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Westchester Vying To Hold Equestrian Event

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. -- Westchester County is looking for the chance to host a major equestrian event. 

Old Salem Farm in North Salem has put in a bid for the 2015 Furusiyya FEI Nationas Cup Final.

Old Salem Farm in North Salem has put in a bid for the 2015 Furusiyya FEI Nationas Cup Final.

Photo Credit: Courtesy Old Salem Farm Facebook Page

Old Salem Farm in North Salem has put in a bid for the 2015 Furusiyya FEI Nationas Cup Final. The event is known as "the most prestigious team championship in the sport of show jumping," according to a press release. Major cities from around the world, including Hong Kong and Barcelona, Spain are also competing for the event.

Old Salem Farm’s bid is "strengthened by the fact that it is already the host of this September’s American Gold Cup CSI 4* World Cup Qualifier," according to the release. 

“Westchester County is the perfect setting for this event,” said County Executive Rob Astorino. “We are committed, ready, and eager to work with Old Salem Farm to assist them in bringing this international equestrian championship to Westchester.”

Alan Bietsch of Old Salem Farm said the goal was to "create and promote the best show jumping events the U.S. has to offer in a world-class venue," according to the release.

"The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Final offers the best competition in the world," Bietsch said. "This is an opportunity to showcase the caliber of venue that Old Salem Farm is. It is our hope to show the world how great show jumping events in the U.S. can be and potentially open the door for hosting more competitors, teams, and future championships in the United States at Old Salem Farm.”

The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Final would bring 18 teams of riders from around the world as well as a strong economic boost to the town of North Salem, Westchester County and the Hudson Valley region.

“The host site awarded the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Final has a tremendous honor and opportunity,” said John Madden, chairman of the FEI Jumping Committee. “Not only does it offer the highest level of team championship held annually in our sport, but also delivers a world-wide audience. Additionally, more than 90 elite horses are flown in to the competition for international powerhouse equestrian teams, potentially teams such as Germany, France, the Netherlands and the current Olympic Champions, Great Britain.”

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