Articles: Press Release
Garden State Horse Show honored to be named WCHR member
Gary Johnson, representing Driving for Surviving, takes Beezie Madden for a
drive
in the main ring at the 2008 Garden State Horse Show. Just after
the exhibition, Madden
won the 2008 Garden State Grand Prix aboard Plan On. (photo by
Reflections)
Contact:
Nancy Johnson
610-593-5189
March 25, 2009, AUGUSTA, New JerseyNow in its 58th year, Garden State Horse
Show
(GSHS) constantly strives to add special classes and incentives for its
loyal exhibitors. This year the show, which runs from April 29 through May 3
at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, is delighted to have the honor of being
chosen as one of only seven World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) point shows
in the Northeast Region! The WCHR Awards, which are presented annually by
the American Hunter Jumper Foundation (AHJF) on both a national and regional
basis, are considered especially prestigious because instead of rewarding
the horse or rider who competes in the most shows, they reward the ones who
win at the best shows.
Very unique to the WCHR Program is that a very limited number of
participating shows, no more than seven in each of the eight regions, are
chosen by members of the AHJF via a voting ballot. AHJF members rate horse
shows throughout the year by a set of criteria that includes: good footing,
appropriate schooling areas, attracts top competition, top judges and
officials, exhibitor hospitality, etc. Tim Cleary, Horse Show Manager, is
excited about Garden State achieving WCHR status. Two years ago we asked our
exhibitors who support the show to try to vote us in the WCHR, he
explains. I really want to thank everyone that did for helping us become a
WCHR show and just for being so loyal, he adds.
Garden State (GSHS), which boasts the distinction of being New Jerseys
largest horse show, attracts many of the countrys top show hunters and
jumpers. Cleary explains that in spite of this being a year when people are
cutting back, GSHS has actually added substantial prize money to several of
its special classes as a way of thanking their exhibitors for all their
support over the years.
On Saturday, May 2 the ever popular Garden State Grand Prix, which has been
known to draw many top riders, even members of the U.S. Olympic show jumping
team, will take center stage. This year the horses and riders will vie for a
total purse of $65,000! In addition, the $25,000 Welcome Stake, Thursday,
April 30, offers the jumpers a second big money class.
Not to be missed, just prior to the Grand Prix, Driving for Surviving, a
pediatric oncology equestrian carriage driving program of sharingVillage,
will present an exhibition, at approximately 3:00 p.m. Located in Far
Hills, NJ, sharingVillage is a nonprofit self help educational organization
dedicated to the well being of cancer survivors from time of diagnosis and
beyond. The children thrilled the crowd last year as they negotiated their
miniature horses ponies amongst the enormous fences already set for the
Grand Prix jumpers.
Were thrilled to have sharingVillage back at Garden State, declares Jim
Duva, Executive Coordinator of GSHS. The kids were such a hit here last
year. And we are happy to assist with such a worthwhile program.
Prize money in the hunter classics has been increased as well. Offerings
include: $4,000 Hunter Classic, $2,500 Pony Hunter Classic, and $1,000 3
Classic.
While GSHS holds a USEF jumper rating 5 and AA hunter rating with many
highly competitive divisions, the show also offers a wide variety of classes
to suit horses and riders of every age and ability. This is one of the
reasons the show has had such wide appeal, literally for generations.
For prize lists or questions regarding entries call 203-650-3148 or visit
the shows website, www.gardenstatehorseshow.org.
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