HUNTERDON HORSES MAY JOIN SANTA'S TEAM
Dec. 9, 2024 – Rumors continue to swirl around New Jersey and the world beyond that Santa’s famous team of reindeer will once again be joined by horses. And not just any horses, but horses from Hunterdon County, NJ.

Our reporter, Sandy Snoop, spoke by telephone last week with Santa’s Spokes-Elf, Winky Gimbel, who confirmed that Claus & Company is considering supplementing their delivery fleet with horses and also let slip that Santa himself was in talks with an equestrian facility in Hunterdon.
An anonymous inside source at Frenchtown Riding Club confirmed that the purpose of Santa’s visit to their facility on December seventh was more than just the advertised “meet and greet,” but also a chance for The Man in Red to check out their stable.
Renowned North Pole historian, Hermie Bing, arguably the most knowledgeable source of Santa lore outside of the big man himself, initially expressed surprise at the idea that Santa might expand his sleigh-pulling team to include horses. “Although,” he noted, “and many people don’t know this, but Mr. Claus is a bit of an equestrian himself. Quite fond of horses, actually. His wife got him into it. She was a competitor on the hunter/jumper circuit at one time.”
While confirmation of this unprecedented change remains elusive, we have been able to confirm that Santa did, indeed, visit Frenchtown Riding Club Saturday, where he was impressed by the number of children there from the “Nice” list. He also commented favorably on the horses, especially Maverick, whose large size and gentle nature he noted; Fergus, whom he referred to as “such a handsome boy;” and Meatball, whom he dubbed “a delightful mare.”
Meatballs’s owner, Tracy Bubalis, of Flemington, NJ, has said she’d be “honored” to loan Meatball to Santa for his big ride, but has yet to hear anything from Santa’s people.
We’ll continue to update this story as new information becomes available.
FRC's Jack Frost, showing Santa he's ready to ride.

FRC's Peanut, hamming it up for his fans.
