Ann Misenheimer and Cornerstone. Photos by The Book LLC.
Mattias Tromp and KM Whatever RV Win $10,000 Open Jumper 1.45m
North Salem, New York – Ann Misenheimer and her own Cornerstone were presented as Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Champions after topping the 50 and Over Division on Thursday at Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, running May 10-15 and May 17-22 at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. On the Grand Prix Field, Mattias Tromp of North Salem, NY topped the $10,000 Open Jumper 1.45m aboard KM Whatever RV for owner Bayaert Farm, Inc.
Misenheimer, who hails from Unionville, PA and trains with Stacia Madden, rode to three blue ribbons over fences to earn the Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Championship, her first-ever grand champion honor at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows. Misenheimer and Cornerstone, a ten-year-old Brandenburg mare, were also fifth under saddle and fifth over fences.
“I had no idea that I was going to be grand champion and I was so excited,” said Misenheimer. “This mare is the best. A good mare is a great horse, and she is all of those things.”
Peaches, as Cornerstone is known around the barn, has been with Misenheimer since 2012 and has carried her owner in both the Adult and Amateur-Owner Divisions. Bred as a dressage horse in Germany, Cornerstone was found for Misenheimer by hunter judge, Scott Williamson. But Misenheimer’s attraction to Cornerstone wasn’t exactly traditional.
“[Scott] called me and told me about a horse I needed to see,” said Misenheimer about the first time she saw Cornerstone. “He told me I would love her, and I needed to have her. I watched two videos of her doing the First Years in Ocala and a third video of her as a four or five year old, jumping around bridleless! I said, ‘That’s an amateur horse, and I will end up with her.’”
Four years later Misenheimer admits it’s like a dream come true to be able to show at her current level after riding as a child.
Reserve champion honors in the Adult Amateur Hunter 50 and Over Division were presented to James Anderson and Forever, owned by Rivers Edge. They won the under saddle and were first, second, and third over fences.
Mattias Tromp and KM Whatever RV Rally to Win $10,000 Open Jumper 1.45m
North Salem native Mattias Tromp was first and third in the $10,000 Open Jumper 1.45m on Thursday. He and KM Whatever RV topped 34 contenders in the one-round speed format class for the win. After finishing the $10,000 Open Jumper 1.40m with the fastest time, but an unlucky rail on Wednesday, Tromp made a last-minute decision to enter the 1.45m and it paid off.
Mattias Tromp and KM Whatever RV
Tromp added KM Whatever RV to his string a year ago after finding the 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding through McLain Ward.
“I’ve mostly been getting used to him and learning how to ride him,” said Tromp. “We have been doing the 1.40m and 1.45m classes and we led the 1.40m standings in Ocala this winter. He’s such a fun horse to show and compete.”
After only a year together, KM Whatever RV is a mount Tromp would like to keep under him for seasons to come.
“It will be great to show him more and get some results on him,” said Tromp. “He’s a pleasure to have, and I don’t want to see him go anytime soon. You can see your distances a mile away on him.”
This week marked KM Whatever RV’s first time on the Grand Prix Field at Old Salem Farm, and Tromp admitted that he felt very brave.
“It’s a beautiful venue and one of the nicest places to show at,” concluded Tromp, who was also third on Thursday in the irons of Triomphe Z for Bayaert Farm, Inc.
The Grand Prix Field will continue Open Jumper competition with the $6,500 Open Jumper 1.35m on Friday before the $35,000 New York Welcome Stake takes the stage at the revised time of 11 am.
About the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows Old Salem Farm, located just one hour north of New York City, is one of the best equestrian competition venues in North America, as rated by the North American Riders Group. Host of the FEI 2* and 3* Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, the prestigious American Gold Cup CSI-W 4*, and year-round competitions, the facility offers a state-of-the-art turf grand prix field, indoor riding arena, and two all-weather footing rings. As a boarding and training facility, Old Salem Farm is second to none and home to top trainer Frank Madden. For more information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call 914-669-5610.
Louise Serio and Rock Harbor. Photos by The Book LLC.
Mario Deslauriers and Cherrypop Win $10,000 Open Jumper 1.40m
North Salem, New York – Louise Serio and Rock Harbor were named Grand Hunter Champions after dominating the High Performance Working Hunter Division on Wednesday during the first week of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, running May 10-15 and May 17-22 at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. Highlighting jumper action on the Grand Prix Field, Mario Deslauriers of New York, NY and Cherrypop claimed the $10,000 Open Jumper 1.40m.
Serio and Rock Harbor, a nine-year-old chestnut Warmblood gelding owned by Jennifer Burger, started the High Performance Working Hunter Division on a high note on Tuesday with a win over fences and second place under saddle. They returned on Wednesday to win the final over fences class and the handy on scores of 89 and 87.
“He was really good yesterday, but he was spectacular today,” said Serio. “We’ve been together since he was a pre-green horse, so we know each other well. He has become so brave and fun – it’s really rewarding to have something you started at pre-green go to the high performance.”
While Rock Harbor has a clear connection with Serio in the competition ring, “Harry”, as he’s called around the barn, is a special horse for Burger.
“When he arrived at the barn the first time, I was out of town,” said Burger. “The girls that greeted him told me he needed a barn name and when I asked what he looked like, they told me he was handsome and his coloring was just like Prince Harry. So, Harry it was.”
Burger brought Rock Harbor into Serio’s string at Derbydown five years ago with intentions of having the horse move up the levels with her in the tack.
“When I get a horse, I love to do the whole thing, the pre-green with the goal always being to get to the four-foot level,” said Burger. “It doesn’t usually happen, but it’s so exciting when it does. This is extra special because Louise has taken him the whole way.”
When asked what it was like watching her horse in the ring this week, Burger responded, “Yesterday was fantastic, but that first round today was one of those rounds that happens maybe once out of a hundred trips and you wouldn’t change a thing.”
Over the past several years, Serio let Rock Harbor take his time and she always planned to let him decide whether he would keep moving up.
“We didn’t know what his ability was going to be as far as scope and stride, but he just keeps coming up with more and more,” she said. “He has a wonderful front end – his knees are always super high. His jumping style is beautiful, and he is actually better now as a high performance horse than he was over the lower jumps. He does it easily and is great at it.”
Reserve champion honors in the High Performance Hunter Division were presented to Sandy Ferrell and Imperial, owned by Stephanie Bulger. They earned fourth place under saddle and two second place ribbons over fences, as well as second over the handy course.
Mario Deslauriers Steps Cherrypop Up to Win $10,000 Open Jumper 1.40m Mario Deslauriers topped 45 challengers in Wednesday’s $10,000 Open Jumper 1.40m to get The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows off to an impressive start for Cherrypop, a nine-year old Oldenburg mare owned by Wishing Well Farm, LLC. From the 26th position in the order, Deslauriers posted a double-clear effort in the immediate jump-off class and crossed the timers in 34.845 seconds for the win.
Mario Deslauriers and Cherrypop
Deslauriers and Cherrypop just started their third year together with hopes to move up into international level competition in the near future.
“I brought her along slowly, and we’ve recently been stepping up to the 1.40-1.45m,” said Deslauriers. “She’s maturing now and ready to go win some classes. We may do some FEI classes next week and hopefully slowly catch up to the 1.50m.”
