Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure

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 FairhillĀ the highest level to watch isĀ 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!

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

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

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

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.

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

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.

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

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.

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

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!

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

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

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

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!

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

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

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

…I rode a pony (sort of)…

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

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

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

….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!Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

A Dog’s Day at the Devon Horse Show

As per my yearly tradition I always hit up the Devon Horse Show at least once while is running. Devon is one of the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed competitions in the United States today, and as a bonus it’s VERY dog friendly!

A Dog's Day at the Devon Horse Show // Ammo the Dachshund

So last week on Memorial Day I decided to take a trip to Devon, where the who’s who of dogs (and horses) always are!

A Dog's Day at the Devon Horse Show // Ammo the Dachshund

The shopping is always upscale and unique (if not always a little out of my budget), but as a dog it’s fun to actually take a tour around shops like Anthropologie!

A Dog's Day at the Devon Horse Show // Ammo the Dachshund

I even happened across this fine dining set just for dogs from the Furnished Paw. I’m pretty sure I’d have to own a tux to dine like this.

My Busy Memorial Day Weekend // Ammo the Dachshund

While the shopping left me wishing my income was a bit higher, what I really came for was to watch the horses! (dressed in my finest of course)

A Dog's Day at the Devon Horse Show // Ammo the Dachshund

A Dog's Day at the Devon Horse Show // Ammo the Dachshund

While there are lots of exciting events to watch at Devon (and things even non-horse lovers can appreciate), mom and I always get a kick out of watching the exhibitions. This year we made sure to attend so that we could watch the carriage racing and shetland pony races.

A Dog's Day at the Devon Horse Show // Ammo the Dachshund

So I staked out the best spot along the arena and watched these two exciting events.

The cart racing was fun to watch, and it left me dreaming of one day having a tiny pony just my size so I could ride around on a cart too! Wouldn’t that be fun!

The Shetland Pony Racing was my favorite though. And don’t worry, no kids were injured!

A Dog's Day at the Devon Horse Show // Ammo the Dachshund

It was a pretty hot day when I attended Devon, so between events I napped near the arena (and sipped on plenty of cool water).

My Busy Memorial Day Weekend // Ammo the Dachshund

A Dog's Day at the Devon Horse Show // Ammo the Dachshund

After we were done watching the races I strolled the grounds, where I met lots of other friendly dogs.

A Dog's Day at the Devon Horse Show // Ammo the Dachshund

I even checked out some of the (highly decorated) stables.

A Dog's Day at the Devon Horse Show // Ammo the Dachshund

And of course right before we headed home mom and I had to stop for a lemon stick. Because if you go to Devon, you have to have a lemon stick! (It’s a rule)Ammo the Dachshund