by Ellen Harvey, Harness Racing Communications

Freehoold, NJ — The Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of New Jersey held their annual horse show at the New Jersey Horse Park on Sunday (Sept. 9).

USTA/Ellen Harvey photo

Jenny Melander took the Dollar Bareback event with Don Dinero, a 6-year-old trotter by Revenue S. The two cantered around the ring with a dollar bill under Melander’s leg. The rider who keeps their dollar until the end wins.

The event was open to any registered Standardbred and was co-sponsored by the SPHO, Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey and the United States Trotting Association.

There were approximately 60 horses entered, competing for $7,725 in prize money, in events ranging from jumping, dressage, barrel racing, pleasure, equitation and “Fresh off the Track” for horses who have raced in the past year or are still racing.

Competition was open to both English and Western riding styles.

New this year were events restricted to “War Horses,” for horses with at least $200,000 in earnings or over 100 starts.