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Thirty-eight horses came forward to Show Jump beginning at 1:30 PM over Sally Lord's testing course.

Of these Samantha Taylor (CAN), the first to jump, was standing at the bottom of the order in 38th place; yet she and Livewire jumped a double clear.

It was not until thirty horses later when Kristen Bond and Fleeceworks Blackout, standing in the eight position, jumped the second double clear. Their final score was 64.8, good for eighth place.

Immediately, Kristin Bachman and Gryffindor jumped a double clear for 62.0 and sixth place. Sadly Kristin suffered from the low Dressage scoring on Thursday and easily could have been five or six points higher.

Two more double clears were laid down by Bruce Davidson, Sr., and Jam for 60.4 and fourth place; and Jan Byyny and Waterfront for 56.4 and second place. (Jan and Waterfront are pictured at the right.)

Meanwhile Darren Chiacchia and Better I Do It had one rail down for four faults, a score of 60.6, and fifth place; and Phillip Dutton had three time faults riding Tru Luck, who dropped t0 third on 58.2.

Gina Miles, from far away California, jumped a double clear with the popular chestnut gelding McKinlaigh for 56.4 throwing down the challenge to the overnight leader Jonathan Holling and Lion King II, who had a fence in hand.

Jon and "Simba" did have a fence in hand ; but, they did not have three fences in hand and, sadly for them, that is what they needed. Their twelve faults dropped them to seventh place and gave the victory to McKinlaigh. (Gina and McKinlaigh are pictured at the left below as well as at the bottom of all three articles.)

The Prix Veterinaire went to Jane Sleeper and UN, which is interesting in view of the fact that Jane also prepared her own New Moon, who fell from exhaustion at the second to last fence on Cross Country, when ridden by Buck Davidson.

Julia Steinberg won the prize for the highest placed adult amateur for the second year in a row with Mr. Big, as well as the prize for the "Best Dressed" in the veterinary examinations.

The Groom's prize went to Sharon White's groom.

Bruce Davidson and Jam won the prize for the highest placed mare for the second year in a row. Bruce is a previous winner at Fair Hill International. (Bruce and Jam are pictured at the left below during their Victory Gallop.)

Loreen Kay, with Russian (in 14th place), won the prize for the highest placed first timer at Fair Hill and Emilee Libby (in 12th place) won the prize for the highest placed Young Rider.

To no one's surprise, Phillip Dutton (AUS) won the prize for the highest placed Foreign Rider for an uncountable number of times - probably even Phillip does not know how often he has won that accolade. (Phillip and Tru Luck are pictured at the right.)

Gina Miles spoke about McKinlaigh, "I did nothing with him in 2005. I broke my leg on another horse and then had a baby." Mckinley started roaring and had tie back surgery right after Kentucky. "The horses flew here last Wednesday, so they had been here a week (at the start of the event). I am excited to have him back on form after issues with his bleeding at Kentucky (and The Fork)." Gina said that her husband was at Fair Hill with her, "Morgan runs around and fills the water buckets and puts the studs in." She continued regarding riding at Fair Hill, "I was here the first time in 2001. I was awe struck! - being in the warm up with Phillip (Dutton) and Bruce (Davidson) and David (O'Connor).

Regarding Jonathan Hollings melt down in the Show Jumping, Gina said, "I wish all the best for him. Jon's a wonderful rider and is working on a *** big win."

Jan Byyny said of Waterfront, "He's been two two three stars (Jersey Fresh, in the spring and Fair Hill) and he's been second twice, so that is nice."

Phillip commented on the Sally Ike's Show Jumping course, "It was built big and the time was tight. I tried to keep him (Tru Luck) in a relaxed canter and do tight turns." regarding his riding fewer horses, Phillip continued, "The sport's at the stage where it is hard to do really well when you are rushed - I mean at home when you try to prepare.It takes a little bit more time to do a better job. (Tru Luck will probably) ". . . have another year at this level. It might be fun to take him overseas; but, I am not the one who writes the check for that."

