October 21, 2006

Mara Dean Takes the Lead in Eventing Following the Conclusion of Dressage at Fair Hill International

Fair Hill, MD—October 20, 2006—Atlanta Olympic Games veteran Mara Dean of Round Hill, VA, took over the lead following the second 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 competing on Friday.

“There were some good dressage tests, with a lot of consistent scoring,” said Dean, who had a score of 48.9 riding Nicki Henley, a 10-year-old, Irish Thoroughbred gelding. “We can’t afford to make any mistakes now. I have a lot of work to do,” she said.

Dean’s score puts her in the lead over Jonathan Holling of Ocala, FL, who had 50.9 penalties aboard Lion King II. Behind Holling was Jan Byyny of Purcellville, VA, who turned in a score of 52.4 on Waterfront. Byyny was a member of the U.S.’s Gold Medal team at the 1993 Pan American Eventing Championship, which was held at Fair Hill.

The CCI***, which serves as the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) CCI*** Championship, continues with the cross-country phase on Saturday (starting at 12:30 pm) and the culminating show jumping phase on Sunday (scheduled for 1:00 pm).

In addition to the CCI eventing competition, Friday’s equestrian action at the Fair Hill International also featured Advanced and Intermediate Level Combined Driving competitions. Suzy Stafford took the early lead in the Advanced Single Pony division with a score of 51.00 penalties in the driving dressage phase. In the Advanced Pair Pony and Advanced Pony Four-in-Hand, Tracey Morgan and Allison Stroud led with scores of 43.47 and 55.20, respectively.

Kirsten Brunner led the Advanced Single Horse division with a score of 45.00, and Larry Poulin led the Advanced Pair Horse division with 36.69 penalties. Driving competition continues on Saturday with the marathon (starting at 8:00 am) and concludes 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.