It seems like just yesterday that a top-level international fall three-day event was added to the Fédération Equestre Internationale’s (FEI) North American schedule, but this month’s Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill will be the fourth edition. The 2024 Maryland 5 Star runs October 16-20 at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area Special Event Zone in Cecil County, Maryland.
It all began with the inaugural Maryland 5 Star Event in 2021 when local rider Boyd Martin piloted the Turner family’s 15-year-old Anglo-European mare On Cue to victory over 45 other entries. Martin, and his wife Silva and their family, live less than half an hour down the road from Fair Hill. The runner-up that year was Great Britain’s Oliver Townend riding Cooley Master Class. Tim Price of New Zealand took third on Xavier Faer. Jennie Brannigan from the USA riding Stella Artois placed fourth.Boyd Martin (USA) and On Cue, 2021 winners of the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography
The next year, 2022, 25 entries competed. This time it was New Zealand’s turn with Tim Price capturing the top prize aboard Jean-Louis Stauffer’s 10-year-old Selle Français gelding Coup De Coeur Dudevin. The USA’s Tamra Smith guided Danito to second, and Townend again made a good showing for third with As Is. Phillip Dutton (USA), whose farm is also near Fair Hill, grabbed the fourth spot with Z.Tim Price (NZL) and Coup De Coeur Dudevin, 2022 winners of the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill. Photo by Kim MacMillan/MacMillan Photography
Last year with 26 entries competing, Ireland’s Austin O’Connor and the 14-year-old British Sport Horse gelding Colorado Blue, owned by the rider and the Salty Syndicate, won their first 5*. British riders William Fox-Pitt on Grafennacht and Oliver Townend on Cooley Rosalent finished second and third, respectively. Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol HIM were the highest placed US competitors in fourth.
The Maryland at Fair Hill Event not only offers the headliner CCI5*-L division, but also a CCI3*-L, which also serves at the United States Equestrian Federation National CCI3*-L Championship. Additionally, there are two age divisions of the United States Eventing Association’s (USEA) Young Event Horse series offered (one for four-year-olds and one for five-year-olds); these will serve as the Dutta Corporation USEA’s 2024 YEH East Championships presented by Dubarry of Ireland.
Twenty-three competitors from five countries (Australia, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, and USA) are set to compete in the CCI5*-L division sponsored by the Brown Advisory. They will be vying for part of $325,000 in prize money ($100,000 to the winner) plus a plethora of trophies, ribbons and gifts. Among several trophies offered is one for the highest-placed Thoroughbred; this award is sponsored by The Retired Racehorse Project in their ongoing mission to promote careers in sport beyond racing for Thoroughbreds.
Among the 2024 Maryland at Fair Hill 5 Star competitors are two previous winners, Boyd Martin and On Cue, and current FEI World Rankings number-three rider Tim Price with his 2024 Paris Olympics mount Falco. Also entered is world ranked number-five rider Oliver Townend who will ride his 2021 Kentucky Three-Day CCI5* winner Ballaghmor Class in Maryland. Townend is a three-time Maryland 5* top-three finisher and four-time Kentucky 5* winner.
Martin, who is currently ranked sixth in the world, also brings his long-time partner Tsetserleg TSF for the 2024 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill. Together, the pair has competed in the 2020 (2021) Tokyo Olympic Games, won gold at the 2019 Pan American Games, and finished second in the 2019 Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*. Martin will also ride Commando 3, with whom he placed second in the 2024 Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI4*-S this spring.
American rider Tamra Smith and her 2023 Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5* winner Mai Baum are also contenders this year in Maryland. They were also members of the silver-medal winning U.S. squad at the 2022 FEI World Championships in Italy. The Maryland 5* is likely to be Mai Baum’s last run the 5* level, so Tamie is hoping for one more stellar performance from “Lexus.”
World number-eight rider from Great Britain, Harry Meade, is bringing two horses to Maryland, Away Cruising and Et Hop Du Matz. Meade comes into Maryland having placed third and fourth last month at the prestigious Burghley 5* in England.
