October 2022 Issue

Page 26 October 2022 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN the venue compete more suc- cessfully for high-profile events. The Board President, Adam Furlong in 2021 noted that the board had identified “several million dollars of spending that we need to resolve toward the future well-being and success of the park.” The items in that analysis include $2 million for new footing in all the rings, $1 million for new stabling and ad- ditional money for a new septic system, new water trucks for ring maintenance, and miscella- neous building repairs, restroom improvements, etc. But since HPNJ doesn’t own the land, they can’t use the land as collateral for loans to make these improvements. So, they are relying on sponsors, and networking in the community. And board members. During the pandemic, board members rolled up their sleeves and helped with mowing and other ongoing tasks that needed attention. A Legislative Solution? In May 2022 Assemblyman Ronald Dancer (R-12th Dis- trict) sponsored legislation that would provide $2.5 million in the 2022-2023 budget for new footing and other improvements at HPNJ. Dancer, son of leg- endary harness racing driver and trainer Stanley Dancer, had worked for 22 years as a horse trainer in Stanley Dancer Horse Racing Stables. Clearly, he had New Jersey’s equine industry in his heart when he proposed the allocation. Regrettably the bill never emerged from the Agriculture and Food Safety Committee. And, in July 2022 Assemblyman Dancer died at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. The HPNJ Board remains optimistic about the future, and the venue’s calendar is a busy mix of driving, schooling shows, cross-country and Dressage events. They have a cadre of loy- al sponsors as well, and they have established a steering committee to identify capital needs as well as opportunities. (Continued from page 23) Horse Park of New Jersey Aims to Regain Competitive Edge Remember...tell our advertisers you found them in East Coast Equestrian!