Wednesday’s competition marked Deslauriers and Cherrypop’s first time back in the ring after the winter show season, and it was a welcomed spring debut for both horse and rider.
“It’s like a breath of fresh air to show outside on a beautiful grass field,” said Deslauriers. “They keep [Old Salem Farm] pristine, and any rider enjoys coming here to show. They worked the footing so well after all the rain last week and she jumped great out there today.”
Deslauriers is at Old Salem Farm during The Spring Horse Shows with his entire barn and will train nearly 20 students competing in all three rings over the next two weeks.
Open Jumper competition continues with Thursday’s $10,000 1.40-1.45m on the Grand Prix Field, while the Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Champion will be crowned in the Hunter Ring.
About the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows Old Salem Farm, located just one hour north of New York City, is one of the best equestrian competition venues in North America, as rated by the North American Riders Group. Host of the FEI 2* and 3* Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, the prestigious American Gold Cup CSI-W 4*, and year-round competitions, the facility offers a state-of-the-art turf grand prix field, indoor riding arena, and two all-weather footing rings. As a boarding and training facility, Old Salem Farm is second to none and home to top trainer Frank Madden. For more information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call 914-669-5610.
Keirstin Johnsen and Hennepin. Photo by Jump Media.
North Salem, NY – Keirstin Johnsen got the 34th annual Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows underway in winning form by claiming the division title in The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) $2,000 Low Thoroughbred Hunter 3′ Division aboard Hennepin on Welcome Day, held Sunday, May 8, at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows will host two weeks of exceptional hunter/jumper competition, highlighted by a CSI 2* on May 10-15, and a CSI 3*, held May 17-22.
After jumping to a tricolor ribbon in the 2015 T.I.P. division at Old Salem Farm’s Spring Horse Shows, Johnsen and eight-year-old Hennepin, owned by Shelly Ferrall, were first and fourth over fences before topping the under saddle this year to again clinch the win. Reserve Champion honors were presented to Oakley Clark and Boscobel, owned by Heritage Farm, after first and second place ribbons over fences and fourth under saddle.
Ferrall found Hennepin on an Internet ad four years ago, after the then four-year old gelding had been retired from his career on the racetrack.
“I was looking for a Thoroughbred to get me back to riding after being out of the saddle for ten years,” said Ferrall. “I saw a little video of him trotting over cross rails and it was pretty bad, but he had a certain way about him.”
According to Johnsen, Ferrall saved the gelding’s life and helped him to become a successful show hunter.
“It took a little time and a lot of work, but [Shelly] was very patient and let us do what we needed to do, and he has totally stepped up to the plate,” said Johnsen. “She basically told me she didn’t care what he became; she just wanted to be able to ride him someday.”
When asked what drew them to the T.I.P. classes, Johnsen responded, “It’s really nice to be able to show against horses that have done the same thing. They are different and a little more sensitive in different ways, so it’s nice to go against horses in that same category.”
T.I.P. classes are proudly offered at Old Salem Farm thanks to the support of Vivien Malloy, who owns Edition Farm, a Thoroughbred breeding farm in Dutchess County, NY. She presents the division in honor of her daughter, Debby Malloy Winkler, who showed at Old Salem Farm as a junior and passed away following a tragic fall from a horse at her home in Germany in 2011. In addition to high-point awards, Johnsen was also presented with the Debby Malloy Winkler Memorial Trophy, donated by the Malloy Family.
For Vivien Malloy, it’s an honor to watch horses that had a career on the track have second chances to shine in the show ring. This marks the third year she has presented the Debby Malloy Winkler Memorial Trophy at Old Salem Farm.
“I breed Thoroughbreds, and I feel very responsible for them throughout their whole lives,” she said. “There are $15,000 Thoroughbreds retiring each year and most are serviceably sound. I wanted to do something in Debby’s name because she rode and loved Thoroughbreds. She rode Warmbloods in Germany and said she would save her Thoroughbreds for the end of her day and call them her dessert. She loved them, and I wanted to do something in her memory.”
Commencing on Tuesday, May 10, the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows offer more than $500,000 in divisions ranging from ponies and equitation to Under 25 and top FEI competition. General admission to Old Salem Farm is free Wednesday through Friday during the Spring Horse Shows. On the weekends of May 14-15 and 21-22, which feature the $50,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix CSI2*, presented by The Kincade Group, on Sunday, May 15, and the $130,000 Empire State Grand Prix CSI3*, presented by The Kincade Group, on Sunday, May 22, admission is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 12. To purchase tickets for all show jumping events at the Spring Horse Shows, as well as special events including ice cream socials, pony rides, face painting, and more, CLICK HERE.
Stay on top of all things Old Salem Farm this spring with all-day live streaming of the Grand Prix Field Friday through Sunday at www.oldsalemfarm.net.
About the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows
Old Salem Farm, located just one hour north of New York City, is one of the best equestrian competition venues in North America, as rated by the North American Riders Group. Host of the FEI 2* and 3* Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, the prestigious American Gold Cup CSI-W 4*, and year-round competitions, the facility offers a state-of-the-art turf grand prix field, indoor riding arena, and two all-weather footing rings. As a boarding and training facility, Old Salem Farm is second to none and home to top trainer Frank Madden. For more information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call 914-669-5610.
Mclain Ward and HH Azur competing at the 2015 Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows. Photo by Jump Media.
North Salem, NY – The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows will now offer even more for show jumpers as they have been classified as CSI-rated competitions by the The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). The FEI classes will give riders the opportunity to gain valuable Longines FEI World Ranking points. Additionally, the Spring Horse Shows will feature Under 25 competitions, including a $15,000 U25 Grand Prix, sponsored by T&R Development, for up and coming jumper riders.
“Our team here at Old Salem Farm is always looking to stay out in front of what is up and coming for our sport,” said Old Salem Farm Trainer Frank Madden. “We feel the U25 competition is hugely important in the development of our young riders, and therefore important that we make it a priority to offer it at the Spring Shows.”
The first week of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows will run May 10-15 with a CSI2* classification and the second week, a CSI3*, will take place May 17-22 at the acclaimed Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY.
The 2016 schedule includes top competition for hunters, equitation riders and world-ranked jumper riders alike. Highlights planned for the celebrated grand prix field during the Spring Shows include:
– $130,000 Empire State Grand Prix
– $50,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix
– $35,000 New York Welcome Stake Grand Prix
– $35,000 North Salem Grand Prix
– $35,000 Speed Derby of North Salem
– $15,000 Old Salem Farm Speed Derby
– $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
– $15,000 Under 25 Grand Prix, sponsored by T&R Development
“The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows have attracted some of the most accomplished riders in show jumping and delivered top sport each year they have taken place. Now, we are proud to offer those riders more opportunities to gain world ranking points, as well as bring an even higher level of equestrian competition to Westchester County,” said Old Salem Farm Manager Alan Bietsch. “We have been working to deliver CSI-rated competition to the Spring Shows after witnessing the great success the American Gold Cup has enjoyed, and we are very excited that both weeks of competition will be sanctioned by the FEI in 2016.”
The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows feature Premier rated hunters and USEF 5* and USEF 6* jumpers, and was most recently ranked on the North American Riders Group Top 25 List in 2014. The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows feature over 130 hunter and jumper classes each week, bringing together top competitors, including Olympic show jumpers, from across the country. Old Salem Farm’s beautifully manicured grounds, a list of elite horses and riders, and fantastic social gatherings draw spectators from Westchester County and beyond to watch horses and ponies of every size compete for over $500,000 in prize money.
