by Katherine O. Rizzo (first published in the October 2019 Equiery)
October 17-20, 2019 at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, Elkton
This year’s Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International will once again host the US Equestrian CCI4*-L and CCI3*-L Fall Eventing Championships as well as the USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships (YEH), presented by Dubarry. Over the four days of competition, FHI will award $50,000 in prize money.
The competition schedule is as follows:
- Wednesday, October 16 – First 3* and 4* Horse Inspections
- Thursday, October 17 – Dressage competition begins for 3*, 4* and YEH
- Friday, October 18 – Dressage continues for 3* and 4*, Jumping phase of YEH, awards for YEH
- Saturday, October 19 – Cross-country for 3* and 4*
- Sunday, October 20 – Final horse inspections for 3* and 4*, Show jumping for 3* and 4*, awards for the 3* and 4*
In addition to world class competition, FHI once again offers a ton of family fun activities and entertainment with a few new additions this year!
New for the Kids’ Corner this year is the Puddle Jumpers 4-H Club with members demonstrating how to properly groom ponies. They will also be on hand to explain the various tools needed to get the job done.
Juggling performer Andrew Scharff will be showcasing his talents in the Kids’ Corner too. Local author JoAnn Dawson will be on hand for a book signing of her Lucky Foot Stable series books. The Singerly Fire Truck will be parked nearby for kids to explore.
The Charm City Junction Band will be playing on Saturday during the lunch break and after the conclusion of cross-country. The Baltimore-based quartet will be playing a mix of Old Time rhythms, Irish melodies and classic bluegrass.
The Academy of Dog Training team is back this year for agility demonstrations and free mini lessons on Friday through Sunday. In addition, there will be a Dog Tricks Talent Show Performance on Saturday afternoon and an AKC Canine Citizen Open Testing on Sunday afternoon.
More for dog lovers on Saturday afternoon is the Appalachian Air Canines group with Frisbee Dog Sports demonstrations. On Sunday after the 4* Show Jumping concludes, Hank’s Skydogs will perform a variety of disk tricks to music.
If that isn’t enough doggie entertainment… bring your own canine friend on Saturday and enter the Dog Costume Parade. Meet at the CCI Warm-Up Ring at 11:50 with your costumed canine friend (leashed of course!) to enter.
Ever heard of Mounted Archery? What began as an ancient style of warfare has turned into an international sport of archery from horseback! On Saturday, the United Liberty Horse Archers will be performing demonstrations on the sport.
Also on Saturday, Muddy Creek Meadows Riding Stable will be performing various vaulting demonstrations. If Saturday weren’t packed enough… there will be polo demonstrations too!
The Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding Program’s Military Drill Team will perform on Saturday, as will the Chincoteague Pony Drill Team. The Chincoteague team returns on Sunday for a second performance.
The Delaware Valley Combined Training Association Quad Squad performs on Thursday evening to kick off the event’s Welcome Party for competitors, sponsors, owners, grooms, vendors and volunteers.
Speaking of parties… All are welcome to join FHI on Saturday evening after cross-country for “Casino Night”, complete with food, a cash bar, live table games and prizes. There will be live and silent auctions too. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
For a complete schedule and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.fairhillinternational.org/fall-festival-cci-l/
