United States Eventing Association

Jersey Fresh fresh out of cash

Forget the rumors. The Jersey Fresh three-day event, which came close to being scuttled for financial considerations, will return to the Horse Park of New Jersey this spring after all -- but it needs help.

Although Jersey Fresh is well-presented and regularly draws an impressive roster of competitors, including Olympic medalists Phillip Dutton, Karen O'Connor and Leslie Law, the event has been a struggle for the non-profit Horse Park to stage.

Its trustees agonized over whether to continue the competition, which was started in 2003, but the persistence of those who believe in it means it will get another shot May 7-10 at the facility in Allentown, Monmouth County. A great deal of effort and money has been sunk into the enterprise; it just hasn't developed enough of a spectator or sponsor base.

The event, which offers 2- and 3-star-rated competitions, as well as a U.S. Eventing Association Young Event Horse division, is thin on staffing and volunteers, which means there has been little in the way of promotion as a result.

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