On July 8-10 something extraordinary is coming to Great Meadow. For the first time ever, the United States will host a leg of the FEI Nations Cup Eventing series, which will assemble the world’s top equestrian riders to compete at the Land Rover Great Meadow International.
But the significance of this event extends far greater than being the first-ever FEI Nations Cup Eventing competition on North American soil; it will also be the Olympic team’s final opportunity to practice before hitting the arena at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Bidding to have the FEI Nations Cup Eventing series come to Great Meadow was strategic. Equestrian sporting is not as revered in the U.S. as it is in Europe, and with the majority of the world’s best equestrian teams residing in Europe, it’s difficult for U.S. riders to compete against these high-caliber opponents, says Darrin Mollett, co-organizer of the Land Rover Great Meadow International.
The competition being stationed at Great Meadow will attract foreign riders and will give the U.S. team the geographical advantage to train in a team environment.
“Since all of these Nations Cups have been in Europe, it is tough for our team to constantly go over there,” says Shauna Alexander, marketing director of the Great Meadow Federation. “Now being able to have this kind of level of competition on our terms and our ground really gives our teams a chance to practice and be against these teams and learn.”
The event will provide a variety of ticket packages that fit every type of budget. But for spectators looking to experience this event without a ticket, Free on Friday allows guests to explore the new arena and watch the opening ceremonies. VIP Hospitality passes are also available, giving ticket-buyers the opportunity to meet the Olympic team while dining on options from local vendors like RSVP Catering and Devils Backbone Brewing Company.
Winning the bid to have the FEI Nations Cup Eventing at Great Meadow gives equestrian enthusiasts the opportunity to witness an exclusive event and the camaraderie between horse and rider as they maneuver through all stages, Mollett says.
