those who want a sneak peak of this year's Spring Horse Shows, Old Salem Farm will host Old Salem Farm Welcome Day on Sunday, May 8. In honor of Mother's Day, there will be free admission on this day. Families are invited to come to the Farm and enjoy a beautiful day in the country while watching exhibitors compete and prepare for the two weeks of competition ahead. Welcome Day will feature a full day of unrecognized showing at every level and is the perfect warm-up opportunity for the Spring Horse Shows. There will also be lots of activities for the entire family.
Over the years, Old Salem Farm has played host to major competitions including Selection Trials for U.S. teams for World Championships and Olympic Games. Old Salem Farm boasts a state-of-the-art stabling facility, its historic pristine grass Grand Prix field as well as 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 hosting more than 20 horse shows besides 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! Exceptional horses are also available for sale or lease.
Admission to the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows is $10.00 per carload on weekdays and $20.00 per carload on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Seating in the Patron Tent, which overlooks the Grand Prix field, is available Wednesday – Sunday, with a catered luncheon on Saturday and Grand Prix Sunday. For reservation information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net.
Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, whose mission is to provide the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities to physically, emotionally, and developmentally challenged individuals at facilities and stables in the states of Connecticut and New York, will be one of several local and equestrian charities benefiting from the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows. The Old Salem Farm Horse Shows are a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization.
For more information on Old Salem Farm, including its year-long horse show schedule, clinics, boarding, lessons and training, as well as the Spring Horse Show Prize List, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call 914-669-5610.
ENDS