March 2022 Issue

Page 56 March 2022 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN At 127 Years, Monmouth at the Team Plans for the Future By Haylie Kerstetter Originally known as the Monmouth County Horse Show and founded in 1895, the show now known as Monmouth at the Team is New Jersey’s oldest con- tinuously run horse show. Over 100 years later, in 2016, it was moved to Hamilton Farm, the iconic home of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation, and was renamed. Now run by cousins Michael Dowling and Tucker Ericson, Monmouth at the Team is a modern horse show surrounded by history. Dowling, a full-time as- sistant professor of equine studies at Centenary University and head trainer at his own Windham Hill in Far Hills, NJ, and Ericson, a US Equestrian judge and vice pres- ident of an insurance company, had big plans when they took over the show. Rather than just hosting a horse show, they envisioned an experience for exhibitors, as well as members of the community. “Our intent with Monmouth was to create a special boutique event that was not one of a series or cookie cutter type. We wanted an emphasis on hospitality with a variety of class options that cater to the grassroots and upper-level opportunities alike,” said Dowling. Immediately, Monmouth was a hit. Exhibitors were drawn to the historic grounds where legends once trained. In its first year, Mon- mouth at the Team exceeded all expectations--there were countless more exhibitors than expected, and only rave reviews. Over the years, Monmouth has maintained its experience reminiscent of horse shows of years ago, and only grown in popularity. Hospitality has always been of the utmost importance at Mon- mouth at the Team. “Our hope is that the exhibitors will come to the Monmouth Horse Show and enjoy a unique experience where they have an opportunity to show over nice courses with good footing, nice prizes, and a variety of classes including classics and derbies while enjoying the oppor- tunity to socialize,” said Dowling. In 2021, Monmouth moved to Centenary University’s Eques- trian Center. Here, there was more room to allow for social distancing and safe protocols after the show was canceled due to the pandemic in 2020. At this new location, Monmouth was also granted an ‘A’ rating. Although the original vision was for the event to be hosted at the historic USET headquarters, they would like to continue working with Centenary and are exploring the idea of hosting Monmouth at its equestrian center again in 2022. “This coming year we would like to see the show take place at Centenary again and we are work- ing on that now. It is a project we would like to coordinate with the Centenary University Equestrian Program,” Dowling said. Some of the unique additions to the social aspect of Monmouth at the Team include daily themed parties where food and drink are provided along with music for all on the grounds. After the move to Centenary, a vendor village was also added, where local shops set up, selling equestrian and non-equestrian goods throughout the week. Historically, classes at Mon- mouth at the Team range from Lead Line to a National Derby to the 1.25m Welcome Stake. In 2022, Dowling and Ericson plan to continue to capitalize on the ‘A’ rating given to them when they relocated the show to Centenary University, and they hope to feature a three-day ‘A’ rated show with an additional day to highlight the popular Nature Conservancy Bobcat Derby, and even the Professional Horsemen’s Association of America Medal Finals. Sponsors have always been vital to the success and experience of Monmouth at the Team and the event’s ties to the community have been and will remain very strong with sponsors such as the New Jersey Nature Conservancy supporting the show and its management from the beginning. Monmouth at the Team has always provided a top quality horse show with a unique bou- tique feel and strong ties to its history. No matter what the future holds for Monmouth at the Team in 2022 and beyond, their mission statement- “Tradition. Quality. Excellence.”- will always shine through. Katarina Muhlhauser and Adele competed at Monmouth at the Team in 2019, when it was held at the historic headquarters of the US Equestrian Team in Gladstone, NJ. Due to the pandemic the 2021 show, which was granted an ‘A’ rating, moved to Centenary University’s equestrian center. Photo by Anne Gittins