Somerset County Horse & Pony Association

 

SCH&PA



SCHPA sponsors monthly trail rides on public lands throughout New Jersey. ( BYOH-Bring your own horse) A monthly newsletter keeps members informed of upcoming activities.


A sampling of members interests: gaited horses, Competitive Mounted Orienteering (get lost in the woods with a compass), team penning, parades, charity train robberies, hunter paces, trail rides-both pleasure and competitive, breed and open shows, and . . . .


Members participate in adopt-a-trail programs keeping horses on public trails and creating positive public relations between horses and other trail user groups.


Annual membership runs from January 1 to December 31. To join us send your $10.00 check to:

SCHPA,

131 Somerset Terrace

Bedminster, NJ 07921

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Useful Links

Brings you to Redington Trail Assoc Site








Last Updated:

3/13/2008

 
NJ Horsepeople United   Have you seen the recent buzz in NJ asking horse people to unite in support of racing?  Did you respond by doing something about it?  If not, I’d like to give you a few things to ponder that will hopefully help you see why you need to act whenever a segment of horse interest in NJ is under fire.   If horses are the 3rd ranking “commodity” in agriculture in NJ, why is it that we have to work so hard for the respect and consideration we need to improve what we have?  Why are we not thought of as an integral part of the agricultural community in our towns?  Could it be because we seem to work so hard at being a fragmented group?  Sometimes it seems like we live in different worlds – those of us who ride trails, those who show, those who race horses, etc.  Instead of banding together in support of anything that is “good for horses in NJ”, we tell ourselves, “that isn’t my problem. I’m not interested in (fill in the blank with horse activities you don’t do).”   If this sounds like you… if you only support your type of horse activity… please remember what Abe Lincoln said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."  Together we are a force but we can't afford to lose any area of horse interest in NJ - it will certainly affect all of us.   Racing is an important segment of the horse community, from the many acres in breeding and training farms, to the many dollars spent on hay, grain, tack and equipment and transportation… need I go on?  It is the only contact a lot of people have with horses and as you all know, loss of contact with the land is a big concern in the US today.  If because of the casino industry's blocking adding slots to the tracks, racing can no longer support itself in the state, the big farms will have to move on and you WILL be impacted.  The loss of any segment of the community impacts the farmers producing hay and grains, the grain mills, saddle shops etc.  Lost farms will turn into developments which puts further pressure on remaining farms.  Just ask the farmers.  With every lost farm, it gets harder and harder for them to find suppliers for the special needs since the suppliers can’t stay in business with reduced income either.   There is also another side to the story, racing has always supported the rest of the horse industry, so perhaps its time to return the favor.  Racing is one of the original reasons the Equine Advisory Board got a seat on the Agricultural Board for NJ bringing the horse owners voice to the table.  For years racing has provided a state mandated subsidy to the Equine Advisory Board, which supports all NJ Bred horses through year end money and the NJ Bred show.  It was through support from EAB that the Horse Park was obtained and developed.  The Horse Park is surrounded by great trails and hosts horse shows and events that attract people from distant states, and promotes horses in NJ every weekend.  Racing as also been a huge supporter of the Equine Science Center at Rutgers which provides much needed research into improving horse care and management.   So as you can see, while racing may not be your main interest, its in your interest to continue to support them.   Please check this website and take action: www.SaveNJHorses.com 9/28/07 9/28/07 http://www.SaveNJHorses.comshapeimage_2_link_0