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Heads Up: Tails Fly At Old Salem Farm

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. – North Salem residents and horse-lovers throughout the area can be sure that spring has arrived, because the Old Salem Spring Horse Show is now under way. The event began on Sunday, May 5 and will continue until Sunday, May 19, with a day of rest on Monday the 13.

The annual Spring Horse Show at North Salem’s Old Salem Farm runs until May 19.

The annual Spring Horse Show at North Salem’s Old Salem Farm runs until May 19.

Photo Credit: Katherine Pacchiana

Rated by the North American Riders Group as North America’s “11th Best Show,” the Old Salem event attracts many of the world’s finest riders, horses and trainers. Over 130 hunter and jumper classes for riders of all ages and levels are held during each week of the two-week event. Highlights include rigorous jumping competitions with prizes ranging up to $100,000.

Beezie Madden, winner of the 2013 Rolex FEI World Cup Final, is riding in her first competition since her return to America. Two-time Olympic medalist McLain Ward is also competing, as are Olympians Anne Kursinski and Lisa Jacquin and North Salem’s Georgina Bloomberg.

“We love the facility and the improvements they’ve done here,” Madden said. “We always look forward to jumping on the grass field.” International equestrian course designer, Guilherme Jorge has called Old Salem’s grass arena “really beautiful… a wonderful set-up,” and an interesting challenge to design – as it is to compete on.

Friday, May 10, will bring the $25,000 Welcome Stake, the canine puissance, a make-your-own pizza party and a visit from Atka, the Ambassador Wolf from South Salem’s Wolf Conservation Center.

Saturday, May 11, will focus on equitation challenges with a prize of $5,000 for the winner of the Classic, plus an ice cream social, and on Mother's Day, May 12, you can thrill to the $50,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix.

Friday, May 17, brings the $25,000 North Salem Grand Prix and a make-your-own pasta party, Saturday the $20,000 Speed Derby and an ice cream social and Sunday, the crowning glory of the huge competition, the $100,000 Empire State Grand Prix, starting at 2:30 p.m.

While all of these equestrian events are occurring in Old Salem’s multiple riding rings, dozens of vendors’ booths will dot the area, enticing you to browse, shop, snack and/or learn about something new.

Old Salem Farm is on June Road, between Hardscrabble and Titicus Roads in North Salem. General admission is set at $20 per car on Friday through Sunday. There is no parking charge during the week, when competitions continue each day except Monday on a somewhat less spectacular scale. Proceeds support the Old Salem Farm Foundation, a not-for-profit organization.

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