ESDCTA MAGAZINE
COLLECTIVE REMARKS
WWW.ESDCTA.ORG August 2020
Cover Photo from the Carolyn Montgomery article page 12
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Table of Contents
Para Equestrian Primer
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Scenes from Dressage
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News from Outside the Ring
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Focus on Carolyn Montgomery
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The Truth About Cross Country Schooling Days
16 Even the Show Ring Is a Learning Experience
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Education Grants
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The Amateur Dilemma
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Horse Treats
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Business Members
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Event Calendar 2
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Board of Trustees OFFICERS
Phone only before 9 p.m. please
President
Holly Cornell
president@esdcta.org
732.208.8715
Vice President
Ellen Brindle-Clark
vicepresident@esdcta.org
609.351.1054
Secretary
Ruth McCormick
secretary@esdcta.org
201.240.4505
Treasurer
Betty Audduci
treasurer@esdcta
610.564.9169
Dressage at Large
Jena Rondinelli
MAL@esdcta.org
732.814.1117
Eventing at Large
Jennifer Duelfer
MAL@esdcta.org
732.598.3077 201.874.0373
Executive Board
Dressage Competitions
Dr. Lisa Toaldo
dressage@esdcta.org
Eventing Competitions
Janice Pellegrino
eventing@esdcta.org
Marketing
Erin Gale
marketing@esdcta.org
Membership
Tamara Purdy
membership@esdcta.org
Membership
Heidi Lemack
membership@esdcta.org
609.306.8221
Finance
Gary Maholic
finance@esdcta.org
215.489.1557 6093511054
Education
Victoria Shilton
education@esdcta.org
Youth
Stephanie Warner
youth@esdcta.org
NJEAB Representative
Carolyn Montgomery
crunner141@comcast.net
Awards
awards@esdcta.org
OFF BOARD COMMITTEE CHAIRS Calendars/Activities
Vacant
activities@esdcta.org
Grants
grants@esdcta.org
Equipment
Wilma Pfeer
Newsletter
Meredith Rogers
newsletter@esdcta.org
Nominating
Eliza Banks
chivalryhillfarm@aol.com
dressage@esdcta.org
Omnibus
Mia Zimmerman
omnibus@esdcta.org
Show Results
Jean Goetz
results@esdcta.org
Become a friend of the ESDCTA on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @ESDCTA
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CROSS COUNTRY... News Across Our Region COMMUNITY NEWS
Milestone
If you’re reading this, you are probably a member of ESDCTA, but I’m sure you know of someone who rides dressage or events who is not a member. You know all about the wonderful things offered like educational programs, clinics with big name trainers, horse shows, year-end awards, and not least, that sense of being part of a community of likeminded people. The more members ESDCTA has, the better the programs we can offer. Our membership numbers are also important considerations when state and local governments decide on legislature that affects us (like open space), and we advocate for our sports (we’re working on better footing at the HPNJ). Please reach out to your equestrian buddies and tell them about all of the benefits of membership and have them sign up. The more the merrier!
Please Contact Linda Marciante if you know any ESDCTA members who have achieved any Milestones. Success at a show, regional/national/international award, new horse, or anything else you want to celebrate.
WHAT’S YOUR TALENT?? Let us know what you would like to help us with in 2020. All skills and interests wanted. Have an idea? We want to hear about it. Remember, this club is what YOU make it. Contact president@esdcta.org if you are interested.
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
Have a great article that you would like to share? Please send article to: Meredith Rogers: newsletter@esdcta.org All submissions are due by the 15th of the month. Due to space considerations, the editor reserves the right to edit submitted articles. If necessary, articles will be edited and returned for your review. AND YOU GET VOLUNTEER HOURS FOR EACH STORY!
