Be sure to attend this weekend’s Mars Essex Horse Trials, a special eventing competition at Moorland Farm in Far Hills. Although it’s only in the second year of its re-emergence on the scene, Essex has gained more than 40 entries over its 2017 total, and is drawing some very recognizable names.
Beginner Novice and Training divisions go on Sunday June 24.
The big news is that Essex will be making a huge leap in 2019 by offering an advanced division. It didn’t take long for this special competition to make it to the big time.
Essex runs in conjunction with a car show that has been switched to 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday June 24 (from Saturday). The show includes trucks, hot rods, motorcycles and race cars) contact gusandbuckys@gmail.com.
On June 24, highlights include the Tewksbury Foot Bassets giving an exhibition at 1 p.m.
The Essex Food Court will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., as will the Willow School Kids’ Tent
Essex was a respected fixture in the Somerset Hills and beyond through 1998, after which it disappeared from the calendar. Its return last year in a new location drew big crowds to watch riders over a brand new course on terrain best known as the home of the Far Hills races.
Tickets are available on line here
There’s an advantage to planning ahead. General admission tickets purchased in advance are $15 per person for two-day pass, while at the gate, they cost $20 per day, or $30 for two days. Children 14 and under are admitted free.