Fun times at farm bring taste of West to Howell
BY ERIN O. STATTEL
Correspondent

HOWELL - The clock starts and a blur of brown and white cows streak by the bleachers. Two girls on horseback fly by, laughing and screaming. The girls aim their horses in the cows' direction, ready to beat the clock. Welcome to the weekly team penning event at Curry Farms, Georgia Tavern Road.

Curry Farms is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Route 9, just a stone's throw away from the Manasquan Reservoir. Owned and operated by Warren and Ruth Curry for 25 years, Curry Farms offers a variety of activities to remove the average person from the typical New Jersey lifestyle.

On Friday nights, April through November, Warren and Ruth can be found enjoying the weather in the company of riders competing in team penning, chasing points that can earn riders a belt buckle at the year's end.

"We keep track of the points in the season and then hand out prizes at the end of the year," said Warren Curry, 75, owner and trainer at Curry Farms.

Team penning is an event that simulates real ranch work in which a herd of numbered cows are rounded up. A number is drawn and that cow, bearing the selected number, is then singled out and penned into a three-sided gate by two riders on horseback. The faster it can be done, the better the score.

"It's just good clean fun," said Esta Mann, a Point Pleasant resident who rides at Curry Farms. "And they have great food at the truck."

Friday nights at Curry Farms provide a fun activity for horse enthusiasts and the curious alike. There is no admission charge, but there is a food wagon, as well as plenty of entertainment.

The team penning held on Friday nights is open to anyone and signups begin at 6 p.m., as long as it isn't raining. Interested parties can trailer horses in or can rent one of the Currys' trained roping and herding horses, based on the rider's ability level. The excitement lasts until 9 p.m. when a winner is decided.

The events at Curry Farms are not sanctioned for points in any professional ranching competitions, but riders can compete for goods donated by the sponsors, ranging from Big Ed's Barbecue in Matawan to Rick's Saddle Shop in Eng-lishtown and Cream Ridge.

The Currys still have a few more additions they would like to make. Offering more for spectators is high on their list of things to do.

"I would like to include some more extreme cowboy events," Curry said with a smile.

The farm will also be offering a team penning clinic called, "So, You Think Your Horse Can't Do That?" The clinic is open to all horses and riders. The clinic will cover a variety of aspects of team penning, including how to introduce a horse to cows in timed events and how to teach a horse to approach the cows correctly.

Curry Farms also offers lessons and training in other activities and events such as barrel racing, team roping and trail riding.

Ruth and Warren Curry offer a family friendly atmosphere that starts with their own family. Staten Island, N.Y., natives, Ruth and Warren have been involved with horses for most of their lives.

After leaving Staten Island in the early 1980s, they decided it was time to follow their dream and buy a farm. Now the whole family enjoys it, including their grandchildren.

Kelli Smith, 12, and Jesy Fortunado, 11, are two of Ruth and Warren's grandchildren who can be found riding and giggling atop their American quarter horses on most days at Curry Farms.

For Kelli and Jesy, riding their horses, Brandy and Penny, and chasing cows on Friday nights are a perfect way to spend their summer.

Interested individuals may call Curry Farms at (732) 938-7327 or visit gocurryfarms.com for additional information on the team penning clinic and riding lessons.