Turkey Trot returns to Horse Park
Volunteers help make fundraiser a reality again
BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer

SCOTT FRIEDMAN Elke Wilkin and horse Crystal get ready to hit the trail during the Turkey Trot Nov. 9 at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Upper Freehold.

After a one-year hiatus, the Turkey Trot was back at the Horse Park of New Jersey, Upper Freehold, on Nov. 9.

The popular fundraiser for the Horse Park featured a used-tack sale in the indoor arena. The event also benefited the Eastern Dressage and Combined Training Association, many of whose members worked as volunteers for the Turkey Trot.

Lynn Mathews, of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, said there were 96 teams of riders and 11 carriages participating in the event this year. When the Turkey Trot was last held in 2007, there were 190 teams and more carriages, she said. Mathews pointed out that it had rained the previous three days, which may have affected this year's turnout.

One of the reasons the event was not held last year was a lack of volunteers. This year, thanks to the efforts of Joan Harper, Upper Freehold, a member of the Horse Park's board of trustees, and many others who volunteered dozens, if not hundreds, of hours, the Turkey Trot became a reality.

SCOTT FRIEDMAN Riders make their way across a field during the Turkey Trot on Nov. 9 at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Upper Freehold.

Nancy Wolek, Millstone, coordinated the volunteers for the marking of the sixmile course through the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area. She said she greatly appreciated those who marked the trails, including Valerie Palluzzi, Carol Strommen, Shelley Aaronson, Marie Wagner, Marion Foots, Mary Winters, Trish Graham, Sue Jablonsky and Jennifer Prazack. Some of the volunteers ride at Hickory Ridge Farm in Upper Freehold, where Wolek is a riding instructor. Jeffrey, Charlie Brown and Joanne Sieman, who acted as crossing guards to help riders cross roads with vehicular traffic. She also thanked Joy Holman, Nicole Ondi, Dawn Adams, and Daniel and Dan Wolek for their volunteerism, and hoped she did not accidentally omit anyone.

Palluzzi, who has a farm in Upper Freehold, said she went out at 6:45 a.m. to check the trail markers.

According to the final results report, Doug and Erica Walp, of Franklin, won the rider-family event. Ellyn Bissey and Samantha Mayer, of Toms River, won the rider-junior event. Lisa Emes, of Point Pleasant, and Robin Kaminski, of Troy, N.Y., won the rider-open event. William Kaminski, of Howell, and Sarah Ralston, of Howell, won the rider-senior event.

The event was marked with one unfortunate incident when a competitor's horse fell on her. The girl was taken by helicopter to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, according to Harper, and her condition was not known at press time.

Harper said more Horse Park fundraisers are expected to take place next year in the form of schooling shows, which are less formal than traditional horse shows. The fundraisers would be held on Fridays or Mondays during the summer, when rings for weekend shows would be set up, according to Harper.

The Horse Park is also trying to increase membership and may offer perks for volunteers and discounts for members, Harper said. For updates or more information, visit www.horseparkofnewjersey.com.