Invitational Derby Cross Celebrates the Return of the Essex Horse Trials!

This is a great article by Nancy Jaffers regarding the return of the Essex Horse Trials in Far Hills, NJ!  Missy and Bonnie were two of 12 riders asked to come and compete in the Invitational Derby Cross which was held to promote and celebrate the return of this fabulous event which was originally founded by the late Roger Haller.

Missy on Dr. Peter Berk's Prince

The event last week included an invitation list of over 400 spectators, a competition purse and a fun party afterwards.  What a day!  Bonnie rode her favorite brumby, Loki, and Missy stepped it up to the prelim fences with Prince, owned by wonderful long time client, Dr. Peter Berk!

Bonnie and Loki

Missy, Peter and Prince

Nancy Jaffers did a wonderful job summarizing the day.  Here's an excerpt from her article:

"A cocktail party and an Invitational Derby Cross (I'll explain later) marked the occasion at Moorland Farm, just a few miles from the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation headquarters in Gladstone, where Essex was held for years under the sponsorship of M&M Mars.

Now it's Mars Inc. that's the title sponsor of the event, set for the weekend of June 24, 2017. It will run beginner/novice to preliminary competition, though I expect it to offer higher levels as time goes on.

Moorland farm is the most perfect venue. Every October, the 230-acre former estate hosts the Far Hills Race Meeting, chaired by Guy Torsilieri. The races draw about 30,000 people for a day of high-end steeplechasing and tailgating.

The terrain has real character, with a big hill as well as gentle slopes. The turf is maintained beautifully and all the equipment necessary to keep it in shape is available because it is used for the racing surface.

Space to ride is abundant and the views are lovely. Although Moorland Farm is conveniently close to major highways, the roads are peaceful in tiny Far Hills, which has a population of about 1,000. Within just a few miles, there are all kinds of restaurants, from casual to fine dining, and shops, supermarkets, train stations and places to stay."

Check out the full article below.
http://www.equisearch.com/article/bringing-back-the-essex-horse-trials-53381

And to follow more updates on next year's horse trials, go to their FB page!