The 54th annual Garden State Horse Show returns to the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ, May 4-8, 2005. Presented by the Junior Essex Troop, Inc., the Garden State Horse Show is the largest horse show in New Jersey.

New for this year, the Garden State Horse Show will have a dedicated hunter area, featuring three newly-installed arenas. Work on the new hunter area, which measures 320 feet by 500 feet, is nearing completion and the space will be ready to use at the horse show.

The Garden State Horse Show will now feature seven rings of exciting equestrian competition. The show schedule is highlighted by the $50,000 Garden State Grand Prix, a member event of the United States Grand Prix League, on Saturday, May 7.

“We are very excited about our new all-hunter area,” said George Uniss, Co-Chairman of the Garden State Horse Show Organizing Committee. “We do our best to listen to the comments we receive from our exhibitors, and we’re thrilled that we have been able to address what has previously been one of their biggest concerns.”

The Garden State Horse Show draws the nation’s top hunters and jumpers, with many making the show their first stop in the northeast after wintering in Florida. The prestigious event marks the start of the spring circuit, enticing hunters and jumpers with top prize money. In addition to the Grand Prix, other Garden State Horse Show highlights include the Marshall & Sterling Children’s & Adult League classes, presented by Corona-Lexol, and the $15,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Division, featuring the $5,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Prix, a member event of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series.

The Garden State Horse Show is rated “AA” by the U.S. Equestrian Federation. As one of the largest horse shows of its kind in the country, the Garden State Horse Show attracts the nation’s best riders, including U.S. Equestrian Team and Olympic veterans such as Chris Kappler, McLain Ward, Peter Leone and Nona Garson.

In addition to witnessing top equestrian athletes, spectators at the Garden State Horse Show can enjoy the numerous shopping and dining opportunities available at The Country Fair. Admission to the horse show is free every day except on Grand Prix day, when admission is $10.00 per carload to benefit a local charity.

For tickets to the 2005 Garden State Horse Show, please call (973) 948-5022. For general information or to request a prize list, please call (508) 698-6810 or visit www.gardenstatehorseshow.org.