Posted May 29, 2006

Fair Hill International Festival in the Country Returns, October 19-22

USEF Eventing Championship CCI***, Advanced and Intermediate Level

Combined Driving Competitions Highlight Schedule

Fair Hill, MD—May 22, 2006—World-class equestrian action returns to highlight the 18th annual Fair Hill International Festival in the Country, October 19-22. This year’s Festival features competition in two disciplines at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Area in the beautiful countryside of Fair Hill, MD.

The Fair Hill International features the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) CCI*** Championship, one of the most prestigious three-day events in the United States, as well as the return of an Advanced and Intermediate Level Combined Driving Competition. Riders competing in the CCI*** Championship will compete for a chance to win the U.S. Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation Challenge Trophy.

“Fair Hill has become one of America’s top three-day events for good reason,” said Charlie Colgan, Fair Hill International Executive Director. “Those who thought last year was great are in for an even better time in 2006. The heart-stopping eventing action will return along with Advanced and Intermediate Combined Driving events. It promises to be a thrilling experience for competitors and spectators alike.”

The Fair Hill CCI*** is one of only two three-star events in the country. Top riders prime and condition their horses to meet the challenging obstacles Fair Hill presents every year. Last year’s winner, Nathalie Bouckaert Pollard is expected to be on hand to defend her title against many of the world’s top riders, including Olympic medal-winners such as Phillip Dutton, Karen O’Connor, Darren Chiacchia and Kim Severson. This year’s CCI*** will be run under the Olympic (short) format.