Final Results of the Fair Hill International CCI***:

1. Gina Miles, McKinlaigh - 55.6 (DCSJ)
2. Jan Byyny, Waterfront - 56.4 (DCSJ)
3. Phillip Dutton (AUS), Tru Luck - 58.2 (3 time faults SJ)
4. Bruce Davidson, Sr., Jam - 60.4 (FODS)
5. Darren Chiacchia, Better I Do It - 60.6 (4 faults SJ)
6. Kristin Bachman, Gryffindor - 62.0 (FODS)
7. Jonathan Holling, Lion King II - 62.9 (12 faults SJ)
8. Kristen Bond, Fleeceworks Blackout - 64.8 (FODS)
9. Jane Sleeper, UN - 72.7 (4 faults SJ)
10. Julia Steinberg, Mr. Big - 74.2 (4 faults SJ)

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The Final Veterinary Examination - 11 O'Clock AM

The Final Veterinarian Examination was actually held at about 11:15 AM, after the Driving Cones Phase, in the main Arena. Those of you who were here expecting to see it at 7:30 AM have eventingetc's deepest sympathy. It is inexcusable that the time should not have been changed on the Fair Hill International's web site. (The overnight leaders Jonathan Holling and Lion King II, who were accepted are pictured at the right below.)

Six of the thirty-nine horses presented (one horse which did finish the Cross Country was not presented - Elisa Wallace's Jackson) were sent to the Holding Area. They were Kyle Carter's (CAN) Madison Park; Tiana Coudray's King Street; Debbie Adams' Kheops Du Quesnay; Hawley Bennett's (CAN) Livingstone; Molly Bull's Kiltartan; and Missy Ransehousen's Critical Decision. Of these all were passed upon re-inspection except Hawley Bennett's (CAN) Livingstone.

On a brighter note, today, October 22nd, was both Loreen Kay's and Waylon Robert's (CAN) birthdays.

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Gina Miles Wins CCI*** Championship at 2006 Fair Hill International

Stafford and Stover Among Driving Winners

Fair Hill, MD—October 22, 2006—Gina Miles, of Creston, CA, turned in a clean show jumping round to win the Fair Hill International CCI*** and the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) CCI*** Championship at the Fair Hill International Festival in the Country.

Miles, who missed most of the 2005 season because of a broken leg and taking time off to have a baby, entered the day in third place with a score of 55.6 penalties. She held her position when she rode her 12-year-old Irish gelding McKinlaigh to a fault-free ride. She moved up one position when two-time Olympic team Gold Medalist Phillip Dutton, of Australia, who resides in West Grove, PA, received three time penalties to fall behind her with a three-phase score of 58.2 on his nine-year-old, Thoroughbred gelding, Tru Luck.

Miles then claimed the win when Jonathan Holling, of Ocala, FL, who had been the overnight leader with a score of 50.9 on Lion King II, had three rails down for 12 penalties and a final score of 62.9 on his 12-year-old, English Thoroughbred gelding. Holling’s score placed him seventh.

“This is only my second time competing at Fair Hill and I was much more prepared than my first time in 2001,” Miles said. “My first time here I was just so awestruck to be riding in the same event as people like Phillip Dutton and Bruce Davidson. I really wasn’t ready but this time I was.”

Finishing second was Jan Byyny, of Purcellville, VA, who had a clean show jumping round and finished with a score of 56.4 on Waterfront. Byyny was a member of the U.S.’s Gold Medal team at the 1993 Pan American Eventing Championships held at the Fair Hill International. (Jan and Waterfront are pictured at the left during their Victory Gallop.)

Dutton and Tru Luck finished third, followed by five-time Olympian and two-time World Champion Bruce Davidson, of Unionville, PA, who was clean in show jumping to finish on his dressage score of 60.4 on Jam.

In driving, World Champion Suzy Stafford, of Bear, DE, won the Advanced Single Pony division with a three-phase score of 150.25. Stafford, who won individual Gold at the 2005 World Pony Driving Championships, drove Believe It Or Not, a 10-year-old, bay, Morgan gelding.

