Construction Begins for Fair Hill’s Future, continued...


1989. Currently, the property is used for event- ing, combined driving, and endurance riding competitions as well as the annual Cecil County Fair and other local horse shows. Steeplechasing continues with multiple race meets each year. Te Maryland Department of Natural Re-


sources assumed responsibility for the opera- tions of the property in 2000.


The 5-Star Bid In March of 2016, Fair Hill International


president Trish Gilbert received a request from the U.S. Equestrian Federation for Fair Hill to bid on a new FEI-sanctioned four-star three-day event. Te location already had a proven track record of international cali- ber eventing at the three- and two-star levels. Tis October the Fair Hill International even serves as the three- and two-star national champion- ships for the US Eventing Association. When the bid- ding process began, a four- star was the highest level of competition in the world of international eventing,


and


the US only hosted one four- star, in Kentucky each April. During the initial stages of the bidding process, five loca- tions in the US were consid- ered: Fair Hill, Great Mead- ow (VA), Tryon Equestrian Center (NC), Morven Park (VA) and Ocala Jockey Club (FL). After site visits, the US Eventing Com- mittee narrowed the list down to Great Mead- ow and Fair Hill, with Fair Hill ultimately re- ceiving the four-star in July of 2017. However,


at the same time, the FEI was in the process of changing its star systems, so FHI shifted its plans to aim for a fall 2020 five-star event un- der the new star system, instead of aiming for a fall 2019 four-star event. Once the USEF & the FEI signed off on


the five-star at Fair Hill, work started in ear- nest on plans to build a five-star worthy facility, always keeping in mind what other uses these improvements would bring to the park.


Phase I Construction


Although the building process officially start- ed the moment FHI was awarded the five-star,


tion could start,” said FHI competition director Mary Coldren. Due to the various required aspects of a five-


star, such as access for camera crews, ability to handle large crowds, etc., the location for the new event is on the Saw Mill/Fairgrounds side of the Fair Hill property, instead of the current three-day location on the other side of Gal- laher Road. Tis is the section of the property where the FHI horse trials are held as well as the various race meets and county fair. Tis first part of the construction process is


One of the early renderings created by Populous during the five-star bid process that shows the long-term vision to turn Fair Hill into a top-notch equestrian venue suitable for the international levels.


most of those initial steps were tied up in blue- prints and permits. “Tis past year has been so much of the administrative red tape that had to be taken care of before any physical construc-


Manure Removal & Roll-Off Services


Selling Hay & Straw Round & Square Bales


mainly moving dirt. Gary Guigan, senior vice president of the Capital Project Development Group for the Maryland Sta- dium Authority said, “there is around 300,000 cubic yards of dirt that is being moved and graded as well as digging a large drainage pond for ir- rigation purposes.” Te goal is to have everything done with sod in place by early fall so that the new grass has a chance to really take root be- fore the winter. “Weather per- mitting, we should be done with everything by December 1 of this year,” he added. Phase I also includes the building of the five-star cross- country course and three com- petition arenas, which will be housed inside the new and improved turf track. Te turf track is being widened in plac- es and an irrigation system is


being installed RK&K Engineers created the design for this phase of the project and the chief contractor is continued...


• Series includes the 17 Maryland-based United States Eventing Association’s recognized horse trials and is open to anyone who is competing a Thoroughbred or Standardbred (not limited to Maryland residents)


The Maryland Thoroughbred/Standardbred Eventing Series


• Competitors must complete 3 of the 17 USEA recognized MD-based horse trials. • Complete more than 5 events, only best scores kept. • Cash and Sponsor Prizes for top 3 MDTSE horse/rider combinations will be presented in November.


MDTSE SERIES SPONSORS:


Maryland Horse Industry Board


July 5 - 7: The Maryland International and HT July 13 - 14: The Maryland Horse Trials II July 21: Full Moon Farm HT Aug. 4: Olney Farm HT Aug. 10 - 11: Fair Hill International HT Aug. 17 - 18: Waredaca Farm HT Sept. 7 - 8: Seneca Valley Pony Club HT Sept. 21 - 22: Marlborough HT Oct. 11 - 13: MDHT Classic BN3 Day & HT Oct. 16 - 20: Fair Hill International CCI-L 4*/3* Oct. 24 - 27: Waredaca Classic P, T, & N 3Day & HT Nov. 10: Full Moon Farm HT


Offering 10, 15 & 30 Yard Cans For Service Call


Cory • 301-300-8335 or Bruce • 301-370-7111 18 | THE EQUIERY | JULY 2019


mdtseventing@gmail.com • www.mdthoroughbred-standardbredeventing.com 800-244-9580 | www.equiery.com


922239-190719 922229-190719


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