Exhibitors made their return to Old Salem Farm Wednesday for the premiere of Old Salem Farm Fall Series Week II. Jumpers were featured in both the arena and the Grand Prix Field with highlight classes, including the $1,000 1.30m Open Jumper Stake and a $250 Child/Adult Jumper class. It was ultimately Keri Smith and Pegasus that captured the win in the $1,000 1.30m Open Jumper Stake.
Keri Smith on Pegasus. Photo by SEL Photography.
In the $1,000 1.30m Open Jumper Stake, seven combinations managed fault-free first rounds of the Kevin Giblin-designed course. Smith and her own 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding Pegasus (Periaveux x Camilla PJ) produced a double clear effort and crossed the timers in 40.407 seconds.
Though at a peak performance age, the gelding has only been under saddle for a little over three years. Smith had hip replacement surgery this past year, so the duo have only returned to their riding partnership since March.
“He’s a great horse and even with his limited experience and time off, he just jumped right back into work,” Smith said. She credits his success back in the show ring to her team at her own Topline Stables in Medfield, Massachusetts, which includes Olympic dressage rider and trainer Dottie Morkis.
Keri Smith on Pegasus. Photo by SEL Photography.
“I am very lucky that I was able to have him kept in work by other riders at my farm,” she said. “He didn’t jump while I was recovering but I have a former Olympian that works with us at the farm and she definitely kicks all of our butts so it keeps the horses in very good shape.”
Smith also works as a nurse and says that having a farm to call home is part of her recipe for success. She plans to continue in the 1.30m Open Jumper division with Pegasus for the remainder of the week but is looking forward to competing him in the $10,000 Old Salem Farm Jumper Classic on the final day of Week II.
Alice Debany Clero (USA) and Old Salem Farm Acquisition Corp’s 8-year-old North American Studbook gelding (Amaretto D’Arco x Roxanne) Roxstar were hot on Smith’s heels for the second place position, while veteran show jumper Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) secured the third place position with the Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC 10-year-old Holsteiner (Carambole x Caretino 2) entry La Caramba.
Old Salem Farm Fall Horse Show Fast Facts
What – Old Salem Farm Fall Series Horse Shows are three weeks of top-notch competition in the heart of Westchester County’s horse country. Old Salem Farm reminds competitors to adhere to COVID-19 Protocols for the safety of all.
Where – Old Salem Farm | 190 June Road | North Salem, New York 10560
Contact – Lori Johnsen: johnsenl@oldsalemfarm.net
Official Photographer – SEL Photography
Week II (September 15-19)
- ASPCA Maclay Regionals (Region 2)
- USEF Level 2 Jumpers –“C” Hunters
- $10,000 Old Salem Farm Jumper Classic
- SCHEDULE
Week III (September 23-27)
- USEF Level 2 Jumpers –“A” Hunters
- $5,000 Old Salem Farm Derby
- $1,000 Old Salem Farm Children/Adult Derby
- $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby
- $10,000 Old Salem Farm Jumper Classic
- SCHEDULE
About Old Salem Farm
Located just one hour north of New York City, Old Salem Farm is known as one of the finest equestrian competition venues in North America. Its beautifully manicured grounds host the world’s elite horses and athletes. Events on the property draw spectators from Westchester County and beyond who delight in strolling the grounds, shopping on boutique row, enjoying a range of culinary options while watching equestrian sport at its best.
Over the years, Old Salem Farm has hosted United States Olympic Team Selection Trials and Longines FEI World Cup qualifiers, FEI North American Youth Championships and ASPCA Maclay Regionals. Old Salem Farm, a 120-acre boarding and training facility with 90 permanent stalls, is the ideal learning environment for area clients to achieve their goals. For more information, click here.