AUGUSTA, NJ—January 4, 2002— New Jersey’s state animal is the horse and nowhere else is it more celebrated than at the Garden State Horse Show. Presented by the Junior Essex Troop, Inc., the Garden State Horse Show is the largest horse show in New Jersey, and will be held this year from May 1-5 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ. The show features five rings of exciting equestrian competition daily and culminates with the $50,000 Garden State Grand Prix, a member event of the Cosequin U.S. Grand Prix League.

The Garden State Horse Show draws top equestrians, making the show their first stop in the northeast after wintering in Florida. The prestigious event marks the start of the spring circuit, enticing hunters and jumpers with top prize money. Some noteworthy events include the $15,000 Junior Amateur-Owner Jumper Division, part of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series, and Marshall & Sterling Children’s & Adult League, presented by Corona-Lexol.

As it did in 2001, the Garden State Horse Show will make a donation this year to Centenary College and its scholarship fund intended for qualifying equine studies majors residing in the state of New Jersey. Last year, the Horse Show presented a check for $25,000 and will make a second donation to the scholarship fund upon the conclusion of this year’s show. Centenary College, located in Hackettstown, NJ is a higher education facility that offers students the opportunity to pursue an equine studies major. Many graduates have pursued careers with the American Horse Shows Association, created riding programs and established equine businesses throughout New Jersey. It is these ambitions that the members of Junior Essex Troop wish to support.

The Garden State Horse Show is rated "AA" by USA Equestrian (formerly known as the American Horse Shows Association). As one of the largest shows of its kind in the country, the Garden State Horse Show attracts the nation’s best riders, including U.S. Equestrian Team and Olympic veterans such as Peter Leone and Nona Garson.

In addition to witnessing top athletes, spectators can enjoy the numerous shopping and dining opportunities available at The Country Fair. Admission to the horse show is free except for Grand Prix Saturday. Saturday’s admission is $10.00 per carload. All gate proceeds go to the Sussex County 4-H Club.

The Garden State Horse Show will host its 51st annual edition, May 1-5, 2002 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ. For more information on the Garden State Horse Show, please call (508) 698-6810.