by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 3, 2017
Linda Dietz, president of Mane Stream’s board of directors, will be honored during a fundraiser Nov. 4 at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club. The party, dubbed A Starlight Soiree, is Equus XXVI, an affair with a long history of helping the Oldwick facility that helps so many people.
Also known for her ownership of Red Tail Farm in Bedminster, Linda is devoted to Mane Stream, which offers adaptive riding and equine-assisted therapies for a wide range of clients . For more about the party, go to this link
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 2, 2017
With the prospect of bad weather on Oct. 8, the original date for the Mylestone Equine Rescue Open House in Warren County, organizers decided to hold the event from noon-4 p.m. Oct.15 instead.
This 23-acre farm is dedicated to taking the horses no one else wants; those with medical issues, the elderly, the long-neglected, the unloved. Few get adopted; most spend the rest of their lives at Mylestone, where Susankelly Thompson, her family, part-time staff and dedicated volunteers do their utmost to make life as good as it can be for these animals in need.
For more information,here’s a link: https://nancyjaffer.com/previous_columns/2017-09-28/
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 21, 2017
Be warned: Under-age drinking, which has plagued the Far Hills Race Meeting for years, will be the focus of a crackdown by authorities at its 97th running Oct. 21.
In a joint effort, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson, the State Police, race organizers, New Jersey Transit and the Borough of Far Hills are working to curb the problem by conducting identification checks of underage individuals suspected of drinking alcoholic beverages on the race grounds.
Those who are not of legal age to consume alcohol will be taken into custody, charged and ultimately released to an adult who is not intoxicated.
The initiative is going to start as soon as racegoers get to Moorland Farm. Any individual entering the event who is visibly intoxicated will be denied entry. Too many people in the past have gotten off the train at Far Hills station already drunk.
All racegoers over the age of 21 will receive a wrist band indicating that they are of legal age to consume alcohol. If an individual is observed consuming alcohol and does not have a wrist band, they will be required to show identification to law enforcement proving they are 21 or over.
If they don’t have it, they will be escorted off the property. Officers will be conducting roving patrols throughout the day to identify those who are highly intoxicated and being disruptive. Anyone found to be causing a disturbance, endangering the safety and welfare of others or otherwise not complying with this initiative, will be escorted from the property.
Noting that law enforcement and the race meeting committee have been concerned about underage drinking, which was highlighted in a newspaper article in 2016, the prosecutor stated, “This year, we are taking a new approach in an effort to curtail the abuse of alcohol by minors and provide a safe atmosphere for all the attendees.”
A crackdown on under-age alcohol consumption at the Far Hills Race Meeting is designed to enforce the law and let people enjoy themselves while watching the horses without disturbances from intoxicated youths. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Race organizer Guy Torsilieri said the latest initiative is the next step in the committee’s ongoing efforts to curb underage and excessive drinking at the annual race meeting, which draws some 35,000 fans annually. In addition to more efforts aimed at barring underage patrons from drinking, this year the committee has partnered with a ride-sharing company and others as part of an overall goal of making the race safe for all visitors.
“In past years, we have made significant strides in curtailing alcohol abuse at our event,” Guy said. “But with underage drinking on the rise, particularly at events that draw significant numbers of college-aged visitors, we are determined to ensure that our event remains a fun, family event to be enjoyed by all.”
Far Hills Mayor Paul Vallone welcomed the partnership with law enforcement and race organizers, saying the Far Hills Race Meeting is an asset to the borough.
“It is our goal that by working collaboratively with law enforcement and Far Hills Race Meeting Association, each patron who visits will be offered a safe, friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy themselves.”
For more about the race meeting, go to farhillsrace.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 20, 2017
Four Garden State competitors made the cut for the finals of the ASPCA Maclay hunt seat equitation championship at the Region Two ride-off last weekend.
The competition at Old Salem Farm was won by Madison Goetzmann on San Remo VDL, who led throughout the class. Sophee Steckbeck of Clarksburg finished fourth on Curt Z, with Nina Columbia of Kinnelon fifth on Checkland.
Laura Lindner of Warren came in seventh on Nino Nacho and Millburn’s Devon Thomas finished eighth with Cordino.
The Maclay will be held at the CP National Horse Show in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in November.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 20, 2017
A 9-year-old Atlantic County mare is the state’s second reported 2017 case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a serious, mosquito-borne illness in horses. The horse, who had not been vaccinated against EEE for two years, is undergoing treatment.
“Horse owners need to be vigilant in vaccinating their animals against diseases spread by mosquitoes,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher. “Vaccinated animals are much less likely to contract deadly diseases such as EEE and West Nile Virus.”
EEE causes inflammation of the brain tissue and has a significantly higher risk of death in horses than West Nile Virus infection. West Nile virus is a viral disease that affects horses’ neurological system. The diseases are transmitted by mosquito bite. The viruses cycle between birds and mosquitoes, with horses and humans being incidental hosts. EEE infections in horses are not a significant risk factor for human infection because horses (like humans) are considered to be “dead-end” hosts for the virus.
The first EEE case in New Jersey in 2017 was a 5-year-old Cumberland County mare. That horse had not been vaccinated against EEE and died on August 28, 2017
Effective equine vaccines for EEE and WNV are available commercially. Horse owners should contact their veterinarians if their horses are not already up-to-date on their vaccinations against both EEE and WNV.
Late summer and early fall are the prime seasons for these diseases. In 2016, 4 cases of equine EEE occurred in New Jersey between mid-August and mid-September. There were no cases of equine WNV in 2016.
EEE and West Nile virus, like other viral diseases affecting horses’ neurological system, must be reported to the state veterinarian at 609-671-6400 within 48 hours of diagnosis. The New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is available to assist with EEE and WNV testing and can be reached at 609-406-6999 or via email – jerseyvetlab@ag.state.nj.us.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 18, 2017
The Essex Foxhounds are trying a new “mock hunt” format for their fall hunter pace Oct. 22. The hounds won’t be involved, as riders follow field masters in three flights. The first flight will go at a forward pace and take all the jumps. Jumping is optional for the second flight, which will go at a steady pace. The third pace will proceed at a gentle pace, but won’t jump.
The competition starts at 11 a.m., but participants who haven’t pre-registered must come at 10 a.m. to register and pay the $50/person fee.
At the post-pace party, ribbons will go to the best horse/rider combos in each flight, with an award for best turned-out overall. “Polite hacking attire” is requested.
The pace will be held at Cedar Lane Farm, 87 Homestead Road, Oldwick (but the GPS is Califon, NJ)
For early entries, go to www.essexfoxnounds.org.
Questions can be answered by Jim Gordon: (908) 337-2546.
