Governor
Christine Todd Whitman has proclaimed June as the
Month of the Horse in the Garden State (copy follows).
The annual observance gives New Jerseyans an opportunity
to focus on the state animal and the recreational,
economic and scenic benefits the equine industry
provides around the state. "New Jersey has long
been recognized as one of the nation's most progressive
equine states, offering unusually varied opportunities
for those interested in horses, whether hobbyist
or professional, spectator or competitor," said
Agriculture Secretary Arthur R. Brown, Jr. "Over
six million people attend horse races and other
equine events each year as spectators, adding substantially
to the equine industry's economic contribution
of New Jersey." The Garden State is home to 60,000
horses of nearly every size, breed and pedigree.
With more than 7,000 equine facilities covering
120,000 acres of land devoted to breeding and raising
of horses, the state's $4.5 billion equine industry
is an important part of New Jersey's agriculture
industry. The acreage devoted to equine operations
contributes significantly to the state's open space,
scenic vistas and wildlife habitat, while the equine
industry as a whole is a major component of New
Jersey's economy. Approximately $600 million is
spent annually in New Jersey by equine operations
and owners. The industry directly employs over
10,000 people, not including farriers, veterinarians,
feed and bedding producers and dealers, tack shops,
equipment manufacturers and dealers, trainers,
grooms, jockeys and many more. There are a wide
range of equine activities offered in the Garden
State throughout the year from exciting Thoroughbred
and Standardbred races to rodeos, horse shows,
clinics, trail rides, hunter paces, recreational
riding, 4-H and FFA programs, and handicapped riding
programs. The Horse Park of New Jersey at Stone
Tavern in Monmouth County offers a full season
of events. A complete list of Horse Park events
is available on the internet at http://njhorsepark.com
or you can e-mail questions concerning the Park's
schedule and show amenities to NJHORSEPK@aol.com.
Monmouth County, where the Park is located, ranks
first in several equine categories: the number
of equine related to the racing industry; the total
number of equine; the value of equine inventory;
the number of farms with equine; the number of
acres of land devoted to equine activities; and
the value of land, fencing and facilities devoted
to equine. Burlington and Hunterdon Counties are
the next most extensive equine counties followed
by Morris, Sussex and Somerset. Because the equine
industry contributes so much to New Jersey in so
many ways, take a moment this month to celebrate
New Jersey's equine industry and its contribution
to the Garden State's rich heritage.
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PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS,
the horse is New Jersey's state animal; and WHEREAS, New
Jersey's 60,000 horses and related service industries
add $4.5 billion dollars annually to New Jersey's
economy; and WHEREAS, with 120,000 acres
devoted solely to equine operations, the horse
industry contributes significantly to the open
space of New Jersey; and WHEREAS, the
headquarters of the United States Equestrian
Team, the Hambletonian Society and the Breeders
Crown are located in New Jersey; and WHEREAS, the
high quality of Jersey-sired Standardbreds is
recognized around the world; and WHEREAS,
the Hambletonian and many other major Standardbred
and Sire Stakes events are held in New Jersey;
and WHEREAS, the Haskell Invitational,
one of the most prestigous thoroughbred races
in New Jersey, and many other thoroughbred events
are held in New Jersey; and WHEREAS, horses
of all sizes and breeds contribute add a special
dimension to the lives of many citizens of New
Jersey; NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHRISTINE TODD
WHITMAN, Governor of the State of New Jersey,
do hereby proclaim JUNE as the MONTH OF THE HORSE
in New Jersey, and urge our citizens to lend
their enthusiastic support to the Garden State's
equine industry.
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