The Rutgers Equine Science Center has established a scholarship in memory of former Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer, a champion of the New Jersey horse indsutry who died earlier this year.
He served the 12th Legislative District and was the deputy Republican Leader in the state Assembly. He had been a member of that body for 20 years. A horseman who was the son of the late Hall of Fame harness horse racing driver Stanley Dancer, he raced and trained harness horses professionally from 1968 through 1998.
Assemblyman Dancer was part of numerous equine-related boards and organizations over the years. He was director and vice president of the New Jersey Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association, director of the state Department of Agriculture’s Standardbred Sire Stakes Board of Trustees, a director of the U.S. Trotting Association Director representing New Jersey, and as a state horse racing commissioner.
Assemblyman Ronald Dancer and Karyn Malinowski of the Rutgers Equine Science Center.
He worked to ensure the sustainability of the equine industry in New Jersey, sponsoring the legislation authorizing the state leasing of Meadowlands and Monmouth Park Racetracks to the private sector, and advocating for the state budget line-item grants that have been made to the Rutgers Equine Science Center over the years.
Assemblyman Dancer was also a veteran of the U.S. Army, and an avid supporter of the Equine Science Center’s research into equine assisted activities for veterans with PTSD.
In 2021, he was awarded the “Spirit of the Horse” award by the Rutgers Equine Science Center. This award recognizes persons whose lives have been impacted by their involvement with horses and who continue to give back to horses and the equine industry.
“For his incomparable work as a horseman, legislator, colleague, and friend of the equine industry,” said Karyn Malinowski, founding director of the Rutgers Equine Science Center, “We are proud to announce the Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer Memorial Scholarship, in recognition of his steadfast commitment to the equine community, education, and giving back to those in need.”
The scholarship will be given to an undergraduate student majoring in Animal Sciences with an equine emphasis, who has dedicated their time through service and leadership, just as former Assemblyman Dancer did throughout his entire career.
Further information about the establishment of the memorial scholarship will be provided in the coming weeks on the Equine Science Center’s website.