Photo by Ed Felker.
The MARS Great Meadow International has has joined forces with PEDIGREE Foundation and the Middleburg Humane Foundation ahead of their four-day festival event, which will be held August 22-25, 2019 event in The Plains, Virginia.
PEDIGREE Foundation is an organization dedicated to helping animal shelters find loving homes for dogs, and the Middleburg Humane Foundation is a local organization that provides a haven for abused and neglected animals of all sizes.
Now on a later summer date, MarsGMI has announced a number of upgrades for the spectator-friendly competition, and this latest one is for all the #DogsofEN out there. Outside the headline CCI4*-S and CCI3*-S classes, our four legged friends will take center stage. Leashed dogs are welcome all weekend, and can visit the “MARS EQUESTRIAN VIP” area for all the Very Important Pets that comes complete with a cooling tent, treat samples and much more.
“Offering a space dedicated solely to the well being of our canine companions is part of our purpose to create a better world for horses, pets, and the people who love them,” said Dr. Bridgett McIntosh, Director of Mars Equestrian.
Of course the list of doggone good amenities continues with canine demonstrations, dog-friendly programming and educational events for the whole family.
Will Coleman and Off The Record, winners of the 2018 Brook Ledge Great Meadow International CICO3*. Photo by Jenni Autry.
“Committed to helping animal shelters and rescue organizations find loving homes for dogs in need, PEDIGREE Foundation is a perfect non-profit partner for the revamped Mars Great Meadow International. Now that MarsGMI is dog-friendly, we want to support this fantastic organization that does so much for homeless dogs and the shelters who take them in,” said event organizer Darrin Mollett.
“Middleburg Humane is a fixture in our community and has worked tirelessly to support dogs, cats, equine, and livestock. Thanks to generous donors, MHF has opened an expanded shelter on 23-acres on the western end of the Town of Marshall.”
A portion of MarsGMI proceeds with benefit both organizations. Spectators who bring donations, such as pet food and other needed shelter supplies, will receive free admission to the competition.
“PEDIGREE Foundation is honored to partner with Mars Great Meadow International and Middleburg Humane Foundation on this event,” said Deb Fair, Executive Director of PEDIGREE Foundation. “This opportunity allows us to gather the community in a fun and pet-friendly way and, together, highlight the millions of dogs in search of loving homes.”
“With a 50-mile geographic service area, we now have the accommodations to continue to meet the needs or our existing clients, while expanding our programming to serve others,” said Melanie Burch, Director of Development for The Middleburg Humane Foundation. “Partnering with MarsGMI will bring awareness to our mission, and, hopefully, bring us over the finish line with additional donations and contributions to our new shelter.”
Tickets to MarsGMI are available here. All general admission tickets to MarsGMI include general parking and admission to the venue and Meadow Market vendor village, featuring live entertainment, a beer garden, tasty offerings from top local food trucks and family friendly games.
Reserved ringside boxes, tailgates and tables in the VIP tent are also available.
Visit Great Meadow’s Website for more information.
[Enhanced Spectator and K9 Experience at GMI 2019]
