United States Eventing Association

Plantation Field Celebrates Success of Third International CIC3* Horse Trials

UNIONVILLE, P.A.: Plantation Field International Horse Trials hosted its third International Horse Trials this past weekend, with spectators taking in the fierce competition, beautiful views and exciting activities.

“We were thrilled with the outpouring of community support and involvement in only our third year of holding this event.” said Denis Glaccum, Director of Plantation Field International Horse Trials. We are grateful to the Cheshire Land Preservation Fund for the use of newly acquired open land which allowed us to expand the layout of our venue. Even though we have had little rain, riders were happy with the footing, thanks in part to the use of the rubber/sand mixture at the base of fences and the machine aerated turf, which allowed for better galloping tracks.”

Jennie Brannigan, a top rider from California who now calls Chester County home, won the ultimate prize of the weekend with her mount Cambalda, owned by locals Nina and Tim Gardner. In addition to her first place win in the CIC***, Brannigan also finished second in both the Open Preliminary-A and Open Preliminary-B divisions and fourth in both in the CIC Two Star and Open Preliminary-A divisions as well.

With the WEG taking a few of eventing’s world class riders out of the competition, riders saw an opportunity to vie for money & prizes in each division. Lizzie Snow on Pop Star and Nina Ligon on Chai Thai won the CIC** and CIC* respectively, with winners of the national divisions as follows:

Kelly Sult on Hollywood - Advanced
Sally Cousins on Troy– Open Intermediate
Caitlin Silliman on Catch A Star – Junior Young Rider Open Prelim
William Ward on Foligno’s Legend – Open Prelim. Section A
Jane Jennings on Calvin - Open Prelim. Section B
Mardi Herman on Zoe VIII– Prelim. Rider
Complete Results

In addition, the event announced a new perpetual CIC* trophy, called “The Volunteer Trophy” and donated by Denis and Bambi Glaccum, in order to acknowledge the contribution of volunteers to the sport from all over the USA.

Held over three days in Unionville, Pennsylvania, the Plantation Field International Horse Trials are one of only a handful of prestigious three-day events in the region. More than 170 horse and rider pairs competed for than $10,000 in prize money. Though Plantation Field offers competition for riders of all levels, the most prestigious division is the CIC***, which is a qualifier for the United States Equestrian Federation’s year-end championships.

Plantation Field is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and sprawling courses. Contained within one vast field off Route 82, Plantation’s courses took several years to complete as organizers and developers strived to maintain and restore the property. Designed with conservation in mind, Plantation Field offers unobstructed vistas that incorporate natural elements found on the site.

In addition to world-class competition, the Plantation Field International Horse Trials also featured several events for spectators and families alike, including:

• Ring-side marquee for riders, owners and sponsors
• Parade of Mr. Stewarts Cheshire Foxhounds
• Celebrity bareback high jumping
• Shetland Pony Races
• Kids-on-foot Grand Prix jumping competition
• Expanded trade fair
• "Kids' Korner" with moon bounce, face painting and more

Proceeds from the event benefited The Barn at Spring Brook Farm and The Cheshire Land Preservation Fund, an open space organization.

For more information on Plantation Field International, please visit
www.plantationfieldhorsetrials.com.