by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 1, 2019
Looking for something patriotic to attend on the Fourth of July, as long as it has an equine element?
Celebrate the 243d anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signing at Ringwood Manor in Ringwood State Park, located in northern New Jersey.
There will be crafts, demonstrations and children’s activities from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., while the Manor is open to the public from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for self-guided tours.
The main program begins with an explanation of the historical background of declaring independence at 2 p.m. Re-enactors will perform a militia muster and debate between loyalists and “rebels.” News that the Declaration has been signed and the document itself will be brought at 2:30 p.m. by three horseback re-enactors — Chris Arzt on Jäger, a Standardbred; Brett Bokman on Pistol, a Quarter Horse and Joe Puccetti on Vic, a 100 percent Foundation Morgan.
The dramatic reading of the Declaration will be followed by a flag ceremony and a salute to the new nation at 3 p.m.
You can do it all, pay homage to a key moment in our nation’s history and still have time for your barbeque.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 27, 2019
In the 20 years she has been involved with the U.S. Equestrian Team and then the U.S. Equestrian Federation, Laureen Johnson has been involved with a variety of disciplines–from show jumping to eventing, reining and endurance; just about everything except able-bodied dressage.
Currently, she’s in charge of two disciplines, ParaDressage and Vaulting. Could they be more different? But Laureen is up to the task and was saluted by her co-workers in Gladstone yesterday for two decades of dedication.
Of course, she got a watch–what else would be appropriate for such a milestone–and a chance to reminisce about her years serving horse sports.
Laureen Johnson and the watch she received for 20 years of service. (Photo ©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Those she has worked with when she was an assistant discipline director included show jumping with Sally Ike, who’s now managing director of licensed officials, and Jim Wolf for eventing, Jeff Fox and Jamie Saults for reining, Mary Lutz and Pam Lee.
The Allamuchy resident became a director herself in 2015. She noted how important the work of team trainer Michel Assouline has been for the Para riders.
Laureen also is very proud of helping those athletes recognize their issues through a video on-line judging program, because they don’t get a lot of competition opportunities. The videos are sent to 5-star judges for critiques.
The 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games was Laureen’s first WEG and very exciting, because Para and Reining brought home a treasure trove of medals.
.”I love everything that I do,” said Laureen as we chatted during her.celebration.
“I love working with the para athletes, I find it so uplifting working with them. And I love vaulting, it’s creative artistic. But what I like best about my job is helping the athletes achieve their goals.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 25, 2019
The Equine Science Center at Rutgers University is hosting its annual “Summer Showcase” open house from 10 a.m.-noon July 10 at the Equine Exercise Physiology Laboratory on College Farm Road on the George H. Cook Campus in New Brunswick.
The free event is open to the public and designed for anyone age eight and up who is interested in horses.
Karyn Malinowski, director of the Equine Science Center, will explain why horses are an excellent animal model to study and what type of research is conducted at the facility. Those attending also will have an opportunity to see a horse galloping at full speed on the 21-foot equine treadmill.
After the treadmill demonstration, guests will learn all about equine anatomy with RU Wish Bone, the life-sized horse skeleton. The Showcase will also include a round of equine-themed “Jeopardy” and a tour of the exercise lab..
There is no charge for the Summer Showcase; but registration in advance is required at http://bit.ly/2019SummerShowcase.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 24, 2019
A free barn safety and fire prevention program will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. July 23 at the
Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown.
Presented by the Garden State Horse & Carriage Society, it will include a power point presentation in the indoor arena, followed by hands-on training with a fire extinguisher.
A signed waiver may be required for the hands on training, which could be limited depending on the number of people who want to do it..
The presenters will be firefighter John Perrotto and a member of the Fire Academy staff. Those attending are asked to bring their own chairs.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 18, 2019
Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge is presenting “Pony Pals,” a program for children and their parents designed to introduce kids to ponies while encouraging child-parent interaction.
“Pony Pals” on June 29 is tailored to two groups: children 2-4 years of age and 5-7 years. A parent or legal guardian must accompany their child/children for the program at 256 S. Maple Ave.
