Olympic Contenders and Young Event Horses Vie for Championships

CCI ** Competitor Hannah Sue Burnett and Cooley Dream

Fair Hill, MD - Horses and riders had the future firmly in mind today as the Dutta Corporation Fair Hill International CCI *** & CCI** Championships at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area got underway. The multi-national field will vie for numerous trophies and awards as well as the USEF National Fall Eventing Championship. In addition, coaches and staff from the United States, Canada and Mexico are on hand to observe horses and riders for selection for next year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Competitors have journeyed from the East and West coasts as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and New Zealand to compete at the scenic autumn destination event.

The ground jury accepted all 74 of the CCI** competitors after holding six for re-evaluation during today's horse inspection. Five of the 60 CCI*** competitors were held for re-inspection, with three pairs not being accepted. The CCI** dressage portion of the competition will commence Thursday at 8:30 a.m.; the CCI*** dressage will begin at 2:45 p.m.

CCI*** Competitor Tamra Smith and Mai Baum

Returning to Fair Hill, the USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships on Thursday and Friday, October 15 and 16, will showcase top qualifiers in the Young Event Horse Series competitions. The USEA Young Event Horse Championships feature young horses ages 4 and 5 competing in three sections: Conformation & Type, Dressage, and Jumping/Suitability and Potential. The ultimate goal of the Young Event Horse series is to choose the young horse that possesses the talent and mindset that with proper training will excel in the uppermost levels of eventing competition. A record 36 five-year-old horses and 17 four-year-old horses will compete Thursday in the initial Dressage and Conformation & Type sections beginning at 8 a.m.

Complementing this year's international caliber eventing competition will be a family-friendly expanded offering of attractions including Frisbee Dogs, Dog Agility, Pony Club Mounted Games, Falconry, Miniature Horses, Chincoteague Pony Drill Team demonstrations, Appalachian music, and New Orleans jazz. The Kids' Corner will offer fun, games and musical entertainment for the younger set. The Country Shops and expanded Food Court will offer something for everyone to see and enjoy.

For more information and a complete schedule of events for this year's Fair Hill, including how to purchase tickets, please call (410) 398-2111 or visit www.fairhillinternational.com