NORTH SALEM, N.Y. North Salems Old Salem Farm hosted one of the worlds most prestigious horse shows this week, as 424 horses from near and far participated in multiple jumping competitions that culminated with Sundays $200,000 American Gold Cup.
The show began Wednesday and included sections for children and adult jumpers at all levels, with prizes ranging from $1,000 up to the ultimate $200,000.
Hundreds of people milled around the elegant 120-acre site on a clear and comfortably cool Sunday afternoon, admiring the horses, marveling at the jumpers and shopping at the dozens of temporary boutiques scattered over the lawn.
As of 2:30 p.m., four horses of the 32 entries remained in competition. The other 28 had been disqualified by errors such as knocking down poles or refusing jumps.
The remaining contenders were Lincourt Gino ridden by Peter Leone, Voyeur ridden by Kent Farrington, Antares ridden by McLain Ward and Cortes C ridden by Beezie Madden. Click here for the final results.
These horses and riders are the top of the top, said show producer Michael Morrissey. It just doesnt get much better. And Old Salem is one of the nicest facilities in the country.
The American Gold Cup, initiated in 1970, has been held in Tampa, Cleveland and most recently in Devon, near Philadelphia. Im really excited to have it here, and I think well be here from now on, said Morrissey. Its in the heart of horse country, its an hour from New York City and its 15 or 20 minutes to a bunch of hotels.
In addition to the world-class horses and riders, high-end equestrian clothing for humans and equines, and gifts and artwork on sale, the five-day show featured a petting zoo, a trade fair and a Horseless Horse Show, sponsored by the charitable organization Just World International founded in Westchester County.
Said Carol Goldberg, watching from a table where she represented Realtors Vincent & Whittemore, This is a pretty nice event for a one-horse town.
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