United States Eventing Association

World-Class Eventing Competitions and New Schedule of Family ActivitiesHighlight Schedule

Fair Hill, MD-September 15, 2010- World-class equestrian action returns to highlight the 22nd annual Dansko Fair Hill International Festival in the Country, October 14-17. This year's Festival features competition in the Olympic discipline of three-day eventing, as well as a wide array of family entertainment and attractions, at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in the beautiful countryside of Fair Hill, MD.

Returning to this year's Dankso Fair Hill International is the United States Equestrian Foundation (USEF) CCI*** and CCI** Fall Eventing Championships. These Championships regularly attract many of the world's top eventing horses and riders such as Olympians Karen O'Connor, Amy Tryon, Phillip Dutton, and Bruce Davidson.

Also returning to the Dansko Fair Hill International is the Spalding Labs / USEA Young Event Horse Championship. The Young Event Horse Championship, which takes place on Thursday and Friday, October 14-15, features young horses (ages 4 and 5) competing in three sections: Conformation & Type, Dressage Test, and Jumping Test/Gallop/General Impression. The Young Event Horse classes focus on the education and preparation of the event horse in a correct and progressive manner.

"We are very excited to see the return of the world-class eventing competition, for which the Dansko Fair Hill International is famous," said Trish Gilbert, Co-President of the Dansko Fair Hill International. "In addition to the thrilling equestrian competition, we have added some new and exciting events and demonstrations to our schedule, and invite everybody to enjoy them with us at the 2010 Dansko Fair Hill International Festival In The Country!"

Among the favorite events returning to the Dansko Fair Hill International Festival In The Country is The Art and Sport of Falconry With Live Birds of Prey, taking place on Saturday, October 16. Master Falconer Mike Dupuy brings his audience up close and personal while he and his birds provide an unforgettable educational experience for people of all ages.

Members of the United States Pony Club will also be on hand for the return of the President's Cup Invitational Games. During the Games, riders in teams of five will compete in a variety of challenging and entertaining relay races; awards will be presented to winning teams on Sunday.

The Kids' Corner will also return this year, offering a variety of activities for the younger set. Miniature horses will be performing on both Saturday and Sunday. Don't miss JoAnn Dawson's musical production, "HorsePlay," on Saturday. The play uses live horses and riders to chronicle the relationship between man and horse throughout history.

Classic cars will be on hand on Sunday (weather permitting) for those who want a chance to reminisce about their younger years, as well as for younger people looking to connect with icons from an earlier era.

New to the Festival In the Country will be an exciting puppet show by Jack Foreaker. It will take place near the Trade Fair on Saturday, and is sure to be a big hit with the younger crowd!

Also new this year will be an exciting Calcutta-style fund raiser and dinner party on Wednesday, October 13, the night before the competition begins. The Calcutta will feature teams of CCI Three-Star and Two-Star riders that have been compiled by a panel of experts, and whose scores at Fair Hill will be combined into one cumulative team score. Bids will be taken on which team will prevail, with the proceeds benefitting the Fair Hill International.

This year's Dansko Fair Hill International will also welcome the Professional Riders' Organization (PRO), and will be part of the 2010 PRO Tour Series. The Professional Riders' Organization was founded in 2009 by event riders Phillip Dutton, Buck Davidson, Craig Thompson, Laura VanderVliet and Allison Springer with the thought that professional event riders have a special obligation to promote and strengthen their sport. PRO is dedicated to improving the standards of competition and promoting safety while working to attract new fans, sponsors and participants to the sport of three-day eventing.

Visitors to the Dansko Fair Hill International Festival in the Country can once again look forward to the popular Country Shops, which feature over 40 vendors selling tack, jewelry, artwork, pet needs, exceptional apparel and fine gifts for the approaching holiday seasons. The VIP Tent offers fine dining, while visitors seeking a more casual snack or meal will find pubs around the Fair Hill grounds serving classic Maryland crab cakes and other treats. In fact, the Maryland Department of Agriculture named the Fair Hill International as a "Maryland Top Event!"

The Dansko Fair Hill International Festival in the Country benefits Union Hospital in Elkton, MD. The hospital, whose mission is to enhance the health and well-being of the residents of Cecil County and its neighboring communities, has been caring for area families and neighbors for more than 100 years.

Healthy feet, healthy body, healthy planet. That's the spirit behind Dansko. Founded in 1990 by husband and wife team, Peter Kjellerup and Mandy Cabot, both former horse trainers, Dansko shoes, boots, and sandals are now sold in over 2,500 premium retailer locations across North America. Dansko is the leader in all-day comfort footwear.

For more information on this year's Fair Hill, including how to purchase tickets, please call (410) 398-2111 or visit http://www.fairhillinternational.com/.