Horse show eyes May 3 start
SARATOGA SPRINGS >> Organizers of the 40th annual Saratoga Springs Horse Show are making preparations for the event’s final year at the Yaddo Grounds off Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs.
The three-week competition begins May 3 and goes through May 21 from Wednesday to Sunday each week.
The show is put on by the Capital Fund of Saratoga County, Inc., which distributes proceeds to local charitable organizations and groups.
“Entries are coming in and it looks like it will be another good year for the show” said Tom Fueston, Capital Fund president. “
Volunteers have begun cleaning up the grounds from winter debris such as leaves and branches.
“It’s a big job to clean up the 20-plus acres of competition rings and their support areas and then repair the damage done over the year to the fences and other structures on the property,” Fueston said. “It’s a task that some of the long-time volunteers look forward to each year. To them it is the true beginning of spring.”
The show is considered a premier, double-A rated hunter and level 4/3 jumper rated event, and attracts from 500 to 700 horses during its three-week run.
Some come for just one week, while others come for two or all three weeks. Each horse brings with it their riders, trainers, grooms and of course other family members and friends. So the show attracts more than 1,000 people per week.
Next year the show will be relocating to a new venue, allowing for more services for exhibitors.
This year’s featured events are the $30,000 Saratoga Cup Grand Prix (National Standard) on Sunday, May 7, the $30,000 David B. Wood Cup Grand Prix (National Standard) on Sunday, May 14, and $15,000 Steve and Yvonne Sullivan Cup (Regional Standard) on Sunday, May 21. Each of these events will begin approximately 3 p.m.
In addition there will be vendors providing merchandise of both equestrian and non-equestrian styles, and of course food and refreshments prepared fresh daily on the show grounds by food service professionals and volunteers.
Daily admission (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) is $4 per person 12 and older. Admission is free on Wednesday and Thursday.
This year the admission’s booth will be manned by three different charities who will get to keep the admission receipts for their organization’s programs. They are the Saratoga Race Track Chaplaincy, Tears Foundation–Saratoga Chapter, and Angel Names Association of Saratoga.
Warm up and first competitions usually begin between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. each day. Most competitions are over by 5 p.m.
Several special activities are planned.
The 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby will be celebrated on Saturday, May 6 with a gathering of exhibitors and sponsors to watch the Derby on a “jumbo-tron” set up specifically for the race.
Thursday, May 11 will be breast cancer awareness day and everyone is encouraged to wear pink as a visible expression of support.
Each day a “charity of the day” will be selected and all tips and donations given at the food tent, souvenir area and bistro will be given to that charity.
Mother’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, May 13.
Saturday, May 20 is veteran’s appreciation day to coincide with Armed Forces Day. Groups will be present representing the Veterans Peer Connection, Veterans and Community Housing Coalition, Chamber of Commerce Veterans Group and a U.S. Navy color guard.
Also on May 20, Saratoga County Animal Shelter will be on site to share their experiences about finding homes for unwanted pets. There is no adoption fee for veterans.
The show will also celebrate the 141st running of the Preakness Stakes this day.
Since 2011, the Capital Fund has provided over $256,000 to 66 local charities including more than $61,000 last year alone.
These include more than 25 food banks, Saratoga Center for Family, Shelters of Saratoga, EOC Soup Kitchen, Rebuilding Together Saratoga, local hospice groups, Wellspring, Franklin Community Center, B.E.S.T, community outreach programs, veterans support programs, and several others.
“Our motto ‘Helping others help others,’” Fueston said.
“We hope that as more individuals, businesses and organizations realize what we are doing for our community, they will step up and support the Capital Fund and through our combined efforts we can expand these contributions.”
For information about volunteering at the show go to: www.saratogaspringshorseshow.com/volunteer or stop by the Yaddo grounds at 305 Union Ave. on most days between now and the end of May. Enter via NYRA gate 15 or 16.
Tom Fueston may be contacted by email at: tom@saratogaspringshorseshow.com or call (518) 490-1214.