The 2008 Ride for Riverview was held at this year's 113th annual Monmouth County Horse Show Aug. 20-24 at the East Freehold Showgrounds. Riders competed in the $30,000 Stillwell Hansen Grand Prix on Aug. 24 for a cash prize. The grand prix event benefited Riverview Hospital. FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — The 113th Monmouth County Horse Show played host to the 2008 Ride for Riverview recently and helped raise funds for the Jane H. and John Marshall Booker Cancer Center at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank.

"Over the past few years, we have raised over $650,000 with the Ride for Riverview event," said Carol Stillwell, cochair of the Ride for Riverview committee. "We are so glad that the Monmouth [County Horse Show] people welcome us back year after year."

The event that raises the funds for the cancer treatment center is the Stillwell Hansen Grand Prix, held on the last Sunday of the five-day horse show at East Freehold Showgrounds, Freehold Township. Stillwell Hansen sponsors the class with a $30,000 added bonus. Jumpers who clear the course with the fewest faults and the fastest time walk away with the trophy and a check.

"We sell polo shirts and T-shirts and hold a silent auction as well," Stillwell explained. "All of the money that is raised goes back to Riverview."

For Stillwell, a Monmouth County native and equine enthusiast, the Ride for Riverview is a cause close to her heart.

"My father was diagnosed with cancer and my family and I said a prayer and God answered it," she said. "So I decided to get involved with the community as a way to give back, and I approached Riverview [Medical Center] to see if they would be interested in a Ride for Riverview, and they said yes. That is how this got started."

According to United States Equestrian Foundation Show steward Thomas Brennan, the Monmouth County Horse Show is one of the oldest shows in the country and attracts top-notch riders from far and wide.

"This show is one of the best," he said. "The grounds are beautiful and manicured to perfection and the people are the best part. Everyone here at this show is so nice."

Event staff member Barbara Lang agreed.

"The people here are nice and the grounds are beautiful," she said. "We really lucked out with the weather this year, and the footing is excellent. This is a nice show; everyone has a nice time."

Selling T-shirts were Frank and Lillian Zachman of Corpus Christi, Texas.

"We have been coming here for years," said Frank Zachman, also known as "Zach" around the show. "This is a great event and benefits a good cause."

Lillian Zachman said that she and her husband have been married 52 years and have been involved with horses almost all their lives.

"We love coming to this show," she said. "It is just lovely and you couldn't ask for friendlier people."