More than 300 people visited Fair Winds Farm in Cream Ridge on June 28 as a spotlight was placed on the standardbred industry. In top photo, Dr. Patricia Hogan speaks about her work at the Hogan Equine Clinic. Guests came from near and far and had a chance to get to know the farm’s equine residents. Wagon rides, farrier exhibitions, equine clinic tours and exhibits of all sorts highlighted the second annual Fair Winds Farm open house on June 28.
The Cream Ridge farm opened its gates and hosted a grand party with more than 350 guests who took wagon rides behind draft horses Rosie and Claire; watched farrier Tom Mulryne demonstrate hoof care while members of the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization showcased their retired standardbreds’ talents as riding, competition and carriage horses; toured Dr. Patty Hogan’s equine veterinary clinic; and saw the equipment worn by standardbred racehorses as presented by driver-trainer Jacqueline Ingrassia and trainer Frank Ingrassia, who brought their racing trotter Cool Beans, according to a press release from the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey.
PHOTOS BY FRANK GALIPO “It was a terrific day and a great way to put a spotlight on the standardbred industry with its many facets, from breeding to racing to after-track options,” said SBOANJ President Tom Luchento. “We thank Mark Mullen, farm manager Matt Gartland and the staff at Fair Winds for making this second annual event such a success. Any time someone experiences our horses up close, we know we will win them over.”
Pastures with broodmares and their foals were popular photo opportunities for the visitors.
Among the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization members participating were Helene Gregory who drove Jambalayabar Man, Rob Pennington presented Glissade, and Stephanie Jacobs rode Worldclass. Nicole Bursac showed off the roan Styled N Misty, while Terry Keynton had Osborne’s Shy Cam outfitted for trail riding.
The popular trotter Independent Act, also known as Indy, and his owner, Suzanne D’Ambrose, posed for photos with youngsters, oldsters and legislators. Indy’s “Month of the Horse” activities during June included appearances at three libraries and the Fair Winds event.
Many local farming and equine groups, including 4-H and FFA, as well as the Rutgers Equine Science Center, were represented.
“It was a beautiful day and we had enthusiastic participation from many groups and a lot of non-horse people here, visiting Dr. Hogan’s clinic, seeing all the demos,” Fair Winds owner Mark Mullen said. “People were very complimentary about the farm and all the horses and activities. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time.”