Vis-à-vis: History and horses
June 26, 2017
The Yaddo showgrounds, near the historic Saratoga Racecourse, host a schedule packed with competitions, from kids and ponies to top international riders and horses vying for important wins and prizes.
Skidmore students and alumni show their school colors, and all the entrants pay attention to saddles and girths, reins and martingales, bits and stirrups.
From helmet and breeches and gloves to specialized boots (for horse as well as rider), proper attire is part of the formal horse-show tradition. For warmups only, this rider is in shirtsleeves.
Among the students and alumni taking part: Maeve Foley '19, warming up before her class. Her performance in both flat and over-fences classes for Skidmore's varsity riding team sent her to regional finals last year.
Thanks to corporate sponsors and others, proceeds from the horse show over its 20 years have provided more than $4 million in scholarship aid for students who couldn't otherwise afford a Skidmore education.
Customer service, stabling care, and a joyous vibe have made the Skidmore Saratoga Classic one of the most popular events on the circuit, drawing back many entrants, from Florida to Canada, year after year.
