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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