Old Salem Farm Continues Facility Improvements Ahead of 2023 Spring Horse Shows

By karoljumpernewsusa on May 5, 2023

Expanded Efforts Include Improvements on All Areas

North Salem, New York – May 4, 2023 – With its highly anticipated Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows fast approaching, Old Salem Farm has continued its efforts in improving the historic facilities, including the reconstruction of one arena and ongoing work on all competition rings. One of the premier stops on the nation’s hunter-jumper show circuit, the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows return to North Salem, NY, May 9-21, with a full schedule of world-class competition and family-fun activities.

The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows host competitions for riders of all levels and ages, ranging from young children on ponies to Olympic veterans aboard their grand prix mounts. Week 1 (May 9-14) is USEF ‘National-6’ rated for hunters and jumpers and designated FEI CSI3*; Week 2 (May 16-21) is USEF ‘Premier-6’ rated and designated FEI CSI4*.

Last year, Old Salem Farm unveiled its new International Arena to rave reviews, featuring state-of-the-art all-weather footing by FootingFirst. The arena and newly cultivated landscaping throughout the farm were designed to maintain the traditional beauty and ambiance for which Old Salem Farm has always been known while ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone competing onsite.

Carrying that mission forward, Old Salem will showcase its newly revamped Blue Diamond Arena among the facility improvements this year. Located next to the International Arena, the Blue Diamond Arena features a complete reconstruction of what was the warm-up ring for the International Arena. It will continue to be used primarily for schooling during the Spring Horse Shows but can also be used for competitions moving forward.

Old Salem Farm also continued to improve all competition areas including the June Road, Hedge and indoor rings, but the renovations weren’t confined to the riding arenas. Old Salem will unveil a revitalized vendor area featuring a new center patio and brand new Instagram area for awards at the upcoming Spring Horse Shows.

“With the tremendous feedback we received on our new International Arena last year, 2022 marked a fantastic year for the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows,” said Scott Hakim, owner and president of Old Salem Farm. “We have taken that feedback to heart and kept up our ongoing efforts around the facility, improving not only the original rings but creating new, unique spaces for everyone to enjoy. We greatly appreciate everyone’s support as we continue to make Old Salem Farm a horse show facility that is second to none.”

Located just one hour north of New York City, Old Salem Farm has a long history of hosting world-class horse shows. Over the years, Old Salem Farm has hosted United States Olympic Team Selection Trials, FEI World Cup™ qualifiers, FEI North American Youth Championships and ASPCA Maclay Regional Finals.

The Spring Horse Shows kick off with Welcome Weekend open to all, May 6-7. Highlights include the Salem 2’6” Hunter Derby and Brewster 3’ Hunter Derby on Sunday, May 7. The Spring Horse Shows’ Week 1 follows, May 9-14, with highlights including the Evergate Stables’ $40,000 Welcome Stake presented by JumpR App., $38,700 FEI 1.45m Jump-off, $10,000 Old Salem Farm Speed Derby sponsored by Amethyst Equestrian, $15,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic presented by Eastern Hay and the $125,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix presented by The Kincade Group.

Week 2 competition in the International Arena, May 16-21, features the $65,000 Welcome Stake of North Salem presented by The Kincade Group, $38,700 FEI 1.45m Jump-off, the $25,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by Mane ‘n Tail, $15,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic presented by Evergate Stables, the Governor’s Perpetual Hunt Seat Cup presented by Chansonette Farm and the $5,000 Old Salem Farm Grooms’ Class before concluding on Sunday, May 22, with the $200,000 Empire State Grand Prix. Action starts daily at 8:00 a.m. daily with classes running in three rings simultaneously throughout the day. Click here for the full schedule.

The ambiance at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows is unlike any other venue in the country with over-the-top hospitality and unique shopping offered along Old Salem’s popular Boutique Row. Old Salem offers opportunities for a curated group of vendors to set up their boutiques in the vendor area located overlooking the International Arena. Food vendors provide meals to go and delicious snack options.

Family fun activities include pony rides, weekend face painting and an ice cream party each Saturday, hosted by Pegasus Therapeutic Riding on May 13 and the Wolf Conservation Center on May 20. There will also be visits from the SPCA of Westchester (May 13), A New Chance Animal Rescue (May 20) and the Animal Embassy (May 21), along with an ongoing presence from HEART Equine Ambulance (tours on May 13 and May 20) and the EQUUS Foundation.

Source: Press Release from Old Salem Farm