Fellow Brit Bubby Upton will compete for the first time in the USA with Cola after the pair finished tenth at the 2024 Badminton Event in May. Upton is back in the saddle after a spinal injury suffered in 2023 and she hopes to make her first trip to North America a successful one.
Canadian Olympian and 2011 Pan American Games gold medal winner Jessica Phoenix is also set to compete in Maryland. She will ride the Thoroughbred gelding Wabbit, with whom she placed 20th in Maryland in 2022, and the colorful pinto Canadian-bred mare Fluorescent Adolescent who will be making her 5* debut.
Another rider local to the Fair Hill area who should have a huge cheering section is Buck Davidson, who brings his Kentucky Three-Day Event partner—the American-bred Thoroughbred Sorocaima—to Fair Hill. They finished sixth in the Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L this spring, so watch for them to be in the mix on the final day.
Though the 2024 Maryland 5 Star at Maryland field is small, it is packed with lots of talent even beyond the horse and rider duos mentioned above. Jennie Brannigan has finished very well in Maryland in the past and she and Twilightslastgleam finished 16th in Kentucky this spring. Joe Meyer (NZL) and Harbin and Emma Klugman (AUS) and Bronte Beach also finished 14th and 21st in the Kentucky 5* this spring, respectively. Great Britain’s David Doel has experience at the level too and brings Galileo Nieuwmoed to Maryland; this pair placed ninth at the Luhmühlen CCI5* this summer.
Tiana Coudray (from the USA, but now based in Great Britain) and Cancaras Girl had a great run at Badminton this spring too. Alexandra Knowles and Morswood, Lillian Heard Wood and LCC Barnaby, and Emily Hamel and Corvette, all have extensive five- star experience together as well. American Cosby Green is now based in England where she rides with New Zealand greats Tim and Jonelle Price; she and Highly Suspicious hope to do well in Maryland.
Another American rider based in Great Britain is Grace Taylor who brings her horse Game Changer for a shot at prize money in Maryland; they finished 18th in the 5* at Badminton this spring. Coming off a bronze-medal finish at the 2023 Pan American Games and fourth-place finishes this year at the American Eventing Championships (Advanced) and the Bromont Three-Day Event (CCI4*-S), Canadian Lindsay Traisnel and Bacyrouge are seeking a solid performance at Fair Hill this week in their first start at the 5* level.
Officials for the CCI5*-L are: Technical Delegate, Alec Lochore (GBR); Assistant TD, Ataide Pereira (BRA); Ground Jury members, President Christina Klingspor (SWE), Valerie Pride (USA), and Xavier Le Sauce (FRA); Show Jumping Judges Gay-Ellen Dennis (CAN) and the Ground Jury members; Cross-Country Course Designer Ian Stark (GBR) assisted by Pierre Le Goupil (FRA); FEI Chief Steward Nicola Salmon (GBR) assisted by Helen Bowler (GBR).
Fifty-five riders from five countries (Australia, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, USA) are entered in the CCI3*-L division. Total prize money offered in the CCI-3* is $25,000. There is also an award for the highest placed American Thoroughbred in the CCI3*-L sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue.
Officials for the CCI3*-L are: Technical Delegate Gary Parsonage (GBR); Ground Jury members, President Peter Gray (CAN), Richard Baldwin (GBR), Amanda Miller (USA); Show Jumping Judges Gay-Ellen Dennis (CAN) and the Ground Jury; Cross-Country Course Designer Ian Stark (GBR) assisted by Pierre Le Goupil (FRA); FEI Chief Steward Nicola Salmon (GBR) assisted by Helen Bowler (GBR).
The Dutta Corporation Young Event Horse competition has 30 entered in the 4-year-old division and 42 in the 5-year-old division. The YEH consists of conformation judging, a dressage test, and a round of jumping appropriate for the age group. The Young Event Horse judges will be: for the 5-year-olds, Sally Ike (USA) and Christian Schacht (GER), and for the 4-year-olds, Jeanne McDonald (USA), Marilyn Payne (USA), Anne Moss (USA), and Phyllis Dawson (USA).
