Old Salem Farm

Emma Lipman, recent University of Georgia graduate, presents the award to Patricia Griffith and Sienna.

North Salem, NY - May 21, 2011 – Patricia Griffith had a new mount this year for the $10,000 USHJA Hunter Derby at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, but the result was the same as last year, a win.

Sienna, the horse that Griffith piloted around the two rounds of competition this year, is a lovely 16.2 hand chestnut mare, owned by Lexi Maounis of Jupiter, FL, herself a junior rider and student of Griffiths.

“We got her in August of last year,” said Griffith. “She had won a Derby in Texas and she is just an awesome horse. She is perfect for these classes because she is brave and fun and careful. She is really good at these classes. She did the Derby in Palm Beach and again, she was great, she got a little green at night under the lights, but I’ve ridden her in a few Derby’s now and I can always count on her for a good ribbon.

“When you are riding her, she is not a chestnut mare, but in the barn she definitely lets you know she is boss. When you tack her up, you have to know her and treat her like she wants to be treated. We let her be a total princess, but she is always all business in the ring.

Griffith continued “The first round it was raining and it was a little muddy and she didn’t fire as clean as she normally does. She had a few rubs, which I was surprised about because in the schooling area she was really trying. I think I just underestimated it, I didn’t jump that high and maybe I should have jumped a few bigger ones. When I got out in the ring, she just didn’t put on a show like she normally does, and then in the second round she was right where I wanted her.

“I haven’t shown her since the Derby in Palm Beach, Lexi has been showing her in the Junior Hunters, so when I headed for the bigger jumps today, she was a bit surprised and just didn’t fire over them like she usually does. She is really a special horse. I am going to keep riding her in the Derby’s, she is qualified for the Final in Kentucky, which I am really excited about. Not only is the mare really nice, but the Maounis’ are wonderful people. They know how special this horse is and they love her and Lexi rides her beautifully.”

While some might have decided that the world was going to end today, for Nicholas Dello Joio, it was a stellar day. Not only did he get to celebrate his 22^nd birthday, but he also got a special birthday present from his mount Ragner T, win in the $20,000 Speed Derby of North Salem.

The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows benefit the Old Salem Farm Foundation. The goal of the Old Salem Farm Foundation is to use the Spring Horse Shows as a vehicle to help support charitable organizations and create an opportunity for Corporate Sponsors and Equestrian Athletes to benefit the community during the annual sporting event. The Old Salem Farm Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. 

This year, the Old Salem Farm Foundation is providing support to several charities including Voss Foundation, Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, ASPCA and Just World International. 

Voss Foundation is dedicated to providing access to pure, clean water to rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. At the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, Voss Foundation will present a gallery exhibit of limited edition photographs taken by world-renown photographer Stuart Franklin which will be on display in the Main Bar throughout the duration of the horse shows. The photographs will be available for purchase through a silent auction, and all proceeds will help support Voss Foundation's 2011 initiatives. 

In addition, the Old Salem Farm Foundation will be supporting 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 Connecticut and New York. 

Also receiving support from the Old Salem Farm Foundation is JustWorld International,charitable organization dedicated to providing basic education, nutrition, health and hygiene programs, and vocational training for children in impoverished communities in Honduras, Cambodia, Guatemala, Brazil, and Senegal. 

The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows offer more than $220,000 in prize money and is highlighted by the $75,000 Empire State Grand Prix, presented by Land Rover, Mt. Kisco and Larchmont, on May 22. The shows also feature a $15,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, a member event of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame on May 22 and $10,000 Leading Hunter Rider Award, which will be announced on May 22.

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 $20.00 per carload on Sunday. Seating in the Patron Tent, which overlooks the Grand Prix field, is available Sunday, with a catered luncheon on Grand Prix Sunday. For reservation information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net.

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        .

For more information on Voss Foundation, please visit www.thevossfoundation.org.

For more information Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, please visit www.pegasustr.org.

For more information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.

North Salem, NY – May 19, 2011 – Leslie Howard won the $25,000 Grand Prix of North Salem in true “Leaping Leslie” form as she piloted her Lennox Lewis 2 around the jump off course fault free in a time of 31.716 seconds at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows.

Course Designer Leopoldo Placios laid down a track that tested the horses and riders, with only eight of the original 34 starters making it around without penalty. Of those eight, there were only four who managed to navigate the shortened course, with its difficult turns, without penalty.

“The jump off was one of those things that really worked out perfectly, “ said Howard. “Lenny was on his game today and he let me ride him the way I wanted to, and he tried hard. Hopefully we are ready for Sunday.” 

Candice King and Skara Glen’s Davos tried their best to beat Howard’s time, but fell just a little short as they crossed the timers in 32.279 for second place. 

