By Carol Hodes for the SBOANJ
MANALAPAN, NJ – June 29, 2015
– Wagon rides, farrier exhibitions, equine clinic tours and exhibits of all sorts
highlighted the 2nd Annual Fair Winds Farm Open House on Sunday,
June 28, 2015.
The Cream Ridge, NJ farm threw
open its gates and hosted a grand party with more than 350 guests who took
wagon rides behind draft horses Rosie and Claire; watched farrier Tom Mulryne
demonstrate hoof care while members of the Standardbred Pleasure Horse
Organization showcased their retired standardbreds talents as riding,
competition and carriage horses; toured Dr. Patty Hogan’s equine veterinary
clinic, and the equipment worn by standardbred racehorses was presented by
driver-trainer Jacqueline Ingrassia and trainer Frank Ingrassia, who brought
their currently racing trotter Cool Beans.
“It was a terrific day and a
great way to put a spotlight on the standardbred industry with its many facets,
from breeding to racing to after-track options,” said Standardbred Breeders
& Owners Association President Tom Luchento. “We thank Mark Mullen,
Farm Manager Matt Gartland and the staff at Fair Winds for making this second
annual event such a success. Any time someone experiences our horses
up-close, we know we will win them over.”
Pastures with broodmares and
their foals were popular photo opportunities for the visitors.
Among the Standardbred
Pleasure Horse Organization members participating were Helene Gregory who drove
Jambalayabar Man, Rob Pennington presented Glissade and Stephanie Jacobs rode
Worldclass. Nicole Bursac showed off the roan Styled N Misty, while Terry
Keynton had Osborne’s Shy Cam outfitted for trail riding.
The always popular trotter
Independent Act, aka Indy, and his owner, Suzanne D’Ambrose, continue to be
great ambassadors for the breed, posing for photos with youngsters, oldsters
and legislators [including Assemblyman Ron Dancer]. Indy’s “Month of the
Horse” activities included appearances at three libraries as well as the Fair
Winds event.
Many of the local farming and
equine groups, including 4-H and Future Farmers as well as the Rutgers Equine
Science Center were represented.
“It was a beautiful day and we
had enthusiastic participation from many groups and a lot of non-horse people
here, visiting Dr. Hogan’s clinic, seeing all the demos,” said Fair Winds’
owner Mark Mullen. “People were very complimentary about the farm and all
the horses and activities. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time.”