For more information on the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, including sponsorship opportunities, ticket sales, VIP table reservations and available vendor space, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net/spring-shows.
About Old Salem Farm Old Salem Farm, located just one hour north of New York City, is one of the best equestrian competition venues in North America, as rated by the North American Riders Group since 2011. Host of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, the prestigious American Gold Cup CSI-W 4*, and year-round competitions, the facility offers a state-of-the-art turf grand prix field, indoor riding arena, and two all-weather footing rings. As a boarding and training facility, Old Salem Farm is second to none and home to top trainer Frank Madden. For more information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call 914-669-5610.
Victoria Colvin and Ovation Add Old Salem Farm Grand Junior Hunter Champion to Their Trophy Case
North Salem, NY – May 10, 2015 – The first week of competition at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows wrapped on Sunday with Mclain Ward and Double H Farm’s HH Azur besting 39 contenders in the $50,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix, presented by The Kincade Group. Also highlighting the final day of competition, Victoria Colvin and Ovation scored the Grand Junior Hunter Championship for the first time in Colvin’s career at Old Salem Farm.
The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows run May 5-10 and May 12-17 at the picturesque Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. The shows feature over 130 hunter and jumper classes each week, bringing together top competitors, including Olympic show jumpers, from all corners of the country to compete for more than $500,000 in prize money.
The jump-off was not yet in Mclain Ward’s future as he entered the ring to bat cleanup in the afternoon’s featured class, but HH Azur had plans to change that. Clean, smooth and within the time allowed, the nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare carried Ward to the jump-off where they again returned last and scored the double-clear win in 34.096 seconds.
Georgina Bloomberg was second aboard Caleno 3 for Gotham Enterprizes, LLC in 34.365 seconds after giving the impressive crowd that lined The Grand Prix Field their third clear of the day in the original order. Third fell to Peter Leone and My Pleasure, LLC’s My Pleasure who jumped first in both rounds and crossed the jump-off timers clear in 34.730 seconds.
Leslie Howard and Martin Guerra’s Balboa 6 were fourth after securing a jump-off in the first round and finished with the fastest four-fault trip of the day in 37.051 seconds. Howard also piloted Genrille Van Spiedveld for GJ Stables & Peter Howard, marking her return to the grand prix on multiple mounts after undergoing hip surgery this winter.
Capping the top five, Devin Ryan piloted his own Cooper to an eight-fault jump-off performance in 34.151 seconds as the youngest horse in the field at eight years old.
Still a new mount for Ward, HH Azur is a promising one. “My reaction to how Azur jumps every day is amazement,” he said. “I probably don’t often say it, but I am very lucky to have the horses I have and this one is something very special.”
Ward actually sat on Azur as a five-year-old and decided not to buy the mare, but the opportunity came again at the end of last year. Ward jumped at the prospect and just several months later, he is confident the horse is destined for greatness. “I think this horse could win the Olympic Games,” he said.
Michel Vaillancourt of Aiken, SC set his final course of the week in the grand prix and saw five clear. “We had a fantastic week of weather and that makes my life so much easier,” said Vaillancourt. “The field was in absolute perfect shape and I know there’s another week coming up so, I wanted to leave it the same – I always keep that in mind when designing my tracks and jump-offs. Earlier in the week we had a fantastic welcome, great numbers, and the climax of it all was a super ride from Mclain.”
While a true test, Ward was pleased with the course presented by Vaillancourt and admits his only goal was to stay out of Azur’s way. “It was a really good course, and Michel is one of my favorites,” said Ward. “He is always challenging while being fair. It’s a National Grand Prix, so you have some developing horses. The hills, terrain and natural environment already takes a toll. For these young horses, it’s a phenomenal stepping stone.”
Next week, HH Azur will return to The Grand Prix Field with Ward in the irons and again challenge the big money in the $100,000 Empire State Grand Prix, presented by The Kincade Group. Ward’s win tightened his grasp on the $20,000 Leading Jumper Rider Challenge, which he has led all week.
Before the grand prix took the stage, junior and amateur riders closed out their jumper classics for the week with Victoria Colvin and Take The High Road, LLC’s Don Juan winning the $7,500 Medium Classic, presented by Town Vibe Media. Lucy Deslauriers and Lisa Deslauriers’ Hester jumped to top spot in the $15,000 High Classic, presented by Miller Motorcars.
Victoria Colvin Wins Grand Junior Hunter Champion
Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL added to her list of incredible junior career accolades as she swept the Small and Large Junior Hunter 16-17 divisions, won the Grand Junior Hunter Championship, and was named Best Junior Rider on a Horse.
Colvin has only shown occasionally at Old Salem Farm, having competed with ponies four years ago and at the ASPCA Maclay Regionals in the fall. She was very pleased to have done so well at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show. “I don’t have much of a history here,” she confirmed. “It’s a nice set up and beautiful. They give great ribbons and prizes, and it makes it feel like a big event.”
Victoria Colvin and Ovation
She had success at every discipline this week, having won the Equitation Challenge, presented by EquiFit, and the Medium Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. “Every horse I did this week has been really great,” she said.
In the Large Junior Hunter 16-17 division, she and Dr. Betsee Parker’s Ovation won two and placed second in two over fences classes. They also took the blue ribbon in the under saddle class, which gave them the division championship and the Grand Junior Hunter Championship. She was reserve champion in the division on Parker’s Canadian Blue, winning first, first, and second over fences and third under saddle.
In her last year as a junior rider, Colvin is preserving bittersweet memories of riding her junior hunters. It is planned for Ovation to retire at the end of the year as one of the winningest junior hunters in history.
Colvin related, “Every round that I do, he’s so beautiful, so when we’re going around, I’m thinking, ‘This is so pretty. This is the last trip (on him) I’m going to have here.’ He’s just so elegant as he goes across the ground. I have to smile when I’m on him because he’s so beautiful. He can still be naughty sometimes, but he’s gotten older and a little wiser. He’s just an amazing horse to ride.”
In the Small Junior 16-17 Hunter division, she was champion on two more Parker-owned rides, Small Affair and Way Cool. Small Affair placed first and second over fences and second in the under saddle for the championship, while Way Cool was reserve champion after placing first and second over fences.
This was Way Cool’s first show back since the Hampton Classic in August. “He felt amazing. His jump is unbelievable. I was very happy to have him back, and hopefully he’ll be back and ready for Devon (Horse Show),” she said. “I hope he goes like that at Devon.”
Colvin’s hunters will take next week off before contesting the Devon Horse Show, “so they’ll be fresh and happy”.
In the Small Junior 15 & Under Hunters, Akinda and Coco Fath, riding for Hillside Farm, Inc., were champions. They were first, first, second, fourth, and fifth. Lilli Hymowitz and Rose Hill Farm’s Enjoy were reserve champions with first, first, second, and fourth place ribbons.
Boneparte Z and Ellie Ferrigno, riding for Kristi C. Siam, took the championship in the Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under Hunters. They won three classes and placed third in the remaining over fences class. The reserve championship went to Cassanto and Emily Perez, who were first, second, third, and sixth over fences and won the under saddle.
