WEST GROVE, PA–March 31, 2003—The Laurels at Landhope International Combined Driving Event, September 5-7, the site of international and national championships, is primed to be an even bigger and better celebration in 2003.

New this year is the addition of the Tail Blazer’s Fall Dog Agility Trials, a live Dixieland jazz concert by one of the area’s best known performers, The Barbone Street Jazz Band, and a greatly enhanced Trade Fair with vendors offering a wide variety of equine and equestrian motif art, antiques, jewelry and collectibles as well as farm and garden equipment, carriages and carriage appointments.

USA Equestrian has chosen The Laurels at Landhope as the site of the National Pony Championships for the fourth time and it is hosting its third North American Single Horse Challenge sponsored by Martin Auctioneer & Kuhnle Carriages. The Laurels at Landhope is a member event in the FEI North American Driving Challenge.

Everyone that has a dog can relate to the talent of well trained canine athletes executing a tricky and difficult course. Dog agility with its universal appeal is fast becoming a major spectator attraction. The Tail Blazers Fall Dog Agility Trials is one of only four sanctioned trials in the area. The Tail Blazers, recognized by the American Kennel Club is expected to draw a new audience to the event.

Now in its second year at its new venue at Landhope Farm in West Grove, The Laurels at Landhope has plans underway for improved spectator viewing that includes an enhanced Patron Tent site and amphitheater for general ticket holders overlooking the competition arenas. An ambitious landscaping plan is underway that includes shade trees and evergreen screening.

The Barbone Street Jazz Band is performing in concert on Sunday, September 7 at the event. The Dixieland jazz performance is to be broadcast live by Chester County Radio Station WCOJ.

All advanced pony drivers will participate in the Pony Team USA Competition. Teams consist of a single, a pair and a four-in-hand chosen by random draw with the best two scores in each phase to count. Awards are donated by Martin Auctioneer & Kuhnle Carriages. The popular Hunt’s Harness/Laurels at Landhope Team Challenge is limited to preliminary drivers that are formed in teams of three. A trophy and six ribbons are awarded to the best turnout on the marathon.

Once again, The Laurels at Landhope is proud to support community organizations dedicated to the preservation of open space and the protection of animals: The Brandywine Conservancy; The Cheshire Hunt Conservancy; The Large Animal Protection Society and the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center.

The Laurels at Landhope is conveniently located on Wood View Road in West Grove only one-mile from Rt. 1 and Rt. 41. Parking is $10 per car per day or $15 for three days. Admission is free.

For further information, please call Mrs. James F. O’Rourke, 610-486-6484 or visit www.laurelscde.org.

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