Fair Hill, Maryland-October 21, 2006-Jonathan Holling of Ocala, FL, rode Lion King II to one of only seven fault-free rides over the cross-country course to move into the lead in the eventing CCI*** at the 18th annual Fair Hill International Festival in the Country.
Holling, who has a two-phase score of 50.9 penalties on his 12-year-old, English Thoroughbred gelding, leads two-time Olympic team Gold Medalist Phillip Dutton of Australia entering Sunday’s concluding show jumping phase. Dutton, who resides in West Grove, PA, has a score of 55.2 penalties after also riding a clean cross-country ride on his nine-year-old, Thoroughbred gelding, Tru Luck.
Less than one point behind Dutton is Gina Miles of Creston, CA. Miles had no jumping but .8 time penalties on McKinlaigh, a 12-year-old Irish gelding, for a two-day score of 55.6.
“I was surprised by how quickly the cross-country course went,” said 29-year-old Holling. “Fair Hill’s terrain was deceptively difficult, but the footing was good. The course really tested accuracy and boldness.”
The Fair Hill CCI*** culminates in the third and final phase-show jumping-on Sunday, October 22. Competition is set to begin at 1:00 pm.
In driving, World Champion Suzy Stafford of Bear, DE, scored 88.30 penalties in the marathon to lead the Advanced Single Pony division with a two-phase score of 139.30. Stafford was the individual Gold Medalist at the 2005 World Pony Driving Championships.
Other driving leaders entering Sunday’s concluding cones phase are Robin Groves of Brownsville, VT, and Larry Poulin of Petersham, MA, in the Advanced Single Horse and Advanced Pair Horse divisions, respectively. Tracey Morgan of Beallsville, MD, and Allison Stroud of West Grove, PA, lead the Advanced Pair Pony and Advanced Four-in-Hand Pony divisions, respectively.
Driving competition concludes on Sunday with the cones phase, set to get underway at 9:00 am.
Both the cross-country and marathon courses were improved at this year’s Fair Hill International. The biggest change in the courses included the addition of a cross-country obstacle and a driving hazard in the William duPont, Jr. Main Arena. Equestrians and spectators alike were thrilled with the new change, which brought the action to within just a few feet from the crowd.
Complementing the first-rate equestrian competition, Fair Hill’s increasingly popular Dog Agility Trials have returned with over 400 canine competitors. Plus, many additional exciting activities are on the schedule, including kids’ activities, arts and crafts, classic cars, live music, entertaining exhibits and demonstrations, and more.
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 delights visitors of all ages with his entertaining performances.
Local 4-H groups and their four-legged equine friends perform a play that follows the evolution of the horse through history. The Delmarva Miniature Horse Club gives carriage driving, jumping and in-hand demonstrations. Qualified U.S. Pony Club members, age 10-16, 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 presents “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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