United States Eventing Association

The annual Heritage Days Fork CIC*** & CIC** International Horse Trials will be held April 2-6, 2014, in Norwood, North Carolina. Since 2002, The Fork has been a spring destination for professional event riders from across the country and internationally. Over the years, The Fork has gained a reputation for its hospitality, incredible cross country footing, and officials that hail from North America and Europe alike.

The 2014 theme for the event is a French Invasion; Norwood to Normandy. A fitting choice since this year’s elite lineup of Fork officials will include Alain James of France, recently selected as a member of the ground jury for the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. James, an internationally renowned event judge, also served as a member of the ground jury at the 2011 Pan American Games in Mexico, and the Saumur *** and Pau**** in France.

James will be joined at The Fork by Marilyn Payne of New Jersey, who served as a member of the ground jury at the 2008 Olympic Games and the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Harry Payne of Great Britain will serve as this year’s FEI president of the ground jury and Gretchen Butts of the USA, who served as the assistant technical delegate for the 2010 World Equestrian Games will serve as The Fork’s technical delegate.

When asked about the selections for this year’s officials, Bernadette Cogdell, Owner of The Fork Stables, replied, “I cannot emphasize enough how important performing in front of an international jury can be for riders with overseas ambitions.”

In addition to putting on the annual Fork International Horse Trials, Bernadette serves on the board of the USEF Event Owner’s Task Force and The American Friends of The Brooke, the charity for this event. As an owner herself, Bernadette understands what an important role Owners play in supporting the competitors. The number one goal at The Fork is to provide the best possible preparation and learning experience for the competitors both horse and human from the footing to the challenges of the courses and to provide a fun experience for the owners who keep the sport going. This year’s courses were designed by Chris Barnard, show jump course design and Tremaine Cooper, cross country course design, and promise to be as outstanding as ever.

The Heritage Days CIC **/*** Fork International Horse Trials is a world class event. For more information visit http://www.forkstables.com/horsetrials.html or contact Bernadette Cogdell at [email protected] or Alice Andrews, Organizer at [email protected] 704-474-4052 Ext. 225