Find a full set of entry lists for Maryland here.
Since 1989, the Fair Hill International not-for-profit group, run largely by volunteers, has hosted eventing and other equestrian activities such as the Elk Creek Carriage Driving Event and the Foxcatcher Endurance Ride at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. In 2021, the state of Maryland, under the title Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, partnered with Fair Hill to produce the new 5* Event. Fair Hill International continues to offer lower-level eventing, schooling and clinics throughout the year as well.
While the other North American 5*, the now 45-year-old Kentucky Three-Day Event held in late April each year, is certainly the elder statesman of top-level eventing on this continent, newcomer Maryland 5* brings its own unique flavor to the table. Instead of the bluegrass, bourbon, barbecue, and southern hospitality of Kentucky, the mid-Atlantic state of Maryland boasts the scenic Chesapeake Bay with stunning waterfront views and maritime history, plus fresh-caught seafood, crab cakes and Old Bay seasoning, among other delights.
Beyond that, the Fair Hill area of Maryland is just a stone’s throw from the Pennsylvania and Delaware state borders, giving it a regional feel rather than that of just one state. Amish country in Lancaster, Pa., and the history-filled cities of Philadelphia, Pa., and Baltimore, Md., are all within an hour’s drive, and the University of Delaware in Newark is only about 20 minutes from the event grounds. This all adds to the melting pot of this interesting part of the country. Just like in Kentucky, people who live and work in the tri-state area around Fair Hill have pride of place and are friendly and welcoming.
A host of fun activities and entertainment await attendees at the 2024 Maryland 5 Star. Dog owners can bring their pets into the Mars VIPet Experience chalet for some fun and goodies, then pamper themselves with samples of event sponsor Mars’ high-end Ethel M chocolates at a tent in the shopping area. On Saturday, the event hosts a Local Beer, Wine and Spirits Expo and on Sunday, the Cecil County Agriculture group presents a Fresh Food Fest. There will be live entertainment each day as well.
There is also a Kid’s Corner which offers crafts, games, and a chance to meet some horses in the Hall of Champions and have insect encounters at the Fair Hill Nature Center. Children and adults alike will enjoy watching the Maryland Corgi Cup dog races, the lead-line pony racing and the Shetland Pony racing. Appearances by eventer Elisa Wallace performing with her Mustangs and the Andrews Bridge Foxhounds are also on the agenda. A rescue dog parade and a polo demonstration round out the entertainment schedule. A wide variety of shopping and dining options are available on grounds at the 2024 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, too.The Maryland Corgi Cup held during the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is a highlight for attendees. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography
No ticket required for Wednesday.
CCI Competition First Horse Inspection presented by Dubarry of Ireland (Jog Strip) ◆ CCI3*, 1:00 p.m. EST ◆ CCI5*, 2:00 p.m. EST
Main Gate Open, 8:00 a.m. EST Thursday Tailgating Access, 9:00 a.m. EST
CCI Eventing Dressage (Main Arena) ◆ CCI3* Dressage Day #1, 9:00 a.m. EST ◆ CCI5* Dressage Day #1, 2:00 p.m. EST
