Equiery Readers Speak Out
The Equiery reported in February’s Out and About that Fair Hill International will no longer be including combined driving at their October Festival in the Country, and readers responded with strong opinions on the subject and wish to express their sorrow at the loss of driving from FHI.
“I am not a competitive driver but I have gone to watch for the past three years. I will not go this year just for eventing only.” – Marcella Wozniak (Baltimore)
“My wife and I started driving carriages in the early 1980s and we competed in all of the early CDEs at Fair Hill where I was fortunate enough to win the Single Horse Championship in 1986. Fair Hill is one of the top driving venues in the USA today and we are saddened to see driving dropped from the Fall Festival. The loss of Fair Hill as a venue is a big loss for the driving community, Fair Hill, the state of Maryland and the spirit of amateur equine competition. I do hope that the combined driving will be a part of the future of Fair Hill!” – Ed Hopkins (Charlotte Hall)
“It is disappointing that the competitive driving will not be done. I personally find the driving to be more interesting in many ways than the individual riding competitions. The more variety an equine event can offer the better chance of having a big crowd.” – John Wehrle (Laytonsville)
“Although a longtime driver, I no longer compete in CDEs but I do contribute money to the fall driving event at Fair Hill. No, I won’t contribute this year to Fair Hill and no, I won’t be going as a spectator.” – Marjorie Richmond (Upperco)
“I am devastated that the wonderful combined driving has been dropped.” – Martha Duchnowski (Manassas, VA)
“Fair Hill not holding the combined driving this next year is terrible!! I went to Fair Hill as a spectator this year to learn what I needed to know to compete next year……very disappointing!! Can we make them change their minds??” – Joy Clark (Massachusetts)
