One of the nation’s premier equestrian Eventing championships, The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International returns to the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in the scenic countryside of Fair Hill, MD, October 16-20. In addition to its traditional world-class equestrian competition, fun family activities, and fabulous shopping and dining, this year’s Fair Hill International has some new attractions including some special ways of saying “thank you” to its guests.
“It is hard to believe that we have reached our 25th year and we take great pride in knowing that our event has achieved national and international acclaim,” said Trish Gilbert, Co-President of The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International. “We thank all our volunteers, committee members, riders, owners, sponsors and spectators for their contributions in making this event what it is today and we look forward to celebrating this special occasion with all of them during this fall’s event.
“In addition, we are especially pleased to welcome our new title sponsor, The Dutta Corporation, a leading international horse transportation company that has recently been named the Official Shipper for the United States Eventing Team.”
As part of its birthday celebration, The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International is saying “thank you” by offering free admission for everyone on Thursday. There is also free admission everyday for children under 12, Pony Club and 4-H members (with pin or ID) and all military personnel and their dependents (with ID). In addition, all spectators will receive a complimentary commemorative program.
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 such as Olympians Karen O’Connor, Boyd Martin, Phillip Dutton, and Bruce Davidson. The winner of this year’s Three-Star Championship will receive a special gift as The Dutta Corp has generously donated free transportation for the winning horse-rider combination to any Three-Star event in the world!
Also returning are the USEA Young Event Horse Championships on Thursday and Friday, October 17-18. 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.
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Joining the Young Event Horse Championships is a new “Future Event Horse” Championship. This USEA competition focuses on yearlings, two-year-olds and three-year-olds, judging the potential they have to become a successful upper level event horse. The championship will take place on Wednesday, October 16 and will feature horses shown in hand.
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!
“Our tail-gating passes are the best way to be part of the cross country action without actually being on a horse,” said Charlie Colgan, executive director of The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International. “These tailgate spots give spectators a chance to see riders galloping by as they jump the sunken road, circle around to the farm yard and water obstacles and eventually pass by on their way to the finish line. They’re absolutely the best seats in the house!”
The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International is once again part of the Professional Riders’ Organization (PRO) 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.
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 and Sport of Falconry With Live Birds of Prey, taking place on Saturday, October 19. 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.
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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.
For more information on The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International, including how to purchase tickets, please call (410) 398-2111 or visit www.fairhillinternational.com.