The
147 acre Horse Park of New Jersey in Stone Tavern, Monmouth
County, is the result of a unique public, private partnership.
The land was purchased by the New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection with Green Acres funds. The New Jersey Department
of Agriculture continues to assist in the development of
the Park into a world class equine exhibition facility.
The State's equine industry and private, not-for-profit
groups worked together to design the Park. It is operated
under contract with the Department of Agriculture and the
Horse Park of New Jersey, Stone Tavern, Inc., a not-for-profit
educational organization.
Since
the Park opened in 1983, park trustees and hundreds of volunteers
have donated over 200,000 hours to beautification and fund
raising efforts.
In
1994, the National Hunter Pony Finals were held at the Park.
This was the first event of International interest scheduled
here.
As
of the show season of 2003, the Horse Park has 276 stalls
in permanent buildings; two 150' x 300' show rings, one
with state of the art night lighting; a 140' x 280' permanently
fenced, lighted schooling ring; 190' x 360' grand prix and
carriage dressage arena; a 150’ x 300’ indoor
arena; 90’ x 150’ dressage warm-up ring; 56
camper hookups with a dumping station, handicapped accessible
bathroom and shower facilities; two handicapped mounting
ramps; 70' x 150' clear span multi-purpose building for
equine auctions and off season instructional clinics; professional
sound system and air conditioned secretary=s office, judges’
lounge, press room, announcers booth and trophy room. Our
grandstand, adjacent to the East Ring, has permanent seating
and a large vendor space or additional seating areas.
Approximately 40 acres of our 147 acres are involved with
the development of these facilities. One hundred acres of
the Horse Park are being kept in open fields and wooded
areas so that they can be used for our event course and
carriage fields. Working cooperatively, these areas are
being developed by volunteer groups in a most useful and
attractive manner. Since the Horse Park borders the 5000
acre Assunpink Wildlife Management Area, it will be possible
to utilize some of that property for the occasional large
event.
One of the innovative programs at the Horse Park is our
commemorative tree program, organized and run by one of
our volunteers. More than 150 lovely trees and granite markers
have been planted.
From
March through November, equine events are scheduled for
most weekends and many weekdays, including frequent multi-day
events. Food vendors are on site during show days. There
are also many restaurants
and motels nearby.
The
HP has a "Promotional Video" available. Call or
e-mail for details. Videos also available at all locations
of Rick's
Heritage Saddlery
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