May 28, 2019 – The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows hosted the EQUUS Foundation’s Next Chapters Parade of adopted and adoptable horses on Sunday, May 19th, prior to the $133,700 Empire Grand Prix and officially welcomed The Rider’s Closet as an EQUUS Foundation program.

“Horses may have many jobs and careers in their lives and their future and welfare depends on options and opportunities — which is what we promote and support,” said Valerie Angeli, who organized the parade. “We are always so grateful to horse shows like Old Salem Farm who realize how important it is to take care of our beloved horses at all stages of their lives and promote their safety and well-being.”

Valerie Angeli (left) and Christine Fitzgerald (right)

Joining the Parade:

  • EQUUS Foundation EQUUStar and top International rider, Georgina Bloomberg and her son, Jasper, and Jasper’s newly adopted miniature horse, Teddy, rescued by EQUUS Foundation Guardian, Omega Horse Rescue, Airville, PA, join EQUUS Foundation President, Lynn Coakley, VP, Valerie Angeli, and Rider’s Closet Executive Director, Christine Fitzgerald.

  • Cody and Cookie, two miniature horses who were adopted last year by Alex Hamer of Buxton Farm from EQUUS Foundation Guardian, Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation (ERAF), Palm City, FL, at the EQUUS Foundation Adoption Event in Wellington, FL.

  • Pippa Mouse, a seven-year old Shetland pony, and Paris, a four-year old Quarter Horse, both rescued at auction by EQUUS Foundation Guardian Charity, Rising Starr Horse Rescue, West Redding, CT, where they would otherwise have met a tragic fate.

  • Kiki and Two Socks – two perfect examples of how horses in transition can thrive in their next careers when given a chance – coming from EQUUS Foundation Guardian, Access Equestrian, Mount Kisko, NY, which provides adaptive riding, horsemanship programs and other equine assisted activities to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and other life challenges.

  • Kiki, a 15-year old Warmblood mare and a competitive show jumper, was ridden by one of Access Equestrian’s Pony Club riders assisted by Access Equestrian’s Executive Director Denise Avolio, and Administrative Coordinator Sara Garden. Two Socks, a 28-year old Appendix Quarter Horse, was rescued from a kill pen at auction in 2006, and after retiring as a pleasure horse at the age of 23, he joined Access Equestrian as one of their most tolerant lesson and program horses. Two Socks was ridden by an Access Equestrian participant accompanied by instructor Kate Hickcox and support staff Amanda Levi.

“This parade celebrates and illustrates how horses of all shapes and sizes that find themselves in transition can thrive in new lives and careers,” continued Angeli. “Bringing the equine community and all horse lovers together to protect and celebrate the horses we love is what the EQUUS Foundation is all about!”

Georgina Bloomberg, Jasper Bloomberg & Teddy; Photo courtesy of Jump Media

Pippa Mouse and Paris with Rising Starr Horse Rescue volunteers

Kiki with one of Access Equestrian’s Pony Club riders assisted by Access Equestrian’s Executive Director Denise Avolio, and Administrative Coordinator Sara Garden

Two Socks strutting his stuff with an Access Equestrian participant. Lending support is instructor Kate Hickcox and support staff Amanda Levi

More About The Rider’s Closet:

The Rider’s Closet was founded by Georgina Bloomberg, in 2006 to provide new or gently used riding apparel to scholastic riding programs, pony clubs, equestrian camp programs, equine charities and individual riders in need.

The merger with the EQUUS Foundation will allow The Rider’s Closet to help even more equestrians, who might not otherwise have access to the necessary riding attire, to pursue their horsemanship dreams.

“Thanks to Old Salem providing a vendor space for us, we filled a tack trunk many times over with donations of gently used riding apparel that will be shared free-of-charge with equestrians, riding teams and programs who need it,” said Christine Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the EQUUS Foundation Rider’s Closet program.


EQUUS Foundation EQUUStar Clementine Goutal stops by the EQUUS Foundation booth to help promote The Rider’s Closet

About EQUUS Foundation: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, also known as Horse Charities of America, the only national animal welfare charity in the United States 100% dedicated to protecting America’s horses and strengthening the bond between people and horses. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: www.equusfoundation.org.