June is Horse Month at Monmouth County Library!
Learn about Standardbred horses and harness racing – and meet a retired race horse! Learn why the horse is a superior athlete from the director of Rutgers University's Equine Research, and discover that horses can indeed paint! All this and more at the Monmouth County Library in June.
The horse was proclaimed the state animal by the Legislature in 1977, and in May 1998 Governor Christine Todd Whitman proclaimed June as the Month of the Horse in New Jersey.
Each year, the Monmouth County Library celebrates June is Horse Month. This annual observance gives us an opportunity to focus on New Jersey's state animal as well as the recreational, economic, social, and therapeutic benefits provided by the equine industry.
Please join us in celebrating New Jersey's equine culture and its contributions to the Garden State's rich heritage! Read on for the programs.
Vicki Rickabaugh: Meet the Author
7 p.m. Monday, June 4
Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan 07726
732-431-7220
Vicki Rickabaugh is the author of Horse Riding for Beginners, Spirits United: The Sacred Connection and several books for children. Ms. Rickabaugh will read from her books, talk about the connection between horses and people and TRACE method which helps riders develop oneness with their horses. She will also sign books.
The Standardbred Horse – Part I of a Two-Part Series
Introduction to Standardbreds
7 p.m. Tuesday, June 12
Eastern Branch, 1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury 07702
1-866-941-8188
Suzanne D'Ambrose is a member of the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization. She is the owner of a standardbred named Independent Act, know as "Indy" - a champion harness racer and the winner of several show ribbons.
D'Ambrose will speak to us about the history of the standardbred and the versatility of the breed. A harness racing license holder, she will offer an insider's view of the sport, showcase her winner's circle photos, explain the terminology, and demonstrate some of the equipment used in this type of horse racing.
The Standardbred Horse Part II
Meet Indy—A Champion Standardbred
11 a.m. Thursday, June 21
Eastern Branch, 1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury 07702
1-866-941-8188
Come meet Independent Act (a.k.a. Indy), a retired harness race horse owned by Suzanne D'Ambrose. He is calm, good-natured, and enjoys meeting fans of all ages. Come learn about the care and training of standarbred horses, the type of work they are suitable for, and the joys and the work that comes with owning a horse. Bring the entire family to this special event!
Rain Date – Thursday, June 28 at 11 a.m.
Equine Science 4 Kids
4 p.m. Tuesday, June 19
Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan 07726
732-431-7220
Karyen Malinowski, Director of Rutgers Equine Research at Rutgers University, will present a fun, interactive program that introduces children and their families to horses as athletes. They will learn about keeping horses happy, healthy and strong.
Exhibit: Moneighs ®
Master Works of Equine Expression
Throughout the month of June
Eastern Branch, 1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury 07702
1-866-941-8188
The word "Moneigh®" is derived by combining the name of the famous artist, Monet, and the sound that a horse makes, a neigh. They are abstract paintings created by horses using their muzzle, whiskers, tail, and hooves. Some of these talented artists paint by holding a paintbrush in their mouths. Several famous thoroughbred racehorses that have participated in the program include Zenyatta, Rags to Riches, Empire Maker, and Funny Cide.
ReRun is a thoroughbred charity formed in 1996 and now based in Helmetta, NJ. The organization retrains and identifies second careers for thoroughbred horses after their racing careers have ended. Sales of Moneighs® help thoroughbreds in ReRun's adoption program. More information on Moneighs® or ReRun can be found at www.rerun.org.
For more information on programming at the Monmouth County Library, please visit our webpage at www.monmouthcountylib.org
