Syquia Wins the Combined 1.30-1.35m Open Jumper to Kick Off 2023 Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows
The Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows commenced on Wednesday with many Open and Training Jumpers gearing up for three full weeks of competition at the historic Old Salem Farm. Among the first winners in the International Arena was Colin Syquia (PHI), who bested a field of 21 entries in the Combined 1.30-1.35m Open Jumper.
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.
Syquia and Fiper, Eurasia Inc.’s 12-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding, were the fastest of six horse-and-rider combinations who went double-clear over the Ken Krome-designed jump-off track, tripping the timers in 36.988 seconds to clinch the win. Peter Lutz (USA) finished second on Lovsta Stuteri’s 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Laguna HX with a time of 38.697 seconds. Earning third in 39.504 seconds was Jonathan Corrigan (IRL) aboard Active X Van Olland.Biz Z, Twin Oaks Ventures LLC’s 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion.
Other highlights included Lutz’s 1-2 finish in the 1.20m Open Jumper. Lutz piloted two Lovsta Stuteri entries through faultless double-clear rounds, securing a blue-ribbon finish with the 8-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Pakkato LS in 38.878 seconds. Second place went to the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Hollerno, who was not far behind with 39.511 seconds on the clock.
Competition returns to the International Arena at 9:00 a.m. Thursday with more Open Jumper classes at various heights, while Training Jumpers challenge courses in the Hedge Ring and gorgeous hunters step out for the first time in the June Road Ring.
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 kick 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 include 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.
Local artisans and farmers from local farms will be coming to the Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows as part of the Artisan Marketplace and Farmer’s Market, September 16-17, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. daily. While being entertained by exciting equestrian sport, enjoy shopping for unique finds from local artists as well as flowers, produce and other foods straight from local farmers… literally from right down the street! There will also be face painting for kids from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. each day. Open to the public with something for everyone and free parking!
For more information on Old Salem Farm and its full schedule of equestrian events, please visit www.OldSalemFarm.net.
