The organizers of the competition hope it will become an annual event again
FAR HILLS -- After nearly two decades, a former staple of New Jersey horse competitions has returned to Somerset County. The Mars Essex Horse Trials got underway on Saturday at Moorland Farms, home of October's Far Hills Race Meeting.
For three decades ending in 1998, the Essex was a highlight of the spring competitions, drawing the top riders and fans, who also enjoyed its social aspects. It's return was announced in December, 2015.
Abby Shultis, 73, one of the founders of the Horse Trials in 1968 drove 12 hours from her home in Vass, North Carolina to be at the revival of the event at Moorland Farms.
"It has been so wonderful to be back. It's very sentimental," she said.
Although she loves her home in North Carolina, she said this is where her roots are and these are her people.
"It's like a high school or college reunion but triple," she said laughing. "I've been to reunions from grade school but there's something about being back here."
Morgan Rowsell, one of the organizers, said he hopes the weekend's events will be the beginning of an annual tradition once again.
"We are looking to have Essex return and stay for a long time to come," Rowsell, who designed this year's course, said.
He said it's exciting to have the iconic competition come back, especially since he and his wife will soon be training their 8-year-old daughter to compete in the trials one day.
A total of 183 riders were scheduled to compete on Saturday, with 30 riders in preliminary rounds. However, the riders and horses weren't the sole stars of the shows.
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There were about a dozen food tents and vendors for spectators to come and "have a nice day in the country," Rowsell said. He expected 3,000 to 5,000 spectators and supporters.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to charity, he said.
Program officials said the first day has two levels of competitions that are easier, but more difficult events will be Sunday.
Kat Cuca, 49, competed in the novice level of all three events: dressage, cross country and show jumping.
She said it was a little tough because the rings were wet due to earlier showers, but it was a beautiful field.
"This is fancy. This is so nice," she said. "It's huge so you can do the long gallops."
Cuca who lives in St. Davids, PA, said she was attracted to the event because of all the history she's heard since living in the area.
"Everyone was so excited that Essex was coming back," Cuca said. "I was really excited to come and compete."
Sophie Nieto-Munoz may be reached at snieto-munoz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @snietomunoz. Find NJ.com on Facebook.