Some exciting news out of New Jersey this week: after originally closed down and put up for sale for what we all assumed would be residential development, Essex Equestrian Center has been saved and will remain as a horse facility going forward.
In December of last year, the facility, which has been in operation since the early 1900s, announced its impending closure. As the years passed, the surrounding property had been sold off piece by piece for development, meaning the property Essex held become increasingly more valuable for its residential potential. Upon its listing, the property Essex was on was slow to attract buyer interest.
Now, Nancy Jaffer reports, jumper rider and trainer Brianne Goutal-Marteau and her husband Romain Marteau, who’s a real estate developer, are taking the beloved property in their hands and working to preserve the history and usage of the facility. “I want to make sure it stays really high-end and a great place for horses,” Brianne told Nancy. “We have a major goal of keeping it true to its foundations and not changing too much of the structure. A lot of the time, it’s a lot cheaper to knock something down and build it new, but that’s definitely not what we wanted to do. We’re trying to restore it to its former glory.”
Read the full story on the future of Essex Equestrian Center here
U.S. Weekend Preview
Apple Knoll Farm H.T. (Millis, MA) [Website] [Volunteer]
Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. (Nashville, TN) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]
The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm (Adamstown, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times][Volunteer] [Scoring]
WindRidge Farm Fall H.T. (Mooresboro, NC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]
Woodside Fall International (Woodside, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]
Major International Events
Military Boekelo CCIO4* [Website] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
News From Around the Globe:
Did you miss the trot report from Boekelo? Never you mind, Tilly is on task, so be sure to catch up first thing this morning so you’re fully prepared to pick your favorite horse to win based solely on who you think is prettiest. [One Held, Approximately Ten Million Accepted]
2023 has been Mikki’s year, starting with his debut at the 5* level in Kentucky and taking home a third place ribbon. Miks Master C has always been a stunningly athletic and talented horse, but his partnership with Liz Halliday is just beginning to bloom after about a year together. Previously campaigned through the 4* level by Maya Black for his breeder, Laurie Cameron, he recently won the competitive AEC’s Advanced class, and Liz thinks he might be the best horse she’s ever ridden. High praise indeed! [Horse of the Month: Miks Master C]
When planning the rest of your fall season before the weather turns, make sure you include regular outings for cross country schooling. The USEA has compiled an excellent listicle on how to get everything out of your equine field trips. Whether you and your horse are headed out with your trainer and a group to cross-country school, or you’ve entered a schooling show to fine tune your skills, we’ve compiled some ways to make the most of your practice outings this season. [Schooling for Success]
No matter where or how you’re buying a horse, you need to know what to look for in the feet. A well-balanced hoof is more infrequent than we would ideally like, and some things can be fixed with a good farrier, but other issues cannot. Can you tell if a horse has previous medical history visible on the hoof wall? Even though this article specializes in thoroughbred breed sales, it all applies to every type of horse. [Recognizing Problems in Hooves]
Sponsor Corner
Will Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Shannon Brinkman for Erin Gilmore Photography.
We’re exactly one week out from the Morven Park International CCI4* and Fall Horse Trials! Have you bought your VIP ticket?? Celebrate 50 years of eventing at Morven Park with the best seats in the Park! Enjoy prime viewing of 4*-S and 4*-L dressage and show jumping. Each ticket includes access for all three days of action. Click here to buy yours now.
Last Word: Michi Jung with the jokes….
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