Coming together to celebrate horses
Animals known to have played a vital role in local history
BY JANE MEGGITT
Staff Writer

MIGUEL JUAREZ staff Local equine enthusiasts parade down Main Street in Allentown on Saturday as part of the borough's first-everhorses-only parade.

From miniature horses to giant Clydesdales, the Allentown "Mane" Street Horse Parade on Saturday had something for every equine enthusiast.

Although it poured the previous day and night, there was no rain on this parade. Approximately 120 horses took part and only about 21 entries, mostly from northern New Jersey, did not attend due to the iffy weather or other reasons, according to parade organizer Richard Osborn, of Upper Freehold.

Osborn's wife, Debby, who was also involved in planning the event, said, "With the weather looking like it did first thing in the morning, to have this kind of turnout says to us that people really wanted to do this."

Upper Freehold resident Ron Dunster came up with the idea to host an event that would honor the contributions the horse has made to the history of Allentown as part of the borough's 300th anniversary celebration this year. Dunster got both the Osborns and the McMinns, also of Upper Freehold, involved in organizing the event.

PHOTOSBY MIGUEL JUAREZ staff Kathy and Richie Brian drive a carriage pulled by their Morgan Chase horse named Remy during the Mane Street Horse Parade in Allentown on Sept. 16.

At 12:30 p.m. on the day of the event, Richard Osborn announced, "Let's have a parade," and the carriages, which were being followed by horses and riders, started making their way through town.

The route was filled with spectators of all ages. Nick DeMauro, of Upper Freehold, and Mary Alice Goss, of Freehold, served as announcers, describing to the audience the breeds and types of horses taking part.

Among the participants were Civil War cavalry re-enactors, a Freehold-based drill team, a woman dressed as a mermaid, medieval knights and princesses, and cowboys and Indians.

Horse breeds that strutted their stuff down Main Street included Haflingers, Icelandics, Andalusians, Arabians, quarter horses, paints, Tennessee walkers (also known as Tennessee walking horses), and draft breeds such as Belgians, Percherons and Shires.

Dressed as a mermaid, this local horse enthusiast rides in the Mane Street Horse Parade.

Maggi Romano, of Millstone, who has participated in many parades with her standardbred, Arthur, a former racehorse she uses for pleasure driving, noted the fine organization of the borough's parade.

"I could never hold my driving lines with both hands because I was waving so much to the people - especially kids and older people, who probably still remember horse and buggies driving through Allentown," she said.

Romano thanked the organizers and sponsors for the goodie bags, drinks and sandwiches provided to participants at the end of the parade.

Joe Jennings, owner of the Walnford Stud thoroughbred breeding farm, drove his four-in-hand from an elegant carriage, as did Kevin McMinn, who drove local dignitaries including the mayors of Allentown, Upper Freehold and Millstone.

Bridget Martin, 7, and Marion Hartshors, 6, lead Allentown resident Jackie Calvatti's miniature horses Spike and Mini during the parade.

From his vantage point, high atop the crowds of people lining the way in McMinn's carriage, Upper Freehold Township Mayor Stephen Fleischacker said all he could see were "waving hands, smiles and head nods."

"Those happy faces said it all," he said, "especially the younger children sitting in lawn chairs and [on] street curbs that seemed awestruck by the size of the horses up close.

"This certainly was a well-received celebration," he added.

Fleischacker said others in his carriage included his son, Matt, 12, Plumsted Mayor Ron Dancer, who is also an Assemblyman, and Millstone Township Mayor Nancy Grbelja.

"During the ride, we spoke of Mayor Dancer's and his family's longtime involvement in the horse-racing industry, Mayor Grbelja's involvement in pleasure riding and horse racing, and my wife's family's longtime involvement in the horse-racing industry," Fleischacker said.

McMinn's wife, Elaine, said, "We were blessed with the sun returning and the wonderful camaraderie among all aspects of the horses and riders and drivers. Everyone was extremely helpful.

"The day," she continued, "could not have been more perfect being [that it was] the first organized all-horse parade in our area."

Rob Obusek, one of the founders of the Millstone Trailblazers, a local organization for horse enthusiasts, rode with the group in the parade.

"The parade was very well planned and executed - the best that I have been in," he said. "Having multiple announcers along the route helped more people to get a feel for the all the diverse breeds of horses and many different riding disciplines."

Other local groups in the parade included members of the Monmouth County Hunt Club, the Horsemen's Association of Millstone Township (HAMT), and members of the Garden State Horse & Carriage Society.

Allentown Mayor Stuart Fierstein said the parade was extremely well attended, and was the strongest gathering for any event the borough has held during its 300th anniversary year.

"Combining it with Upper Freehold's Community Day was a real winner for both towns," he said.

Dianne Kelly, of Upper Freehold, said pairing it with Upper Freehold's Community Day was a perfect combination.

"I was impressed by the large number and variety of parade participants from near and far," she said, "although that was not really a surprise for me because I well know how proud horse owners are of their animals and their avocation."

Kelly said it is her "greatest hope that the wonderful event has impressed upon our community and, in particular, our community leaders, the strong prevalence and importance of equine recreation and the equine industry in our midst."

Catherine Drake, of Allentown, said the parade really showcased the popularity and importance of the equine industry in the area and the rural heritage of both Allentown and Upper Freehold.

Fleischacker called the parade "a great event for the residents of western Monmouth County."

"For those residents who are longtime equestrian enthusiasts, I'm sure it was a day of great pride," he said. "To those of our residents who are not as familiar, perhaps the parade created a greater awareness an opportunity to appreciate, the great beauty of these majestic giants - although I noticed at least two miniatures in the parade."

Fierstein said having people come early for the parade was good for local businesses. He thanked all the volunteers responsible for putting the parade together and the county, state and local police for their involvement as well.