Opening Day At Garden State Horse Show

AUGUSTA, NJ—April 30, 2003— It was a strong start for Amanda Steege-Herrera and Pam Wildman’s Denmark. Steege-Herrera and Denmark topped a field of 31 horses to win the first low hunter class on the opening day of the Garden State Horse Show held April 30-May 4 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ.

Steege-Herrera also piloted Denmark to a blue ribbon in the green working hunter under saddle. The low and green working hunter divisions will conclude on Thursday with the final classes and the pinning of the championship coolers.

The Garden State Horse Show already has over 1000 horses entered this year and the entries for the $50,000 King Shavings/USGPL Garden State Grand Prix are rolling in. The grand prix is set to run on Saturday, May 3, at 1:30pm.

Other past winners who are expected to compete include 2001 winner Nona Garson of Lebanon, NJ; 1997 winner Mark Leone of Franklin Lakes, NJ; and two-time winner of the class, Chris Kappler of Pittstown, NJ. Kappler captured the title in 1993 and 1998 riding Ike and Solo, respectively.

Kappler already collected top ribbon in this year’s show riding Jewel’s Titanium to top honors in the low preliminary jumper class. The pair bested a field of 51 entries stopping the jump-off clock in 31.671 seconds.

Hunter and jumper action will continue throughout the week with notable classes including Friday’s $1500 Garden State Pony Hunter Classic and the $500 Marshall & Sterling Adult Hunter Class. On Friday the main ring will feature the $10,000 Colonel George S. Saunders Memorial Gambler’s Choice to be held at approximately 5pm.

Admission is free every day except for Grand Prix Saturday. Tickets on Saturday are $10 a carload. For more information on the Garden State Horse Show call the show grounds at 973-948-5022.

.