Fetching and Patricia Griffith. PC: The Book LLC
Fetching, ridden by Patricia Griffith, was named Grand Hunter Champion during the second week of the 2017 Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows – which run through May 21 – at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY, on Wednesday, May 17. Highlighting Wednesday’s jumper action on the Grand Prix Field, Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) topped the $10,000 Open Jumper 1.40m riding Lady Maria BH.
Griffith of Heritage Farm in Katonah, NY, piloted Fetching in the High Performance Conformation Division and earned two first-place and a second-place ribbon over fences, and won the model, handy, and under saddle to be named champion. The nearly perfect performance clinched the Grand Hunter Championship for Fetching and owner Lexi Maounis, who also competes Fetching in the Amateur-Owner Hunter Division.
“He has been a great horse for us,” said Griffith of the eight-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Catoki that she characterizes as a big stuffed animal in the competition ring. “He is so cute, and he always looks happy to do his job.
“He is so brave,” continued Griffith of Fetching’s strengths in the ring. “Any time you go in any ring, he pricks his ears and does his job.”
Heritage Farm groom Humberto Valadez is responsible for the care of Fetching, and Griffith was quick to give him credit for his hard work in preparing the horse for competition.
“I think with the conformation horses especially, the grooms get really competitive,” she said. “Humberto’s goal was to win the model and was very excited when he did. He is very particular about Fetching and takes pride in the horse doing well.”
Heritage Farm is well represented at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows with riders competing in hunter, jumper, and equitation rings. The event is a highlight for Griffith, who looks forward to the show each year. She said, “We love this show because it is so close to home, but also because the facility is such a wonderful place!”
Reserve champion honors in the High Performance Hunter Conformation Division were presented to As Promised, ridden by Louise Serio of Kennett Square, PA, and owned by Bryan Baldwin & Meralex Farm, Inc. As Promised jumped to two second-place ribbons and a win over fences, in addition to placing second in the handy, second in model, and winning the under saddle.
Open Jumper competition continues on Thursday with the $10,000 1.45m before FEI competition kicks off with the $35,000 Welcome Stake of North Salem CSI3* on the Grand Prix Field. In the Main Hunter Ring on Thursday, the Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Champion will be crowned.
Spectators are welcome at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows. General admission to Old Salem Farm is free Wednesday through Friday. On the weekend of May 20-21, admission is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 12.
Stay informed on the happenings at Old Salem Farm this spring with live streaming of select events during the Spring Horse Shows at www.oldsalemfarm.net. Old Salem Farm and Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows are also on Facebook, as well as on Twitter and Instagram as @oldsalemfarmny. Follow for an exclusive and behind-the-scenes look at the Old Salem Farm experience.