Other winners in Advanced Driving competition were Robin Groves, of Brownsville, VT, and six-time USEF National Pairs Driving Champion Larry Poulin, of Petersham, MA, in the Single Horse and Pair Horse divisions, respectively; and Allison Stroud, of West Grove, PA ,and Tracey Morgan,of Beallsville, MD, in the Pony Multiples and Pair Pony divisions respectively.

In the Intermediate Driving Divisions, Kim Stover, of Smyrna, DE, won the Single Horse Division with a score of 110.21 penalties driving Tony, a 6-year-old, bay, Hackney Standardbred, gelding. Other winners were Peter Von Halen in the Pair Horse Division; Vivian Creigh in the Single Pony and Joy Sweetland in the Pair Pony Divisions.

Highlighting the weekend’s schedule was Saturday’s eventing cross country and the driving marathon phases. It proved to be one of the great days in Fair Hill’s 18-year history. “The weather was perfect and we had huge crowds,” said Fair Hill International Executive Director Charlie Colgan. “Seeing smiles on thousands of faces made me extremely proud to be the Executive Director of the Fair Hill International!”

In addition to exciting equestrian competition, the 2006 Fair Hill International Festival in the Country featured dog agility trials, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, classic cars, live music, entertaining exhibits and demonstrations, and other fun activities.

The Festival’s ever popular Dog Agility Trials featured over 400 canine competitors. The Maryland Agricultural Showcase presented fun exhibits and hands-on activities to educate local youth about agriculture and careers in the agricultural industry. Talented puppeteer Jack Foreaker delighted visitors of all ages with his entertaining performances.

Local 4-H groups and their four-legged equine friends performed a play following the evolution of the horse. The Delmarva Miniature Horse Club gave carriage driving, jumping and in-hand demonstrations. U.S. Pony Club members, age 10-16, competed in the President’s Cup Invitational Games.

Rebecca Pitre/Whoa Buddy Productions performed bluegrass-inspired original songs for horse lovers of all ages. There was also sheep herding demonstrations with Stephen Paxton-Smith and his dog, as well as the Paws for Life doggie competitions, costume contests and other events that were open to everyone!

The Festival’s Kids’ Corner offered fun and educational activities for the younger set, including arts and crafts, face painting, and pony rides, and there was a Classic car exhibit.

The popular Country Shops boasted 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.

The Festival of Art was open each day in the Fair Hill Club, which offered fine dining. Visitors seeking a more casual snack or meal found pubs around the Festival grounds serving classic Maryland crab-cakes and other tasty treats.

The 2006 Fair Hill International Festival in the Country benefited 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.

Full results and further information on this year’s Fair Hill International is available on line at www.fairhillinternational.com or by calling (410) 398-2111.

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Canadians Compete at Fair Hill International CCI *** Three Day Event

Ottawa, Ontario--- Canadian Eventing riders recently headed to Fair Hill, USA to contest the Fair Hill International CCI *** Three Day Event Fall Championship, held October 19 – 22.

Mike Winter, a Canadian Olympian currently residing in Newnan, Georgia, rode Kingpin, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding he co-owns with The Kingpin Syndicate, to a 16th place finish.

“I had a rough spring with Kingpin, so I came into this event with the attitude of using it as a springboard for next season,” said Winter, who suffered a broken collarbone at an event (Jersey Fresh) earlier in the season. “I have always like Fair Hill. It’s a great venue and the course rewards good, forward riding. It’s not an easy course, but it helps me to ride well.”(Mike and Kingpin are pictured at the right jumping The Foundation Drop.)

After a dressage score of 60.6 put them in 20th place, the duo moved on to Derek DiGrazia’s technical cross-country course where they received no jumping, and just 18.4 time faults, moving them up to 17th place. A good effort in the show jumping phase saw just 2 rails come down, for eight faults. An additional three time faults brought their overall score to 90.0, and sealed their final placing of 16th.

