Returning to this year’s Dankso Fair Hill International are the United States Equestrian Foundation (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, Amy Tryon, Phillip Dutton and Bruce Davidson.
Both the CCI*** and CCI** are part of the new Bit of Britain Challenge which awards bonus prize money to any horse-and-rider combination that wins the Jersey Fresh CCI** or CCI*** and the CCI** or CCI*** at Fair Hill.
Also taking place at the Fair Hill International are the USEA Young Event Horse Championships on Thursday and Friday, October 13-14. The Young Event Horse Championships features 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.
One of the most exciting new aspects of this year's Dansko Fair Hill International are the tail-gaiting spaces that will be set up along the galloping lane during Saturday's cross country phase. The tail-gaiting passes, which are available for $200 each and include 6 admission tickets, allow participants a never-before-seen vantage point of the cross country course. Quantities are limited, so order today!
"Our tail-gaiting passes are the best way to be part of the cross country action without actually being on a horse," said Trish Gilbert, Co-President of the Dansko Fair Hill International. "You'll 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. It's by far the best seat in the house!"
Among the favorite events returning to the Dansko Fair Hill International Festival in the Country is The Art and Sport of Falconry With Live Birds of Prey, on Saturday, October 15. 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.
Members of the United States Pony Club will also be on hand for the return of the President’s Cup Invitational Games on Saturday and Sunday. 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.
The Kids’ Corner will also return, offering a variety of activities for the younger set. Miniature horses will be performing on both Saturday and Sunday. Don’t miss JoAnn Dawson’s musical production, “HorsePlay,” on Saturday. The play uses live horses and riders to chronicle the relationship between man and horse throughout history. New to the Festival will be Singer/Songwriter/Entertainer Ray Owen of Gettysburg, PA, who will present three fun-filled shows for the whole family on Saturday
The popular canine demonstrations will also return with some new and exciting opportunities for dog owners. In addition to agility and flyball demonstrations, all dog owners are invited to participate in a "show and go" class that will let them test their dog's potential for agility competition.
Classic cars will be on hand on Sunday (weather permitting) for those who want a chance to reminisce about their younger years, as well as for younger people looking to connect with icons from an earlier era.
This year’s Dansko Fair Hill International will once again welcome the Professional Riders’ Organization (PRO), and will be part of the 2011 PRO Tour Series. PRO 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 three-day eventing.
Visitors to the Dansko Fair Hill International Festival in the Country can once again look forward to the popular Country Shops, which feature over 40 vendors selling tack, jewelry, artwork, pet needs, exceptional apparel and fine gifts for the approaching holiday seasons. 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 Dansko 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.
Healthy feet, healthy body, healthy planet. That’s the spirit behind Dansko. Founded in 1990 by husband and wife team, Peter Kjellerup and Mandy Cabot, both former horse trainers, Dansko shoes, socks and apparel are now sold in over 2,500 premium retailer locations across North America. Dansko is the leader in all-day comfort.
For more information on this year’s Fair Hill, including how to purchase tickets, please call (410) 398-2111 or visit www.fairhillinternational.com.