14th Annual Benefit Horse Show

By: Meg Preston

As I mentioned in my last blog post regarding the Hunter/Jumper Clinic, the day after the clinic is The Farmers' Museum’s 14th Annual Benefit Horse Show at the Iroquois Farm Show Grounds. When I rode as a child, having the opportunity to go to a local show was just unheard of! We would get up at 5:00 a.m. or earlier to do the chores. We tried to load everything and be ready to go the night before, so we could get on the road and to our destination for a 9:00 a.m. show. Being able to go to this local show would have not only have been convenient, but an opportunity of a lifetime, with nationally renowned judges, a beautiful landscape, and handcrafted jumps that are replicas local places!

The show will be held on Sunday, June 13th, and begins at 9:00 a.m., rain or shine. If you are a rider who would like to participate, you can register on the day of the show. The course designer and show manager is Leo Conroy of Wellington, FL. All classes are pointed by Chensego Hunter Association. For a prize list and other information on the horse show, please check out our website.

If you’d like to come and watch the show, admission is free. You can buy food and drink throughout the day, and the Annual Patrons’ Luncheon will be offered at noon. You can enjoy a delicious luncheon coupled with ringside seating under the tent. Tickets are $45 per person (adult) and $10 (12 and under). Reservations are required. For more information about the luncheon or to make a reservation, please contact Laura Gattoni at 607-547-1471 or email Development@nysha.org.

Proceeds raised by the Benefit Horse Show will support the education programs at The Farmers’ Museum.

Hunter/Jumper Clinic in Cooperstown

By: Meg Preston

The Farmers' Museum 14th Annual Benefit Horse Show is a great chance for riders to show in Cooperstown and support the museum’s education programs. The day before the show, riders of all ages have a wonderful opportunity to learn from one of the top equestrians in the country. I grew up here in Cooperstown, and was very lucky to own a horse, take riding lessons, and most of all, go to shows. I had a very knowledgeable trainer, and I know that if an opportunity to go to a clinic and take instruction by a nationally known equestrian had come along so close to home, she would have encouraged me to go for it! I was fortunate to be able to take a lesson from John Moffat, and was thrilled for the experience.

This year the 4th Annual Hunter/Jumper Clinic will be held on Saturday, June 12, and is open to riders of all ages, levels, and abilities riding horses or ponies (participants must be able to jump at least 2 feet). The clinic will be conducted by Timmy Kees from Westport, CT. With over 35 years experience on the “A” horse show circuit, W.T. (“Timmy”) Kees is one of the country’s most prominent hunter/equitation trainers. Overnight stabling off-site and a discount on entry fees is available for registrants who are participating in the both the clinic and the show. Four sessions are available. Space is limited and registration is required by June 9. You can download a registration form on our website.