Contact: Lynne Richmond
New Jersey Department of Agriculture
PO Box 330
Trenton, NJ 08625-0330
609-633-2954
609-610-3526 (cell)
lynne.richmond@ag.state.nj.us.

SECRETARY TO TOUR CROSS-COUNTRY COURSE,

 

MEET WITH INTERNATIONAL OFFICIALS

 

AT ONE OF NATION'S TOP EVENTING COMPETITIONS

 

 

    TRENTON, NJ (May 6, 2009) – New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher on Friday, May 8, will get an up-close look at the huge jumps some of the nation's top horses and riders will have to make as he tours the cross country course of the 2009 Jersey Fresh CCI** and CCI***, being held May 7 through May 10 at the Horse Park of New Jersey at Stone Tavern.

 

     The country's top horse and rider combinations will be competing in the three-star event, while the two-star will test the skills of the newer, up and coming combinations.

     Fisher also will meet with the Ground Jury for the Three-Day event, including officials from the United States, Great Britain and Canada.

 

     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, with a galloping trek of three miles and 30 jumps.

• 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, May 7 and 8; cross-country on Saturday, May 9; and, show jumping along with the awards presentation will take place Sunday, May 10.

 

Along with the equestrian competition, there will be many vendors offering everything from jewelry, clothing and artwork to riding attire, horse equipment and food.

 

The New Jersey equine industry is valued at $3.5 billion and generates $1.1 billion annually in positive impact to the state's economy, according to a study released last year by the Rutgers Equine Science Center. The study showed there are 96,000 acres of working horse farms in the state and 42,500 equine animals.

 

Secretary Fisher will visit the Jersey Fresh Three-Day Event 12 p.m. Friday, May 8 at the Horse Park of New Jersey at Stone Tavern, 626 Route 524, Allentown, NJ 08501.

 

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