Just as they did for Mother’s Day, the folks at Old Salem Farm in North Salem have provided us with some thoughts on being parents – in this case, dads – of two- and four-legged “children” just in time for Father’s Day.
Says Old Salem Farm President Scott Hakim: “I’m so happy that my daughter (Emma), at such a young age, has such a passion for a sport that incorporates athletic ability, ongoing discipline and empathy for animals that are basically saints.” Adds Emma: “I love having my dad interested in my riding and around at the farm. I keep telling him he has to come ride a new horse that we got in named Reggie. He would love him.”
Other fathers are equally supportive of their equestrian daughters. Says Zoe Christos:
“My dad…believes in me. He drives me to Old Salem four to five days a week for training and schedules his work around my lessons. I love you, dad. You are the best horse dad ever.”
Adds said horse dad, Louis: “June 15th marked my eighth year of being a horse show dad. Zoe had her first lead line lesson on Father’s Day weekend just before she turned 3 years old. Zoe has been dedicated ever since that day and never gave up. She has demonstrated the most personal growth and success in her riding at Old Salem Farm with her trainer Kara Hanly. I will always support my daughter’s dream and her horseback riding career.”
The De Rosaires tell a similar tail, uh, tale. Says equestrian Annie: “My dad has been so supportive through my riding journey. Without him none of this would be possible. He even suggested I start riding in the first place. I never had a sport I was truly passionate about until this one and I have him to thank for that. My dad is the most driven person I know, so growing up surrounded by that and trying to replicate it has been crucial to my riding success.”
Adds her father, Damian: “Annie’s drive, determination and rigor for her sport is what connects us together, along with a shared love of horses. Watching Annie train and compete allows me to share time and a common goal with Annie. It also fills me with pride to see her work so hard.”
Sounds like an all-around love affair. Happy Father’s Day to all.
Old Salem Farm has horse shows on weekends through early October, including the Ox Ridge Heritage Competition this weekend. For more, visit oldsalemfarm.net.