Wow Fall has arrived in a big way here, lots of events going on and something for everyone – horse and rider, spectator – anyone who enjoys a day out in the country!

And while Hurricane Irene has played havoc with scheduling here’s a run down of some great events coming up.

This past weekend the Tewksbury Trail Association held their fall hunter pace at the Christie Hoffman Farm in Tewksbury.  They designed a lovely course with both short and long options that covered trails mostly outside the park this year.  Riders covered some beautiful country with jumps, and go arounds placed along the trails.

The Essex Fox Hounds will hold their 71st Annual Hunter Trials on Sunday, October 2nd at the Essex Hunt Club in Peapack, New Jersey.

Riders of all ages will compete in the beautiful setting of the Essex Hunt Club over a rolling course that simulates the hunt country. The event will begin at 8:30 A.M. and will be held rain or shine.  You need not be a foxhunter to participate.

Events will include Over Fences and Under Saddle classes for children and adults, Lead Line, a Costume Class, and team challenges. The prize list is available for download at: http://essexfoxhounds.org/

A concessions stand will offer breakfast, simple grilled foods, snacks and beverages for purchase.

The USEF Show Jumping East Coast Talent Search Finals will be held at the USET Gladstone, NJ facility on October 7, 8^th &  9^th.  Come and watch some amazing young talent compete

In preparation for the Essex Fox Hounds’ NAPPA  Point To Point Races, “A Race for Open Space “ which will be held at Cedar Lane Farm in Oldwick , NJ on Oct. 30^th, the hounds will be holding a point to point clinic will be held Saturday, October 8^th at Cedar Lane Farm, for those interested in racing.  Please email info@essexfoxhounds.org for more information.

Sunday October 9^th the Amwell Valley Hounds hold their final hunter pace in their “Triple Crown Series”.

The pace, which begins at 9 am will be held at Sourland Farm in Ringoes.  Riders will cover the scenic and rolling hunt country of the Amwell Valley Hounds, and will have the opportunity to ride over fences or opt out and go around. First riders go out at 9:00, last riders out at 1 pm.  Prizes for optimal times in several categories will be awarded, and the winners of the Triple Crown Series will be announced.  Link to information: http://www.amwellvalleyhounds.com/pacesclinic.html

The annual Far Hills Race Meeting is on October 22^nd at Moorland Farms racecourse in Far Hills, NJ.

A  ‘not to be missed’ event, this year’s race meeting promises to be better than ever and will include a vendor village, family area and of course some of the best steeplechasing to be seen in America.  Tickets can be purchased both locally and on-line and the race meeting’s website is a wealth of information on the how to’s of attending a steeplechase for those of you who have not made it to Far Hills yet: http://www.farhillsrace.org

The EFH Hunter Trials is the first of several fall events hosted by the Essex Fox Hounds and will be followed by the annual Hunter Pace on Sunday, October 23rd at Cedar Lane Farm in Oldwick.  This day out on horseback will cover trails over the scenic hunting countryside of Oldwick and Tewksbury.  First riders go out at 8:30, last riders out at 3 pm.  Prizes for optimal times in several categories will be awarded.

A “Weekend at Gladstone” will be the theme for October 29 & 30^th.

The hounds will hold their annual Hunt Ball at the historic USET Stables at Gladstone Saturday evening.  The dinner dance will begin with cocktails at 6:30 followed by dinner at 7:30.  Tickets maybe purchased by contacting Hunt Secretary, Karen Murphy at info@essexfoxhounds.org

Point to Point Racing

On Sunday October 30^th,   the Essex Fox Hounds will hold their NAPPA member event Point To Point Races, “A Race for Open Space “ which will be held at Cedar Lane Farm in Oldwick , NJ.

Post time for the first race will be 11:20 AM.  Races will include something for everyone:  pony races, foxhunter races, lead-line races and stick pony races, in addition to several NAPPA races over fences.  Finish line tailgate spaces are available for purchase and the day will also include a parade of coaches.  Unreserved parking is available, so gather your friends, pack a picnic and come out for a great day in the country.   For more information about any of the Essex Fox Hounds events listed above, please email info@essexfoxhounds.org.

To wind up the weekend the USET Foundation  is holding a Hamilton Farm Historic Stable Tour on Sunday October 30^th at 4:30pm at the USET in Gladstone, NJ.  The tour includes cocktails & hors d’ oeuvres, presentations by Bonnie B. Jenkins, Executive Director of the US Equestrian Team Foundation, and local author and historian W. Barry Thomson, and a Special Performance Dressage Grand Prix Musical Freestyle.  This is a wonderful way to finish the weekend and support the USET.  Contact the USET at: info@uset.org.

Finally, if you are looking for more fun Lord Stirling Stables and the Friends of Lord Stirling Stables will hold their fall Hunter Pace on Sunday, Nov. 6th in Basking Ridge, NJ.

The pace which was originally slated for September has been re-scheduled due to the after effects of Hurricane Irene.  The trails will be beautiful and perhaps Irene created a new jump or two.  Come on out for another great Hunter Pace and enjoy a day with friends and family while supporting the horse of Lord Stirling Stables. A brochure and entry form can be found here: http://www.flssnj.org/Upcoming-events/index.html

I will be out photographing some of these events and being a spectator at others, so stop by and say hello.  See you there!

NB be sure to check with each organization as dates may still be changed due to the weather.