New Jersey
The 25th annual Jersey Classic Horse Show at the Horse Park of New Jersey, June 10-12, proved to be another fun event. Entries fell below expectations but the area stables were well represented. Classes were held in the indoor arena due to the threat of thunder showers hovering over us all week end. While temperatures soared to 100 degrees for two days, the indoor was 20 degrees cooler. Bar tables and stools were set up ring side and Rudy's Cafe located in one corner so all in all it was as comfortable and convenient as could be. Then the temperature plunged to sixty degrees. Many exhibitors were seen wrapped in the flannel roll up blankets that were awarded as trophies to winners in the qualifying classes!
Hospitality was tops, starting with ASHA of NJ providing complimentary sandwiches, drinks and chips Thursday at 5:00 pm for arrivals that were setting up and preparing for the competition. Thanks to Candi Aversenti, Ashley Russo and Sylvia Covino, pizza and drinks were served at 4:00 Friday afternoon before the evening session of the show. Immediately following the Friday night performance, exhibitors were treated to an ice cream social in the pavilion, thanks to Brenday Helt and the Ferrier family, while Bob Kleinfelter (our announcer) took on the role of DJ. And wait, there's more! The Saturday night exhibitor's party featured a great Italian buffet supper sponsored by Kathleen Ververeli and Nancy Ehle. And, the show added line dancing to top it all off. One would think that all we did was eat all week end!
Over 100 classes, judged by Patty Kent of Bramwell, WV, filled with all the traditional Saddlebred sections as well as divisions for Morgans, Friesians, and Standardbreds. Open classes, Equitation, Lead Line and a ton of Academy classes rounded out the schedule along with the ever popular stick horse class. Note that the Pattern class offered gives riders a chance to see how precisley they can execute the required movements without being judged on equitation. Another interesting challenge is the School Horse Equitation class which is intended to give the school horses used in academy programs practice in the show ring while being ridden by accomplished riders. The USEF Steward, Bev Bedard, did a fine job for us and we appreciate the Colt's Head Veterinary Service for standing by year after year.
Our thanks also, to Dorothy Hock and Katherine Ricci for the center ring decorations and to our many volunteers - Jeanne Lavelle, Ringmaster; Mary Elias & Mary Bedard, ribbons and trophies; Mark McCracken, Assistant Manager and gate attendant, Nealia McCracken, stabling, Brian Long, show music and to our wonderful class sponsors. The complete results of the show are posted on www.HorseShowsOnline.com.
--- Joan Booth, Show Manager
2011 Jersey Classic Candids
Our Stick Horse Entries. This is where it all begins!
