Adam Koval and his wife, Sue, are members of the Horseman’s Association of Millstone Township. They are avid horseback riding enthusiasts who will be participating in the upcoming Poker Run. Between 40 and 50 riders are expected to participate in a Poker Run fundraiser to be hosted by the Horseman’s Association of Millstone Township (HAMT) on April 26.
The entry fee is $25 for HAMT members and $30 for nonmembers. There will be complimentary refreshments for riders at the trail’s midway checkpoint. Riders may register on the day of the event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area Conservation Center, 1 Eldridge Road, Upper Freehold Township.
HAMT President Ron Harning said the association’s members are getting excited about the Poker Run.
“Usually, between $300 and $500 is raised from this event and the funds would be used to support various equine and non-equine animal support groups, adoption agencies and other nonprofit organizations,” Harning said.
The event is open to the public, and anyone who owns a horse or can borrow a horse can participate, he said.
“Everyone is welcome,” Harning said. “They should realize this pace is not a timed event. All riding abilities are able to enter, from new riders just learning to walk a horse to advanced riders who can walk, trot or canter.”
In order to participate, riders must have a negative Coggins report within the last 24 months and wear a riding helmet. Single-day riding permits are provided by the HAMT. The scenic course will be well-marked and about 8 miles in length.
“The course may be traveled at the rider’s leisure,” Harning said. “Riders will have a choice of gaits as the various terrains permit.” Riders will collect five poker chips along the trail. At the end of the ride, each rider will exchange his chips for five random playing cards. The rider will examine his hand and turn in his cards to the dealer.
The hands will be arranged in order of highest poker ranking. When the final riders have finished, prizes will be assigned to the top 10 poker hands.
As president of the HAMT, Harning had a hand in selecting people to direct the event and to assist in various aspects of preparation, such as trail clearing, collecting prizes from local merchants and marking the trail.
The directors of the Poker Run are Jackie Patterson and Carrie Walchko.
Harning said he enjoys his involvement in the HAMT. Over the course of 18 years, he has come to love horseback riding. His involvement started when his daughter, who is now an adult, was a little girl and asked for riding lessons.
He leased a horse and eventually bought his daughter her first and second horses. He moved to farm country and realized he had a passion for riding.
Harning will mark the trail the day before the Poker Run and double check the markers on the morning of the event.
“Sometimes, evil gremlins (or very smart squirrels) go out and delete and/or change the markers,” he said.
He encourages all riders to enjoy the event.
“It is a great time to get to ride in a special park like the Assunpink,” Harning said. “We make a safe, easy-to-follow trail, which takes you through the most scenic portions of the park. The views are great, especially since the leaves are not yet present, and you can see for long distances.”
A rain date has been scheduled for June 14. For more information and updates about the Poker Run, visit www.HAMT.org.