Take a look at some of the people, horses and scenes from the Mars Essex Horse Trials at Moorland Farm in Far Hills. Relive a fun weekend in these photos taken at the second year of the iconic event’s revival, which enjoyed perfect weather that defied the gloomy forecasts of thunderstorms.
The energetic 17-year-old Sussex County artist Shya Beth is broadening the exposure of her creations. Her work has often been seen at jumper competitions, such as April’s Global Champions Tour stop in Miami Beach. But she reached out to the eventing community by displaying the latest iteration of her Blue Jean Jumper creation at the Essex Horse Trials in Far Hills.
Shya Beth and her newest Blue Jean Jumper at the Mars Essex Horse Trials. (Photo©2018 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
Shya has been invited to exhibit at the September FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon, N.C. She’ll be showing her five life-size sculptures representing show jumping, dressage, driving and eventing. The interesting twist is that they get signed by athletes and others prominent in the sports they represent.
She’s looking for sponsors to help her Blue Jean Horse Project get to WEG and other shows. Shya also needs blue jeans for her project, and has donation drop-offs at Coach Stop Saddlery, Bedminster; the Centenary University Equestrian Center, Long Valley; Horsemen’s Outlet, Lebanon and Tractor Supply in Sussex, Blairstown and Flanders.
In addition, Shya requires all kinds of tack and a cart of the type used for driving, none of which has to be in usable condition.
Her inclination toward horses and art was inspired by her mother, Mary Beth, a stained glass artist and horsewoman who home-schools her.
It was three years ago that Shya came up with the idea of making life-size horse sculptures, assembled on wooden frames, covered in denim from those donated used blue jeans.
“I think using denim to create these sculptures is not only a unique medium, but also a way that everyone–equestrians or not– can feel connected to this project,” she said.
“Nearly everyone wears jeans, whether they are a pair of NYC designer jeans or a farmer’s old Levi’s. Everyone can feel a connection to this project, which will ultimately help more horses.”
Eventually, the sculptures will be auctioned off after an exhibition. The money will go to equine charities—mustangs are a particular interest of Shya’s, as well as the working donkeys in Third World countries
Citing the abuse of horses around the world, she said, “I want to do as much as I can to help our equines.”
For more information, contact Shya Beth at thebluejeanhorseproject@gmail.com.
Be sure to attend this weekend’s Mars Essex Horse Trials, a special eventing competition at Moorland Farm in Far Hills. Although it’s only in the second year of its re-emergence on the scene, Essex has gained more than 40 entries over its 2017 total, and is drawing some very recognizable names.
Beginner Novice and Training divisions go on Sunday June 24.
The big news is that Essex will be making a huge leap in 2019 by offering an advanced division. It didn’t take long for this special competition to make it to the big time.
Essex runs in conjunction with a car show that has been switched to 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday June 24 (from Saturday). The show includes trucks, hot rods, motorcycles and race cars) contact gusandbuckys@gmail.com.
On June 24, highlights include the Tewksbury Foot Bassets giving an exhibition at 1 p.m.
The Essex Food Court will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., as will the Willow School Kids’ Tent
Essex was a respected fixture in the Somerset Hills and beyond through 1998, after which it disappeared from the calendar. Its return last year in a new location drew big crowds to watch riders over a brand new course on terrain best known as the home of the Far Hills races.
Tickets are available on line here
There’s an advantage to planning ahead. General admission tickets purchased in advance are $15 per person for two-day pass, while at the gate, they cost $20 per day, or $30 for two days. Children 14 and under are admitted free.
The prizes at hunter paces are usually trophies and ribbons, with the point being a fun day riding across beautiful country. But the Spring Valley Hounds are offering something more at their 2018 pace series.
There is a $500 award for the pace team that earns the most points in the paces, which continue Sept. 30 in New Vernon and Oct. 28 in Allamuchy. Pace teams in every division may participate, and must compete in two of the three paces (the first was June 17) to be eligible for the money.
Divisions include Open, open to all riders; Hunt, must be members of a recognized hunt; Side Saddle, one team member must ride aside; Fossils, riders’ combined age to be 110 or more; Family, members of the same immediate family; Junior, under 18.
The June 17 pace runs from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the showgrounds on Sand Spring Lane.
For more information, contact Val DiCristina at (908) 362-9249/ valerieofthehounds@caduc.com or the hunt secretary at (908)509-1075/SpringValleyHounds@hotmail.com. The website is www.springvalleyhounds.com.
It’s only held every two years, so the Tewksbury barn tour is a must for your calendar. The opportunity to see both modern and historic barns is quite an eye-opener and a lot of fun. The six barns on thsi year’s tour include one that is a private home.
The tour, set for July 22 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. is presented by the Tewksbury Historical Association and theTewksbury Trail Association.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under if bought in advance through the website. Adult tickets go up to $25 if purchased on the day of the event. For information and tickets, go to www.tewksburyhistory.net or call (908) 832-6734
An illustrated presentation about the Somerset Hills’ equestrian heritage will be given by noted historian W. Barry Thomson at 7 p.m. June 20 at the Bernardsville Library.
He will speak about a variety of equestrian activities and also focus on the history of the “Farmers’ Day” races that evolved into the annual Far Hills Race Meeting steeplechase event. The talk also will include information about the four-in-hand road coaches that were owned and driven by owners of the area’s estates.Although admission is free, the library requests that those who want to attend sign up here.
