Far Hills, New Jersey – June 23, 2018 – Australia’s Ryan Wood captured the win in the $20,000 Preliminary Essex at the Mars Essex Horse Trials in Far Hills, NJ on Saturday. Riding Ruby, owned by Summit Sporthorses Ltd. of Ringoes, NJ, the pair led from start to finish going clear in both cross country and show jumping to finish on their dressage score of 27.70.

“This event is phenomenal. This was my first time here and I can’t wait to come back. I will be promoting it to everyone in Pennsylvania,” said Wood. “It means a lot to win here and to win for Ilona (English) on her homebred horse. To come to Essex and take out the top division and win the silver cup is very special.” Continue reading

Far Hills, New Jersey – June 24, 2018 – The tradition continued at the Mars Essex Horse Trials with the successful revival of the second competition following a 19-year absence. This June also marked 50 years since the event was founded by the Haller Family at their Hoopstick Fam.

“We couldn’t be happier with how everything went with this year’s event,” said Ralph Jones, co-organizer of the Mars Essex Horse Trials. “The turnout we got from the riders and the support we received from the local community is everything we could have hoped for. Our plan is to continue to build on the tradition of the Mars Essex Horse Trials and this year was another great step forward.”  Continue reading

By Nancy Jaffer, originally posted on http://nancyjaffer.com/2018-06-23/.

After a brilliant return to the eventing calendar in 2017 following a 19-year absence, the Mars Essex Horse Trials had a hard act to follow for 2018. But today, more big names competing in the Preliminary division and a promise to add the Advanced division next year (more on that tomorrow) demonstrated this beloved fixture isn’t just getting older, it’s getting better.

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