by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 9, 2018
The Standardbred Retirement Foundation is holding a Meet & Greet “Test Drive” a Standardbred open house May 12 from 1-4 p.m. at Walnridge Farm, 42 Arneytown-Hornerstown Rd., Cream Ridge.
It offers a chance to look over more than 65 horses available for adoption. Some of them will be available to ride in fun classes—from crossrails and Simon Says to an obstacle course at the walk. Prizes and ribbons will be offered.
Registration online at www.adoptahorse.org/meet-and-greet is required by April 23 for those who want to ride.
Another option is the Companion Horse Super Hero Makeover, an opportunity to give companion horses some love and dress them as a Super Hero for the contest and parade.
Want to adopt? Applications are available online at www.AdoptaHorse.org/applications. Should you have adoption in mind, it’s a good idea to fill out the application before coming to the farm.
For more information, contact the organization via email at SRF.HorsesandKids@AdoptaHorse.org or call the office at (732) 446-4422.
SRF is the largest Standardbred adoption program in the U.S., feeding and caring for more than 350 trotters and pacers, while providing lifetime homes for more than 180 retirees. It provides lifetime follow-up for all the adopted horses, so they will never be at risk again.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 6, 2018
The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable will host the annual Spring Nature Ride April 15 the trails of Somerset County Park Commission’s Lord Stirling Stable at 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge. The hour-long ride, open to those with no experience as well as those who know how to ride, will begin at 8:30 a.m., with check-in at 8 a.m.
Junior riders 12 and older who are not currently enrolled at Lord Stirling may participate if accompanied by an adult for the walking ride on 18 miles of trails.
Guides will accompany riders to point out and attempt to identify plants, birds, and animals.The fee is $35 for members of the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable and Lord Stirling Stable students; $40 for non-members who are Somerset County residents and $50 for non-residents. Participants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Late registration accepted if room permits.
Certified ASTM/SEI equestrian helmets and boots or shoes with hard, smooth soles and a definite heel are required and may be borrowed from the stable office at no additional cost. Riders must be at least 12 years of age, weigh less than 200 pounds, and must be enrolled with registration forms available in the stable office or online at www.flss.org. For directions to the stable, call the office at 908-722-1200 ext. 5010.
Information on other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 6, 2018
Are you stressed? Too bad. Here’s the more important question to be asked–how’s your horse doing?
Get the answer via an April 12 noon webinar with Dr. Carey Williams of Rutgers University.
“Are You ‘Stressing Out’ Your Horse? Understanding Types of Stress & How to Manage or Reduce Each,” is the topic for the conversation. Want to join in? here’s the link
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 31, 2018
Here’s a thought that makes sense: “Success starts before you enter the show ring.”
That’s also the title of a clinic April 21-22 featuring experts who can offer behind the scenes advice with everything from veterinary tips to sport horse maintenance, shoeing, information about feed and getting yourself in gear for a successful season.
Speakers on the first day at Kimber-View Farm in Glenmoore, Pa., include noted sports psychologist Dr. Janet Edgette. The second day is devoted to insights from hunter/equitation judge Troy Hendricks and grand prix show jumper Heather Caristo-Williams. CWD Saddles also will make a presentation.
The fee is $100 per person for the weekend. Get more information or register at www.kimberviewsales.com.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 28, 2018
He was the voice of authority, a master at conveying his observations with wit and style. Mike Tucker, whose commentary was heard over the loudspeaker for years at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and the Badminton Horse Trials, as well as on the BBC, died suddenly in England today at the age of 73.
Mike, a true all-around horseman who was a farmer, field master of his hunt and a competitor who finished second at Badminton on a homebred mount, also was well-known as a cross-country course designer. He served as chairman of the organizing committee for Olympia, London’s celebrated Christmas show, but had retired from the BBC and his Badminton duties.
Mike Tucker
“I’ve been very privileged and enjoyed some great moments,” Tucker said upon stepping down from the Badminton Horse Trials last year.
Simon-Brooks Ward, the director of Olympia, commented, “This is a great shock and sadness for all of those involved at Olympia. Mike was a friend, provided wise counsel, and was professional to the last.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 20, 2018
The word “unicorn,” once restricted to describing a white horse with a horn growing out of its forehead, has taken on a new meaning. It now also can mean someone or something who is an ideal, or perhaps, too good to be true.
The LEGISequine.com insurance firm recognizes the value of the unicorns in our lives and is taking things one step further by allowing people to honor their unicorns. Starting on April 1, “April Fools Day,” you can “insure” your unicorn, or any one of a host of other mythical creatures.
LEGIS has partnered with two national-level charities, the University of California at Davis Center for Equine Research and the U.S. Hunter Jumper Foundation, to raise funds while honoring the unicorns in your life. Insure a unicorn, another mythical creature or a fantasy of your own creation via a donation to one of the two charities
Beginning April 1, visit the LEGIS website at www.legisequine.com and go to the community page to fill out your LEGIS Mythical Creature “Insurance Application.” Be prepared to describe your mythical creature, from the length of your unicorn’s horn to the wingspan of your Pegasus. Select the equine-focused charity you wish to support and pay your “insurance premium” by selecting a donation amount of your choice.
LEGIS, along with its insurance partner, Bascule, will add to the donation amounts at the end of the campaign. You can “insure” your mythical creature April 1 through April 5.