The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows continue on May 12-17 with another week of exciting competition, including Saturday’s $20,000 Speed Derby of North Salem and $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby as well as the $100,000 Empire State Grand Prix presented by The Kincade Group on Sunday.
Old Salem Farm, located just one hour north of New York City, is one of the best equestrian competition venues in North America, as rated by the North American Riders Group in 2011-2014. Host of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, the prestigious American Gold Cup CSI-W 4*, and year-round competitions, the facility offers a state-of-the-art turf grand prix field, indoor riding arena, and two all-weather footing rings. As a boarding and training facility, Old Salem Farm is second to none and home to top trainer Frank Madden. For more information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call 914-669-5610.
Darby Mazzarisi and Gemology. Photos by The Book, LLC.
McLain Ward Keeps Double H Streak Alive in $5,000 Open Jumper 1.40m with HH Carlos Z
North Salem, NY – May 7, 2015 – Adult Amateur hunter competition at The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows was highlighted today as Darby Mazzarisi of Chesterfield, NJ collected Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Champion honors aboard her own Gemology. On the Grand Prix Field, Mclain Ward kept Double H Farm on the leaderboard today, winning his second $5,000 Open Jumper 1.40m in a row, this time in the irons of the seasoned HH Carlos Z.
The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows run May 5-10 and May 12-17 at the picturesque Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. The shows feature over 130 hunter and jumper classes each week, bringing together top competitors, including Olympic show jumpers, from all corners of the country to compete for more than $500,000 in prize money.
Six years ago, Mazzarisi thought she was in the market for a “made” hunter ready for the show ring. Instead, what she got was Gemology as a gift from her husband in the form of a 6-month-old Dutch Warmblood/Thoroughbred project. The now seven-year-old mare by Popeye K made a patient Mazzarisi proud today, carrying her to champion in the Adult Amateur Hunter 36-45 Division and staking her claim on Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Champion.
“It’s actually a little bittersweet to see her arrive,” said Mazzarisi. “It has been so fun to watch her mature. This is only her fifth time over three-foot and fourth away show.”
Despite inexperience on paper, Gemology was flawless in the ring during the past two days. After winning both over fences classes yesterday, she was second under saddle and jumped to first and third today.
Reserve Champion in the Adult Amateur Hunter 36-45 Division was presented to Lily Maddock of New York, NY and her own Mosaik. She was sixth, third and jumped to second twice over fences, and was fourth under saddle.
Bred by Susan Cordell in Medford, NJ, Gemology fulfilled an ever-present attraction to the Thoroughbred type for Mazzarisi. “I’ve always loved the Thoroughbreds and she’s very much one with that Thoroughbred gallop and great rhythm,” she said. “She has a Thoroughbred heart – they either want it or they don’t, and from the start she has wanted it. That makes it all the more fun.”
While Mazzarisi is beginning to tire from a balancing act of midweek showing and racing home to meet the school bus for her three children, Gemology seems to get stronger and stronger each day. “She had so much energy today even after doing the Pre-Greens with Holly [Orlando]. I’m used to riding her and feeling like I have to hold her hand, but this horse show she walked in with her big girl pants on,” joked Mazzarisi who trains with Stacia Madden at Beacon Hill Show Stables. “All the mistakes were mine, and I can own that. For me, that’s a good feeling when you can fix your own mistakes and the horse was perfect.”
Nilani Trent of New York, NY and her own Autumn Rhythm won both over fences classes yesterday before jumping to first and second today for Champion in the Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 Division. Trent and Amelia McArdle’s MVP took Reserve after second and fourth-place finishes yesterday, sixth under saddle and taking first over fences today.
Ann Misenheimer dominated the Adult Amateur Hunter 46 & Over Division, earning Champion aboard Westerly Farm’s Cornerstone and Reserve Champion with Westerly Farm’s Conmetro. Misenheimer won both over fences classes aboard Conmetro yesterday and picked up a second-place ribbon with Cornerstone. Today, she was third under saddle on Cornerstone before winning both over fences classes, and sixth under saddle with Conmetro together with fourth and seventh over fences.
With the completion of this week’s classes counting towards the $5,000 Leading Hunter Rider Award, presented by Old Salem Farm, Holly Orlando has a commanding lead with Sandy Ferrell second and Louise Serio third. The Award will be presented at next week’s $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by The Gochman Family, on Saturday.
Double H Farm Sweeps Top Two in $5,000 Open Jumper 1.40m
Riders for Double H Farm captured first and second-place ribbons in today’s $5,000 Open Jumper 1.40m with Ward of Brewster, NY taking blue on HH Carlos Z. He stopped the clock at 57.784 seconds in the speed-format class.
McLain Ward and HH Carlos Z
“We have a great team! It’s nice to see the young horses developing well and the seasoned horses having good results,” said Ward of the recent success for Double H Farm.
Quentin Judge of Ridgefield, CT followed Ward in second with HH Eli Cash just one second shy of the lead in 58.782 seconds. Kirsten Coe of Wellington, FL rode to third aboard Hunter St. Anna Z for Lövsta Stuteri in 61.746 seconds.
Coming off a win in the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5* to close out the season in Wellington this winter, HH Carlos Z remains in top form going into the summer season. And, according to Ward, the 13-year-old Zangersheide gelding always shines at Old Salem Farm. Today he was true to form taking the course, set by Michel Vaillancourt of Aiken, SC, in stride with a specific goal coming up this weekend as the fences climb higher and the prize money increases.
“He is great on grass and is naturally very fast and experienced,” said Ward. “These classes suit him. This was his prep for Sunday’s [$50,000 Old Salem Farm] Grand Prix, [presented by The Kincade Group].”
Two wins over two days has Ward firmly leading the $20,000 Leading Jumper Rider Challenge, which will be awarded at the conclusion of the $100,000 Empire State Grand Prix presented by The Kincade Group next Sunday. Peter Lutz currently sits second with Judge and Molly Ashe tied for third in the standings.
Competition continues tomorrow at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows with the $6,500 Open Jumper 1.35m before the $35,000 New York Welcome Stake, presented by Old Salem Farm, takes center stage at 1 p.m. For hunters, Amateur-Owners kick off their divisions, and the spectator favorite $1,500 Canine Puissance shines the spotlight on a different four-legged competitor at 3 p.m.
Old Salem Farm, located just one hour north of New York City, is one of the best equestrian competition venues in North America, as rated by the North American Riders Group in 2011-2014. Host of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, the prestigious American Gold Cup CSI-W 4*, and year-round competitions, the facility offers a state-of-the-art turf grand prix field, indoor riding arena, and two all-weather footing rings. As a boarding and training facility, Old Salem Farm is second to none and home to top trainer Frank Madden. For more information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call 914-669-5610.
McLain Ward and HH Cannavaro. Photos copyright The Book LLC.
Darragh Kenny Wins $20,000 Leading Jumper Rider Award
North Salem, NY – May 18, 2014 – The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows came to a successful conclusion with their highlight event, the $100,000 Empire State Grand Prix, presented by The Kincade Group, Merrill Lynch. McLain Ward rode to first and second place with HH Cannavaro and HH Carlos Z, both owned by Double H Farm, over a prestigious field of horses and riders. After two weeks of top finishes, Darragh Kenny won the $20,000 Leading Jumper Rider Award, presented by Houlihan Lawrence. Today’s competition concluded two great weeks of equestrian sport in North Salem, and Old Salem Farm would like to thank the exhibitors, sponsors, and staff for their support.
