The state animal is honored in June with the Month of the Horse. Years ago, it was a big deal, celebrated with a number of promotional occasions. They included “open barns” on various farms, major competitions (the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event used to be in June) and a special multi-dimensional offering called the Equine Expo at various locations. Then there was the Festival of Champions at the U.S. Equestrian Team in Gladstone, where everything from grand prix jumping to reining and dressage was featured.
A horse’s head is atop the state seal of New Jersey. So of course it’s the state animal.
Although all that has dropped by the wayside (but of course there are still plenty of shows in June, including Middlesex at the Horse Park of New Jersey) it’s worth noting that the Garden State’s equine industry contributes $3.2 billion to the state’s economy. June is also a time to reflect on how much in the state is horse-oriented, including the Horse Park and a variety of other showgrounds; the USET Foundation, the Rutgers’ Equine Science Center, dedicated to research and education, and of course the racetracks–Monmouth Park, the Meadowlands and Freehold Raceway. And let’s not forget the Cowtown Rodeo in Salem County. Equestrians enjoy easy access to top veterinary practices, tack shops, feed stores and plenty of trails, despite the fact that New Jersey is the country’s most densely populated state.
So this is the month we should count our equestrian blessings. Why not consider bringing back the Equine Expo; done properly, its varied attractions might attract more people to join the band of equestrians who call New Jersey home.