Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Hope Gruzlovic
(609)292-8896
hope.gruzlovic@ag.state.nj.us

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.