More than 1,000 Spectators Enjoy Weekend of Competition and Entertainment

"We were thrilled with the outpouring of community support and involvement," said Denis Glaccum, co-director of Plantation Field International Horse Trials. "In only our second year of international competition, we've seen a significant increase in attendance as more of our friends and neighbors turn out."

Held over three days in Unionville, Pennsylvania, the Plantation Field International Horse Trials are one of only a handful of prestigious three-day events in the region. More than 240 horse and rider pairs competed for more than $15,000 in prize money.

Though Plantation Field offers competition for riders of all levels, the most prestigious division is the CIC***, which is a qualifier for the United States Equestrian Federation's year-end championships.

Phillip Dutton, an Olympian who calls Chester County home, won the ultimate prize of the weekend with his mount, Inmidair. In addition to his first place win in the CIC***, Dutton also finished third and sixth in the same division.

"Phillip is an eventing legend, so we knew to anticipate great sport from him this weekend," Glaccum continued. "We're also proud to have a local Olympian as our big winner."

In addition to several Olympians in competition this weekend, Plantation Field also honored seven Olympians who call Unionville home. In recognition of their contribution to the sport and Chester County's rich Olympic legacy, they were presented with a permanent plaque in a ceremony before the CIC show jumping phase on Sunday.

Plantation Field is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and sprawling courses. Contained within one vast field off Route 82, Plantation's courses took several years to complete as organizers and developers strived to maintain and restore the property. Designed with conservation in mind, Plantation Field offers unobstructed vistas that incorporate natural elements found on the site.

In addition to world-class competition, the Plantation Field International Horse Trials also featured several events for spectators and families alike, including: ring-side marquee for riders, owners and sponsors, parade of hounds, celebrity bareback jumping, kids-on-foot jumping competition, expanded trade fair, and a "kids' corner" with moon bounce, face painting and more.

Proceeds from the event benefited The Barn at Spring Brook Farm, a local Chester County nonprofit which connects farm animals with special needs children.

New technology could reduce number, severity of horse and rider falls.

Unionville, Pa. - July 2, 2009 - At the recent Horse Trials held at Plantation Field on June 6-7, organizer Denis Glaccum debuted a collapsible cross-country jump designed by competitor Doug Payne and built by Eric Bull. The prototype, a training-level table, is designed to collapse to half its height upon being struck forcefully by a horse.

In the last two years, a rash of fatal and near-fatal falls has sparked a serious discussion about the future of the sport within the eventing community. Payne specifically designed the fence to address rotational falls, the most deadly type of fall.

To read the complete press release, please click here.

photo courtesy of Amy Dragoo

 In an effort to promote the development of basic cross-country horsemanship skills, Plantation Field has created a new “Optimum Time” division for each level. This division will judge each rider on their ability to get closest to the optimum time without the aide of a stopwatch. Penalty points will be given for being either faster or slower than the optimum time by more than five seconds. Take this opportunity to test your skills in a schooling environment.