Dressage at the Park, July 6-9 at the Horse Park of New Jersey, will have 1- and 2-star FEI competition this year in addition to national classes. It offers nine qualifiers for various championships as well.
Those trying to qualify for the Pan American Games in Chile this autumn will have their last chance to get the necessary scores at the competition in Allentown, since qualifying for the Small Tour (the Pan Am teams combine Small and Big Tour riders) ends on July 9, the final day of the show.
Dressage at the Park always attracts a nice group of horses and riders.
But there will be more to enjoy than just the competition during the show.
On the Saturday, July 8 during the lunch break, kids pf any age will be able to participate in a matchy/matchy parade, whether they want to wear costumes themselves, dress up their ponies or use stick horses or Breyer horses. They can do whatever they like with color coordination to make them feel like little dressage queens and kings.
There are several divisions, including a leadline (only necessary for real ponies, not the stick horses!) The ponies, if not already entered at the show, must be entered with a signed liability waiver, a negative Coggins test and vaccination records. Click here for the entry blank and more information.
Participants are asked to raise money any way they like, through donations or a lemonade stand, perhaps. The proceeds go to Philadelphia’s Work to Ride program, a nonprofit community-based prevention program that aids under-resourced urban youth through constructive activities centered on horsemanship, equestrian sports and education.
Dr. Carey Williams of Rutgers university will offer a free seminar on equine nutrition in the pavilion at the park on that Saturday. Later in the afternoon, about 3 p.m., New Jersey dressage rider Alice Tarjan–who will just have returned from competing at the Aachen show in Germany–will be signing autographs and doing a Q and A during a party open to all.
“We’re excited to have her come,” said Jennifer Bateman, a member of the show committee.
The free events are something everyone can enjoy, whether they’re riding or not. And there is no admission charge to attend the show.