NEW JERSEY WELCOMES AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE HISTORICAL MARKER

Amarillo, Texas, July 24, 2006 – The American Quarter Horse Historical Marker Program welcomes its 28th marker during a dedication ceremony at the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show/New Jersey State Fair in Augusta, New Jersey. The dedication takes place at 5 p.m. on July 28 in conjunction with the American Quarter Horse Association Region Five Experience July 27-30 in Augusta.

The largest horse and livestock show in New Jersey, the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show/New Jersey State Fair has made American Quarter Horse memories every year since 1958 when it became an approved AQHA show. The show served a pivotal role in the growth of AQHA in the 1950s and 1960s and strengthened the American Quarter Horse influence in New Jersey and the surrounding areas. The show was key in the establishment of the New Jersey Quarter Horse Association in 1961, located just a few miles from the fairgrounds.

Each August, the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show brings the excitement of American Quarter Horse competition to 240,000 people for the fun-filled 10-day show. Many notable American Quarter Horses have graced the show’s arenas, including American Quarter Horse Hall of Famer Joe Cody and the legendary Holly Miss 57.

Because of the success of the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show, New Jersey’s horses, exhibitors and trainers enjoy improved success and the confidence to compete at shows throughout the country, contributing to the overall strength of the American Quarter Horse industry.

“The Historical Marker Program was created to honor and commemorate places like the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show/New Jersey State Fair for their incredible influence on our industry and the people who enjoy it,” said Executive Director of the Foundation Gary Carpenter

Be Part of Preserving History

American Quarter Horse Historical Markers commemorate people and events historically important to the development of the American Quarter Horse breed or the American Quarter Horse Association. With the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show marker, the program boasts 28 permanent historical markers throughout the United States and Canada. The program is administered by the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum and is a project of the American Quarter Horse Foundation.

The Foundation welcomes applications for future historical marker sites that will perpetuate and promote the history of the American Quarter Horse, helping current and future generations understand and experience the breed’s rich history. The Foundation encourages applications for locations anywhere in the world, as long as they meet the program’s criteria.

Visit aqha.com/foundation for program guidelines and an application, or call (806) 378-5000.