The 54th annual Garden State Horse Show returns to the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ, May 4-8, 2005, with a line-up of special featured classes and some exciting new additions for exhibitors and spectators alike. The Garden State Horse Show, presented by the Junior Essex Troop, Inc., features several classes and two jumper sections that are new for this year. In the jumper division, a new pony jumper section has been added, highlighted by the $500 North American League (NAL) Pony Jumper class. The pony jumper section is sponsored by Terra Nova Marketing Solutions of Doylestown, PA. Also added to this year’s schedule is the new Young Jumper Championship section, sponsored by Marty and Debby Deleyer of Smithtown, NY, with classes for horses age five through eight.

Among this year’s other featured jumper classes are the John H. Fritz $2,500 Challenge with a prix-type course; the $5,000 Garden State Junior/Amateur-Owner Prix, a member event of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series; the $1,000 Marshall & Sterling Adult Jumper League/NAL Classic; and the $1,000 Marshall & Sterling Children’s Jumper League/NAL Classic.

In the hunter division, this year’s horse show features the $1,500 Garden State Pony Hunter Classic, sponsored by the Saunders Family; the $500 Marshall & Sterling Adult Hunter League/NAL Classic; the $500 Marshall & Sterling Children’s Hunter League/NAL Classic; and the $500 Marshall & Sterling Children’s Pony Hunter Classic.

This year, the Garden State Horse Show will have a dedicated hunter area, measuring 320 feet by 500 feet and featuring three newly-installed arenas with all-weather footing. Seven rings of breath-taking equestrian action will be featured daily from 8 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m. The highlight of the week will be the $50,000 Dimensional HealthCare Garden State Grand Prix, a member event of the United States Grand Prix League, on Saturday, May 7.

The Garden State Horse Show draws high-caliber equestrian athletes, including Olympic veterans such as Chris Kappler, Anne Kursinski, Nona Garson and Peter Leone. The nation’s top riders often make 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 by offering top prize money.

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. The fair features vendors of tack and apparel, jewelry, gifts for friends and family, items for the home or barn and much more.

Admission to the horse show is free every day except on Grand Prix Saturday, 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.com.~~~