Keeping horses essential for quality of life
This is a response to John Filipek's letter regarding the horse racing industry in New Jersey ("Time for Horse Racing Industry to Face Reality," Tri-Town News, Letters to the Editor, Feb. 14, 2008).

Mr. Filipek, I speak three languages; have worked as an office manager, in sales and in child care. So, what made me decide 25 years ago to become a horse owner, trainer, groom? Why do I get up at 6 a.m. every morning to feed my horses and clean their stalls no matter what the temperature? Why do I spend my money on buying food, hay and vitamins for horses instead of going on an exotic vacation? Because I like it.

If the racing industry folded tomorrow I would not go hungry because I could work as an office manager again or in sales or in child care. So, why do I, among a lot of other people in New Jersey, fight to keep the horse racing industry alive?

Our neighboring states, where race tracks and casinos cohabit are doing very well. Why shouldn't we in New Jersey have the same chance? We are not asking the taxpayers for money, but for slots at the race tracks that would generate tax money.

The pleasure horse industry in New Jersey gets support from the racing industry. So, if there were no more racing in New Jersey, the pleasure horse industry would fizzle out. Ask the hay farmer who his biggest customers are. They are the horse people.

If there are no more horses in New Jersey, the hay farmer might just sell his hay fields. If he were lucky, he would get enough money from a developer to support his family. If not, he would have to go flipping hamburgers at McDonald's.

I invite you to be a guest at an Equine Advisory Board meeting on the third Wednesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. at Rick's Saddle Shop in the Cream Ridge section of Upper Freehold Township.

Besides 16 equine breed groups, the 4-H, state Board of Agriculture, farm bureau, horse council, farrier's association, agricultural fairs, Carriage Club, Handicapped Riding Club, equine practioners, Rutgers University and the U.S. Equestrian Team are represented. Ask any of those representatives if and why they care about horse racing in New Jersey. They all agree with Ronald Reagan who said, "The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man."

Keeping horses in New Jersey and keeping horse racing in New Jersey is essential to a better quality of life in New Jersey.

Maggi Romano Millstone Township