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e-mail: lindalbbf@gmail.com
MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS For membership questions including updating physical or e-mail addresses please contact: Tamara Purdy membership@esdcta.org
2020 ADVERTISING RATES
MEMBER NON-MEMBER FULL PAGE $100 $130 HALF PAGE $65 $85 QUARTER PAGE $40 $60 BUSINESS CARD $20 $30 CARD FOR 3 MONTHS $45 $65 CLASSIFIEDS $10 $15 Deadline: 15th of prior month Email: newsletter@esdcta.org Please have electronic ads in Adobe PDF or .jpg format
You will receive an invoice for ad via email. Send Payment to: Betty Adduci 266 Betty Lane Gilbert, PA 18331 Email: treasurer@esdcta.org
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Para Equestrian Primer: Compensating Aids Part 1 By, Alanna Flax-Clark
Welcome back to the world of Para equestrian sport! Last year I introduced you to the sport and how I fell in love with horses. I thought it would be interesting to dive more into the specifics of some of the things that help me ride. Let’s start out with compensating aids. What is a compensating aid? “Compensating aids” are used by riders to make up for, at least in part, for the physical or sensory limitations resulting from their impairment, thereby enabling them to ride a horse. Athletes with physical disabilities who want to compete and need to use any sort of a compensating aid must apply for a USEF Dispensation Certificate and go through a process called classification. After submitting an application and medical documentation, the classification is scheduled. The athlete meets with a USEF or FEI
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classifier who performs a physical evaluation. If the athlete is determined to be eligible for para equestrian, then the classifier establishes their profile and grade, based on the FEI profile system, and goes over the list of compensating aids that goes along with the specific grade, as well as any nontraditional aids that may be necessary. The goal of the para equestrian sport is a framework of fair competition. The goal of classification is to ensure that competitive success is determined by the athletes’ strategies, skills, and abilities, and not by their disabilities. Therefore, the classification process is robust, transparent, and fair. Now, let’s back up our focus back to the compensating aids. Each para rider uses various compensating aids, and many of you probably don’t notice them at all. These can vary from adapted saddles to using their voice. I’d like to focus on one that I use that is very simple and makes a big impact. It’s also one of the most common aids that I see almost every rider use in some way or another: rubber bands! In order to hold my foot in the stirrup, I use a simple band that loops from the back of my foot, under the stirrup, and over my toe. One thing about any compensating aid that must be considered is that it must be safe for both horse and rider. In the event of a fall, it must break so that I can fall free from my horse. It doesn’t look like it, but these bands do break in the event of a fall. There are other aids that riders use that work in a similar fashion, such as magnetic stirrups and toe cages, but this is what I have found works best for me. It’s important to find what equipment works for each individual. Most importantly, always keep in mind that these do not give a rider an advantage over anyone else. Rather, the system is designed to best measure each person’s abilities and disabilities to create a fair playing field for everyone.
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Scenes from Dressage at the Park: July 4-5, 2020 By, Meredith Rogers
Although the Dressage at the Park show (July 4-5, 2020) is not hosted by the ESDCTA, it is produced by the Horse Park of New Jersey and is recognized by the ESDCTA for Year End Awards. Because this was the first foray of the season for my trainer, Bridget Hay, who was taking two of her young horses out for their first foray into the world of dressage showing, I thought I would tag along to see how the horse show world has changed with the pandemic. The Horse Park did a great job of keeping everyone safe. Greeting me when I drove in was our very own Vice President, Ellen Brindle-Clark and her daughter, who took my temperature and made sure I was supposed to be there. Riders could only have a few people with them and everyone had to sign a waiver. The show was quite a bit smaller than in the past, there were no spectators, everyone was wearing masks and/or staying socially distant, and the judge and scribe were separated by plexiglass, but there were still the great volunteers, fabulous horses, and riders supporting each other. I was glad to see so much has changed, but also so much has stayed the same.
