Since the 1960s, there have been a few different versions of the Essex Horse Trials, though its name has always meant something in the world of three-day eventing.
It started as a local event in New Jersey, growing to become one of the country’s best competitions at U.S. Equestrian Team headquarters in Gladstone, then taking a long nap after its 1998 edition when construction of a golf course put a dent in the land available for cross-country.
After a decision was made to revive Essex with new energy, it reappeared in 2018 at Moorland Farm in Far Hills, home of October’s popular Far Hills Race Meeting.. A few years later, Essex divided its time over two days, between the USET Foundation for dressage and show jumping and the impressive terrain of Moorland for cross-country.
On June 1, it will be a one-day event, with every phase at Moorland. As organizer Marilyn Payne points out, once the action gets under way, spectators can view each segment of the competition just by taking a short walk between the arenas and the course at any time.
“It will be a three-ring circus,” she chuckled.
Prime spots by the water jump are available for tailgating. Make arrangements at essexhorsetrials.net.
Tailgating by the water jump is a prime viewing spot. (Photo © 2023 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
Marilyn rode in the first Essex 57 years ago, and ever since hasn’t missed being part of the event in some capacity, whether it’s as a competitor, trainer or official. When the two-day format became too difficult for both participants and organizers, it appeared the event might once again fade into the mists of history.
But Marilyn wasn’t going to let that happen and stepped up with the one-day concept.
Although some of the country’s best eventers have competed at Essex since its founding in 1968, the emphasis in the new iteration involves helping build the base of the sport.
Marilyn Payne in action at Essex. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Marilyn pointed out that Essex is “a stepping stone for people. They use it as part of their program. You need an event here; you don’t want a gap. It’s convenient because you can come and go in the same day. I’m so excited to be able to offer it to all these younger riders and horses to get started. There aren’t enough places to do that.”
The upper ranks of eventing have to build on the lower levels, but the opportunities to establish a base of competitors too often are lacking in an era when open land is more valuable for development than for equestrian purposes.
“We’re losing events a lot of times just because good land is being developed,” Marilyn pointed out.
Consider that the only two riders representing the U.S. in the top 10 at the Defender Kentucky 5-star last weekend, Boyd Martin and James Alliston, started eventing in Australia and England respectively. So it’s significant that Essex is adding a starter division for people and horses seeking an introduction to a discipline that might seem intimidating at the higher levels, but is very welcoming when the test is simpler.
“We have fox hunters, trail riders and show jumpers coming; it’s exciting for them to try it and see what it’s all about,” said Marilyn.
“Once you get hooked, you get hooked. It’s so much fun.”
Since the event, which has Preliminary as its highest level, will be limited to 150 entries, Marilyn urges people to register early to make sure they don’t get shut out. Courses will be designed by Morgan Rowsell, who builds cross-country routes all over the country.
Olympian Caroline Pamukcu is among the well-known riders who have competed at Essex over the years. (Photo © 2023 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
Fundraising for the starter division’s cross-country fences is ongoing, and those who wish to contribute can contact Marilyn directly at applewoodfarm@comcast.net or go to the website at essexhorsetrials.net. Anyone interested in volunteering for a host of different jobs, whether as fence judge, ring steward or other positions should get in touch with Marilyn or apply on the website.
“They don’t have to know how to do anything; we will teach them,” said Marilyn about new volunteers.
Presenting sponsors for Essex are Pure Insurance, which is returning to support the competition, and Land Rover of Parsippany, a full-service dealer of luxury brands that is expanding its involvement. Other sponsors include Kienlen Lattmann Sotheby’s International Realty, Hunt’s End Farm, Hewitt Home Heating, Purina Animal Nutrition in conjunction with Somerset Grain & Feed and Sergeantsville Grain & Feed, and Corcoran Sawyer Smith real estate.
Dr. Greg Staller’s Running ‘S’ Equine Veterinary Services sponsors a riders’ tent that is also open to horse owners and grooms, so they have a place to take a break and help themselves to food.
Those who compete at Essex, Marilyn pointed out, “are going to be treated like big-time riders, even though they’re just starting out.”
Essex gives back beyond the equestrian scene, benefitting the Life Camp in Pottersville, which provides an enriching summer day camp experience for 300 youths daily for six weeks during July and August. Campers between the ages of 6 and 13 come from the greater Newark public school system, as well as from Newark Charter School Programs. A group of the children attend the horse trials and have a ball with a picnic by the water jump. There’s even a pony available for petting, offering most of the youngsters their first equine contact.
