The Monmouth County Hunt welcomed Standardbreds from three states for a special day of foxhunting this month.
Standardbreds primarily are used for harness racing and driving, but like thoroughbreds, they can go on to different careers when their days at the track are over.
Many of the participants were first-time foxhunters eager to try their Standardbreds in the hunt field.
Standardbred riders line up with Huntsman Meg Valnoski, MFH and the Monmouth County Hunt Hounds. (Photo by C.M. Cancelli)
All of the horses participating proved to be well suited for foxhunting, displaying both patience and manners in the hunt field.
One such horse was the 19-year-old “HugMe Christi,” owned by Dr. Karyn Malinowski of the Rutgers Equine Science Center and hunted by trainer Wendy Hale.
Hugme Christi, a war horse with 258 races on her record before she retired at age 12, won more than $120,000. She was a two-time Amateur Driver’s horse winner in the Amateur Final at the Meadowlands Racetrack with Karyn in the sulky.
Karyn Malinowski, who drove Hugme Christi to records, with rider Wendy Hale. (Photo by C.M. Cancelli)
Hugme Christi broke the American Harness Driving Club’s record when she produced a record time on June 2, 2005 in the amateur final. The record stood for more than a decade. She has fox hunted and hunter paced with the Monmouth County Hunt many times, and may enter a show or two soon.
Sam Landy of Congress Hill Farm in Monroe hunts his retired Standardbreds. He is a breeder and owner of Standardbreds, and is now a retired trainer and driver.
“As a breeder of New Jersey Standardbreds, I want to thank the masters of the Monmouth County Hunt for managing and maintaining a great club that provides an opportunity to ride Standardbreds. Standardbreds’ temperament and athleticism make them ideally suited for the hunt field when their racing careers are over. The Monmouth County Hunt provides a great venue to ride these horses for 10 or more years after their race career is over.
The Monmouth County Hunt in Upper Freehold Township is near many Standardbred breeding farms and training centers, as well as several racetracks. Over the years, the hunt has had several members riding retired Standardbred racehorses with great success. The current membership includes standardbred owners, drivers and trainers.
The Standardbred field met hounds and huntsman Meg Valnoski, MFH at the MCH kennels. Doug Raynor MFH led the first flight and Laura Scott led the hilltoppers at a slower pace.
Following the day’s hunting, a traditional hunt breakfast was hosted by hunt members. For more information on the Monmouth County Hunt go to www.monmouthcountyhunt.com