Augusta, NJ—January 21, 2004—The Garden State Horse Show, presented by the Junior Essex Troop, Inc., has announced the officials for this year’s show, May 5-9 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ.

This year’s team of judges and stewards, hand-picked by the show committee according to its commitment to creating one of the finest hunter/jumper shows in the country, includes some of the nation’s top names.

The hunter and equitation divisions at the 2004 Garden State Horse Show will be judged by Thomas and Wissie Brede of Stamping Ground, KY; Lucie McKinney of Darien, CT; Mindy Minetto of Wellington, FL; and Mark Tompkins of Ada, MI.

Joining these judges in the jumper ring will be Barry Lobel of Morristown, NJ. Beverly Bedard of Camp Hill, PA, and Jackie Martin of Centerport, NY, will preside as stewards for the show. John E. Franzreb, III of Staten Island, NY, will serve as Schooling Supervisor.

Michael Rheinheimer of Willoughby, OH, will design the Grand Prix course. Nancy Wallis of Willow Grove, PA, will be the Turf Jumper course designer. Wallis will join Rheinheimer in designing the jumper courses.

In addition to some of the nation’s most respected officials, the Garden State Horse Show also draws high-caliber equestrian athletes, including Olympic veterans and world-class show jumpers such as Nona Garson and Peter Leone, making the show their first stop in the northeast after wintering in Florida. The prestigious event marks the start of the spring circuit, enticing hunters and jumpers with top prize money.

The Garden State Horse Show, New Jersey’s largest horse show, offers five rings of exciting equestrian competition daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is highlighted by the $50,000 Garden State Grand Prix, a member event of the King Shavings/U.S. Grand Prix League, on Saturday, May 8.

Other features include the $7,500 Colonel George Saunders Gamblers Choice class, the $5,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur-Owner Prix, and Marshall & Sterling Children’s & Adult League classes.

In addition to witnessing top athletes, spectators can enjoy the numerous shopping and dining opportunities available at The Country Fair. Admission is free every day except Grand Prix Saturday, when admission is $10.00 per carload to benefit a local charity. For ticket information for the 2004 Garden State Horse Show, please call (973) 948-5022. For all other inquiries, please call (508) 698-6810 or visit gardenstatehorseshow.org.

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