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Scenes from Summer Days: July 21-22, 2020 By, Meredith Rogers
ESDCTA hosted Summer Days I and II at the United States Equestrian Team Headquarters, Gladstone, NJ. Again, I tagged along as groom for my trainer, Bridget Hay, who was taking the same two young horses out, but this time together. It was another broiling hot day and she was showing in the middle of it after a crazy hectic morning at the farm with a foal coming early, a boarder’s horse needing to go to the clinic, and the farrier and saddle fitter coming for another boarder – all happening while Bridget was trying to braid and prep to leave on time. I have to say that the COVID-19 protocols were not as obvious as at the Horse Park show, but similarly, there were no spectators, so it made socially distancing easy. The riders and grooms were all good about wearing masks, but not so much the volunteers, although they were real troopers considering it was at least 95 degrees and it didn’t look like they got many breaks. I didn’t visit the office or the stables, so I don’t know how it was there. After going to two shows, I will say that if you are considering showing or volunteering, have no fear; you can stay safe without much effort. Go for it!
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News from Outside the Ring Help is Here
The Covid-19 pandemic is ruining lives both directly through infection and indirectly by the collateral damage to the economy. The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee has just launched a Covid-19 Athlete Assistance Fund, which will make a one-time payment to eligible American athletes, including equestrians. The fund was established to help ease the financial disruption caused by the global pandemic and the Tokyo Games postponement. The US Olympic & Paralympic Foundation will generate funds through donors, of which 100% will go directly to eligible athletes who are currently training and in contention to represent the US at the Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 Games. So far, an anonymous supporter has given $500,000 to jump start efforts, and Ralph Lauren is committing 25% of the purchase price from each unit from its Team USA One-Year-Out Collection.
Horses Finding Homes
You’ve probably heard that dog and cat adoptions have surged during this pandemic, but did you know that so have equine adoptions? If last Chance Ranch in Quakertown, PA is any example, more horses are finding homes than almost ever before. In all of 2019, the group placed 37 horses; as of mid-June 2020, they’ve already placed 41 horses, of which half were during the Covid-19 lockdown. Other groups are also seeing increases in horse adoptions, such as Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue in Mt. Airy, MD, which has experienced a large surge in adoption inquiries, and the Standardbred Retirement Foundation of NJ, which has seen a doubling in the number of adoptions and fostering so far. Christine Hajek of Gentle Giants thinks the uptick could be due to people having more time to surf the Internet. Whatever the reason, it’s good news.
ESDCTA Cross Country Schooling
August 16th– Horse Park of New Jersey 9AM -3PM ESDCTA members $65; Non-members $80. • $10 discount for additional horse(s) only when both are only ridden by the same rider. Non Jumping Horses $35
Registration info can be found on the ESDCTA website!
Coggins within 12 months required In order to stay compliant with NJ State COVID Guidelines, temperatures will be taken for all people at the entrance of the Horse Park. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 will not be allowed on the grounds. We also ask that each people not mounted on their horse to please wear a mask and practice general social distancing. Everyone will also be asked to sign a Horse Park waiver.
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Focus on Carolyn Montgomery By, ESDCTA
In our new series, we will spotlight an ESDCTA member each month. Get to know your fellow equestrians! If you would like to be included, please contact newsletter@esdcta.org. This month, we met with Carolyn Montgomery and asked her a few questions about her riding and her horse. Tell us about your horse? • My horse is is 19-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. His show name is Unitas, and his barn name is Johnny. What awards have you won? • In 2019, I was awarded the Master's Challenge Award for achievement at Fourth Level by USDF Who is your trainer? • I ride with Erin Scelba Johnson at Suddenly Farm, Lumberton, NJ What is your horses favorite this to do? • Johnny’s favorite thing to is to look out of his stall window and watch everything that is going on outside.
