Eat, Drink, And Watch Horse Races, Fox Hunts At Natirar Park

PEAPACK, NJ — A weekend filled with family fun for horse and non-horse people alike is heading to Natirar Park in October.

The Essex Fox Hounds in Peapack and Gladstone hosts the Master’s Chase and Fox Hunt each fall, which traces back to the Farmer’s Day Races. This has since morphed into the Far Hills Race Meeting, which draws professional riders from all over.

To get back to their country roots, the EFH separated the Master’s Chase to promote a day filled with amateur horse racing for all ages, tailgating, a select group of local vendors, and a low-key day at the races for families. All proceeds benefit the non-profit organization Countryside Alliance of Somerset Hills which is based out of Far Hills and works to preserve farmlands.

The Master’s Chase is open to all interested amateur riders.

The seventh annual weekend kicks off with a cocktail party "Party In The Barn" on Friday, Oct. 4 at the EFH Hunt Room, 48 Holland Road in Peapack.

The Master’s Chase race then begins on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Natirar Park, 2 Main St., in Peapack. Gates open at noon and events run until about 6 p.m.

There will be a small tailgating area with about 30 to 50 parking spots where families can drive up with a picnic spread set up in the middle of the field and see the races pass by around them. Awards will be given out for the best tailgate spread.

Races during the day include the relay where horses and riders dress in costume, horses versus ponies races, races based on age and more.

Along with races there are demonstrations of fly-fishing, bird dogs, huntsman and fox hounds.

"Overall this is like the Far Hills Race Meeting but on a much smaller scale and much more family friendly," said Michelle Harazim, volunteer with EFH.

And for the first time this year there will also be a small vendor village featuring a few local purveyors such as antique places and local wood products form Basking Ridge.

"It will be a day for families and locals to come out to eat, drink, and watch horses race while supporting the countryside," said Harazim.

For tickets to the event, to sign up to be a rider, or for more information visit essexfoxhounds.org.

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