McLain Ward finished third in the class with Antares F for Grant Road Partners, in a time of 33.348 seconds, and Mario Deslauries with Diablo ended up in fourth, with a final time of 36.197.

“We always love to come to Old Salem because of the field,” Howard noted. “And in the old days when it rained, the footing was not good in the sand rings and you could not show in the field. But now I have to admit that Old Salem has turned into one of the best horse shows in the nation. It is really right up there. The footing has been redone in four rings with the European footing and I have to say that one ring is better than the other.“ 

The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows benefit the Old Salem Farm Foundation. The goal of the Old Salem Farm Foundation is to use the Spring Horse Shows as a vehicle to help support charitable organizations and create an opportunity for Corporate Sponsors and Equestrian Athletes to benefit the community during the annual sporting event. The Old Salem Farm Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. 

This year, the Old Salem Farm Foundation is providing support to several charities including Voss Foundation, Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, ASPCA and Just World International. 

Voss Foundation is dedicated to providing access to pure, clean water to rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. At the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, Voss Foundation will present a gallery exhibit of limited edition photographs taken by world-renown photographer Stuart Franklin which will be on display in the Main Bar throughout the duration of the horse shows. The photographs will be available for purchase through a silent auction, and all proceeds will help support Voss Foundation's 2011 initiatives. 

In addition, the Old Salem Farm Foundation will be supporting 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 Connecticut and New York. 

Also receiving support from the Old Salem Farm Foundation is JustWorld International,charitable organization dedicated to providing basic education, nutrition, health and hygiene programs, and vocational training for children in impoverished communities in Honduras, Cambodia, Guatemala, Brazil, and Senegal. 

The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows offer more than $220,000 in prize money and is highlighted by 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.

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 $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.

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        .

For more information on Voss Foundation, please visit www.thevossfoundation.org.

For more information Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, please visit www.pegasustr.org.

For more information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.

North Salem, NY – May 19, 2011 – The weather finally broke and the sun came streaming through the clouds as the competition for ribbons and prizes continued at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows.

Stephanie Riggio, New York, NY, and her amazing string of mounts won top titles in every division they contested. Moshi, Riggio’s newest, was named Champion in the Conformation Hunter Division and eventually Grand Hunter Champion as their perfect record of five wins in five classes dominated for the second week in a row. Moshi’s perfect record gave his rider, Holly Orlando, the title of Leading Hunter Rider.

Riggio rode Compliment to victory in the Amateur Adult Hunters 18-35 division for the second week. And this week added another mount, Saline, to the mix. Saline was not able to best his stablemate, but brought home ribbons in the same division.

“I usually go through Ralph Caristo, my trainer Karen’s dad,” said Riggio about how she finds all her wonderful mounts. “He found Moshi and Compliment, and Saline I found myself. I had a bit of a crush on her for a few years when I would watch Charlie Weaver and Stormy Goode show her. When I was looking for another Amateur horse we approached them. Finding my horses has always been a team effort. I like my horses big and pretty. I like them pretty classic hunter type. I usually go for the bigger warmbloods, but I do have a Thoroughbred that I show. There is definitely an elegance to the horses that I look for, a little more delicate, a woman’s horse.

“Until last week I had never been champion on Compliment. It has kind of been a long haul with him. I have had him for five years and between learning to ride him and some injuries on both his and my part we have never had a full season with him. Wellington this year was the first time I got to show him on a regular basis and I really got to learn and make mistakes. I got to figure him out and he got to figure me out. We did well, but we never got the tri-color. Last week was the first time we were ever champion, and I won my first Classic. I have never won a Classic before. I had never gotten to lead a victory gallop in all my years of showing.

“We are taking a bit of time off after this,” said Riggio. I am going to Kenya next week, I am so excited. I may do a bit of riding there too, maybe a horseback safari. We like to take it easy in the summer. I have been showing at this level throughout school, and I have a Masters Degree, so it has been a long time. I start a teaching job in the fall, I am a true amateur, I might get to ride a bit more than some people, but I definitely have to work my riding around my life.

Riggio was full of praise for the venue that brought her so much success. “The footing was even better today than it was yesterday, even though we had more rain last night. They are doing a great job; it is such a pleasure to show here.”

The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows benefit the Old Salem Farm Foundation. The goal of the Old Salem Farm Foundation is to use the Spring Horse Shows as a vehicle to help support charitable organizations and create an opportunity for Corporate Sponsors and Equestrian Athletes to benefit the community during the annual sporting event. The Old Salem Farm Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.

This year, the Old Salem Farm Foundation is providing support to several charities including Voss Foundation, Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, ASPCA and Just World International.

