Goldens Bridge Hounds Set Hunter Pace For Sunday

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. – Riders from North Salem are set for a special treat Sunday as the Goldens Bridge Hunt sponsors the North Country Hunter Pace.

“About 10 years ago we thought, ‘It won’t be long before we won’t be able to ride around North Salem,’ ” said the Hunt’s Anita Zander. “So we went up to Amenia and talked to some property owners and got permission to build some trails.”

As things turned out, Zander said, the North Salem bridle trails are still here and better than ever. “It’s because people have bought the old farms and are putting them back together again. It’s amazing and wonderful.”

Nevertheless, Hunt members go up to enjoy a ride in Amenia several times a year, and hold the North Country Hunt there annually.

Sunday’s ride is the second of three major hunter paces this season. The first took place in the spring at the Baxter Road Preserve.

“The Amenia ride is very relaxed,” Zander said. “Teams of two or three people go on a guided ride. There are fewer riders and you can go at any pace. If you want to try for a ribbon you can go faster, but you can just do the ride for the enjoyment. They’re trails that no one goes on. The footing is lovely and there are long views across the countryside. There aren’t a lot of jumps and you have the option of riding around them. It’s very quiet. Even the horses know how special the country is.”

The North Country Pace is open to all interested riders. The cost is $70 for adults and $50 for juniors (17 and under). Lunch is provided: fresh sandwiches and salad, fruit, cookies, soda, water and juice.

Hard hats are required for all riders, and all horses need a Coggins test. The first team starts at 8:30 a.m., the last at 11 a.m.

Click here for a registration form or contact Anita Zander at AZander@HoulihanLawrence.com or 914-282-2548.

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