10 Things We Love About Plantation Field Horse Trials

Willie McCarthy won the PRO Bareback Puissance last year with Ibella. Photo by Jenni Autry. Willie McCarthy won the PRO Bareback Puissance last year with Ibella. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s that time of the year, EN! The Best. Event. Ever. — AKA Plantation Field Horse Trials — kicks off today in Unionville, Pa., and it’s our favorite event of the entire year. Why, you ask? Here are 10 things we love about PF, and feel free to add on to the list in the comments below.

1. The competition: The divisions at Plantation Field are always packed with the best horses and riders on the East Coast, and this year doesn’t disappoint, with 290 total entries. More than 50 horses and riders will battle it out for top honors in the prestigious CIC3* division, which is part of the Adequan USEA Gold Cup/PRO Tour Series.

2. The view: Plantation Field continues to offer one of the best viewing experiences for cross country in the entire U.S. You can perch yourself on top of one of the many rolling hills and almost see the entire course while enjoying a fabulous tailgating experience to boot. If you smell a delicious aroma while watching the action on Sunday, it’s coming from Steve Berkowitz’s grill, where he flips his famous burgers during cross country.

3. The hospitality: Plantation Field is well known for treating riders and owners like kings and queens — and they treat us journalists really well, too! All CIC riders and owners eat and drink for free all weekend for every meal, as well as at the great parties each night — and we can vouch for the fact that the food is always delicious.

4. The course: Mike Etherington-Smith will bring his course design flair back to the U.S. for the first time in several years as the new CIC3* course designer. We’ve heard a variety of new fences have been added to the course, courtesy of Eric Bull and ETB Construction, and we can’t wait to get a look at the track.

5. The tailgate: None other than Carson Kressley will be judging the tailgate competition on Sunday, along with judges from local favorite watering hole The Whip Tavern. Carson is an equestrian and horse lover himself, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled on Sunday — you might spot a bonafide celebrity!

6. The bull: The Friday night BBQ, Beer and Bull Party continues to grow each year, with swarms of riders and spectators turning out to watch teams of eventers, jockeys and foxhunters tackle the mechanical bull. Nate Chambers will return once again this year to defend his title as master bull rider. How long will he stay on this year? You’ll have to turn up to find out!

7. The beverages: Considering organizer Katie Walker’s penchant for Corona, it’s no surprise the beer company is sponsoring the event, along with Victory Brewing Company, Waywood Beverage, Philadelphia Distilling and Duckhorn Vineyard. There will be no shortage of tasty beverages, and we hear the Corona beer girls will be giving out free samples.

8. The themes: The Downton Abbey theme proved to be a huge hit last year, and this year’s Dancing With the Stars theme is only going to up the ante. The Saturday night party will feature actual cast members from the show, as well as other professional dancers who will pair up with the riders for a dance off. Who wants to see Big Phil get his salsa on?

9. The puissance: Plantation Field pioneered the concept of a bareback puissance, and it’s since became the highlight of the final day of competition. The winner of the PRO Bareback Puissance takes home $1,000 in prize money courtesy of everyone’s favorite vet Dr. Kevin Keane and Sports Medicine Associates. Willie McCarthy cleared 6’1″ with Ibella to win last year.

10. The beneficiaries: Plantation Field Horse Trials has long given back to worthy causes in the community, and this year proceeds will benefit Work to Ride, which gives disadvantaged urban youth the opportunity to learn to ride and care for horses. The Chester County Food Bank, Barn at Spring Brook Farm and Cheshire Land Preservation will also benefit from proceeds.

Admission is free on Thursday and Friday, with general admission on Saturday and Sunday just $20 per carload, so pack your friends in and come on out to Plantation Field. I’ll be there with Chinch, and our own Maggie Deatrick is competing in the CIC2* with her OTTB super horse Divine Comedy, so please come say hi if you spot us. For more information and tickets, visit www.plantationfieldhorsetrials.com.

Plantation Field Horse Trials: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times]
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