The Horse Park of New Jersey has announced three new divisions to the ninth edition of the Jersey Fresh Three Day Event, scheduled for May 11-15. In addition to its established CCI***, CCI** and CIC***, the Allentown event will now host a CIC** and U.S. Eventing Association Young Event Horse divisions for 4- and 5-year-old horses.

The entire competition will also operate under a new theme in 2011.

“The whole event will honor the men and women who fight for our freedom,” said Horse Park trustee Lynn Mathews.

Organizers have confirmed appearances by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association’s “Horses for Heroes” program as well as the Wounded Warrior Project.

In an effort to attract more attention from the non-equestrian community, the event will also include a country fair, equine expo and a farmers’ market. Organizers hope participation from local artisans and farmers will boost spectator attendance throughout the weekend.

The Jersey Fresh event has struggled financially in recent years and seen its entry numbers plummet, especially after Bromont (Que.) established an early June CCI*** in 2008. To attract more entries and spectators, Jersey Fresh added a CIC*** two years ago, and last year their course designer, John Williams, made significant improvements to the park’s often criticized cross-country track.

At the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention in December, members of the Professional Horseman’s Council agreed that they’d like to save the competition and that adding more divisions might entice more entries.