Lexington Ky. – US Equestrian has announced that the Maryland International CCI3*-S will serve as the final preparation event for the Lima 2019 Pan American Games U.S. Eventing Team, in accordance with the U.S. Eventing Team selection procedures. The competition is part of the Maryland International + Horse Trials taking place July 5-7 at The Highlands at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Md. 

Running Friday, July 5, and Saturday, July 6, the Maryland International CCI3*-S is an opportunity for the selected athlete-and-horse team combinations to demonstrate their continued preparation, soundness, and ability heading into the Pan American Games. US Equestrian and the event organizer Carolyn Mackintosh have been working closely on an optimal set-up for the horses headed to Lima, including the preparation of dependable cross-country footing. 

“This is the final preparation [event], not a final selection trial. We believe that the horses will be in [good form] before they get here, so this is about getting another run under their belts. It also has a value of revealing what needs more attention in the final weeks before the Pan Ams. It is a little bit of testing and checking how they are functioning in all three phases,” said Erik Duvander, U.S. Eventing Performance Director. “It’s also about the venue. We are looking forward to [competing there]. The cross-country course is likely twisty, possibly like the Pan Ams course. It’s going to be challenging, but positive, giving the horses confidence jumping big enough [fences] as preparation.” 

View the Maryland International + Horse Trials schedule, including a complete list of competing divisions here. The Lima 2019 Pan American Games U.S. Eventing Team is anticipated to be announced in late June. Duvander will serve as chef d’equipe for the team with competition running August 1-4.

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The USEF International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and USEF sponsors and members.