by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 20, 2017
The Rutgers Equine Science Center drew 300 people to the Livingston Campus Center in Piscataway for two days of lively seminars over the weekend featuring many of the best speakers from programs presented over the past 15 years of the organization’s existence.
An “ask the experts” panel concluded each day of the Horses 2017 “Best of the Best” seminar.
A fundraiser held Saturday also was successful in assuring that the Equine Science Center can continue its important work, involving education and scientific inquiry on equine-related matters while advocating for the equine and agriculture-related industries in New Jersey.
Look for a story on this website during the next week about footing, based on information from one of Horses 2017’s keynote speakers.
If you couldn’t make it, you can still take advantage of all the Equine Science Center has to offer at ESC.rutgers.edu.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 20, 2017
At last, it’s spring!
The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable are hosting a spring nature ride April 2 on 18 miles of the Somerset County Park Commission trails at 256 South Maple Ave., Basking Ridge. All experience levels (or folks with no riding experience at all) are welcome; the ride will be conducted at the walk, and guides will point out interesting plants and wildlife along the way..
Register by Friday, March 24. 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. Call the stable at 908-766-5955 for more information about registration.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 15, 2017
A joint project of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, the new multi-use Hutchinson 3.5-mile trail at Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo, N.Y., has its official opening March 25 at 11 a.m.
Equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers are welcome at the ceremony for the trail, which winds its way through hemlock forests and historic mining sites. It is also a project of the Sterling Forest State Park and the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Geo-location: N41.20686 W 74.239673. Caretaker Parking Lot, Long Meadow Road (Route 84), 1 mile north of Sterling Forest Visitor center. Parking Entrance will be flagged.
For more information, call Soňa Mason, West Hudson program coordinator,New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, 600 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ. Call her at 201-512-9348 or 845-664-0417 (cell).
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 13, 2017
Laura Chapot dominated the $35,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic Sunday at the Winter Equestrian Festival, winning on her reliable Quointreau un Prince and finishing second on Thornhill Kate, a mare she started riding last year.
Kent Farrington, one of the fastest riders anywhere and ranked number two in the world, had to settle for third with Dublin, timed in 36.69, behind Prince’s 34.79 mark and Kate in 35.88.
Laura, who is adept at going for it against the clock, noted, “The jump-off was really fast, so I just took a big shot at it, and they came through for me.”
The rider from Neshanic Station observed, “I think I have turned Kate more into a ride similar to Prince.
“When I first got her, she was used to going more up and down and not quite as forward and long-strided. Now she really loves to gallop and leave out strides. She actually has a very big stride, so she is becoming more similar to Prince, who is just a pleasure to ride. You just gallop with him, and if he sees a long distance, he gets there in a heartbeat.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 8, 2017
A comedy night benefiting Spring Reins of Life will be held March 18 at the Flemington Elks Lodge. A buffet and cash bar is available at 5:30 p.m., with comedians performing from 7-10 p.m.
Spring Reins of Life is an EAGALA model certified program, the first and only program with “Military Services Provider” certification in New Jersey (working with Lyons veterans’ hospital and three PTSD units). The organization also works with at-risk/high-risk teens from New York and New Jersey, and partners with Good Grief Princeton providing services to children from six to nine years old.
Tickets are $35 each or $350 for a table of 10. Send check or money order to: Spring Reins of LIFE, P.O. Box 5311, Clinton, NJ 08809. Specify how many tickets you are purchasing List your name, phone and email so receipt can be confirmed. Orders for tickets by mail must be posted by March 11.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 8, 2017
The Helping Horseshoe Therapeutic Riding Club, in partnership with the Equine Tranquility Wellness Center, is hosting an open house. March 19 from 1-4 p.m. at 134 Airport Road, Andover.
It’s a chance to meet the horses and see the farm, while speaking with the trainers, volunteers and staff. Guests also are invited to take a walk on the sensory trail. For more information, call Colleen at 201-970- 3400.
Learn about the facility’s offering, open to all ages and abilities, that include riding lessons, diversion programs, summer day programs, work-study programs and community service hours. Spring recreational therapeutic riding lessons for individuals with special needs begin March 18.
Also available is a volunteer training session for anyone interested in volunteering with equine assisted activities.Volunteers are needed to lead and side-walk, help with the stable, grounds, fundraising, and office work. Private training can be scheduled for those who are unable to attend but want to volunteer. For more information, go to http://www.helpinghorseshoe.org.
