Tickets are on sale for the Mars Essex Horse Trials Country Weekend Friday June 21 through Sunday June 23, with the addition of an Advanced division that has attracted top competitors, raising the excitement level at Moorland Farm in Far Hills.
Those competing include Boyd Martin, who was just named to the team for the Pan American Games, where the U.S. squad will be under pressure to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Also competing at Essex will be Phillip Dutton and Lauren Kieffer, named as reserves to the Pan Am team that includes Doug Payne, Tamie Smith and Lynn Symansky, in addition to Boyd.
The 2017 return of Essex–which had been last held in 1998– was very well-received, filling the Beginner Novice through Preliminary divisions. Those divisions will continue to be a part of the event, giving horses and riders a place to start out and move up, even as organizers answer the request of top competitors for an Advanced division.
Ryan Wood and Ruby won the Open Preliminary division at the Mars Essex Horse Trials in 2018. (Photo©2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
Ralph Jones, president of Mars Essex Horse Trials explained, “adding this elite division is another step forward in returning the event to its glorious past.”
For three decades, the Essex Horse Trials was a “must” destination for an impressive list of U.S. and international riders. It also drew thousands of spectators. When last held in 1998, the event was run at Hamilton Farm in Gladstone, home of the U.S. Equestrian Team.
That was just a few miles from where the event began in 1968 at the Haller family’s Hoopstick Farm on Lamington Road in Bedminster. When Essex outgrew that property, it moved to the more spacious site offered by the USET. Moorland Farm, the third venue where Essex has been held, is located on 230 acres. It is also the home of the Far Hills Race Meeting, where prestigious steeplechase races are held each October.
Originally developed as a cavalry test, eventing combines the precision of dressage with the challenge of going cross-country at speed, finishing with show jumping in an arena. It demonstrates the teamwork between horse and rider, often developed over years of fitness work and training.
In addition to the competition, the Mars Essex Horse Trials has plenty of other attractions for the family, including a classic car show and a farm stand offering fresh farm-to-table food from local markets. Shopping opportunities include equestrian-related items, jewelry and artwork. The Children’s Activity Center, sponsored by The Willow School, offers younger spectators and their parents a fun and creative way to spend the day.
Mars, Inc., the original sponsor of the Essex Horse Trials, returned in 2017 and continues as the event’s title sponsor. Presenting sponsors include Open Road Auto Group, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, RWJ Barnabas Health, Running ‘S’ Equine Veterinary Services and AIG.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Greater Newark LifeCamp in nearby Pottersville, which provides an enriching day camp experience for approximately 300 Newark-area youths per day for six weeks during July and August.
For more information about Essex, go to www.essexhorsetrials.org. Tickets may be purchased on line, with a two-day pass purchased in advance going for $10, while a one-day pass at the gate is $10. Children 14 and under are admitted free.
Those who want to combine a party with the competition can buy a $100 ticket for the ringside Hoopstick Club, the setting for lunch and an evening cocktail reception on the Saturday. Tailgate options include admission for four to a spot by the water jump for $300, a water view location for $200 and on the hillside for $100.
Coverage of the MARS Essex Horse Trials:
June 23, 2019: MARS Essex Horse Trials ends with a win by a top combination
June 22, 2019: The MARS Essex Horse Trials: “It’s what riders all dream of”
June 21, 2019: After a rain delay, the MARS Essex Horse Trials is ready to run
June 9, 2019: The MARS Essex Horse Trials is set to run with high stakes and big names