The 12th annual Plantation Field International Horse Trials and Country Fair will take place September 19-22 at the historic Plantation Field in the horse country of Unionville. This year organizers are teaming up with Taylor Harris Insurance Services, Victory Brewing Company, and the Chester County Food Bank as well as numerous members of the Unionville and Kennett Square communities to bring spectators a classic country weekend.
Olympian and FEI five-star competitor Ryan Wood, whose Woodstock Eventing is based locally, said, “You haven’t been to a horse event ‘til you’ve been to Plantation International.”
The event begins Thursday and Friday with dressage. Tailgating is available Saturday and Sunday overlooking the CCI4*-S and CCI3*-S cross-country courses. Artfully built by world-class ETB Equine Construction for fast-paced, the cross-country course is the scene for nail-biting action as the competitors, including multiple Olympians, navigate solid obstacles over the rolling hills of Chester County.
In addition to the excitement of cross-country jumping, on Saturday, September 21st the organizers are pleased to announce the return of the Unionville Antique Car Show presented by Last Chance Garage.
Also back by popular demand is the Sunday morning 5k Fun Run, where dogs (on leashes please!) are encouraged to run with their owners. The Kid’s Korner and Pop-Up Village will have animals, crafts, and shopping for everyone on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pack a picnic or enjoy local food trucks like Hood’s BBQ and Natalie’s Food Truck and quench your thirst with a stop by our Victory Brewing Company Hilltop Beer Garden! Tickets are still available for brunch honoring legendary horseman Bruce Davidson, featuring the thrilling PRO Bareback Puissance high jump competition.
Sponsorship packages are available which include Friday and Saturday evening parties, full access to the Sponsor Tent all weekend, as well as Sunday Brunch and the best seats in the house to view the action and entertainment in the Main Arena. Take note! For each carload that brings an approved food donation, Plantation Field Equestrian Events will donate $5 to the Chester County Food Bank. "Here in Pennsylvania's wealthiest county, people in need are living alongside us," said Larry Welsch, Executive Director of the Chester County Food Bank. "Community partnerships are vital to fulfill our mission to mobilize the community to ensure access to real, healthy food. We are grateful and honored to be a beneficiary of Plantation Field International." Find a list of approved food drive items here.
The event will take place rain or shine. Find out more at our website www.plantationfieldinternational.com, at your local Victory Brewing Company Taproom, and on our social media platforms: Instagram: @plantationfield Facebook: @BestEventEver
About Plantation Field
Plantation Field International Horse Trials is a unique destination for equestrian sport. Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania hunt and steeplechase country, our rolling hills contain a rich history of equestrian activity. Find out more at our website and get involved today with the Plantation Field International CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S held September 19-22, 2019. See our complete 2019 schedule here.
The horses in trainer Joe Davis’ barn at Horseshoe Indianapolis don’t just get standard hay in their nets each day. Throughout the afternoon, Davis or one of his employees opens the HayGain machine that sits at the end of his shed row and pulls out a warm, beautiful-smelling bale of freshly-steamed hay to fill their nets.
Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.
Last month, readers met VIP Volunteer Rebecca Proetto, who volunteered at the MARS Maryland 5 Star horse inspection. This month, the focus turns to husband and wife Ed and Leanne Barnett who introduced Proetto to the art of running an efficient horse inspection at Maryland. Ed and Leanne undertake a 12-hour drive from their home in Indiana to Maryland just to volunteer at the event.
The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Sara Kozumplik’s five-star partner As You Like It at the age of 34. The gelding died in his sleep at his retirement home at Kozumplik's parents' residence.