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Chester County Press

Plantation Field offers a weekend of equestrian events

09/04/2013 02:09PM ● By Acl

The three-day Plantation Field International Horse Trials and Country Fair will offer something new for spectators and participants this year.

The three days of eventing competition, known as the triathlon of the horse world, takes place Sept. 20 to 22 at Plantation Field, just outside of Unionville.

For spectators, an added attraction this year is a wine bistro (featuring Galer Estate Wines) and a beer garden (with Victory Brewing Company beers). The beer garden will be set up as an English pub, The Grantham Arms, circa 1920s.

“Our theme of the weekend, the TV drama 'Downton Abbey,' is widely popular, and fans love the period costumes and traditions depicted on the show. This is a perfect theme for our event,” said Katie Walker of Plantation Field’s executive committee.

Children's activities on Saturday and Sunday include a moon bounce, mechanical bull, face painting, petting zoo, crafts and games. The activities are free with gate admission. There will be plenty of food choices at the food court, and more than 45 shops.

On Sept. 20, the dressage phase will be held, with free admission. The parking fee for the Sept. 21 show jumping day and Sept. 22 cross-country day will be $20. The fee includes admission to the grounds for everyone in the car, and a program.

Sunday offers cross-country jumping, tailgating, the bareback high jump contest, antique carriage parade and a parade of Mr. Stewart’s Foxhounds.

Plantation Field is at 387 Green Valley Rd., Unionville. Competition each day will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with main events beginning late morning each day. The shops and country fair open  at 9 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Cheshire Land Preservation Fund, The Barn at Spring Brook Farm, and the Chester County Food Bank.

“This is a family-friendly event,” Walker said. “There will be activities for children, food and shops with equestrian themes. A parade of hounds will take place on Sunday, and on the same day, we’ll have an antique car display and an antique carriage parade. Plantation Field is the perfect venue to spend time with the family.”

For tickets, tailgating passes, VIP tickets and information, visit www.plantationfieldHT.com.