Date Set for Great Meadow’s Inaugural CIC3* Next Year

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter at the WEG Prep Trials at Great Meadow. Photo by Jenni Autry. Marilyn Little and RF Demeter at the WEG Prep Trials at Great Meadow. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Great Meadow announced this morning that the U.S. Eventing Technical Committee has approved June 19-21, 2015, as the date for its inaugural CIC3* next year in The Plains, Va., with Mike Etherington-Smith on board as the new course designer.

The site of the World Equestrian Games prep trials for the U.S. and Canadian teams, the venue will now host Great Meadow International on the same weekend as Surefire Horse Trials in nearby Purcellville, setting the scene for a great weekend of eventing in Northern Virginia.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for Northern Virginia to have an international level event of this stature,” David O’Connor said in a statement. “Great Meadow is by far one of the most spectator friendly sites in the country; everyone can see so much from any vantage point feeling like they are a part of the action. The sport of eventing is thrilled to have such a wonderful site to prepare our best athletes to represent the U.S. in international championships.”

With the WEG prep trials largely hailed a success — attracting 900 dressage spectators, 5,000 show jumping spectators and 3,000 cross-country spectators — Great Meadow International will follow the same format, with show jumping held under the lights in conjunction with a bareback puissance. No word yet on whether clothing will be optional at next year’s puissance.

In addition to the new cross-country course designed by Mike Etherington-Smith, a new all-weather stadium style arena is also under construction. An expanded vendor village will be set up on Festival Hill, with a cocktail reception on Friday and a dinner on Saturday. Tailgating spots will be available for cross-country day on Sunday.

Who’s excited about a new CIC3* in Virginia? Check out Great Meadows’ website for more information.

[Great Meadow Gears Up to Host CIC3* Next Year]

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