Selena O’Hanlon of Canada and Foxwood High won the CCI 3* at the 2017 Fair Hill International. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.
The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International Three-Day Event celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, hosting the U.S. Equestrian CCI3* and CCI2* Fall Eventing Championships and the USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships when it returns to Fair Hill, MD, October 18-21. Located at the pristine Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area, in Elkton, MD, Fair Hill International awards $50,000 in prize money.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of The Dutta Corp, the event's title sponsor. The Dutta Corporation is an international and domestic horse shipping company founded by J. Tim Dutta. It has been expanding rapidly since its inception in 1988 and particularly so in the last twenty years. With state-of-the-art jet stalls and an expert team of grooms, The Dutta Corp provides horse air transport solutions tailored to each individual horse.
The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International hosts one of the most prestigious international three-day events in the world, drawing top-level international stars and Olympic veterans. In addition to world-class equestrian competition, the Fair Hill International offers spectators a weekend of outstanding shopping and entertainment. Spectators can experience the excitement of the competition, view numerous demonstrations and enjoy fantastic food, local craft brews and Sports Expo, shopping in numerous country and equestrian vendor shops, children's activities and more.
"We are thrilled to be celebrating our 30th anniversary this year," said Trish Gilbert, President of Fair Hill International. "We work very hard year-round to ensure that Fair Hill is one of the best events in the country. We are sure this year will be exceptional."
As part of the 30th anniversary celebration, Fair Hill International has forged a new partnership with the Select Event Group. The Select Event Group will host this year's sponsor's tent overlooking the competition in the William duPont, Jr. Arena, where dining and a Sunday brunch with cocktails courtesy of Tito's Handmade Vodka will take place.
Fair Hill International has expanded its hospitality options and shopping experiences for spectators, trainers and riders alike. Providing an opportunity for all to indulge in their favorite foods, drinks and shopping needs, Fair Hill International has placed vendors and additional hospitality tents in the heart of the competition area.
Gore Running Wear® invites all to participate in the inaugural Gore Running Wear® 5K race and enjoy the Craft Beer and Sports Expo on Saturday, October 20. Spectators can also enjoy numerous demonstrations ranging from dog agility to pony drill teams, face painting in the Kids Corner, fantastic food options, and shopping in numerous country and equestrian vendor shops.
Admission is free on Thursday, October 18 (Dressage phase, day one of competition).
General admission tickets, available at the gate, are $10 for Friday, October 19, $15 for Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21. Children under 12 are admitted free, as are 4-H and FFA members (with ID), Pony Club members (with pin), and military members and their dependents (with ID). Senior admission for 65 and older is $5.
General Admission does not include admission to Sponsor tents or pre-reserved tailgating spots. More information about online ticket purchases and tailgating and hospitality packages is available at fairhillinternational.com.
What is a CCI?
Eventing is the ultimate test of a horse and rider and has been referred to as the triathlon of equestrian sport. Through tests in dressage, cross-country, and show jumping the horse and rider work together to show they can compete in the most demanding and highest levels of equestrian sports.
The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International CCI** and CCI*** events are, essentially, two separate three-day eventing competitions. The CCI 3* riders jump slightly larger fences and have a more challenging dressage test. The CCI 2* event is designed to qualify horses and riders for 3* competitions. The CCI 3* event is one of only five 3* events in the USA. Horses and riders who do well in the 3* event may qualify to compete internationally or at the Olympics or World Championships.
The veterinary exam of the CCI horses is held on Wednesday. Competition begins on Thursday with dressage for the Young Event horses (four and five year olds) and some of the CCI competitors. Friday is the jumping phase for the Young Event Horse East Coast Championship, and the final day of dressage for the CCI competitors.
Saturday is the very exciting and most popular day featuring cross-country, where horses and riders complete a course of large solid fences and water obstacles. The course is nearly four miles long and is the ultimate test of endurance and stamina. CCI 2* horses run the course in the morning, while 3* horses run in the afternoon.
Sunday is the final day of competition. Horse and rider combinations compete in the show jumping phase, where they jump obstacles in an arena. Penalties are collected for knocking down a fence, falling, or exceeding the allowed time. The horse and rider with the fewest number of penalties over all three phases is the winner.
Many well-known and talented eventers have won at the FHI CCI***. In 2006 Gina Miles and her mount McKinlaigh traveled to Fair Hill from California, won the event, and went on to win an individual silver medal at the 2008 Olympics. Olympians Karen O’Connor, David O’Connor, Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin and Bruce Davidson have all won the FHI CCI***. Derek di Grazia, who won the event in 1991 with Our Busby, is now one of only a handful of International level cross-country course designers residing in the United States. Derek designs Fair Hill International’s CCI 2* and 3* cross country courses.