McDermott Shines in Open Jumper 1.30m to Kick Off Second Week of 2023 Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows
Many familiar faces around the Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows enjoyed Wednesday’s beautiful weather as hunters and jumpers kicked off Week 2 competition in the June Road Ring and International Arena, respectively. Among the first winners were Caroline McLeese of Omaha, NE, and Megan McDermott of South Salem, NY, who took top honors in their respective Open Jumper classes.
The Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows, September 12-17, September 19-24 and September 27-October 1, host competitions for riders of all levels and ages, ranging from young children on ponies to top Grand Prix stars aboard their up-and-coming mounts.
One of five riders to make it to the jump-off in the Open Jumper 1.20m, McLeese posted the fastest double-clear time in 42.604 seconds to secure first place aboard Double H Farm’s Lady Chester. Jennifer Januzis of Stroudsburg, PA, earned second with Irene Briggs’ Scarlett O’Hara N89 Z in 43.977 seconds. Katie Lynch of Amenia, NY, finished third in 46.584 seconds aboard David Hopper Inc.’s Kitty Price.
Immediately following were the horse-and-rider combinations challenging the Open Jumper 1.30m, where McDermott came out on top aboard Counter Balance LLC’s Bruce Z with the only double-clear round. As the only other entry to complete the jump-off, Hayley Mercer of Langley, BC, and David Artos’s Fastday VDL took second on a three-fault score. Mathilde Lockwood of Wellington, FL, piloted Andrea Vogel’s Zohra M Z to the fastest single-fault initial round, claiming third in 85.222 seconds.
In the gorgeously decorated June Road Ring, Green and Performance hunters took the stage with initial top placings shared among the competitors. Among the day’s blue-ribbon winners were Amy Lowrey of South Salem, NY, riding Katharine Page’s Kensing in the Green 3’ Hunter; Holly Orlando of North Salem, NY, riding Privet Farm LLC’s Macallan in the Performance 3’3” Hunter; and Brenna Doherty of North Salem, NY, riding Maarten Huygens’ Oxana Di Magico in the OSF 3’ Hunter. Champions will be crowned on Thursday following the conclusion of these divisions.
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 the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, United States Olympic Team Selection Trials, FEI World Cup™ qualifiers, FEI North American Youth Championships and ASPCA Maclay Regional Finals.
The Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows kicked off with a USEF ‘National-4’ rating for hunters and jumpers September 12-17, followed by USEF ‘National-2’ September 19-24 and September 27-October 1. Each week’s action starts daily at 8:00 a.m. with classes running simultaneously in three beautifully manicured rings throughout the day. Opening Week highlights included the $10,000 Old Salem Farm Welcome Stake on Friday, September 15, and the $30,000 Old Salem Farm Great Oak Grand Prix on Sunday, September 17.
Weeks 2 (September 19-24) and 3 (September 27-October 1) feature more familiar Old Salem Farm highlights, including the $10,000 Old Salem Farm Jumper Classic each Sunday. There will also be an Old Salem Farm Hunter Derby taking place each Friday (September 15, September 22 and September 29). Week 2 will also include the Zone 2 Maclay Regionals, National Horse Shows 3’3” Hamel Area Championship and THIS Adult Medal Area Championship on Saturday, September 23.
The ambiance at the Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows is unlike any other venue in the country. Old Salem Farm’s food vendors provide “meals to go” and delicious snack options.
For more information on Old Salem Farm and its full schedule of equestrian events, please visit www.OldSalemFarm.net.
