The New York State Fair will rename its show ring in the Toyota Coliseum on September 4, 2021 in honor of longtime Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) supporter, the late Naomi Blumenthal. A leader in New York’s equestrian community and a mentor to many, Blumenthal served the IHSA for more than 40 years.
“We are thrilled to hear that the show ring at the New York State Fair will bear Naomi’s name,” said Peter Cashman, IHSA executive director. “It is a beautiful dedication to the tremendous impact she had on the equestrian industry.”
Blumenthal taught equestrian studies and equine business management at Cazenovia College for 27 years and was a coach of the Cazenovia College IHSA Equestrian Team. She was a longtime member of the IHSA board of directors, first as a regional president, then as zone chair and for many years as executive treasurer.
Blumenthal’s dedication to competitions kept both riders and spectators coming back to a wide variety of shows on the Fairgrounds. Her presence will be missed by many. Now, her name will welcome the thousands who visit the Fair for years come. “Every time I walk into the Toyota Coliseum, I think of Naomi. It’s impossible not to,” said Fair Director Troy Waffner.
“It’s a big honor. My mother appreciated recognition, but would never expect something so permanent and wonderful,” said Shari Schneider, Naomi’s daughter.
ABOUT THE NEW YORK STATE FAIR
Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair is America’s third largest state fair. The Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment and is a key piece of the CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. Fair attendance is up more than 46% since the beginning of more than $120 million in investments, with 1.33 million people attending the Fair in 2019. The 2021 Fair runs from August 20 to September 6.
The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Find the Great New York State Fair on its website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and enjoy photos from the Fair on Flickr. Also, New Yorkers are invited to send their ideas for the Great New York State Fair to statefairideas@agriculture.ny.gov.
ABOUT THE IHSA
The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) welcomes men and women of all riding levels and offers individual and team competition in hunter seat equitation, Western horsemanship and reining at more than 400 member colleges and universities. Membership in IHSA means that college students can participate in horse shows regardless of their experience or financial status. Students compete at eight levels from beginner through advanced with suitable, provided horses, eliminating the expense of horse ownership.
Founded in 1967 by Bob Cacchione, it is the oldest and largest intercollegiate equestrian organization with 10,000 members in 47 states and Canada. IHSA college and university team participation is represented through a variety of programs including varsity athletics, academic departments and club sports. IHSA offers valuable hands-on experience and professional development in multiple facets of the equine industry. Many IHSA teams participate in service projects, giving back to their communities. Through the IHSA, students enhance their college experience and develop the tools that help build successful careers.
For more information go to IHSAinc.com or contact media@IHSAinc.com.
Media Contact
Carrie Wirth
EQ Media
carrie@eqmedia.agency