A crowded calendar offers opportunities for riders and those who simply want to attend equestrian-oriented activities and events around the state.
The Tewksbury Trail Association trail pace is one of the highlights of the crowded September equestrian calendar in New Jersey Whether you're a rider or simply a fan of all things equestrian, there's plenty to keep you busy after Labor Day in New Jersey. It's time to organize your September calendar so you can take advantage of offerings that demonstrate the variety of horse-related activities in the state, whatever breed or style of riding you favor.
The annual Tewksbury Trail Association trail pace, the largest such event in the state, offers competitors their choice of a six- or a nine-mile course at Christie Hoffman Farm Park on Route 512 in Tewksbury Sept. 20. Last year's popular pace drew 157 riders,
The ride goes from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Participants must finish by 3 p.m. with awards scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Those who aren't riding are invited to watch the pace and enjoy the scenery.
Entries are $45 for adults and $35 for juniors, with a $10 discount for trail association members.
For details, go to the association's website at www.tta-nj.org.
The same day, a western-theme judged trail ride will be held at the Horse Park of New Jersey on Route 524 in Allentown. Billed as "a wild west adventure through Tombstone, Ariz.," riders will experience re-creations of the OK Corral and the Gold Nugget Saloon, among other stops. The fee is $45 for those who register before Sept. 8, and $55 thereafter. Go to www.horseparkofnewjersey.com for information or call (732) 446-9566.
The horse park also is the venue for the Susan G. Komen Ride for the Cure fundraiser Sept. 13. Registration is $25 and participants must raise a minimum of $250 to ride in the non-competitive event. Money raised goes to fight breast cancer; 75 percent stays in New Jersey to help local women and their families, while 25 percent goes to research. To learn more, go to http://csnj.info-komen.org.
The same day, Lord Stirling Stable is holding a hunter pace sponsored by the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable and the Somerset County Park Commission. The 9 a.m.-1 p.m. pace at 257 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge offers open, family, junior, senior, and hilltopper divisions, with go-arounds at all the fences.
Register in person on the day of the event. The fee is $30 for juniors under age 18 and $35 for adults. A negative Coggins taken within the past 12 months is required for each horse. Find out more at http://somersetcountyparks.org/parksFacilities/stable/LSS.html.
On Sept. 20, the Essex Fox Hounds will hold their 75th annual hunter trials at their facility, 48 Holland Road, Peapack, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Hunter and equitation classes are featured, with tailgating and a food concession are part of the scene.
This is an event that is equal fun for riders and spectators, harkening back to the old days of the historic hunt. Entry forms are posted at www.essexfoxhounds.org.
Non-riding activities with an equine theme also abound next month.
In New Vernon, the Spirit of the Horse exhibition featuring acrylic paintings by Lin Salerno of Clark and photos by Sandra Graham of Bloomfield, begins with a reception open to the public from 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 11.
The show will run through Thanksgiving at the Kemmerer Library, 19 Blue Mill Road. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. For information, call (973) 267-2665.
The second annual Riding with HEART (Hunterdon Equine-Assisted Recreation and Therapy) Farm to Stable Fundraiser Feast from 4-8 p.m. Sept. 12 in Pittstown. is a locally sourced dinner featuring dishes by seven area chefs, embellished with artisanal cocktails, equine demonstrations and a silent auction.
Presented in connection with the Highlands Dinner Club, the evening benefits Riding with Heart's equine assisted activities and therapies for adults and children with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities.
"Riding with Heart is a magical place where differently abled people have the opportunity to grow and expand their horizons through hippotherapy. We have also recently introduced a program for at-risk teens," said board member Jen Stevenson. To buy tickets on-line go to http://ridingwithheart.org/events.php#polo.
The Open Space Pace in Freehold Sept. 19 is a family-oriented event that celebrates the horse and promotes preservation of open space through fundraising in support of non-profits promoting that mission.
A 10:30 a.m., a parade of horses from the Freehold Hall of Records to Freehold Raceway starts things off, led by standardbred breeders Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Landy, who are the grand marshals. At the racetrack, activites include a petting zoo, educational exhibits, harness racing, vendor tables, food trucks and a 3 p.m. concert.
Admission to the pace is free, backed by sponsors. Additional supporters are welcome. Contact Brett Taft at (732) 577-4059 or Btaft@umh.com.
On Sept. 21, Rutgers extension specialist Carey Williams will give a lecture on equine conformation at the Dillon Library on Lamington Road in Bedminster. The 6:30 p.m. talk is presented by the Somerset Bridle Path Association and the Somerset Hills Pony Club. For information, contact Diane@Holtaway.com.
The U.S. Equestrian Federation's former director of show jumping, Sally Ike, is giving a talk from 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at Rutgers, drawing on anecdotes from her colorful experiences across horse sports, including working with teams at the Olympics and world championships. Ike, who still works for the USEF as director of education and licensed officials, is a respected designer of show jumping courses for three-day eventing.
There is no charge for admission to "An Evening with Sally Ike" at the Roundhouse on College Farm Road in New Brunswick. A fee of $25 is requested for a barbecue at 5 p.m. before the talk, to which everyone is welcome.
ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE
Today: Dressage Show at Stone Tavern, Horse Park of N.J., Route 524, Allentown; Baymar Farms Show, 38 Harbor Road, Morganville; N.J. Pinto Open Show, Gloucester County Dream Park, 400 Route 130 South, Logan Township.
Friday: Windy Hollow Hunt Dressage Show, Sussex County Fairgrounds, Plains Road, Augusta (through Sept. 6).
Saturday: Saddlebrook Ridge Dressage Show, 10 Saddlebrook Court, Shamong; Somewhere Farm Dressage Show, 640 Powell Road, Mount Holly.
Sept. 6: Delaware Valley Horsemen's Association Driving Show, DVHA Showgrounds, 299 Ringoes-Rosemont Road, Sergeantsville.
Nancy Jaffer: nancyjaffer@comcast.net.