The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows were held May 6-11 and May 13-18 at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. The shows featured over 130 hunter and jumper classes each week, bringing together top competitors, including Olympic show jumpers, from across the country to compete for almost $500,000 in prize money.
There were 42 entries in the grand prix, and nine of them were clear to advance to the jump-off over a course designed by Ireland’s Alan Wade. The first clear round in the jump-off came from Leslie Howard on Jane Clark’s Wintu, who recorded a time of 38.758 seconds. They would finish in fourth place. Next in, Candice King and Bellissimo LLC’s Kismet 50 placed fifth with a time of 40.325 seconds and no faults.
Michael Hughes and Macarthur
Ward and HH Cannavaro set the winning time at 36.896 seconds. The rider who came the closest to catching Ward was Michael Hughes of Allendale, NJ, on Macarthur, who stopped the timers in 37.836 seconds for third place. Ward and his second horse, HH Carlos Z, had a time of 37.232 seconds, just off the pace.
Hughes has been riding Macarthur for three years, and the 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Concorde has helped him move into the grand prix arena. “He’s been a great horse for me,” Hughes affirmed. “He has a lot of experience, so he’s good for me to go in and start jumping bigger classes like this. He’s pretty much been my main horse to go jump bigger jumps on. He’s a great horse. He’s just such a smart horse and so clever.”
Hughes said that Macarthur’s scope and big stride came in handy on the grass Grand Prix Field. Watching the jump-off, he adjusted his plan. “I had a different plan when I initially walked it, and then I saw McLain go. I changed my plan a little bit doing a few less strides here and there,” he said. “I still ended up doing the add down the last line, which I guess cost me a little bit.”
Ward said of the jump-off course, “There was a seven (strides) from one to two, and then from three to four there was another seven strides, which was difficult to get. But [Cannavaro] has such a big, ground-covering stride that I really thought he could do it. He did it easy. I was trying to be a little faster with Carlos because I knew that Brianne and Kevin were coming after me. But the second to last (jump) didn’t show up quite the way I wanted, and I had to add a stride. But it all worked out.”
Both horses are new to Ward, who started with HH Cannavaro in January and HH Carlos Z in February of this year. “It’s a restarted partnership with Hunter Harrison and Double H Farm, so it’s very exciting for us,” Ward noted. “They’re both really talented and very willing horses. It’s nice that things are really starting to come together.”
HH Cannavaro, a 10-year-old Holsteiner stallion by Caplan, is “a bit like riding a big equitation horse,” Ward said. “He’s very easy, he’s very straightforward. He has massive jump, and he has a lot of quality. He doesn’t want to touch the fences. Probably sometimes you’d have to say he’s not the fastest horse in the world, a little bit like another great horse I had, Sapphire. But he’s so willing that you can do distances and turns that you can’t do on another horse.”
McLain Ward and HH Carlos Z
Describing HH Carlos Z, a 12-year-old Zangersheide gelding by Chellano Z, as “very, very fast,” Ward said that he is “like a minibike.” He added, “He’s a horse I’ve known for a number of years; he’s a great winner. He’s a wonderful addition to have in the string because he’s a very competitive horse that can win every day.”
Hailing from Brewster, NY, just a few miles down the road, Ward has competed at Old Salem Farm for years and the shows here rank among his favorites. He remarked, “For many years it was a nice, national-level show, and it’s really grown into pretty much an international event now. The Hakim family and the management have done such a phenomenal job with the facility. It’s very exciting for us in this area to have this place, trying to run not only the great spring shows here, but the American Gold Cup and possibly some big, exciting events to come in the future. This area is behind it; it’s a horse area.”
Earlier in the day, Lillie Keenan rode Abigail Wexner’s Vanilla to victory in the $7,500 Medium Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic with a clear jump-off round and time of 37.747 seconds. Brianne Link and E Bay, last week’s winners, were a close second place in 37.819 seconds. Maria Costa and Reno were third with a time of 38.140 seconds.
Karen Polle and Bottom Line were the fastest in the $20,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic presented by Miller Motorcars. They crossed the finish line almost a second faster (40.541 seconds) than Gabriela Mershad and Ledgepoint, who had a time of 41.435 seconds. Third place went to Charles Jacobs and Cassinja S, who were just fractions slower in 41.540 seconds.
There were a variety of awards presented today in the Hunter Ring and Sand Ring. They included:
Grand Junior Hunter Champion: Akinda, ridden and owned by Victoria Press
Best Junior Rider on a Horse: Victoria Press
Grand Pony Hunter Champion and winner of the “JetSetter Challenge Trophy” donated by Grand Central Show Stables: Brighton Heartbreaker, ridden by Daisy Farish for Phoebe Weseley
Best Junior Rider on a Pony: Caroline Passarelli
Grand Children’s Hunter Champion and winner of the “Shades of Gray” trophy donated by MeadowView Farm: Commander, ridden and owned by Lilly Walker
Best Children’s Rider on a Horse: Louisa Soohoo
Grand Children’s Pony Hunter Champion: Ashworth, ridden by Mackenzie Wanicka for Ridgefield Equestrian Center, Inc.
WATCH LIVE! Video on demand of the $100,000 Empire State Grand Prix is available on the USEFNetwork.com presented by SmartPak. All classes in the Grand Prix Field and Sand Ring are also available at www.shownet.biz.
Visit the Old Salem Farm and Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows Facebook pages for results, photo galleries, and more! Old Salem Farm has joined Twitter and Instagram too – follow us to see exclusive photos and videos, let us know what you like about our events, and share your experiences.
Old Salem Farm, located just one hour north of New York City, is one of the best equestrian competition venues in North America, as rated by the North American Riders Group in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Host of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, the prestigious American Gold Cup CSI-W 4*, and year-round competitions, the facility offers a state-of-the-art turf grand prix field, indoor riding arena, and two all-weather footing rings. As a boarding and training facility, Old Salem Farm is second to none and home to top trainer Frank Madden. For more information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call 914-669-5610.
Jennifer Alfano and Candid. Photos copyright The Book LLC.
Darragh Kenny and Picolo Capture 1.40m Jumper Win
North Salem, NY – May 7, 2014 – The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse shows awarded their first hunter championships of the season today, and taking the Grand Hunter Championship was Candid, ridden and owned by Jennifer Alfano of Buffalo, NY. In the Grand Prix Field, jumpers had plenty of entries as Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Picolo won over 53 others in the $5,000 Open Jumper 1.40m class.
The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows run May 6-11 and May 13-18 at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. The shows feature over 130 hunter and jumper classes each week, bringing together top competitors, including Olympic show jumpers, from across the country to compete for almost $500,000 in prize money.
Candid’s performance in the Green Conformation Hunters garnered him the overall Grand Hunter Championship. On the first day, Candid and Alfano were first and third over fences and took the top ribbon in the under saddle and model classes. They finished with two more blue ribbons over fences. The reserve champion in the division was Winston, ridden by Brooke Baldwin-deGrazia and owned by Lannie Lipson. They won an over fences class and took four second places and a third in the rest of the division.
Alfano found Candid, who is called “Sheldon” after the TV character on “The Big Bang Theory,” a year ago through Terry Brown. The six-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Quintender was the third horse that she purchased just for herself.
