Over the weekend I took my annual trip to the Fairhill International Event in Maryland. “Eventing” is the ultimate test of a horse and rider and has been referred to as the Triathlon of equestrian sport. Through tests in dressage, cross country, and show jumping the horse and rider work together to show that they can compete in the most demanding and highest levels of equestrian sports.

At Fairhill the highest level to watch is the CCI 3*. Horses and riders who do well in the 3* event may qualify to compete internationally or at the Olympics or World Championships. Pretty cool huh?

Well as much as I was excited to watch some of the top riders and horses in the world compete in the 3*, I was even more excited to see some of my old friends!

My very special friends from the World Famous Chincoteague Pony Drill Team were visiting from Chincoteague to perform with their special ponies!

Before I even made it out to watch the cross county course, I parked myself in the stands to cheer on my friends. Did you know that some the ponies are even descendants of Misty…and that pony second from the right…we’ll she’s my pal Blitz’s full sister, “Surf n’Turf”.

I had a blast watching their amazing choreographed drill.

Then it was time to head over to the Cross Country Jump Course where the 3* riders were competing. Can you believe that I’ve never actually watched a horse do Cross Country before? Usually when I visit the Fairhill event I go on the Stadium Jumping day, which means all the jumps that the horses go over are contained inside an arena.

Well on the Cross Country course the horses and riders race through miles of terrain over HUGE elaborate jumps like this one. Can you believe they jump stuff like this? Which by the way, this one was pretty tame compared to some of the other jumps.

As you can imagine the horses that compete in these events are in peak physical condition. I was in awe of their athletic ability.

I really enjoyed Cross Country Day and I loved being able to hike around the course watching my favorite riders race over jumps!

At the Fairhill Event there is lots to see and do (and shop for), including many food choices too….yum!

I actually drew quite a spectacle at the event with my fancy coats, and my warm snood (it was a pretty chilly day). Not only did many people stop to take my picture, but even these Alpacas couldn’t quite figure out why I had so many layers on.

Well if I had fur like them maybe I wouldn’t have to wear all these layers!

Before heading home I made sure to squeeze in as much fun as I could. I played in the straw…

…I rode a pony (sort of)…

…I rolled in the Fairhill grass (which by the way this Maryland grass isn’t much different from my Pennsylvania grass….just saying’)….

….and I even dug a hole (shhh! don’t tell anyone!).

And don’t worry, I made sure not to dig it right smack in the middle of the Cross Country Course. (I’m not that evil).

Until next year Fairhill!