The USET Headquarters in Gladstone, New Jersey. Phelps Media
Gladstone, N.J. – May 10, 2016 – Experience horse showing at its finest August 15-21, 2016, by joining the country’s top professional, amateur and junior athletes during Monmouth at the Team. The week-long hunter/jumper event to be held in the main ring at historic Hamilton Farm, the United States Equestrian Team Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, New Jersey. The show, formerly known as the Monmouth County Horse Show, will marry the tradition of the 121 year show, a long-time a staple on the East Coast show circuit, with the history and prestige of Hamilton Farm, creating a wonderful opportunity for area riders to experience competition at this world-class facility.
The goal of the new management team is to produce a first class event with superb footing, jumps, prizes and prize money, while also increasing awareness and support for the USET Foundation, raising the bar for New Jersey horse shows.
Leslie Howard at the Monmouth County Horse Show. Photo by Randi Muster
“We want to create an environment where we pull together the community to honor the history of our sport while providing the highest level of service and hospitality,” stated Tucker Ericson, USEF R rated Judge and co-owner of the show along with Michael Dowling, a trainer, Centenary College IHSA Coach and Professor.
The team has hired Chive and Thyme Catering, who will be on-site throughout the week serving exquisite food, while Tito’s Vodka will sponsor the cocktails. In addition, there will be live music each day featuring classic rock, pop music and jazz as well as a Vendors Row of boutiques for shopping.
Following their highly successful unrecognized benefit horse show held at the Team in 2013, Ericson and Dowling felt it would be even more rewarding for them to bring a recognized hunter/jumper event to Hamilton Farm. After numerous conversations about their vision with former Monmouth County owners George Richdale and Mike Maxwell, their dream became a reality.
Kent Farrington and Madison at the Monmouth County Horse Show. Photo by Randi Muster
“In 2013, we partnered with Precise Buildings LLC, our event sponsor, to build the Edward Lookingbill Memorial Judges pavilion at the Sussex County Fairgrounds,” said Ericson. “Precise has again stepped up to the plate for us and now, the USET Foundation, a primary beneficiary of this show.”
Through sponsorships, support from the equestrian community, a silent auction and the generosity of Precise Buildings, two building projects have been planned for completion within the next three years: a utility building for jump and equipment storage, and a state of the art judges and announcers pavilion.
Ericson and Dowling look forward to their partnership with Infinity Jumps (Ashley Davis and Skip Bailey) who will provide a gorgeous custom course, setting the stage for Mr. Mike Rosser of Southern Pines, North Carolina to officiate an outstanding week of competition.
Class highlights for hunters and equitation riders include:
$10,000 Hunter Derby (2’, 2’6”, and 3’). Bevals of Gladstone to provide winner with a saddle.
$1,500 Signature Spurs Pre-Adult and Pre-Child Hunter Classic
$1,500 Los Quenes River Lodge Children’s/Adult Classic
$1,500 Windham Hill Equitation Classic
Schooling & Warm-ups Monday, August 15th
USEF C-rated Hunters, Hunter Breeding & Big Equitation slated for Tuesday, August 16th
Two Chances at NJPHA, NJHSA and Marshall & Sterling League Points
USHJA Outreach Program Friday, August 19th
Class highlights for jumpers include:
$10,000 Horseflight Mini-Prix
$5,000 The Tack Shelter Child/Adult Jumpers
$5,000 Equine Billing Low Child/Adult Jumpers
$2,500 Eastern Hay and Grain Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic
$1,500 Red Oak Young Jumpers
$500 Success Equestrian Pony Jumpers
The show’s website will soon be available with more information, and the prize list for the show will be completed by June 1. Entries will close August 1 and after this date, post entries will only be accepted for those classes that have not yet filled. Stalls are available and will likely to be sold out so do not hesitate to reserve your block now.
In addition to those listed above, the following Platinum and Gold sponsors have already signed on including, The Nature Conservancy, Open Road Automotive, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, The Gladstone Equestrian Association, Far Hills Race Association, Do Trot In Tack Shop, Neurosurgical Associates of Central Jersey, CWD Sellier, Devoucoux Saddles and Courtyard By Marriott.
There is still time to advertise in the prize list and to join our growing list of sponsors, reserve vendor space or hospitality tables. Please contact one of the following individuals for more information and to customize a program that works best for you:
Tucker Ericson 908-303-1956 jtericson1969@gmail.com
Leslie Sullivan 908-305-0540 leslie.sllvn@gmail.com
Michael Dowling 914-850-0508 windhamhillllc@gmail.com