The younger group will meet from 10-11 a.m. Activities are a pony-themed story and a pony ride. The fee is $10 per child/parent pair and $5 for each additional sibling age 2 to 9 years.
Children ages 5 to 7 will meet from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Their activities include a pony story, a game or craft,and a pony ride. The fee is $12 per child/parent pair. Siblings ages 5 to 9 may attend for an additional charge of $6 each.
Pre-registration is required online at www.somersetcountyparks.org, by phone at 908-722-1200, ext. 5010, or in person at the Stable office. Payment by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover is required at time of enrollment.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 18, 2019
Tickets are on sale for the Mars Essex Horse Trials Country Weekend Friday June 21 through Sunday June 23, with the addition of an Advanced division that has attracted top competitors, raising the excitement level at Moorland Farm in Far Hills.
Those competing include Boyd Martin, who was just named to the team for the Pan American Games, where the U.S. squad will be under pressure to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Also competing at Essex will be Phillip Dutton and Lauren Kieffer, named as reserves to the Pan Am team that includes Doug Payne, Tamie Smith and Lynn Symansky, in addition to Boyd.
The 2017 return of Essex–which had been last held in 1998– was very well-received, filling the Beginner Novice through Preliminary divisions. Those divisions will continue to be a part of the event, giving horses and riders a place to start out and move up, even as organizers answer the request of top competitors for an Advanced division.
Ryan Wood and Ruby won the Open Preliminary division at the Mars Essex Horse Trials in 2018. (Photo©2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
Ralph Jones, president of Mars Essex Horse Trials explained, “adding this elite division is another step forward in returning the event to its glorious past.”
For three decades, the Essex Horse Trials was a “must” destination for an impressive list of U.S. and international riders. It also drew thousands of spectators. When last held in 1998, the event was run at Hamilton Farm in Gladstone, home of the U.S. Equestrian Team.
That was just a few miles from where the event began in 1968 at the Haller family’s Hoopstick Farm on Lamington Road in Bedminster. When Essex outgrew that property, it moved to the more spacious site offered by the USET. Moorland Farm, the third venue where Essex has been held, is located on 230 acres. It is also the home of the Far Hills Race Meeting, where prestigious steeplechase races are held each October.
Originally developed as a cavalry test, eventing combines the precision of dressage with the challenge of going cross-country at speed, finishing with show jumping in an arena. It demonstrates the teamwork between horse and rider, often developed over years of fitness work and training.
In addition to the competition, the Mars Essex Horse Trials has plenty of other attractions for the family, including a classic car show and a farm stand offering fresh farm-to-table food from local markets. Shopping opportunities include equestrian-related items, jewelry and artwork. The Children’s Activity Center, sponsored by The Willow School, offers younger spectators and their parents a fun and creative way to spend the day.
Mars, Inc., the original sponsor of the Essex Horse Trials, returned in 2017 and continues as the event’s title sponsor. Presenting sponsors include Open Road Auto Group, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, RWJ Barnabas Health, Running ‘S’ Equine Veterinary Services and AIG.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Greater Newark LifeCamp in nearby Pottersville, which provides an enriching day camp experience for approximately 300 Newark-area youths per day for six weeks during July and August.
For more information about Essex, go to www.essexhorsetrials.org. Tickets may be purchased on line, with a two-day pass purchased in advance going for $10, while a one-day pass at the gate is $10. Children 14 and under are admitted free.
Those who want to combine a party with the competition can buy a $100 ticket for the ringside Hoopstick Club, the setting for lunch and an evening cocktail reception on the Saturday. Tailgate options include admission for four to a spot by the water jump for $300, a water view location for $200 and on the hillside for $100.
Coverage of the MARS Essex Horse Trials:
June 23, 2019: MARS Essex Horse Trials ends with a win by a top combination
June 22, 2019: The MARS Essex Horse Trials: “It’s what riders all dream of”
June 21, 2019: After a rain delay, the MARS Essex Horse Trials is ready to run
June 9, 2019: The MARS Essex Horse Trials is set to run with high stakes and big names