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The Truth About Cross Country Schooling Days By, Janice Pellegrino
Every year, ESDCTA hosts Cross Country Schooling Days at the Horse Park of New Jersey. There are regulars who come time and time again, but there is also a world of local riders who are missing out on great fun. Have you thought about coming? Have you wondered what really goes on? It’s time to face your fears and find out the truth. The Rumors: Only eventers attend. There’s nothing there for me. Cross country schooling builds confidence in both horses and riders. Too many people spend all or nearly all of their saddle time in a ring or on the same little bridle path. They face few new challenges and don’t realize just how capable they are, or can be. ESDCTA recognizes the benefits of just getting out into a new environment and offers a significant discount for nonjumping horses. Learning to balance at the trot or canter over rolling terrain can help the horse and rider develop a feel that can translate into success in their primary discipline. Memberships are required. There is no membership requirement for participating in Cross Country Schooling Days. However, you will receive a discount if you are an ESDCTA member in good standing. The atmosphere is like a Mardi Gras parade. Actually, even at peak times, you’re likely to find yourself socially distanced to the Nth degree. The cross country course is spread out over dozens of acres. Additionally, riders tend to be rather respectful of each other’s space. If they see someone working
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in a particular area, they move onto another target. Truth be told: you will have to get used to hearing squeals of accomplishment. Woo Hoo’s are plentiful. My horse is too young. My horse is too old. Think about it. In how many show rings can you bring you’re steady eddie to show your youngster what to do? These opportunities are few and far between. It makes sense to give your newbie a chance to explore new worlds in the settling company of his buddy. Your mature guy may really enjoy an outing. Some horses, especially those with a history of showing, may benefit from a few thrills of his own. OK, so maybe he shouldn’t be jumping anything very high any more, He can pop over the lower stuff and kick up his heels in the water complexes. He also doesn’t have to jump at all on schooling day. Help your horse make memories and that night watch his legs run while he’s lying down dreaming. I’m too young. I’m too old. Schooling participants range from pony clubbers with super color coordinating outfits for them and their horses to those enjoying retirement. Age is not an issue. We don’t check driver’s licenses at check in. My, um, you know, personal issues will get in the way. Flush toilets will be available. Depending upon other scheduled activities, porta-potties may also be available in the parking area. I don’t have the right equipment The only required equipment are helmets and protective vests. Helmets are affordable and should be properly fitted, so everyone should have their own; borrowing is not encouraged. But, borrowing might be an easy option and a good choice for vests. They are also often available for a very reasonable price at tack shops with consignment sections. There are no rules that require specific saddles, bridles, or rider outfits. Western riders are more than welcome. As long as it is safe, you are good to go. The jumps are insane. My horse won’t go anywhere near them. Rest assured, despite what you may have seen on social media or equestrian news outlets, most jumps are extremely inviting to the horse. Jaws is not popping out of the water complex. There are no compact cars to be jumped. The closest thing to moving parts that these obstacles have is some nice gentle brush. We did experiment with some invisible fences, but we’re not sure if we’re going to keep them – see photo. Remember that a wonderful thing about these schooling opportunities is that you don’t jump what you don’t want to.
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ESDCTA NJ Horse Trials ESDCTA Eventing Championships 526 Route 524, Allentown, NJ 08501 USEA, USEF #316845, ESDCTA Registered Show Date: September 27, 2020 Opening Date: August 11, 2020 Closing Date: September 8, 2020 Management ESDCTA, Inc. Eventing Committee njht@esdcta.org Secretary Diane Engler 1419 Artisan Court Breinigsville Pa 18031 610.730.0371 (7 pm – 9 pm only, please) kaboomer1964@gmail.com (best method to reach the secretary) Judges: Jane Cory (Pa), Pres, Susan Jones Sinelnik (NJ), Show Jumping: TBA Veterinarian: Foundation Equine (609) 291-0535 TD: Gale Fox (NY) Classes Offered USEF Levels – Open Preliminary, Preliminary Rider USEA levels – Open Training, Training Rider, Open Novice, Novice Rider, Beginner Novice Rider, Open Beginner Novice Entries a) Cost per class: Entries Postmarked August 11 – August 25: Beginner Novice $175, Novice $185, Training $195, Preliminary $205 Entries Postmarked August 26 – September 8: Beginner Novice $215, Novice $225, Training $235, Preliminary $245 Please see https://www.esdcta.org/ for more information.