Voss Foundation is dedicated to providing access to pure, clean water to rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. At the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, Voss Foundation will present a gallery exhibit of limited edition photographs taken by world-renown photographer Stuart Franklin which will be on display in the Main Bar throughout the duration of the horse shows. The photographs will be available for purchase through a silent auction, and all proceeds will help support Voss Foundation's 2011 initiatives.

In addition, the Old Salem Farm Foundation will be supporting 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 Connecticut and New York.

Also receiving support from the Old Salem Farm Foundation is JustWorld International, a charitable organization dedicated to providing basic education, nutrition, health and hygiene programs, and vocational training for children in impoverished communities in Honduras, Cambodia, Guatemala, Brazil, and Senegal.

The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows offer more than $220,000 in prize money and is highlighted by the $25,000 North Salem Grand Prix on May 20, which will be held on the all weather footing in the Jumper Annex Ring, 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.

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 $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.

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 .

For more information on Voss Foundation, please visit www.thevossfoundation.org.
For more information Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, please visit www.pegasustr.org.
For more information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.

North Salem, NY – May 18, 2011 – In their ongoing program to make Old Salem Farm one of the premier horse show venues in the country, in 2009, the farm brought in Oliver Hoberg, the world’s most respected footing authority, to oversee work on the footing in its arenas. The final rings were completed in 2011 and the venue was well prepared for the onslaught of rain that the region has seen for the past four days.  

Hoberg, footing consultant for the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong and the Rolex FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas, has made multiple visits to Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY to study the footing.  His latest visit to the farm coincides with this year’s Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows. Hoberg is on-site to inspect the footing and give his expert advice on its on-going maintenance to Old Salem Farm’s management team, who understand the importance of footing in the administration of horse shows.

“Replacing the footing in our arenas and ensuring that we provide the best possible footing for all our competitors has been a very high priority for us,” said Alan Bietsch, farm manager at Old Salem Farm.  “We are happy that we were able to bring in the world’s leading footing authority to help us through the process.  We have no doubt that exhibitors and everyone who will be competing in our shows will be thrilled with the results.”

Many of the competitors at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows had rave reviews for the job that the farm management has achieved, especially in light of the weather, which had been very cooperative in the earlier week of showing, but soaked the venue for four days.

“The ring is great, the schooling area is great, even around the ring is great”, said Georgina Bloomberg after her round. “Everybody came out today expecting a whole lot of mud and I didn’t even need galoshes on my boots. The horses are jumping great and the horse show is beautiful. I don’t think that they could have done a better job.”

This sentiment was echoed by Olympic Gold Medalist Beezie Madden, who has spent the past few years abroad and has returned to Old Salem for the first time in three years. “A lot of times I am in Europe at this time of year and have to miss this show”, said Madden. “But the rings are beautiful here, which is one of the reasons that we came this year. For one it is more convenient for us, but mainly because we had been told that the footing had been replaced and that the rings are so nice, if it rains the show can be moved off the field to the ring and still go on. In previous years you would come here and you couldn’t show. The field was beautiful last week, and I don’t think that any field could have held up to the rain that we got, but hopefully by the weekend we will be back on the field.”

Even usually taciturn Olympic and World Cup Champion Norman Dello Joio, had a few words about the footing in the ring as he watched his son Nick traverse the course through a fine mist of rain. “The footing is good”, he commented as he toed the ground. Huge praise from a man of few words.

The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows benefit the Old Salem Farm Foundation. The goal of the Old Salem Farm Foundation is to use the Spring Horse Shows as a vehicle to help support charitable organizations and create an opportunity for Corporate Sponsors and Equestrian Athletes to benefit the community during the annual sporting event. The Old Salem Farm Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.

This year, the Old Salem Farm Foundation is providing support to several charities including Voss Foundation, Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, ASPCA and Just World International.

Voss Foundation is dedicated to providing access to pure, clean water to rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. At the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, Voss Foundation will present a gallery exhibit of limited edition photographs taken by world-renown photographer Stuart Franklin which will be on display in the Main Bar throughout the duration of the horse shows. The photographs will be available for purchase through a silent auction, and all proceeds will help support Voss Foundation's 2011 initiatives.

In addition, the Old Salem Farm Foundation will be supporting 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 Connecticut and New York.

Also receiving support from the Old Salem Farm Foundation is JustWorld International, a charitable organization dedicated to providing basic education, nutrition, health and hygiene programs, and vocational training for children in impoverished communities in Honduras, Cambodia, Guatemala, Brazil, and Senegal.

The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows offer more than $220,000 in prize money and is highlighted by the $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.

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 $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.

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.

For more information on Voss Foundation, please visit www.thevossfoundation.org.
For more information Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, please visit www.pegasustr.org.
For more information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.