by Nancy Jaffer | May 27, 2018
The New Jersey Equine Artists’ Association’s eighth biennial national juried show and sale, “NJEAA Art of the Horse,” runs through June 15 at Prallsville Mills, 33 Risler Street, Stockton. The exhibit will be open Thursdays through Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment.
NJEAA has hosted the biennial national juried event since 2002. This is the exhibit’s second time at Prallsville Mills. The show features painting, sculpture and photography of horses at work, sport and play, in the wild and in dreams, by some of the finest equine artists working today.
NJEAA founder and director Sheila Barnes comments: “I’m proud to say this is the group’s 19th anniversary, starting with local artists in 1999, and we have been thrilled with the public’s response to our exhibits over the years.”
The Sawmill at Prallsville Mills is a historic site along the Delaware River and Raritan Canal.
NJEAA provides information, education and networking opportunities for its members whether beginners or professionals. To learn more contact Sheila at: xochitlb@comcast.net or call (908) 284-9751 and like NJEAA on Facebook. To know more about Prallsville Mills, facilities and opportunities visit www.prallsvillemill.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 22, 2018
The Amwell Valley Hounds will have their pace June 9 at the Hillsborough Golf & Country Club, 146 Wertsville Road, Hillsborough. It runs from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and benefits Friends of the Amwell Valley Hounds, an organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing open space. Western riders are also welcome, but everyone must wear protective headgear. Please note that the pace originally was scheduled for June 10 and has been moved to a day earlier. For more information, go to www.avhounds.org
The Essex Foxhounds pace in Hunterdon County is June 10 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Cedar Lane Farm on Homestead Road in Oldwick. Call Jim at 908-337-2546 for more information.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 21, 2018
The U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation’s century-old stables and headquarters at Hamilton Farm has been accepted into the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.
The significance of the stable architecture, as well as its iconic standing in equestrian sport, makes it worthy of preservation as one of America’s historic and archeological resources.
The National Register is the official Federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. National Register properties have significance to the history of their community state, or the nation.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 16, 2018
Progress is being made for a second Western Hemisphere three-day event with the highest rating, as Maryland’s Board of Public Works unanimously approved a Department of Natural Resources request that will authorize $1 million for design improvement services at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area.
The 4-star is currently the highest rating for an event (there are six in the world, including Land Rover Kentucky) but the highest rating is being raised to 5-star, though that hasn’t happened yet.
“The state is committed to bringing this world-renowned equestrian eventing competition to Cecil County and Fair Hill,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said.
“Working together with our friends and partners in the private and public sectors, we will make Maryland the premier destination for equestrian and equine events, and add yet another chapter to our storied horse racing history and legacy.”
The proposed improvements at Fair Hill, which will likely be phased in over the next few years, will update and upgrade the state park’s facilities and infrastructure, including its campground, grandstands, training areas, turf courses, and related irrigation and transportation needs. The investments are essential for the site to host major equine events and other recreational opportunities, and necessary for Maryland to maintain its unique status as an equestrian epicenter.
The Board of Public Works approved transferring $1 million in Program Open Space Natural Resources Development Funds from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to the Maryland Stadium Authority. The authority estimates the design phase of the project to cost about $2 million. In addition to the state’s investment, another $1 million is being pledged in private money through the Fair Hill Foundation, Inc.
Fair Hill currently hosts a 3-star CCI in October.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 15, 2018
The May 20 marathon phase of the Gladstone Equestrian Association’s spring horse driving trials was cancelled because of soggy footing.
The Delaware Valley Horsemen’s Association show scheduled for the same day was also cancelled. Wet weather has been doing some damage to the New Jersey competition schedule
by Nancy Jaffer | May 10, 2018
Circle June 9 in your calendar for a fun day of sport and fellowship at the Hunterdon Polo Classic.
Gates open at noon for the event at Fieldview Farm in Pittstown. The match benefits a number of local charities, including the Hunterdon Art Museum, Prevention Resources, Riding with Heart, Valley Crest Farm and preserve and other good causes.
For more information and tickets, go to www.hunterdonpolo.org.