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Even the Show Ring Is a Learning Experience By, Paige Zimmerman
There are two young Arabians at our stable, Angel and Magic, that are owned by a client of my coach Olivia Steidle, and I have had the opportunity to work with them under Olivia’s eye for several months now. Both of these horses are new to dressage, and their early training was in saddle seat, which is quite different in more than one respect. It has been really interesting to me to learn how such a “project” is undertaken and how it progresses. Experiencing the transformation firsthand is also very exciting, especially now that they are building considerable muscle and coming out of their more awkward young horse phases. Magic is 5 years old and Angel is 6, so they still have a lot of time to bring out their potential and become really rideable and special. Olivia and I took them to their first schooling dressage show in late June at the Bucks County Horse Park. We didn’t expect much since it was their first time out with us and their first time at a dressage show. There were many ups and downs during the day, but it was a great learning experience for both of them and also for me since I’ve never shown a young horse. It was a very different experience than being at a show with horses that I know and trust as seasoned competitors. First off, they both would not stop screaming their heads off, and soon they had other horses involved in the mania! I was to ride Angel in Intro A and B. In the warm-up 16
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she was very tense and agitated and her attachment to Magic escalated. She kept trying to make a beeline for him. I just continued to correct her and keep her going on a semi-straight line, but she was very worked up. When we eventually made our way to the arena to ride Intro A, she was worried about the tree line bordering the fence and she continuously vacillated between running off of her feet and coming to a dead stop. Needless to say, a pure trot rhythm was not shown during our test. I gave up trying to ride the test halfway through and instead just treated it like a schooling ride, and I excused myself near the end of the test. The nice thing about schooling shows is that the judges are understanding that you’re there to school! And this judge was kind enough to let me stay inside the arena while she finished writing her comments since there were no rides scheduled between my first test and my second test. Olivia encouraged me to keep schooling calmly and patiently, and sure enough, Angel released a lot of tension during those few minutes. Snorting and deep breathing is always a good sign! Our Intro B test was much, much better. We came out of the arena with a bit over 61%, and I was very pleased! My first time showing a client’s horse, my first time showing a young horse, and the first show for Angel are all milestones that are now in the books, and we all survived! The important take-away is that it is always a learning experience riding green horses (any horses really) and you really have to “check your ego at the door”. Anything can happen in the show ring, and it’s important to do your best while still not expecting too much. Before we took these horses to a show, I had never excused myself from the arena. But there is a first for everything, and I feel that once you start to figure out what you need to do
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in tricky situations in the show ring, that’s when you become a mature and effective competitor. I can think of a few times in the past when perhaps I should have excused myself from the ring, and I am glad that now I have the confidence to do so. It should not feel like a failure; you should not be embarrassed. And since our next test was so improved, I am very glad that I treated the first one like a schooling session instead of being disappointed and upset with Angel. I continue to be incredibly grateful that I get to ride such fun horses even when things don’t go completely as planned. Angel and Magic are going to be great horses and I am proud of how they’ve changed both mentally and physically in the time that Olivia has been working with them. What she is teaching me every day about this sport will be with me for a lifetime, and I love it all!