“I actually own him myself, which is really fun,” she affirmed. “Terry finds great horses. I had bought another horse from her for myself, and I sold him in a week! I was really sad because I really liked him! Then she said, ‘I have another one for you.’ [Candid is] a really fun horse, and he’s gotten really consistent. He’s very aware of his surroundings. He’s not spooky at the jumps, but he’s aware of everything that’s happening, so I think it gives him a really good presence in the ring.”
Although Candid is an investment, Alfano does hope to keep him through the rest of the year. “Eventually I’ll sell him, but I would love to keep him through his First Year year, just because I’m really having a good time. I’m not sure I’ll own one as nice as him again! I’m enjoying it.”
This is Alfano’s first time competing at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows. “I like it,” she said. “Everything has been nice. The jumps are beautiful, and the ring looks really pretty. So far we’re having a really good time!”
Darragh Kenny and Picolo
In a class of 54 entries, Darragh Kenny and Picolo, an 11-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Diamant de Semilly owned by Oakland Ventures, took the top spot in the $5,000 Open Jumper 1.40m class with a clear round in a time of 32.493 seconds. Second place went to Balboa 6, ridden by Leslie Howard for Martin Guerra. Their time was 32.709 seconds, while McLain Ward rode Blue Chip Bloodstock’s Dulien van de Smeets to third place in 32.919 seconds.
Picolo has continued his success that started near the end of this winter’s FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, where they had top three performances in FEI world ranking classes. Kenny noted, “He’s very, very competitive, and he’s really fun. He was second in a $100,000 grand prix last summer, and I’ll start to graduate him up to bigger classes again. He was a little bit sick during the winter; he had ulcers. We’ve taken our time getting him right. He was just right at the end of Florida and showed week 11. After that, he went and had a good break out in the field before we came here.”
Kenny said that Picolo’s personality and easygoing nature is what makes him stand out. “He’s my pet. Actually, he’s everybody in the barn’s pet,” he expressed. “They all love him. He’s just a fun horse to have around. Anyone can ride him; he’s so easy. He goes in a soft rubber snaffle. You don’t put any boots on him. Everybody can flat him, anyone can jump him.”
The opportunity to show on the grass Grand Prix Field at Old Salem Farm was one that Kenny took advantage of, along with many top show jumpers. “It’s a fantastic preparation. For me, I really love coming to this horse show. I think it’s a great preparation for Spruce Meadows. You get out on the grass, and there are good hills. And for all of my clients, it’s great. They get used to it. It’s a very different thing to ride on a hilly ring with grass than a flat, sand ring. The jumps come up faster and come up at different angles. It changes how the horses jump the jumps.”
Kenny and Picolo will be back in action for Friday’s $35,000 New York Welcome Stake. Tomorrow’s horse show highlights include Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Championship and another $5,000 Open Jumper 1.40m class.
WATCH LIVE! The $50,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix on May 11, the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on May 17, and the $100,000 Empire State Grand Prix on May 18 will all be broadcast on the USEFNetwork.com presented by SmartPak. You may watch these events as they happen at www.USEFNetwork.com or www.oldsalemfarm.net. All classes in the Grand Prix Field and Sand Ring are also livestreamed daily at www.shownet.biz.
Visit the Old Salem Farm and Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows Facebook pages for results, photo galleries, and more! Old Salem Farm has joined Twitter and Instagram too – follow us to see exclusive photos and videos, let us know what you like about our events, and share your experiences.
Old Salem Farm, located just one hour north of New York City, is one of the best equestrian competition venues in North America, as rated by the North American Riders Group in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Host of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, the prestigious American Gold Cup CSI-W 4*, and year-round competitions, the facility offers a state-of-the-art turf grand prix field, indoor riding arena, and two all-weather footing rings. As a boarding and training facility, Old Salem Farm is second to none and home to top trainer Frank Madden. For more information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call 914-669-5610.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden leads a full line-up of top riders at Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows. Photos copyright The Book LLC.
North Salem, NY – May 1, 2014 – The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows look forward to welcoming some of the world’s top horses and riders to compete in their 32nd annual competition this year with two weeks of exceptional equestrian sport on May 6-11 and May 13-18 at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. The shows feature over 130 hunter and jumper classes each week, bringing together top competitors, including Olympic show jumpers, from across the country to compete for almost $500,000 in prize money.
Scott Hakim of Old Salem Farm is excited for another fantastic year of competition and looks forward to welcoming competitors. “This year’s horse shows are going to be a fantastic display of top equestrian sport,” Hakim noted. “We have competitive prize money and great classes, world-renowned course designers, and an incredible list of riders attending. The beautiful grass fields are ready to go, and the footing looks great. The new double-decker viewing pavilion is set up to give spectators a one-of-a-kind vantage point, and we are ready to host a spectacular event.”
The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show’s USEF 6* rated jumper section includes world-class international competition as well as open, junior and amateur-owner jumpers. Jumpers will compete over courses designed by Brazil’s Guilherme Jorge and Ireland’s Alan Wade.
The open jumpers will feature an impressive roster of top competitors this year, including several Olympians and top international riders. The expected line-up includes: McLain Ward, Beezie Madden, Leslie Howard, Brianne Goutal, Nick Dello Joio, Kristen Coe, Candice King, Georgina Bloomberg, Chris Kappler, Peter Leone, Paul O’Shea, Mario Deslauriers, Jimmy Torano, Danielle Torano, Jeffrey Welles, Darragh Kenny, Peter Lutz, Mattias Tromp, Kevin Babington, and Quentin Judge.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist and 2014 FEI World Cup Finals winner Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, NY is excited to return to Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows. “I look forward to competing at Old Salem each year. It is a beautiful venue and really offers everything you need at a show to be able to compete and train while you are there. They work incredibly hard all year to make sure that the facility is exceptional, and it shows. It is also very nice to have such a great venue in our home state of New York,” she said.
These star riders and their talented mounts will compete for fantastic prize money throughout the two weeks of show jumping action. Each week the show will host two grand prix classes and other top competition. Week one will feature the $35,000 New York Welcome Stake on Friday, May 9, at 1 p.m. as well as the $50,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix, presented by The Kincade Group, Merrill Lynch, on Sunday, May 11, at 2 p.m. Week two will feature the $35,000 Grand Prix of North Salem on Friday, May 16, at 1 p.m and the $100,000 Empire State Grand Prix, presented by The Kincade Group, Merrill Lynch, on Sunday, May 18, at 2 p.m. Jumper fans can also watch the $20,000 Speed Derby of North Salem, presented by Miller Motorcars, on Saturday, May 17, at 2 p.m.
In addition to a full schedule of USEF “AA” Premier rated hunter competition, a $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby will be featured on Saturday, May 17, at 4 p.m. A $5,000 Equitation Challenge, sponsored by Equifit, will be featured on Saturday, May 10. The class offers an exciting opportunity for juniors and young riders to compete in a two-round class on the grass derby field.
Last year’s Equitation Challenge winners were Lillie Keenan and Clearway
For the Equitation Challenge, a special $5,000 Trainer Award will also be up for grabs. In the jumpers, a $20,000 Leading Jumper Rider Award will be presented upon the completion of week two’s competition thanks to Houlihan Lawrence. Old Salem Farm is also pleased to present a $5,000 Leading Hunter Rider Award for the rider that earns the most points in hunter divisions throughout the two weeks of competition.
