by Nancy Jaffer | May 22, 2017
Last year’s inaugural Pony Up!® event at the U.S Equestrian Team Foundation headquarters on Pottersville Road in Gladstone was such a success that they’re doing it again Saturday June 17 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
It is geared to introducing children 17 and under to horses, with pony rides, demonstrations, crafts and of course, lots of opportunities to have fun with Breyer model horses. The $20 admission for kids includes a Breyer model (worth $20). Adults are admitted for $10. For more information, go to https://www.breyerhorses.com/pony-up-201…
Kids who love real ponies love Breyer horses too (and even Brookside Pink Magnum enjoys his model.)
by Nancy Jaffer | May 22, 2017
Hunter and trail pace season is under way in New Jersey, with lots of opportunities for riders of all levels to get out and ride now that the weather finally is cooperating.
The Essex Foxhounds are holding a pace June 4 at Cedar Lane Farm on Homestead Road. Call Jim Gordon at (908) 337-2546 for details.
Another hunt, Spring Valley, has a pace set for the same day (shouldn’t these dates be coordinated so people can do both?) at the Spring Valley showgrounds on Sand Spring Lane in New Vernon. For information, call Val DiCristina at (908) 362-9249.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 21, 2017
It was a two-fer Saturday at Hamilton Farm in Gladstone, home of the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation. While ridden dressage was going on in the arena behind the historic stable during the Dutta Corp. U.S. national championships, driven dressage was the order of the day on another part of the property.
The Gladstone Equestrian Association was presenting its annual combined test and horse driving trials in picture-perfect surroundings. Driving has been an annual feature for decades at the facility, which hosted the World Pairs Championship in 1993.
Suzann Johnson of Whitehouse Station competing in the single training horse division at the Gladstone Horse Driving Trials. (Photo by Lawrence J. Nagy
by Nancy Jaffer | May 21, 2017
The revival of the Mars Essex Horse Trials in Far Hills June 24-25 is being done in style at Moorland Farm, home of the Far Hills Steeplechase Race Meeting each October.
A total of $25,000 in prize money will be split among the first three finishers in eight divisions, with the lion’s share of $5,000 going to the winner of the open preliminary section.
Essex, which was last held in 1998 after 30 years in the Somerset Hills, is attracting such competitors as Buck Davidson, the mother-daughter combo of Marilyn Payne and Holly Payne Caravella, and the likes of Ryan Wood and Jennie Brannigan, who are expected as well.
All the divisions except beginner novice will run over a two-day format, so the organizers are giving riders four tickets for guests and admission to a Saturday night cocktail party, since most will have to stay over.
Presenting sponsors are the Open Road Auto Group, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, RWJ Barnabas Health and Running S Equine Veterinary Services.
General admission is $10, good for both days. There also is an opportunity to buy other admission packages, including tailgating on the 230-acre property and a chance to enjoy the Hoopstick Club next to the show jumping arena, with a view of the water complex.
There will be a vendor village and food will be available from the Farmstand.
For more information and tickets, go to www.essexhorsetrials.org.
Holly Payne Caravella at last year’s preview of the Mars Essex Horse Trials. (Photo by Lawrence J. Nagy)
by Nancy Jaffer | May 20, 2017
Start out New Jersey’s Month of the Horse June 1 with a visit to the Concord Stud Farm, 20 Harvey Road in Cream Ridge. David Meirs III and his family have created a well-known Standardbred breeding and foaling facility at the 249-acre farm.
You won’t be alone. State Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher and New Jersey Equestrian of the Year Jamie Leuenberger will be on hand as well for a 10 a.m. tour.
Get an insight into the farm’s ecological practices, which include using fly wasps to combat the fly population and sheep and goats for weed control.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 20, 2017
The Devon Horse Show runs through Sunday, so don’t miss a chance to see one of the country’s great fixtures. There’s a reason it’s 121 years old–tradition and innovation go hand-in-hand for success at the country’s largest multi-breed show, which benefits Bryn Mawr Hospital.
Special features include the Budweiser Clydesdales, and there’s a grand prix Saturday night June 3. Sunday June 4 is devoted to breeding and young horse classes, as well as a sale of all the plants used to decorate the show rings.
For tickets, go to www.devonhorseshow.net or phone (610) 688-2554.
Kevin Babington and Mark Q, winners of the 2016 Sapphire Grand Prix at Devon. (Photo copyright by Nancy Jaffer)
