FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 13, 2009

114th Monmouth County Horse Show a national event
Equestrians to showcase skills and compete for prizes

FREEHOLD, NJ – One of America’s greatest sporting events takes place through Aug. 16 as the 114th Annual Monmouth County Horse Show heats up at East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Rd.

Sanctioned by the U.S. Equestrian Foundation – it also sanctions the U.S. Equestrian Teams that have won numerous Olympic medals – the show is considered to be one of the premiere events on the equestrian calendar. Riders and horses attend from around the country. Thousands of people watch and participate in this event presented by the Monmouth County Horse Show Association.

“This event showcases terrific hunter / jumper riders while highlighting the importance of the equestrian industry in Monmouth County,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, who created a blue ribbon panel in 2008 to support the equestrian industry.  “This weekend we welcome riders from around the country to the heart of New Jersey.  Our visitors can see our farmland and open space preservation efforts and know that we value the equestrian industry.”

The show, one of the oldest continuing equestrian events in the country, has an exclusive “AA” rating. Among the highlights this year are the $30,000 Stillwell Hansen Grand Prix, and the $5,000 Gordon Stillwell Memorial Speed Stake and the Junior/Amateur Owner High and Low Jumper Classics, plus the “AA” Hunter Divisions.

Thousands of competitors including some of the nation’s best riders compete in three divisions – Jumper, Hunter and Equitation – and there is a chance future Olympians will bolster their resumes this weekend.

Competitions begin at 8 a.m. each day and continue all day in five rings at the East Freehold Showgrounds. There will be plenty of equestrian activity and contests to watch. Saturday, Aug. 15 will also feature a petting zoo, face painting and pony rides all day.

If history is a guide, spectators are urged to arrive early for the best viewing locations. There is no general admission fee.

Throughout its 114 year history, the show has benefited many local charities. This year’s show will benefit the Girl Scouts of New Jersey, Parker Family Health Clinic of Red Bank, which provides free medical and prescription services to those in need, and Angel Flight, a non profit organization that provides free air transportation for ill children and their families to treatments, doctors appointments and hospitalizations.

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