On Feb. 28, the Great Meadow facility in The Plains, Va., finalized the purchase of Fleming Farm, an adjacent parcel of 174 acres, in advance of the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team selection trials for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy.

Now that the property has been purchased, construction of additional infrastructure such as a large all-weather arena and in-ground irrigation of the cross-country course can begin soon.

Robert L. Banner, President of Great Meadow Foundation, and David O’Connor, U.S. team chef d’equipe, have selected renowned course designer Michael Etherington-Smith to design Great Meadow’s new cross-country track. He’ll begin on-site work in mid-March. When the work is completed, Banner said Great Meadow will place the entire property into a conservation easement that will protect the property for these purposes for perpetuity.

The facility is also the permanent home of the Gold Cup steeplechase races, and its calendar also features polo, show jumping, wine festivals, a rocketry competition, human cross-country races and a Fourth of July celebration.

The selection trials are scheduled for July 26-27 and will also include a bareback puissance competition, a VIP reception, a closing ceremony and dancing for all on Saturday night. General admission tickets will be available for $30 a carload. Ringside boxes for 6-10 people will also be offered, as well as tailgates on a tree-lined berm overlooking the lighted arena, space for larger groups on a covered entertainment deck and tables in a tented VIP reception.

A detailed schedule for the entire weekend, as well as opportunities to purchase general admission and reserved area tickets, will be posted on the Great Meadow Foundation website. Additional questions? Email info@greatmeadow.org or call (540) 253-5000.