Hillary Dobbs joins Frank Madden

North Salem, NY – December 11, 2012: Old Salem Farm is proud to announce the addition of notable Grand Prix competitor and rising star Hillary Dobbs to their prestigious coaching staff. Dobbs, a seasoned competitor, will join Frank Madden as an assistant trainer as Old Salem Farm continues to build and solidify their elite team. “I am excited to train talented equestrians on fundamentals, good horsemanship, perseverance, and hard work,” remarked Dobbs shortly after accepting the position with Old Salem Farm. The twenty-four-year-old hails from Sussex, New Jersey where she began riding at the age of four on her family farm.

Hillary Dobbs has experienced a multitude of successes in both national and international competition. Her most notable accomplishments include being the recipient of USET’s prestigious Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy and the Maxine Beard Show Jumping Developing Rider Award, as well as winning the 2008 Hampton Classic Grand Prix/FEI World Cup Qualifier and the 2008 Swedbank Derby thereby becoming the youngest rider in history to win these classes. Dobbs finished in the top 20 at the Rolex/FEI World Cup Finals in 2009 and earned a spot on the USEF Show Jumping Long List for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Dobbs is also the youngest rider to win over $1,000,000 in prize money.

Dobbs, a recent graduate of Harvard University, spent much of her recent years balancing studies and training. Dobbs is looking forward to starting her training career at Old Salem Farm and making the most of the premier 120-acre facility which includes three indoor rings, four outdoor rings, a Grand Prix field and an exceptional 67-stall stable. “Teaching at Old Salem Farm is an honor that allows me to guide young riders and instill a competitive spirit in them that fosters the next generation of hunter/jumper competitors while continuing to pursue my own goals in the Grand Prix ring,” said Dobbs. Dobbs has spent most of her life around horses and credits her parents Debi and Lou Dobbs and her twin sister Heather for supporting her passion. Hillary plans to continue riding competitively with her eye on several upcoming Grand Prixs. Her promising career is only beginning, and she will certainly remain one to watch.

Frank Madden, head trainer at Old Salem Farm, is very excited about the addition of Dobbs to his team. Madden says, “Without question, Hillary Dobbs is one of the greatest young riders in the sport today. Her accomplishments read like those of a rider who is a decade older than she is. Hillary brings a spirit, professionalism and passion to Old Salem that will excite and benefit all of our clients. We are very proud to have her joining our team.”

“The next several months will be a busy time as I settle into the year ahead with great expectations for success with my students as together we prepare for our next events. I am humbled to have a great position at an exceptional farm with leaders that have a terrific vision backed by passion and dedication to carve a path for the future success of our sport.”

Old Salem Farm, located an hour north of New York City, boasts a state-of-the-art stabling facility, historic pristine grass Grand Prix field and outstanding competition and schooling arenas, all of which is surrounded by one of the world’s most quaint and picturesque competition venue settings. Old Salem Farm is the home of the American Gold Cup and over the years has played host to major international competitions, including selection trials for U.S. Equestrian Teams for World Championships and Olympic Games.

For the past two years, the Old Salem Farm Spring Competitions have been recognized by the North American Riders Group (NARG) on their NARG Top 25 List. The Spring Competitions were also recognized by NARG as the most improved competitions in North America in 2011.

For more information on Old Salem Farm, including its year-long competition schedule, prize lists, clinics, boarding, lessons and training, visit www.oldsalemfarm.net.

Media Contact: Connie Sawyer
Connie Sawyer, LLC
518-461-6288
Sawyer.EquestrianEvents@gmail.com