Lexington, Ky. – On Monday, July 23, 2017, the US Equestrian Federation (USEF) Board of Directors approved the recommendation to allocate the designation of an additional United States eventing CCI4* competition in 2019 to Fair Hill International. In January 2017, the Board of Directors narrowed the list of five applicants to two and following that decision spent several months researching, meeting with Organizing Committees and conducting additional site visits.

The USEF CCI4* Task Force worked tirelessly toward making a decision between two very strong applicants, Fair Hill International (Elkton, Md.) and Great Meadow International (The Plains, Va.), which are important fixtures on the Eventing Calendar in the U.S. The Task Force applauds both Organizing Committees for their cooperation and commitment throughout this process. The recommendation for Fair Hill International will be put forward to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) for consideration this autumn. The date will be approved as part of the 2019 FEI calendar after review by the USEF Calendar Approval process.

The plans for the Fair Hill redevelopment are extensive, and this event will be the premiere feature at a brand new venue. A state-of-the-art multi-use venue is under development in Elkton, Md., featuring eventing, racing and steeplechase racing.  This is a unilateral effort between the Fair Hill Foundation, Maryland Horse Industry Board, Maryland Sports Commission and the Cecil County Government. Additional information regarding the new development plans for Fair Hill International are available at www.fairhill4star.com.

In addition, the Board of Directors approved the show jumping recommendation, HITS Ocala, to host the U.S. Nations Cup qualifier for the FEI Nations Cup series for the 2018 and 2019 season. The dates in 2018 are February 14-18, and the 2019 dates are comparable. The recommendation is subject to approval by the FEI.