Kicking it all off on Sunday, May 4, The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows will host their Welcome Day for the spring competitions. Welcome Day will offer competition in The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) $2,000 Low Thoroughbred Hunter Division with prize money and ribbons from first place to sixth place. The Division will be held at 3′ and will consist of two over fence classes and one under saddle class.
In addition to the T.I.P. competition, Welcome Day will feature a great schedule of hunter, jumper and equitation competition. Marshall & Sterling Adult Medal, Sore No More Medal, and Bit O’Straw Children’s and Adult Hunter Classics will be held. A Marshall & Sterling Child/Adult Jumper Classic will also be featured.
There is plenty to look forward to in addition to the exceptional competition throughout the two weeks. An exhibitor party will be held on Friday, May 16, sponsored by Private Tutoring Services. The Canine Puissance will be featured on Friday, May 9, at approximately 3 p.m. Bring your dog out to compete for money and prizes in small, medium and large divisions.
The “Year of the Horse” Art Gallery will be open to the public Wednesday-Saturday each week from 9-4 p.m., where local artists will exhibit their equine art, some from collections, and others for sale.
Miller Motorcars will have a fun photo opportunity on May 13-18 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. featuring a range of exotic models to view, including the McLaren, Aston Martin, Maserati and Rolls Royce. Don’t miss the chance to get your photo taken with these beautiful cars!
The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows also welcome many great local charities to their event each year and have some great activities planned throughout the two weeks. OSF enjoys the opportunity to support the efforts of their local charities and give them a platform to get their word out to the public.
During week one, the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows will be joined by Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, who will host an ice cream party on Saturday, May 10, from 3-4 p.m. The ice cream party is open to everyone with delicious ice cream generously donated by Ben & Jerry’s of Mt. Kisco, NY. Pegasus will also join the horse show with volunteers and will have some fun activities for kids on Welcome Day, Sunday, May 4.
In week two another local charity, Wolf Conservation Center, will be on hand to spread the word about their mission and join in the fun of the horse show. They will host the ice cream party on Saturday, May 17, from 3-4 p.m. The party is once again open to everyone with ice cream generously donated by Ben & Jerry’s of Mt. Kisco, NY. Wolf Conservation Center invites everyone to visit their information booth on the weekend to hear about their conservation efforts. The local ASPCA will also be in attendance during week two. On Sunday, May 18, they will be visiting with their Adoption Van from 11-4 p.m.
Throughout all of the competition, the VIP double-decker tent will feature fantastic seating with two levels of table options. Enjoy show jumping from the comfort of your Patron Table in the VIP tent, overlooking the Grand Prix Field. The VIP Tent offers you and your guests exciting upfront seats to the competition on Wednesday to Sunday. Patron Tables will be offered in two sizes: 8 seats in the front two rows ($5,000) and 4 seats in the back rows ($3,000).
Corporate private chalets are also available in the upstairs dining area. Pricing and additional information can be viewed on our website: www.oldsalemfarm.net. To order your VIP Patron Table, call Alix Nimphius at (914) 669-5610, ext. 204. This is a great way to gather your friends and family together for a day in the country!
When you are not watching the competition or enjoying the many other fun activities, Boutique Row features all of your shopping needs with a wide selection of goods, from clothing and jewelry to antiques and horse equipment!
If you can’t make it to the competition, several of the big events will be live streamed online for everyone’s viewing pleasure. The $50,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix on May 11, the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on May 17, and the $100,000 Empire State Grand Prix on May 18 will all be broadcast on the USEFNetwork.com presented by SmartPak. You may watch these events LIVE as they happen at www.USEFNetwork.com or www.oldsalemfarm.net.
Old Salem Farm has joined Twitter and Instagram too – follow us to see exclusive photos and videos, let us know what you like about our events, and share your experiences.
Old Salem Farm, located just one hour north of New York City, is one of the best equestrian competition venues in North America, as rated by the North American Riders Group in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Host of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, the prestigious American Gold Cup CSI-W 4*, and year-round competitions, the facility offers a state-of-the-art turf grand prix field, indoor riding arena, and two all-weather footing rings. As a boarding and training facility, Old Salem Farm is second to none and home to top trainer Frank Madden. For more information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call 914-669-5610.
North Salem, NY – May 19, 2013 – Three teenagers and a veteran rounded out the jump-off in the $100,000 Empire State Grand Prix presented by The Kincade Group, and the first to go in was the one to return to the winner’s circle. Nineteen-year-old Katie Dinan of New York, NY, and her energetic partner Nougat du Vallet were double clear to win the biggest class of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, which ran May 7-12 and 14-19. Today’s competition concluded two great weeks of equestrian sport in North Salem with incredible entries and top horses and riders.
The $100,000 Empire State Grand Prix had 37 competitors, and they rode over a course designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio of Red Hook, NY. Riding second in the order, Dinan and “Nougat,” a 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Scherif D’elle, made it look easy as they bounded through the course for the first clear round. They returned first for the jump-off and set a quick pace and the only clear round in 39.898 seconds.
Dinan felt that going early in the class was an advantage in today’s rainy conditions. “Going early in situations like this helps a little bit because the footing is only going to get worse, not better. I tried to get a really good idea of what I was doing when I walked the course,” she explained. “We had a lot of time to do that, so I had a really good plan coming in. I think the main thing is that when the footing gets a little bit deep in the field, the jumps ride a little bit bigger than you expect. I tried to take that into account and think of a few oxers early on and get my horse feeling confident. But he couldn’t have jumped any better.”
Nineteen-year-old Meg O’Mara of Rumson, NJ, was next in on Aragon Rouet, a 2000 BWP gelding by Baloubet du Rouet x Remondo, owned by Walstib Stables LLC. They pulled a rail at the first jump and had another jump down for eight faults in 45.182 seconds for fourth place.
O’Mara partnered with Aragon Rouet at the beginning of 2012, but this year the big chestnut was coming back from an injury. “Last week was our first big class back together,” she related. “It’s just really getting experience and going around the big classes. I did not think I’d go clear at all! But he was so good today and it was a good course for him. It was hard, but with the hard courses he always does better, and he’s really good on grass.”
Regarding her jump-off ride, she commented, “I’ve done very few jump-offs with him, so I’m not used to doing these big jump-offs. I didn’t have enough impulsion to the first jump and then I tried to be a little too neat. But he was so good and I’m really happy.”
Eighteen-year-old Mattias Tromp of North Salem, NY, contested the jump-off next on Casey, a KWPN gelding by Ircolando x Ferro, owned by Beyaert Farm Inc. They had one fence down and stopped the timers in 46.092 seconds for third place. “I saw Katie go very fast,” Tromp recalled. “My plan was to have a nice, efficient clear round, but not to catch Katie’s time. After I had my rail at 13b, I immediately hit the brakes and just tried to have the rest of the jumps up.”
Tromp started riding Casey two years ago and started at Level 2 and 3 Jumpers. “We’ve stepped up consistently since then and now we’re doing this less than a year and a half later,” he said. “I just finished high school and just turned professional this week. This was a good start!”
Todd Minikus and Uraguay
Last to go in the jump-off were last week’s grand prix winners, Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, FL, and Legacy Stables’ Uraguay. Minikus looked to be on pace for another win, but after a rail, they continued through the course to finish in 41.930 seconds and second place.
