Fair Hill, MD -September 17, 2014– The Fair Hill International, started in 1989, returns to the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in beautiful Fair Hill, Maryland, October 16-19, offering one of the most prestigious international three day events in the world.  

“We are excited to bring back the premier three day event in the Maryland area. We take great pride in knowing that our event has achieved national and international acclaim,” said Trish Gilbert, Fair Hill International Co-President. 

The Dutta Corporation, title sponsor of The Fair  Hill International, is a leading international horse transportation company that is also the Official Shipper for the United States Eventing Team.  Thanks to the generosity of The Dutta Corporation, the winner of this year’s Three-Star Championship will receive a special gift as The Dutta Corporation has donated free transportation for the winning horse-rider combination to any Three-Star event in the world! Additionally, to add to everyone’s enjoyment of the competition, The Dutta Corporation is sponsoring the electronic scoreboard at the event.

Highlighting this year’s competition schedule are the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) CCI*** and CCI** Fall Eventing Championships. These Championships regularly attract many of the world’s top Eventing horses and riders including riders like Boyd Martin, Phillip Dutton, Buck Davidson and Lynn Symansky who comprised the U.S. team at this year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian games in  Normandy, France.

Also returning are the USEA Young Event Horse Championships on Thursday and Friday, October 16-17. The Young Event Horse Championships feature young horses (ages 4 and 5) competing in three sections: Conformation & Type, Dressage Test, and Jumping Test/Gallop/General Impression.  A sort of equestrian talent search, the Young Event Horse classes focus on the education and preparation of the event horse in a correct and progressive manner. 

Back by popular demand are the tail-gaiting spaces that will be set up along the galloping lanes during Saturday’s cross county phase. The tail-gating spots are available for $250 each at one of three separate locations. Each spot includes 6 admission tickets and provides an intimate view of the cross country course. A new area features hill spots near the start/finish line overlooking the water jumps. Quantities are limited, so order today!

The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International is once again part of the Professional Riders’ Organization PRO Tour Series. The Professional Riders’ Organization was founded in 2009 by event riders Phillip Dutton, Buck Davidson, Craig Thompson, Laura VanderVliet and Allison Springer with the thought that professional event riders have a special obligation to promote and strengthen their sport. PRO is dedicated to improving the standards of competition and promoting safety while working to attract new fans, sponsors and participants to the sport of Eventing.

 As always, to ensure that immediate care is available for horses should it be needed, the Massachusetts SPCA will be on site, this year thanks to the generous sponsorship of Jane Forbes Clark.

In addition to the exciting Eventing action, members of the United States Pony Club will be on hand for the return of the President’s Cup Invitational Games. During the Games, riders in teams of five will compete in a variety of challenging and entertaining relay races; awards will be presented to winning teams on Sunday. 

Also returning is The Art ands Sport of Falconry With Live Birds of Prey, taking place on Saturday, October 18. Master Falconer Mike Dupuy brings his audience up close and personal while he and his birds provide an unforgettable educational experience for people of all ages.

The Kids’ Corner also returns this year, offering a variety of activities for the younger set. Miniature horses will be performing on both Saturday and Sunday.

The popular dog agility demonstrations return this year with some new and exciting opportunities for dog owners. Want to see what agility is all about, and see if your dog has what it takes to compete? Join The Academy of Dog Training from Newark, DE, for agility demonstrations and free mini lessons for beginners and more experienced agility dogs alike. 

Sunday’s culminating day will feature a strolling Dixieland band to add to the festive atmosphere as well as the return of the event’s “Classic Car” display (weather permitting).

Visitors to The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International Festival in the Country can once again look forward to the popular Country Shops, which will be open Friday through Sunday and will feature vendors selling tack, jewelry, artwork, pet needs, exceptional apparel and fine gifts for the approaching holiday seasons. A new section for smaller vendors and non-profit organizations will be included on Saturday and Sunday.

The VIP Tent offers fine dining, while visitors seeking a more casual snack or meal will find pubs around the Fair Hill grounds serving classic Maryland crab cakes and other treats.

The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International Festival in the Country benefits Union Hospital in Elkton, MD.  The hospital, whose mission is to enhance the health and well-being of the residents of Cecil County and its neighboring communities, has been caring for area families and neighbors for more than 100 years. 

Admission is $10 per person on Friday and $15 on Saturday and Sunday.  Admission on Thursday is FREE for everyone.  Kids under 12 are free every day.  4-H members (with id) and Pony Club members (with pin) are Free every day.  Military members and their dependents (with id) are Free every day.  Day passes and multi-day passes are available at a reduced fee if purchased in advance at www.fairhillinternational.com.

For more information on The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International, please call (410) 398-2111 or visit www.fairhillinternational.com.