Amateur rider Frankie Thieriot Stutes from California topped the three star event at The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International in 2018. The FEI restructured the event classification system in January 2019, changing four stars to five and three stars to four, and changing CIC and CCI designations to CCI-S and CCI-L. Credit: Shannon Brinkman
One of the world’s most prestigious Three Day Events returns to the region October 17-20 as top riders prepare to compete for $50,000 in prize money at the Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International Three Day Event. The event hosts the US Equestrian CCI4*-L and CCI3*-L Fall Eventing Championships and the US Eventing Association Young Event Horse East Coast Championships presented by Dubarry.
Held at the beautiful and pastoral Fair Hill Natural Resources Area in Elkton, MD, FHI combines elite level equestrian competition with kids’ activities, including ponies to groom, a juggler and a fire truck; live music; dog activities including agility, frisbee competition, costume parade and Skydog disc and trick demonstrations; horseback archery and polo demonstrations; and a variety of drill team performances. A course walk led by upper level eventer Matt Brown allows spectators to experience the cross country fences up close and learn how the riders strategize their rides.
"We are excited to welcome back a world-class three-day event," said Trish Gilbert, President of Fair Hill International. "We invite everyone to enjoy the CCI3* and CCI4* horses, upcoming stars in the USEA Young Event Horse as well as all the special events that the Fair Hill International has to offer!"
Now in its 31st year, The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International draws top-level international stars and Olympic veterans and offers spectators a chance to enjoy a weekend of outstanding shopping and entertainment in a beautiful country setting. Spectators can experience the excitement of the competition, view numerous demonstrations, enjoy fantastic food, shopping in numerous country and equestrian vendor shops, children's activities and more.
In October 2020, the event will continue its rapid elevation in status as the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill (CCI5*) is to be held at the newly constructed Special Event Zone adjacent to the Fairgrounds. The prestigious CCI5* designation is the pinnacle of the sport of eventing and will be only the second such event in the U.S. and seventh worldwide with this elite classification.
Admission is free on Thursday, October 17, $10 on Friday, October 18, and $20 on Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20. Children under 12 are admitted free of charge, as are 4-H (with ID), Pony Club members (with pin), and military members and their dependents (with ID). Juniors (12-17) and Seniors 65 years and older pay just $5 per person on Friday and $15 per person Saturday and Sunday. General admission does not include admission to Sponsor tent or pre-reserved tailgating spots. For more information or to purchase tickets online visit fairhillinternational.org or phone (410) 398-2111.
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 3*-L and CCI 4*-L events are, essentially, two separate three-day eventing competitions. The CCI 4*-L riders jump slightly larger fences and have a more challenging dressage test. The CCI 3*-L event is designed to qualify horses and riders for 4* competitions. The CCI 4*-L event is one of only five four-star events in the USA. Horses and riders who do well in the 4* event may qualify to compete internationally or at the Olympics or World Championships.
The veterinary exam of the CCI horses, in which horses are cleared to compete, is held on Wednesday. Competition begins on Thursday with dressage for the USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships (four and five year olds) and some of the CCI competitors. Friday is the jumping phase for the Young Event horses, 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 3*-L horses run the course in the morning, while CCI 4*-L 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 rail, 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 4*-L. 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 4*-L. Derek di Grazia won the event in 1991 with Our Busby, and now earns his fame as one of only a handful of International level cross-country course designers residing in the United States. Derek designs Fair Hill International’s CCI 3*-L and CCI 4*-L cross country courses.
In 2013 FHI joined forces with title sponsor The Dutta Corporation, a leading international horse transportation company that has also been named the Official Shipper for the US Eventing Team. We appreciate their support and look forward to working with The Dutta Corp. as Fair Hill International looks to expand and evolve in the coming years.