Canadian Rider Leads CCI*** Half-way Through Dressage
Fair Hill, MD—October 19, 2006—Suzy Pettman Elliott, a Canadian rider living in Yelm, WA, scored 55.7 in dressage to hold the lead after the first day of competition in the Fair Hill International CCI*** at the Fair Hill International Festival in the Country. The first 30 of 60 entries rode on Thursday with the balance set to compete on Friday.
Elliott, who has had her 14-year-old, Irish Thoroughbred gelding for six years, was happy with his dressage test. “He has such a big movement that it’s hard to keep him in balance,” she said. “Traditionally this has not been my luckiest event so I’m hoping that this might mean that this is my year!”
Elliott’s score gave her a slight lead over the 57.0 turned in by Loreen Kay of Upperville, VA on Russian. Two entries tied for third place with scores of 60.0 – Kristen Bond of Gladstone, NJ on Three Wishes II and Canadian Olympic veteran Stuart Young Black of Bluement, VA, who now rides for the US, on Fleeceworks Starlight.
The CCI***, which serves as the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) CCI*** Championship, continues with the balance of its dressage phase on Friday (starting at 9:00 am), followed by cross country on Saturday (starting at 12:00 noon) and the culminating show jumping phase on Sunday (scheduled for 1:00 pm). Among those scheduled to ride on Friday are Olympic Games medalists such as Phillip Dutton, Bruce Davidson, Sr., Karen O’Connor, and Darren Chiacchia.
In addition to the CCI eventing competition, the Fair Hill International also features Advanced and Intermediate Level Combined Driving competitions. Driving opens with its dressage phase on Friday (starting at 9:00 am), followed by the marathon on Saturday (starting at 8:00 am) and concluding with the cones phase on Sunday (scheduled for 9:00 am).
In addition to exciting equestrian competition, the Fair Hill International Festival in the Country features dog agility trials, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, classic cars, live music, entertaining exhibits and demonstrations, and more.
The Festival’s ever popular Dog Agility Trials features over 400 canine competitors. The Maryland Agricultural Showcase offers fun exhibits and hands-on activities to educate local youth about agriculture and careers in the agricultural industry. Talented puppeteer Jack Foreaker will delight visitors of all ages with his entertaining performances.
Local 4-H groups and their four-legged equine friends will perform a play that follows the evolution of the horse through history. The Delmarva Miniature Horse Club will be on hand to give carriage driving, jumping and in-hand demonstrations. Qualified U.S. Pony Club members, age 10-16, will compete in the exciting President’s Cup Invitational Games which feature challenging mounted relay races that are as much fun to watch as they are to ride in.
Rebecca Pitre/Whoa Buddy Productions is presenting “Let’s Take a Ride,” a fun, educational performance of bluegrass-inspired original songs for horse lovers of all ages. There are also sheep herding demonstrations with Stephen Paxton-Smith and his dog, who were this year’s Canadian Reserve Champions. Fair Hill visitors and their canines can even take part in the Paws for Life doggie competitions, costume contests and other events that are open to everyone!
The Festival’s Kids’ Corner offers fun and educational activities for the younger set, including arts and crafts, face painting, and pony rides. Classic cars are on hand 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.
The popular Country Shops boast a wide variety of shopping and dining opportunities, including vendors of tack, jewelry, artwork, pet needs, exceptional apparel and fine gifts for the approaching holiday seasons. It’s a great place to get a jump on holiday shopping!
The Festival of Art is open each day in the Fair Hill Club, which offers fine dining. Visitors seeking a more casual snack or meal will find pubs around the Festival grounds serving classic Maryland crab-cakes and other tasty treats.
The 2006 Fair Hill International Festival in the Country benefits Union Hospital of Cecil County 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 nearly 100 years.
For more information on this year’s Fair Hill, including results and ways to purchase tickets, please call (410) 398-2111 or visit www.fairhillinternational.com.
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