Lynne Richmond
(609)292-8896
lynne.richmond@ag.state.nj.us

(TRENTON) -- One of the nation’s top eventing competitions, the 2006 Jersey Fresh CCI** and CCI***, will be held June 1-4 at the Horse Park of New Jersey at Stone Tavern.

Along with the country’s top horse and rider combinations competing in the three-star event, the two-star will test the skills of the newer, up and coming combinations.

Eventing was originally a military event intended to measure the fitness of military horses. To succeed both rider and horse must be highly trained in these three tests:

· Dressage – a French term, meaning training. Dressage comprises a set series of complicated movements performed in an enclosed arena. It requires precision, smoothness, suppleness and complete obedience by the horse.
· Cross-country – the endurance test. It includes four phases: two rounds of roads and tracks, the steeplechase, and the cross-country.
· Show Jumping – takes place in the jumping arena. Horse and rider must negotiate between 12 and 15 show jumping obstacles.

The dressage phase will take place Thursday and Friday, June 1 and 2; cross-country on Saturday, June 3; and, show jumping along with the awards presentation will take place Sunday, June 4.

Along with the equestrian competition, there will be many vendors offering everything from jewelry, clothing and artwork to riding attire, horse equipment and food. Also on the agenda is a dog agility demonstration.

The New Jersey Equine Expo will be held in conjunction with the Jersey Fresh Three-Day Event, giving spectators the opportunity to see many different breeds of horses found in New Jersey.

In addition, Dr. Lori from the television show, “Masterpiece Galleries,” will be on hand on June 3 to appraise antiques.

Based on the last survey available, New Jersey’s equine industry is a major segment of New Jersey agriculture with 49,000 animals and 81,000 acres of land related to equine.

For more information, call (609) 259-0170 or horseparkofnj@aol.com. You also may visit the Horse Park’s website at www.horseparkofnewjersey.com.