Celebrate the Month of the Horse in New Jersey Bayshore Courier News Posted:06/02/10
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Shrewsbury - The horse was proclaimed the state animal by the Legislature in 1977, and in May 1998 Governor Christine Todd Whitman proclaimed June as the Month of the Horse in New Jersey. According to a report by the Rutgers University Equine Science Center, in 2007 there were more than 40,000 horses in New Jersey and the horse industry generated more than $1.1 billion in revenue annually to the state's economy. Hunterdon and Monmouth counties were the top two horsing communities in the state.
Wondering about the origin of expressions like "across the board?" If your curious about the history of Brookdale Farm or the role of mounted police? Mystified by the racing form at Monmouth Park?
Visit the Eastern Branch Library, 1001 Route 35, for free programs throughout June to celebrate the Month of the Horse in New Jersey - and find out the answers to those questions.
Join the Monmouth County Library System in celebration of New Jersey's equine industry and its contributions to the Garden State's rich heritage. As part of Horse Month, the Library gratefully acknowledges the work of the Monmouth County Park System and congratulates them on their 50th anniversary.
From June 3 to July 6, an art exhibit, "Sunnyside Up!" paintings by the Plein Air Painters of the Jersey Coast, will be on display in the Eastern Branch meeting room. Enjoy paintings of the Monmouth County Parks, featuring the Sunnyside Equestrian Center. An artist reception will be held Saturday, June 12, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Other programs include:
Off to a Flying Start; Horsing Around the Language Monday, June 14 - 7 p.m. Authors Bill Tivenan and Cassandra Cook will discuss how the language of horse racing has crossed over into everyday speech. Anyone who has ever been "in a lather" or seen their taxes rise "across the board" won't want to miss this fascinating exploration of horse racing's impact on the language. The audience is invited to join in with their favorite horse racing phrases.
The Legacy of Brookdale Horse Farm Wednesday, June 16 - 7 p.m. Thompson Park in Lincroft was once a premier thoroughbred race horse breeding and training facility known as Brookdale Farm. The first filly to win the Kentucky Derby was foaled at this farm. Learn about the story of Brookdale Farm, the Thompson family, and the donor of Thompson Park, presented by Gail Hunton, Supervising Historic Preservation Specialist from the Monmouth County Park System. View historical images of the farm, collected by the park system. Meet the Asbury Park Mounted Police Tuesday, June 22 - 11 a.m. Meet the police officers of the Asbury Park Mounted Police Unit along with their equine partners. Come learn about the care and training of the horses and the type of law enforcement work that they do each day. Rain date: June 29th.
Inside Monmouth Park: How to Read the Racing Stats Wednesday, June 23 - 7 p.m. Sophia Mangalee, Marketing & Communications Coordinator at Monmouth Park, will give an insider's view of the happenings at Monmouth Park and will walk participants through all those racing statistics listed in the track program.
Films Monday, June 21 - 7 p.m. Family Film Night in celebration of New Jersey Horse Month. Please call the library for the film offering.
All events are free. An exhibit featuring horse-themed items will also be on display in the main lobby of the Eastern Branch library throughout the month.
For more information on programming, please call the library at 1-866-941-8188 or visit the Library System's webpage.
