Press release from Old Salem Farm

Course designer Ken Krome built a challenging 16-effort, 1.50m course for Friday’s $65,000 FEI 4* Welcome Stake at the 2024 Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows, where Zayna Rizvi (USA) answered all the questions and soared above her fellow competitors. The last pair to enter the ring, she and Exquise Du Pachis (Vagabond de la Pomme x Ogano Sitte) posted a faultless 35.83-second time for the win. 

The Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows host competitions for riders of all levels and ages, ranging from young children on ponies to top Grand Prix stars aboard their elite mounts. Week 1 (September 10-15) is designated CSI4*/2* while Week 2 (September 17-22) is designated CSI3*. Old Salem’s September schedule also includes a National/Level 2 event (September 25-27). 

The $65,000 FEI 4* Welcome Stake featured 45 entries representing eight countries in the Old Salem Farm International Arena, with 18 advancing to the jump-off. Sarah Segal (USA) returned early on with Boreale De Fondcombe, setting the time to beat at 36.92 seconds. Fresh off his win in Thursday’s $5,000 FEI 2* Speed Class, Simon McCarthy (IRL) was the first to knock her down the leaderboard with his double-clear score of 36.46 seconds, but Rizvi was even faster in 35.83 seconds. 

“I know my horse really well, and I know that she has a huge stride, so I tried to use that to my advantage,” Rizvi said. “I wouldn’t say there was any specific spot that I was going faster than Simon, but my mare is so good at turning and really helped me out in a few spots. Doing that tight rollback to the double and the tight turn into the second-to-last jump, she was right there with me the whole time. She was amazing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better result.

“We call her Patchy in the barn, and she’s just incredible,” she added of The Exquisite Group’s 14-year-old Belgian Sport Horse mare. “She’s brought me around my biggest tracks so far, and she’s always giving me confidence and teaching me the ropes. Today’s first-round track was great for us. There were definitely some technical lines and questions, but she’s so great at adjusting and coming back to me. In the jump-off, there were places where you could use a mixed ride if you had it, and I’m lucky enough that I do with her. It was a great jump-off track, too. I’m very grateful to have a partner like her.”

McCarthy earned second place for his performance aboard Ilan Ferder’s 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare Narcotique V/H Dingenshof (Harley x Chacco-Blue). Segal finished third with Horatio Street Ventures LLC’s 13-year-old Selle Français mare Boreale De Fondcombe (Tinka's Boy x Calvaro).  

“I’m so glad that we have an FEI show (at Old Salem) in the fall now,” Rizvi said. “I actually haven’t shown here since 2019, so it’s really great to be back. I grew up around here, and being here again feels like coming home. I’m really excited about the rest of our week.”