Fair Hill, MD – October 16, 2013 – The 25th celebration of the Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International CCI *** & CCI** Championships got underway today at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in the scenic autumn countryside of Fair Hill, MD, with the horse inspection and presentation of Olympic veterans and hopeful first-timers. A diverse international field of 45 CCI*** competitors and 70 CCI**competitors will vie throughout the weekend for numerous trophies and awards as well as the USEF National Fall Eventing Championship. CCI** dressage competition will commence Thursday at 9 a.m. and includes notable Olympic competitors Boyd Martin (USA) and Leslie Law (GBR).

Presented for the first time this year at the Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International was the IDHSNA USEA Future Event Horse East Coast Championships sponsored by the Irish Draught Horse Society of North America and the US Eventing Association. 24 yearling, two year-old and three year-old horses were judged on their potential to become successful event horses. Each horse was evaluated for conformation as well as quality and correctness of their gaits. Age groups were judged separately, with an overall champion chosen from the top two contenders of each. Three year-old entry Rule of Thumb, a Warmblood/TB cross by Royal Appearance out of Nadia VT, was named overall champion of the 2013 IDHSNA USEA Future Event Horse East Coast Championships. Rule of Thumb, owned by Steplin LLC, was bred by Virginia Tech University. Rule of Thumb was shown by handler Jeff Speagle.

The Fair Hill International Festival in the Country boasts a new title sponsor this year, the Dutta Corporation, a leading international horse transportation company that has transported horses to and from the Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games, Pan American Games, and is the official international air transportation company for USEF Eventing. Complementing this year’s international-caliber eventing competition will be a family-friendly expanded offering of attractions including Canine Demonstrations, Falconry, Miniature Horses, Mule Jumping, Chincoteague Pony drill teams, Dixieland music and Classic Cars. The Kids’ Corner will offer fun, games and musical entertainment for the younger set. The Country Shops and expanded Food Court will offer something for everyone.

Also taking place at the Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International are the USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships on Thursday and Friday, October 17th and 18th. The Spalding Labs and USEA Young Event Horse Championships feature young horses ages 4 and 5 competing in three sections: Conformation & Type, Dressage, and Jumping/Suitability and Potential. The ultimate goal of the Young Event Horse series is to choose the young horse that possesses the talent and mindset that with proper training will excel in the uppermost levels of eventing competition. 30 five year-old horses and 19 four year-old horses will compete Thursday in the initial Dressage and Conformation & Type sections beginning at 8 a.m.

 For more information and a complete schedule of events for this year’s Fair Hill, including how to purchase tickets, please call (410) 398-2111 or visit www.fairhillinternational.com