Minikus recounted his plan for the jump-off, “I was in the driver’s seat getting to go last, and watching Katie go on Nougat, she was quick enough. She was a little slow on the turn back, I thought, from the combination to the oxer, and then going across the ring to the ditch. I thought she had a nice round, but it was definitely catchable. My horse jumped a great jump at number one and then I thought I was going to be cute and just turn back on the vertical and he rolled it off. And that was it, she wins.”
Minikus and Uraguay, a 12-year-old KWPN gelding by Nairobi x Colino, were one of the most competitive pairs at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, having won the Sunday grand prix during week one, placing third in Friday’s grand prix in week two, and their second place finish today. “The only thing that could have been better was if we won all three of them,” he smiled, “but overall, that was some really nice show jumping for Uraguay.”
For Dinan, this was a turning point for her year. Having just finished her freshman year at Harvard University on Saturday, she returned to Old Salem Farm ready to prepare for a big summer of competition. “He had last week off. I showed him in a 1.40m class on Thursday and he jumped really well, (and then) I had to go finish up at school. I officially finished my freshman year yesterday, so I told everyone I was going to be in a really good mood on Sunday, no matter what! Now I’m extra happy,” she beamed.
Dinan puts her win here among the top on her list of accolades. “For prize money-wise, this is the biggest grand prix I’ve ever won, and it’s really exciting. My other horse Glory Days was really good. We were one of the faster four-faulters and finished seventh. I thought it was one of our better grand prix rounds we’ve done. It was really nice to end on that note with both of them because we go to Spruce Meadows in two weeks,” she said.
Like many other top riders at Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, Dinan was happy to have the grass field here to compete on before heading out for the summer circuit in Calgary. “This is a great way to prepare for that,” she acknowledged. “There are not many fields like this that we get to compete on. I always love this horse show for that reason because it’s just so much fun.”
Junior and Amateur Jumpers Take to the Field
Lillie Keenan and Londinium
The $15,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic had 34 entries. Two were able to go clear in the first round, but after Michael Hughes and Luxina withdrew for the jump-off, it was an automatic win for Lillie Keenan and Londinium. The fastest four-faulter in the first round for third place was Philip Richter on Ray Ray. Keenan won a gift certificate from Der Dau.
While Keenan said she “doesn’t like winning by default,” she was happy to gain another victory and wished the best for Hughes and his horse. She has ridden her recent High Junior Jumper partner Londinium, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Lord Pezi x Cascadeur, since January of this year. Keenan noted that Londinium had plenty of experience on grass having shown in Europe with his previous owner, who had him since he was four years old. In her own riding, she planned to “ride a little defensively” with today’s inclement weather.
She explained, “I can trust my horse, but you never know what can happen if they slip or have bad luck. No matter the conditions, he’s careful. He’s able to be careful without scaring himself. I went last (in the first round), and watching most of the class and only seeing Michael have a clear round – and he rode great – I knew I really had to step it up. I worried about jumping clear and wasn’t worried about the time. The field held up better than I thought it would.”
Keenan credited her horse as well as her trainer, Andre Dignelli. “Having Andre at the in-gate gives me a lot of confidence,” she said.
Keenan said that Londinium fits in well with her other jumpers, being a light-boned type of horse, and that they “bonded pretty quickly.” She pointed out, “He’s a really special horse. It’s not often you can find a horse like this. There is something that makes him like no other that we have. He’s really part of the family for us now. My mom loves him.”
Keenan continued, “I like having a light-boned horse. My mom grew up riding Thoroughbreds, so she obviously likes that. I think I match better with them. I’m not a big guy; I’m a girl and I’m small. I’m not the strongest rider here physically. Vanhattan, a horse I’ve had for longer (the pair was second in yesterday’s Speed Derby), he can really run. I never have to muscle him.”
While they use loose ring bits at home to school, Keenan feels that her light, forward horses are a great fit for her, and that’s due in large part to the program at Heritage Farm. “We have nice horses, but they’re maintained so well.”
In addition to her success in the jumper ring, Keenan swept top honors in the hunter ring. Riding Brodeur, she was champion in the Small Junior Hunter division. Their four blue ribbons also gave them the Grand Junior Hunter Championship. Brodeur (above left), a six-year-old Warmblood gelding, is owned by Madeline Placey.
Keenan had another win in the equitation as well in the Governor’s Perpetual Hunt Seat Trophy class with Clearway. Kelli Cruciotti and Monterrey were second, while Sydney Shulman and Eli finished third.
For all of her top finishes, Keenan was named the Best Junior Rider on a Horse.
The $5,000 Low Junior Jumper Classic was the opening class on the Grand Prix Field this morning and was sponsored by Kaplow Insurance Agency and Catlin Insurance Company. Twenty-six entries contested, and six of those went through to the jump-off. Michael Hughes and Splash were the fastest of two double clears in the jump-off for the win in 31.700 seconds. Jacqueline Shilen and Wenda AK were second in 41.982 seconds. Finishing with four faults in the jump-off in 33.518 seconds, Anna Cardelfe and Firenze van de Cadzondhoeve were third.
Kenzie Snyder and Waterloo were also the fastest of two double clears in a six-horse jump-off, this time out of 27 original entries in the $5,000 Low Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. They finished in 34.533 seconds for victory. Just off the pace in 35.258 seconds, Michelle Kamine and Loreana were second. With four faults and a time of 34.447 seconds, Christina Fried and Winchester were third.
Grand Champion Awards for Hunters
Grand Pony Hunter Champion and winner of the “JetSetter Challenge Trophy” donated by Grand Central Show Stables: Blueberry Hill, ridden by Coco Fath and owned by Jordyn Rose Freedman, champion in the Small Pony Hunters sponsored by Gotham North
Best Junior Rider on a Pony and winner of a pitcher award: Daisy Farish, who won the Medium Pony Hunter championship with Redfield Farm’s Sassafras Creek, and winner of $1,000 Pony Hunter Classic sponsored by Gotham North on Beau Rivage
Best Child Rider on a Pony: Claudia Robinson, who competed in the Children’s Pony Hunters Small/Medium with Jay Sargent’s Happy Feet
Samantha Cohen and Sirius Black
Grand Children’s Hunter Champion and winner of the “Shades of Gray” trophy donated by MeadowView Farm: Samantha Cohen, for the second week in a row, who won the Children’s Hunter 14 & Under division championship with Sirius Black, owned by Christina Gellos
Best Children’s Rider on a Horse: Samantha Cohen
Grand Children’s Pony Hunter Champion: Katie George on Everwood, owned by Celeste Hylton
Leading Hunter Rider Award sponsored by The Gochman Family and awarded a Der Dau gift certificate: Louise Serio
The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows celebrate its 31st year in 2013 and offer two weeks of exceptional equestrian sport on May 7-12 and May 14-19 at one of the nation’s premier and newly renovated equestrian facilities, Old Salem Farm, in North Salem, New York. Old Salem’s beautifully manicured grounds, list of elite horses and riders, and fantastic social gatherings draw spectators from Westchester County and beyond to watch horses and ponies of every size compete for almost $500,000 in prize money. The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows feature over 130 hunter and jumper classes each week, bringing together top competitors, including Olympic show jumpers, from across the country. For more information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net/mayhome.
