Amateur Equestrian Life: Guide to Princeton Show Jumping
Amateur Equestrian Life: Princeton Show Jumping
things to know
Princeton Show Jumping (PSJ) is a boutique horse show that runs from mid-April through September. The show is located on the grounds of Hunter Farms, which is owned and operated by Andrew H. Philbrick.
PSJ is approximately 15 minutes from downtown Princeton (Nassau Street) and offers a variety of hotels, dinner options, and shopping for exhibitors.
The show is small and generally only has 3-4 tents; stalls sell out quickly, so don’t delay entries!
The footing is incredible in every ring, including the dedicated schooling rings, so the show rarely is cancelled for rain. However, it can be quite windy at PSJ; sometimes, in extreme cases, the show is postponed due to wind. In the summer, there is a derby on their grass field, weather permitting. A nearby park offers a great venue for trail rides.
Hospitality is 10/10! The office staff is very friendly, especially show manager Will Mitchell.
The ground is red clay. It is either very dry or wet and mushy. Don’t bring new white sneakers!
You don’t need a golf cart, but many barns bring their own carts or bikes.
The show runs fairly close to schedule and does a great job of keeping class status updated on Horseshowing.com.
The lunging area is a bit of a walk and can get busy.
at the show
Hobo’s Catering is the main food truck at the show - serving breakfast and lunch - and in the summer, there are two food trucks to help service both ends of the show. If you tire of “horse show” food, there are tons of grab-and-go places nearby like Chopt, The Bagel Nook, Jersey Mikes, and Playa Bowls that offer order ahead options.
The two best Starbucks are on Nassau street if you’re staying downtown, or the new drive-thru at 1320 Van Horne Rd if you’re staying at one of the main hotel chains off US-1. There are multiple Dunkin’ Donuts, too.
There are generally 2-3 vendors at the show offering a range of supplies, equipment and apparel. Shop at Alorian Saddlery for tall boots, helmets, horse treats, and essential toiletries like Tylenol and chapstick, or pop into The Boot & Bridle Tack Shop, a longtime sponsor of the horse show, to get yourself a Helly Hansen rain coat, perfect to brave all three seasons during Princeton’s Spring Series!
The VIP tent in between the International Ring and Hunter 1 is a work-in-progress, but often has tables set up and refreshments are available to exhibitors. Their new hospitality director was driving around in a golf cart with Dunkin Donuts coffee – a warm welcome on a chilly spring day.
You can’t alongside your tent. You can drop things off, but then you have to go park in the lot. It’s not super far, but it’s a bit of a walk.
aprés ride
ONE 53 is an upscale dinner venue with a neighborhood feel. They can accommodate large tables downstairs in their wine cellar. Enjoy craft cocktails and fresh, local ingredients.
Teresa’s Wine Bar is walk-in only, but you can call and add yourself to the wait list up to an hour in advance. This lively downtown bistro serves gourmet “pizzettes” and simple Italian fare like pasta and an amazing chicken Milanese. After dinner, stroll around the shops at Palmer Square. Street parking and garages available.
Mediterra is also in Palmer Square, and as you might guess, this upscale eatery offers a Mediterranean inspired menu.
PJ’s Original House of Pancakes is a casual, delicious option for brunch or lunch. Who doesn’t like breakfast for dinner? They have amazing pancakes and sandwiches. There are two locations, but the one on Nassau is Street stays open late.
Off US-1 there tons of chain restaurant options including Shake Shack, Chick-Fil-A, Cava, Salt Creek Grill, and Olive Garden.
stay
There are lots of hotel options for PSJ exhibitors, just be sure to check the prize list to see if there are any special discounts for hotels sponsoring the event. I like the Holiday Inn Princeton and the Courtyard by Marriott Princeton. There are also luxurious options like the Graduate by Hilton Princeton and The Peacock Inn. I don’t have first-hand experience, so check the reviews.