EDUCATION GRANTS Horses Are Expensive…. Let an ESDCTA Grant Help You Achieve Your Goals ESDCTA EDUCATION GRANTS The 2020 budget includes about $2,500 in grants, available for the following purposes: • Attend a clinic or clinic series • Take a one-time lesson from an instructor other than your usual trainer • Riding camp • Seminars • A show such as a regional or national competition that requires additional funding Check out the Grants page https://www.esdcta.org/home/grants/ to see requirements and application instructions. We would appreciate any feedback you have regarding the grants, since there have been very few applicants in recent years. Send comments to president@esdcta.org
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The Amateur Dilemma By, Meredith Rogers
I couldn’t think of anything to write for this month’s edition. It’s hot. I’m tired. Improvement in riding is never a straight line, which is discouraging. That’s where I am right now. The baby horse goes well and then he doesn’t and then he does again. I have no more goals for PJ, since he’s now serving as lesson horse extraordinaire and I’m just keeping him going for others. COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on any plans I had for showing. Say what you will about showing, but the tests at each level give a good guide on what to practice at home. No shows, no goals. Thus, my motivation has gone out the window. If this was my job, people would say take a vacation, but I have no desire to take a break from riding. I LOVE it too much. Maybe instead of a vacation from riding I need a vacation from everything but riding. The entire world is under stress and my troubles seems trivial, but that doesn’t mean that my feelings are invalid – I read that on the Interweb. In all seriousness, I did do some research to see what to do about this feeling of being lost. Here’s what I learned. First, know that we are all not alone. My anxieties manifest as related to riding and yours might involve worrying that you’re spending too much money on toilet paper, or missing sports on television more than you think you should, or feeling bad about not cleaning the house enough. This pandemic is making us all feel inadequate in some way, we might as well feel inadequate together. Second, establish healthy habits that we can fall back on. Even if we are not working, we should keep a calendar and schedule time to exercise, walk the dog, read a poem, etc. Third, realize that there is still wonder in this world. For example, enjoy watching the butterflies in the garden. Fourth, laugh. Laughter causes a physical change in our mood, so find a funny movie instead of turning on the news – force yourself out of any doom-and-gloom. Lastly, acknowledge that there is a very real reason to be stressed right now, but understand the difference between the problems we can control and those we cannot. We are an equestrian community. We are all in this together. Here’s a cute dog picture to put a smile on your face.
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Horse Treats By, Meredith Rogers
Everyone has heard of blue laws, those outdated, often strange laws originally enacted for religious reasons. Although the majority have been repealed or deemed unconstitutional, there are still some on the books. Here are some related to horses. In Washington DC, Colorado, and Utah, you will be arrested if you fish from horseback. In Raton, New Mexico, it is illegal for a woman to ride horseback down a public street in a kimono. In Hartsville, Illinois, you will be arrested if you ride an ugly horse. In Basalt, Nevada, you are prohibited from eating onions while out riding a horse between the hours of 7am and 7pm. In Marshalltown, Iowa, it is illegal for a horse to eat a fire hydrant. In Paradise, California, it is against the law to let a horse sleep in a bakery. In Indianapolis, Indiana, no horse shall be ridden or driven on any street in the city at a speed in excess of 10 miles per hour. In Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, you are prohibited from buying, selling, or trading horses after the sun goes down unless you get permission from the sheriff.
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BUSINESS MEMBERS Jersey Palms Farm
Rhythm and Blues Stables
177 S. Stump Tavern Road Jackson NJ, 08527 609.213.5745 KWLYNX@comcast.net www.jerseypalmsfarm.com
12 Hill Rd. Allentown NJ 08501 609 306-8221 RBLStables@aol.com www.rhythmandbluesstables.com
Anjelhart Equestrian Center
Irish Manor Stables
38 Millers Mill Rd, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514 609.758.7676 lacavacreations@aol.com www.Anjelhart.com
718 Sergeantsville RoadStockton, NJ 08559 908.237.1281 info@irishmanorstables.com www.irishmanorstables.com
Good Times Farm
Heart’s Journey Stable
278 Jackson Mills Road, Freehold, NJ 07728 732.409.2882 gtts@optonline.net www.GoodTimeFarm.com
425 Kromer Road Wind Gap, PA 18091 610.863.6616 mmorehouse@epix.net www.heartsjourneystables.com
Equisential Equine LLC 111 Snyder Ave Bellmar NJ 08031 717.649.4799 bryner.2@gmail.com
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EVENT CALENDAR
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WWW.ESDCTA.ORG August 2020 COLLECTIVE REMARKS
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