Jumping competition brings top equestrians to Amenia

AMENIA — The Silo Ridge Masters Grand Prix drew the world’s top equestrians to the show jumping ring at Keane Stud on Sunday, Oct. 5.

The Grand Prix is the capstone event in the first weekend of the revamped competition. Success in the event depended on an ability to clear 4-foot-11-inch fences accurately and without fault.

Surrounding the competition were spectators on a grassy hill on the south side of the ring, and a row of tents selling clothing, home decor and equestrian gear.

Millbrook business owner Lily Al-Nemri also attended the event. The owner of Tyte Medispa and Tyte Gallery on Franklin Avenue came to scope out Vendor Village to see if it might be a good fit for community engagement in the future. “I’m having fun, the weather is lovely and I’m happy to be in the community with neighbors close to Millbrook,” said Al-Nemri.

And the “Kid Zone” was packed with pumpkins for decorating, a bouncy house and shaded areas providing a welcome respite from the midday sun. Face-painting, stilt-walkers and a magic show added to the fun.

Hannah Alley-Keller, who lives with her husband and baby in Dutchess County, grew up around horses in Virginia. She came for the competition but also the family-friendly atmosphere. “We’re here with some friends and are enjoying the social aspect and seeing the horses,” she said.

Inside the ring, Chicago-born Kent Farrington took home the first place trophy after a flawless run around the jump-off, where the top three riders from the Grand Prix go head-to-head to determine their placement.

Lucy Raciti of Millbrook, left, Wyatt Hamm of Rhinebeck, center, and Elliott Raciti of Millbrook, right, paint pumpkins in the Kids Zone at the Silo Ridge Masters show jumping competition in Amenia on Sunday, Oct. 5.Aly Morrissey

Animal Farm Foundation in Amenia and Perfect Pets Rescue in the Hudson Valley also had adorable dogs for adoption and are expected to be back next weekend.

The Silo Ridge Masters is just the first weekend in a revamped show jumping competition now known as the Highlands Horse Show.

The second and final weekend of show jumping competition began on Wednesday, Oct. 8, bringing with it an even higher and more prestigious level of competition that is expected to bring dozens more of the world’s top equestrians to Keane Stud in Amenia.

Third Eye Blind and opener Dinosaur Jr. will be performing at Keane Stud on Friday, Oct. 10, and Leann Rimes and Brothers Osborne will take the stage the following night on Saturday, Oct. 11. Also slated for the second weekend is a car meet on Sunday, Oct. 12.