“I accomplished what I set out to do, which was to look at the big picture, and gain Kingpin’s confidence,” commented Winter. “I have a really great support system in Kingpin’s owners, coach David O’Connor and my family. I can’t say thank you enough.”

Coming in just behind Winter was the up and coming Young Rider Waylon Roberts, of Port Perry, ON, who celebrated his 18th birthday on the final day of the competition. Riding the 11-year-old Canadian Thoroughbred gelding Paleface, owned by his mother Kelly Plitz, Roberts also celebrated a 17th place finish in his very first CCI*** competition, riding against the field of 60 horse/rider combinations. (Waylon and Paleface are pictured at the left below jumping the Ogtter after the second water.)

A dressage score of 67.8 put Roberts in 39th place after dressage, but he jumped to 19th after a cross country ride with no jumping faults, and just 13.2 time faults. Roberts finished with a final score of 93.0 after accumulating 12 jumping, but no time faults in show jumping.

Canadian veteran Penny Rowland, of Orangeville, ON, came in 21st place aboard Don Good’s 11-year-old Connemara/Thoroughbred gelding Windswept. The pair got off to a strong start, holding seventh place after a score of 55.4 in dressage. After adding 28 time faults cross-country, the pair moved to 20th place. In show jumping, 12 jumping and one time fault brought their final score to 96.4. (Penny and Windswept are pictured at the right below.)

Sandra Donnelly, of Calgary, AB, placed 27th with Buenos Aires, her nine-year-old Canadian Warmblood gelding who was competing in his first CCI*** international event. A dressage score of 68.3 put them in 41st place, but they moved up to 31st after cross-country. No time, but four jumping faults made 112.7 their final score. Fellow Calgary native Kyle Carter, who currently resides in Sparr, Florida finished 30th with Madison Park, the eight-year-old Thoroughbred gelding he co-owns with Nicole Shinton. After tying for 32nd place after dressage, they went on to cross-country, where they dropped one place to 33rd. Eight jumping and four time faults in show jumping made their final score 123.2.

Waylon’s father Ian Roberts, a Canadian Olympian who represented Canada at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, finished 33rd with Napalm, an Irish Sport Horse gelding he co-owns with his wife Kelli Plitz and Tracey Newman. Samantha Taylor, of Richmond, BC, placed 38th riding her eight-year-old Thoroughbred Livewire.

Also competing at the Fair Hill International was Suzy Pettman-Elliott with her Irish Thoroughbred Sambucca; Hawley Bennett with her Olympic partner, Gerry Bennett’s Canadian Thoroughbred Livingstone; and Samantha Taylor with a second mount, Lucinda II, owned by Laura Gatewood. Competing for the first time in the CCI*** division was Pascale Tremblay Wagner with her seven-year-old Paradoxe de l’Eclypse, Wendy Southam with her own Ruba Z and Jessica Phoenix riding her nine-year-old Thoroughbred, Exploring.

“It was very encouraging to see so many new faces and horses competing at the Fair Hill CCI***,” commented Canadian Eventing High Performance Chair Grit High. “There were a lot of ‘first-timers’, all with their eye on qualifying for the 2007 Pan American Games. It is reassuring to see the quality of the Canadian horses coming up; they are young and talented with a definite future ahead of them.”

American rider Gina Miles was the winner, finishing with a final score of 55.6 aboard McKinlaigh.

The CCI*** Fair Hill International Three Day Event was a qualification trial for the Pan American Games, to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in July 2007.

For full results visit www.fairhillinternational.com.

About Canadian Eventing:
Canadian Eventing is a committee of Equine Canada responsible for the sport of Eventing in Canada from the grassroots to the international level. The Canadian Eventing Committee is comprised of 12 members, including two rider representatives elected by the Elite Riders Association. Directed by the Strategic Plan for Eventing, all Eventing activities are administered by this committee via six sub-committees with the support of an Eventing Manager based at the Equine Canada office in Ottawa. For more information about Canadian Eventing, visit www.equinecanada.com. –Sport - Eventing