The Laurels at Landhope to Host USEF National Pairs Driving Championship

West Grove, PA—February 4, 2004—The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has announced that The Laurels at Landhope will host the 2004 USEF National Pairs Driving Championship as part of its annual Combined Driving Event (CDE), September 10-12, 2004.

 

The Laurels at Landhope has developed a reputation as one of the world’s most prestigious driving competitions. This year’s USEF National Pairs Championship promises to be particularly exciting as the country’s top drivers compete with an eye on the 2005 Pairs World Championship, scheduled for September 8-11 in Wals-Salzburg, Austria.

 

The Laurels was chosen as host of the Championship by the United States Equestrian Federation’s International High Performance Driving Committee, and later made official after approval by the USEF Executive Committee. The Laurels at Landhope is sure to be a wonderful location to host the prestigious Pairs Championship due to the show’s organizing experience as host of the National Combined Driving Pony Championships for four years in the past.

 

Recent facility renovations feature improved spectator viewing with an enhanced Patron Tent site, an amphitheater for general ticket holders overlooking the competition arenas and a beautiful landscape that includes shade trees and evergreen screening.

 

Plans for 2004 also include splitting the Marathon course’s centerpiece water hazard into two hazards. This should prove extremely popular with spectators who always enjoy the excitement of horses and carriages splashing through the water while negotiating the hazard. Also, the popular restaurant, The Farmhouse, will set up dining for the public in a pavilion overlooking the new portion of the water hazard.

 

In addition to this year’s USEF National Pairs Championship, The Laurels Combined Driving Event will host live entertainment and a greatly enhanced Trade Fair with vendors offering a wide variety of equestrian motif art, antiques, jewelry and collectibles as well as farm and garden equipment, carriages and carriage appointments.

 

For more information about The Laurels at Landhope or the USEF National Pairs Championship, please visit www.laurelscde.org or contact Mrs. Wendy Wares-Cooke, USEF Director of Driving, at wwcooke@USEF.org or (908) 234-0848.