LOGAN TOWNSHIP N.J. – The Gloucester County DREAM Park is hosting many of the top-rated horse shows in the northeast this summer that attract participants from up and down the east coast.
The DREAM Park — DREAM stands for Delaware River Equestrian, Agriculture and Marine Park — offers a state-of-the-art equestrian complex to all equestrian disciplines and to the community at large.
In 2000, the Army Corps of Engineers planned the land where the park sits to be used as a dredge spoil dumping site, but the Gloucester County board of Freeholders felt the land would be better used as a park and saw a particular need for an equestrian park, according to the park’s website. The park opened in 2007.
“The Gloucester County DREAM Park was created to provide opportunities for those who own horses to have a place to participate in shows and competitions, and also as a place to allow the public to experience the magnificence and beauty of these animals first hand,” Freeholder Director Steven M. Sweeny said in a statement. “This park is also a source of educational opportunities for the equestrian community, those with special needs, and for any individual interested in learning more about horses.”
Here are the events happening at the DREAM park this month:
What: Eastern PA Reining Horse Assoc.
Where: DREAM Park – Main Arena
When: August 1-4: Start time 8 a.m. – End est.: 5 p.m.
Cost: Free to Spectate
About: The Eastern Pennsylvania Reining Horse Association (“EPRHA”) is one of the oldest, and largest of the National Reining Horse Association Affiliates. It was formed in 1986, and its membership has grown steadily to over 200 members. Reining is a western riding competition for horses where the riders guide the horses through a precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops. All work is done at the lope (a slow, relaxed version of the horse gait more commonly known worldwide as the canter), or the gallop (the fastest of the horse gaits). Originating from working cattle, reining is often described as a Western form of dressage riding.
What: Family Fun Day – Suessology
Where: DREAM Park – Main Arena
When: August 10-11, 2019
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
What: Zone 7 Paint Horse Show
Where: DREAM Park – Main Arena
When: August 10-11, 2019
Time: 8 a.m. – estimated end time – 5 p.m.
Cost: Free to spectate
About: The Northeast Connection Zone 7 Show is designed to showcase talented Paint Horses, attract new exhibitors and provide additional incentives for longtime competitors. To be eligible for the Northeast Championship classes, exhibitors and the horses’ owners were required to live in Zone 7 Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia-and be current APHA members. Also, neither horse nor exhibitor may have placed in the Top 10 of a halter or performance class at the APHA World Championship Show within the last five years.
What: NJ Farm Bureau – Equine Town Hall Event
Where: DREAM Park – Therapeutic Riding Center
When: August 15, 2019
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
RSVP Required 609-393-7163 or Melissaw@njfb.org
Cost: Free
About: For an evening of networking and informative presentations focused on maximizing the viability and mutual success of the equine and agricultural industries.
Arrival and Networking 6:30-7pm
Presentations 7pm-8:30 pm
Light refreshments will be available- This is a FREE event!
Topics Include:
Right to Farm for Equine/Agriculture
Legislative & Regulatory Topics for Equine Operators
Pasture Management- Dr. Carey Williams
Equine Health- Dr. Ernest Beier
What: Garden State Appaloosa Horse Show
Where: DREAM Park – Main Arena
When: August 16-18, 2019
Time: Friday 8/16 – 4 to 6 p.m., Saturday/Sunday 8/17-18 – 7:30 a.m. – estimated end time – 5 p.m.
Cost: Free to spectate
About: The Garden State Appaloosa Association was formed in 1991 as a merger of the New Jersey Appaloosa Association and the Tri State Appaloosa Association. Since the merger, our membership has steadily grown and includes Appaloosa owners from Massachusetts to Florida. When the Association started, it held only two multi-judge shows and a one-day single-judge show. We now hold three multi-judged shows each year in April, August and October. Each one is a four-judge show and approved through the Appaloosa Horse Club in Moscow, Idaho. These shows draw exhibitors from Maine to Florida to as far west as Ohio. Our shows are consistently among the largest and best attended.
Appaloosa shows in the country. Over the last four years, all three Garden State shows were ranked in the Top 10 in the country for attendance. GSAA’s goal has been to attract exhibitors to a nicely paced, relaxed and enjoyable show. These clubs have many interests including showing, trail riding, riding in parades and participating in the many disciplines that the versatile Appaloosa horse can adapt to, whether it is cattle events, reining, cutting, jumping, trail riding or pleasure events.
What: Nine Pines Open Show
Where: DREAM Park – Main Arena
When: August 24-25, 2019 Start 8 a.m. – End est. 5 p.m.
Cost: Free to spectate
About: The Open Horse Show welcomes people of all ages and horses of all breeds. Horses are not required to be registered, and participants do not need a membership with any association or club. The All Breed Horse Show provides those seeking a fun and competitive environment with an excellent opportunity to participate in a major stock show. Classes include youth and adult divisions and feature English, Western, Trail, Equitation, Halter and Color classes.
What: NBHA NJ01-Jackpot Barrels
Where: DREAM Park – Main Arena
When: August 31, 2019 Start time 9 a.m. – End 3 p.m.
Cost: Free to spectate
About: Barrel racing pairs horse and rider in a race against the clock. Three barrels are set up in a cloverleaf pattern in the arena, and the rider must cleanly negotiate the pattern. The distance between the barrels differs by the organization, but averages distance are nine feet between barrels one and two, 105 feet between barrels one and three and barrel two and three, and six feet between the start line and barrels one and two. The rider enters the arena at a gallop and runs toward the first barrel. A rider can choose between starting at the left-most or right-most barrel and turns a complete circle around the barrel. The rider then steers her horse toward barrel two, circles is, and charges toward barrel three. After rounding barrel three, the rider pushes her horse toward the finish line at top speed.
The DREAM Park is located at 400 US Route 130 South, Logan Township, New Jersey 08085. For any questions please contact the DREAM Park at (856) 241-1415, visit www.dreamparknj.com or check out Facebook @ DREAM Park Gloucester County.
