Norwood, North Carolina, April 6, 2025 - Pan American individual Gold Medalist and U.S. Olympic Team Bronze Medalist Darren Chiacchia held the lead after day one in the CICW*** FEI World Cup Qualifier at the Fork Farm Horse Trials, being held as part of BB&T Outdoor Heritage Days Presented by Southeastern Materials, Inc. at The Fork Farm in Norwood, North Carolina. Chiacchia led with a score of 33.8 penalty points following the first day of Dressage.
Chiacchia and Windfall II, his Olympic mount, were the last to go in the Qualifier and took the lead away from Kim Severson, his 2004 Athens Olympic teammate, who held the top spot for most of the day with a score of 40.0 penalties riding Royal Venture.
“I am very pleased with the score,” said Chiacchia. “The good news is that we received a 33.8 and I know he can still do so much better.”
The list of competitors at The Fork Farm reads like a who’s who in eventing with several Olympians taking part in preparation for the upcoming Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI****, which takes place April 27 – 30.
“This weekend is huge because it is the last chance for most of these horses to compete before Rolex,” said Chiacchia. “I am thrilled to be here. Jim Cogdell has pulled out all the stops and put together a tremendous event. His commitment to the sport is phenomenal.”
Competition in the FEI World Cup Qualifier continues with the second day of dressage on Friday. On Saturday the exciting Cross Country phase is scheduled and the event culminates with Show Jumping on Sunday.
The BB&T Outdoor Heritage Days Presented by Southeastern Materials, Inc. features a weekend of family attractions, including equestrian competitions, outdoor sporting demonstrations with retriever demos, falconry, archery, vintage guns, and educational displays, as well as vendors, concessions, and children’s entertainment. Outdoor Heritage Days highlights the increasing popularity of equestrian sport in North Carolina and the trend in many states toward multi-purpose outdoor destinations that draw recreational enthusiasts and serve as a powerful engine for local economic development.
Details on attractions and directions can be found at www.theforkfarm.com.
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