The action is revving up at Great Meadow, home of the Virginia Gold Cup and Twilight Polo, Great Meadow Polo School, Scottish Games and much more.

"We're passionate about bringing you the best in equestrian sporting events," said Rob Banner, President of the Great Meadow Foundation. "We're very excited about Land Rover Great Meadow International's new entry on the international three-day eventing calendar."

Mark the dates: June 19 to 21. That's when the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team will compete in the final prep event, like a full-fledged dress rehearsal, for the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada in July. Added to the excitement is the debut of the $30,000 Land Rover Great Meadow International CIC3*, presented by Adequan.

Without getting too technical, Concours International Combiné (CIC) means slightly fewer obstacles and shorter distances for the cross-country and show jumping courses. Three-star (3*) denotes Advanced level, which often serves as a stepping-stone for horses moving up to the four-star (4*) level known as Concours Complet International (CCI), such as our Kentucky Rolex and England's Badminton and Burghley. Great Meadow International plans to accept a limited number of entries, based on the U.S. Eventing Association's rankings, for the inaugural CIC3*, which pretty much guarantees outstanding competition.

Last summer, world-class eventing returned to Great Meadow when the USA's best event riders and horses contested the "equestrian triathlon" of dressage, cross-country and show jumping in preparation for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. The WEG Prep Event proved very popular with total attendance of about 12,000. This year, the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team is gearing up for the Pan Am Games where victory will qualify our team to go to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"We don't have an entry total yet for the CIC3*, but we figure more than last year — enough of the very best horse-and-rider combinations so that it's entertaining, but also our intention is to preserve the wonderful footing of this hallowed turf," said Rob Banner, President of the Great Meadow Foundation. "We're very excited to announce that Land Rover Great Meadow International put in a bid to host an eventing Nations Cup in 2016. We have met all the criteria and we're hoping to be selected for the site."

David O'Connor, Olympic individual gold medalist and the U.S. Eventing Team coach, is also chair of Land Rover Great Meadow International. "Three years ago, the Fédération Equestre International (FEI) started the Nations Cup series," he said. "We don't have a Nations Cup leg for eventing in the U.S. The application has gone in front of the U.S. Equestrian Federation and, if they approve, it will go to the FEI, which has the final say.

For spectators, the Pan Am Prep Trials and CIC3* will provide plenty of entertainment and excitement. However, if you happen to be into horsepower that requires tires and steering wheel, Land Rover Great Meadow International has something special for you during the three-day weekend. Land Rover, the title sponsor, will host a specially designed off-road test drive course. Guests will be able to experience the latest Land Rover and Range Rover models, including the 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport, a versatile premium compact SUV with a 9-speed automatic transmission, seating for seven passengers and a smaller footprint than this muscle-mobile suggests.

The Pan Am Prep Trial and CIC3* follow a slightly different schedule than last year's WEG Prep Event. "We wanted to spotlight dressage at a time when more people can come," said Banner. "We were surprised to have nearly 1,000 people at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning last year. We think that moving the dressage to Friday evening will encourage more people to attend."

The competition kicks off with the Dressage tests taking place in the main arena from 4 to 8 pm on Friday, June 19. For shopaholics, expect a more robust trade show this time around with 40 to 50 brands promoting everything for a sporting lifestyle with lots of apparel, tack, jewelry, nutraceuticals, and equipment. On Friday, Vendor Village will feature a Sip 'n' Shop, featuring local vineyards, from 5 – 9 p.m. VIP Hospitality is available for Friday and Saturday evenings.

On Saturday, June 20, the action begins at 5 p.m. and features the show jumping phases for the CIC3* and Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team's Pan Am Prep. VIP guests will enjoy another fabulous dinner reception in the tent overlooking the arena. Following the conclusion of show jumping, all guests are invited to party with live entertainment, dancing, and a cash bar in the Polo Pavilion.

Sunday, June 21, is Cross Country with tailgating on Members Hill and Fleming Hill. Gates open at 8 a.m. The opening of the inaugural cross-country course is at 9 a.m., followed by the Cross Country test at 9:30 a.m. The Awards Ceremony takes place at 11:30, followed by a groundbreaking ceremony to launch the construction of the new world-class, all-weather arena with a unique water complex.

If you're a true-blue eventing enthusiast, keep in mind that June 20 & 21 are the dates of the 12th annual Surefire Horse Trials (Beginner Novice to Intermediate), hosted by four-star rider-trainer, Jan Byyny, at her Surefire Farm, just north of Middleburg. Great Meadow International has been careful to manage its schedule in order to eliminate conflicts with Surefire. If you're hooked on eventing, you can enjoy plenty of exciting action between Surefire and Great Meadow. For information about Surefire's horse trials: www.surefireeventing.com or visit Surefire Horse Trials on Facebook.

Tickets to Land Rover Great Meadow International are available now, online. General Admission options include: One Day Car Pass for $40 and Three Day Car Pass for $100, both passes allow a maximum 6 occupants. VIP Hospitality, which offers several options, and Cross Country Tailgating are explained in detail on the website. Last year, the VIP tables were snapped up very quickly, so get a jumpstart and make plans with family, friends and business associates to attend Land Rover Great Meadow International, June 19-21.

For more information about Land Rover Great Meadow International and to purchase tickets: www.greatmeadowinternational.com