Allentown, NJ – The Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of New Jersey (SPHO-NJ) has announced that Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program will step in as Presenting Sponsor of this year’s National Standardbred Horse Show Presented by Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program, set for September 18-20 at the Horse Park of New Jersey.
Purple Haze, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Oxford, N.Y., has long been a fixture at the show, and this year’s expanded role puts the organization’s mission front and center. Founded to help retired Standardbred racehorses find second careers, Purple Haze operates from a 105-acre farm and is accredited by the Standardbred Transition Alliance (STA). Retraining is central to that mission and each horse goes through many hours of work under saddle before they’re ever made available for adoption.
“We are so grateful to Wanda Polisseni and the entire Purple Haze team for their continued support of our organization,” said Colleen Nolan-Tran, Vice President of the SPHO-NJ. “Purple Haze has always championed our show and our mission, and we’re thrilled to see that support grow into this year’s Presenting Sponsorship.”
Now in its 32nd year, the show has grown steadily, drawing more than 150 horses in 2025 across a full slate of driving and riding classes. The 2026 edition brings its biggest revamp yet: a two-ring format spanning 195 classes and 81 divisions, with $12,875 in payouts up for grabs.
Beyond the show ring, food trucks and vendors will be on site throughout the weekend, and a competitor dinner, sponsored by Crofter’s Fields, will bring together exhibitors, families, and sponsors. The show will also run adoptable horse classes, giving spectators who are looking to make their next horse a Standardbred the chance to bring one home with them.
Alongside the sponsorship news, SPHO-NJ has launched a new digital show hub at nationalshow.sphonj.org, giving competitors, families, and spectators a single place to find the class schedule, entry information, and event updates as show weekend approaches.
The National Standardbred Horse Show Presented by Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program is organized by SPHO-NJ and remains the premier showcase for the Standardbred breed. Full schedule, sponsorship information, and entry details are available now at nationalshow.sphonj.org.