by Jessica Schroeder, U.S. Trotting Association Outreach

Columbus, OH — The Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of New Jersey is gearing up for a new show season and wants to remind members, and potential new participants, of the organization’s guidelines.

To be eligible for prize money when participating at the Central Jersey Horsemen’s Association shows, the Jersey Classic or the All-Breed New Jersey Bred Show, one must be a SPHO-NJ member. Anyone can become a member of SPHO-NJ and the form is available online by clicking here.

There are two awards programs where points are accumulated by participating in shows, demonstrations, parades, etc.

The SPHO-NJ Awards Program has 21 year-end awards for anyone that shows and/or pleasure rides their Standardbred and is a New Jersey resident. There is a $15 registration fee for the SPHO-NJ Awards Program (registration form available here) and a SPHO-NJ membership is mandatory.

The National Awards Program is open to anyone in the country and there are 20 year-end awards available. A $25 registration fee for the National Awards Program is due before points can be accumulated (registration form available here) and a SPHO-NJ membership is not required. New Jersey residents are also elgible to sign up for this awards program.

Once you are signed up for the SPHO-NJ or National Programs, there are two forms to fill out to accumulate points, the non-competitive form and the show form.

For more information on SPHO-NJ, their programs and sponsored shows, visit www.standardbredpleasurehorse.org.