The annual New Jersey State 4-H Championship Horse Show will include a new event: the Equine Science Centre Benefit Fun Show.

Intended to recognize the centre for its contributions to the equine industry, the Equine Science Centre Benefit Fun Show features classes and games sponsored by participating 4-H counties. The 4-H Championship Horse Show, for 4-H’ers in grades 5-12 and 4-H’ers in their first year out of high school, held at the Horse Park of New Jersey at Stone Tavern in Allentown, New Jersey, begins Thursday, August 20 at 6:00 p.m. and ends on Sunday, August 23. The Equine Science Centre Benefit Fun Show will take place during the course of the Championship Horse Show.

“The objective of introducing the Equine Science Centre Benefit Fun Show is two-fold: we want to raise funds for the Rutgers Equine Science Centre and we want to make it fun for participating 4-H members,” says Helen Ferraro, 4-H program assistant in Ocean County. Classes and games offered through the benefit fun show include: Simon Says -- riders will receive commands to do while on horseback; Egg & Spoon -- riding with an egg balanced on a spoon while performing commands; Dressage Equitation Class, and other similar classes and activities.

“The Equine Science Centre is thrilled to be recognized for its efforts in ensuring better horse care through research and education by this wonderful group of exceptional youth and volunteers. I personally competed in one of the first Championship Horse Shows and have a soft spot in my heart for the outstanding New Jersey 4-H Horse Project. Thanks to the parents and friends of 4-H who make this event happen every year,” says Karyn Malinowski, director of the Equine Science Centre.

The State Championship Horse Show offers 4-H’ers an opportunity to compete at an advanced level and meet other 4-H project members from around the state of New Jersey. Over 400 riders and horses were in attendance for the 2008 Championship Horse Show. “It’s a well attended event,” says Ferraro. “You look out over Horse Park and there is a sea of horse trailers and attendees. The competing 4-H’ers are the best of the best from each county; they have earned the right to participate through county-level qualifying shows.”

Event organizers envision the Equine Science Centre Benefit Fun Show as an opportunity to foster camaraderie among participants. “The classes and games will be an ice-breaker for participants,” says Ferraro. “They approach this event with such prodigious excitement. We certainly want them to compete and perform their very best, but we also want them to have fun and enjoy the festivities.” The Equine Science Centre will award a special prize to Junior and Senior participants in each class/game.

Equine Science Centre Benefit Fun Show event information:

Class/game attendees do not have to participate in the 4-H State Show to register for the ESC Benefit Fun Show. Entries will be accepted during regular horse show hours at the stabling area only. If the horse is not registered for the 4-H State Show, a copy of shot record, event permission form and negative Coggins must be presented before a number will be issued.

For more information about the event, click here.

(New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station)