Something for everyone at Old Salem Farm!

While some of the nation’s best riders and horses vie for top honors in multiple arenas, the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows offer plenty of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Every day is special during the competition, especially during the Family Fun Weekends!

The horse shows will offer weekend face painting, pony rides and more!

Old Salem will also host arts and crafts events with the North Salem Historical Society during both weekends, as well as two adorable dog adoptions, one with the SPCA of Westchester on Saturday, May 9, and another with A New Chance Animal Rescue on Saturday, May 16.

The North Salem Historical Society, located at 81 Keeler Lane in North Salem, New York, is an entirely volunteer-based organization preserving North Salem’s rich history and treasures. The Society brings history to life through educational programs, lectures and community events; painstakingly cares for a rich archive of materials housed in The White Elephant, including artwork, maps, photos, documents, clothing, tools and artifacts; and works alongside the North Salem Town Historian and the Historic Preservation Committee to interpret the past through meticulous research.

Founded in 1883, the SPCA of Westchester is one of the oldest humane societies in the U.S. Still located on the same property obtained by founder Mary Dusenberry, the SPCA is a no-kill animal welfare organization dedicated to saving homeless, abused and abandoned animals and to protecting animals from cruelty and neglect.

Since their founding in 2012, A New Chance Animal Rescue has saved and adopted out over 1,000 dogs, providing food and general care until they can be placed in loving, permanent homes. Currently operating in nine states, the Rescue operates on a foster home model instead of boarding or sheltering their animals in a facility. These foster homes provide each dog with constant love and the experience of normal daily life, better preparing them for successful adoption.

Other great activities include an ice cream party each Saturday, sponsored by Pegasus Therapeutic Riding on May 9 and the Wolf Conservation Center on May 16, as well as the “Saddle Up for Storytime” event with Ruth Keeler Memorial Library.

In September 1975, the first Pegasus therapeutic riding sessions began at Ox Ridge Hunt Club in Darien, CT. Today, Pegasus is a PATH International Premier Accredited Center with three chapters throughout Putnam and Fairfield counties, including a 20-acre permanent facility in Brewster, NY. Their PATH-certified instructors, physical therapists, occupational therapists and licensed educators provide various equine-assisted activities to people with special needs and individuals at risk, including disadvantaged youth, trauma survivors and adults with developmental disabilities.

The Wolf Conservation Center envisions a world where wolves thrive. Located in South Salem, their mission is to advance the survival of wolves by inspiring a global community through education, advocacy, research and recovery. They have worked for two decades to protect and preserve wolves in North America through their programs, including participation in federal recovery and release programs for two critically endangered species.

The North Salem Free Library, now called Ruth Keeler Memorial Library, was started in 1932 in two rooms on the main floor of the Town House with 1,600 books. Throughout its history of relocations, renovations and expansions, the library has faithfully served the North Salem community as a lifelong educational and cultural center for all.

Additionally, there will be an ongoing presence from The Rider’s Closet, which provides new and gently used riding apparel to riding programs, clubs, charities and individuals in need. A donation box will be located near or inside the Old Salem Farm lobby throughout both weeks.

The Animal Embassy will also return on Sunday, May 17 (11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.), for another of its fan-favorite educational experiences. Dedicated to fostering appreciation and respect for the natural world and incredible diversity of life on Earth, the Embassy specializes in providing online, interactive and entertaining educational experiences. Founded by Christopher Evers in 2002, the Embassy is home to over 100 species of rescued and adopted domestic and exotic animal life, offering them sanctuary on three beautiful acres right in Westchester County.