The New Jersey State web site lists the horse as the New Jersey State Animal, since August 15, 1977.
The original press release on NJ State Animal:
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 15, 1977 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: ANNE BURNS.
Governor Brendan Byrne signed S-1784, sponsored by Senatory Raymond Garramone, D-Bergen, which designates the horse as the New Jersey State Animal on Sunday, August 14, at the Sussex County Fair.
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The Governor praised Senator Garramone and Assemblyman Walter Kozloski, D-Monmouth, who sponsored a similar bill in the Assembly, for their efforts.
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“I believe the horse is truly deserving of this title,” Governor Byrne said.
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“The Founding Fathers of our state thought so highly of the horse that they included it in our State seal. Today there are 4,654 horse farms in New Jersey, of which 888 raise racing horses. The Horse industry makes a contribution to the preservation of Green Acres at a time when great demands are being made for the preservation of our land,” Byrne said. .
“I want to extend special thanks today to Michael McCarthy and his classmates at Our Lady of Victories School in Harrington Park and to James Sweetman of Freehold. It is because of their efforts that the horse is now the State Animal of New Jersey,” Byrne said.
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