After its successful reinvention as a one-day competition last year, the Essex Horse Trials is expanding to offer for the first time a Modified division, as well as an intercollegiate team challenge.
The event, which offers divisions ranging from Starter to Preliminary, will be held May 31 at Moorland Farm in Far Hills, N.J., a location best known as the home of the Far Hills Race Meeting.
The water obstacle on cross-country is always a popular tailgating spot at Essex.
Modified bridges the gap in fence height between Training and Preliminary, offering a more gradual increase. Modified fences have the same dimensions as FEI 1-Star.
The event, which also features a vendor village, is sponsored by Purina, Land Rover and Running S Equine Veterinary Services.
Individual and other corporate sponsors are also being sought for the event, which is a benefit for the Greater Newark Life Camp.
A $500 donation earns a tailgating spot by the water obstacle on the cross-country course. For $1,500, cross-country sponsors get two tickets to the sponsors’ tent and can have the name of their business or anything else on a fence. They also can decorate it if they like. Riders and spectators will vote on their favorite jump.
Essex has a printed program that offers advertising opportunities.
Volunteers are need to keep the event running. Go to essexhorsetrials.net to sign up or to obtain for more information about the competition and sponsorship.