Horse Power

Horse Power. That’s what we called the June-July issue of Hudson Valley Connoisseur (on sale at local Barnes & Noble stores) because we take a look at our region’s equestrian events and “horse people.” I love horses. Our article about area Pony Clubs and the young people who are part of them was especially close to my heart. When I was a child growing up in the Hudson Valley (a long long time ago), I was lucky enough to own a horse and belong to a club. Although I didn’t really distinguish myself when competing in events, I did learn a lot from the experience.

These days I no longer own a horse – despite my daughter’s perennial pleas that we need to have one. But I can bring her to the wonderful equestrian events we have in this area. If you’re looking for something “horsey” to do this weekend – and for a chance to sample fine food from some of our local restaurants – you’re in luck. Saturday is Taste of HITS-on-the-Hudson, when from noon to 2 p.m. area restaurants (see the list below) will offer samples from their menus at the show grounds in Saugerties. Admission is $5 for adults and free for kids, with all admission proceeds going directly to Family of Woodstock, Inc.

Of course, don’t go just for the food – stick around and watch the nationally ranked riders and horses compete in jumping competitions that take place in multiple rings throughout the day. (There are also more than 30 vendor stores that form the HITS Saugerties Mall, such as clothing, tack, fine jewelry, custom footwear, art, photography, souvenirs and an ice cream parlor complete with wireless Internet access.) More info is at the Web site.

Restaurants taking part in Taste of HITS-on-the-Hudson include:

From Saugerties:
Main Street Bar & Grill
New World Home Cooking
Town & Country Liquors (Wine)
Village Pizza
The Dutch Ale House
The Dam Café
Café Mezelluna
Gisiano's Family Restaurant

From Kingston:
Le Canard Restaurant
Hickory BBQ Smokehouse
Keegan Ales
Edible Arrangements

From Woodstock:
Marion's Country Kitchen
The Emerson at Woodstock

From Rhinebeck:
Terrapin Restaurant

From Mount Tremper:
The Catamount

From Athens:
The Stewart House Restaurant