The Dutta Corporation USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) East Coast Championships Presented by Dubarry of Ireland ◆ YEH 4- and 5-Year-Old Dressage (Arena C) & Conformation Judging (Jog Strips), 8:00 a.m. EST ◆ YEH 4-Year-Old Jumping Competition in YEH Jumping Area in Timber Field, 10:00 a.m. EST ◆ YEH 4-Year-Old Awards Ceremony in YEH Jumping Area in Timber Field (approximately 5:00 p.m. EST)
Thursday YEH Tailgating (Timber Field)
MARS VIPet Experience ◆ All day
Kids’ Corner (All day, infield behind South Chalet Shops) ◆ Milburn Orchard, barnyard games and straw maze ◆ Fair Hill Nature Center, crafts and real life bugs to meet ◆ Cecil County YMCA, stick horse and turkey crafts ◆ Fluffy Eventer
Music on the Main Stage (Between MARS VIPet & North Aintree Grandstand) ◆ Acts and times to be announced
Retail Shopping ◆ Shops open from 9:00 a.m. EST – Gates Close
Main Gates Open, 8:00 a.m. EST Friday Tailgating Access, 7:00 a.m. EST
CCI Competition (Main Arena) ◆ CCI3* Dressage Day #2, 9:00 a.m. EST ◆ CCI5* Dressage Day #2, 2:00 p.m. EST
The Dutta Corporation USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) East Coast Championships Presented by Dubarry of Ireland ◆ YEH 5-Year-Old Jumping in YEH Jumping Area in Timber Field, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST ◆ YEH 5-Year-Old Awards Ceremony in YEH Jumping Area in Timber Field (approximately 5:00 p.m. EST)
Friday YEH Tailgating (Timber Field)
Kids’ Corner (All day, infield behind South Chalet Shops) ◆ Hannimal Farm Petting Zoo ◆ Milburn Orchard, games and straw maze ◆ Fair Hill Nature Center, crafts and real life bugs to meet ◆ Cecil County YMCA, stick horse and turkey crafts ◆ Wolf Ear Decorating with Great Wolf Lodge ◆ Hall of Champions ◆ Fluffy Eventer
Elisa Wallace Mustang Demo (Main Arena during the lunch break)
Main Gates Open, 8:00 a.m. EST Tailgating Access, 7:00 a.m. EST
CCI Competition (Cross-Country Course) ◆ CCI3* Cross-Country, 9:00 a.m. EST ◆ CCI5* Cross-Country, 1:30 p.m. EST
Lead-Line Pony Racing & Shetland Pony Flat Racing Presented by Landhope Farms (Fair Hill Race Track along the rail in front of North Aintree Grandstand) ◆ Lead-Line Pony Racing, during Lunch Break between CCI3* & CCI5* Cross-Country ◆ Shetland Pony Racing, after CCI5* Cross-Country is complete (approximately 4:00 p.m. EST)
Cross Country Tailgating (Timber Field, Middle Hay Field, Sawmill Field)
Sawmill Waterfront Club, Presented by Quarry View Building Group (Upper Sawmill Field)
Sawmill Crab Shack, Hosted by The Wellwood (Upper Sawmill Field)
Local Beer, Wine & Spirits Expo, Hosted by Elk River Brewing Company (Between Mars VIPet & North Aintree Grandstand) ◆ 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm. EST)
Kids’ Corner (All day, infield behind South Chalet Shops) ◆ Hannimal Farm Petting Zoo ◆ Milburn Orchard, barnyard games and straw maze ◆ Fair Hill Nature Center, crafts and real life bugs to meet ◆ Cecil County YMCA, stick horse and turkey crafts ◆Wolf Ear Decorating with Great Wolf Lodge ◆ Fluffy Eventer
Work to Ride Polo Demo (Main Arena) ◆ During the Lunch Break between CCI3* and CCI5*, immediately following Lead-Line Pony Racing, approximately 20-minute demo
Main Gates Open, 7:30 a.m. EST
CCI Competition (Jog Strip & Main Arena)
Second Horse Inspection Presented by Dubarry of Ireland (Jog Strip) ◆ CCI3*, 8:00 AM EST ◆ CCI5*, Immediately Following CCI3*
Show Jumping (Main Arena) ◆ CCI3* Show Jumping, 10:30 a.m. EST ◆ CCI3* Awards Ceremony, immediately following completion of 3* Show Jumping ◆ CCI5* Show Jumping, 2:00 p.m. EST ◆ CCI5* Awards Ceremony, immediately following completion of 5* Show Jumping
Andrews Bridge Foxhound Parade (Main Arena) ◆ Immediately following the CCI3* Awards Ceremony
Maryland Corgi Cup Presented by Major League Eventing (Fair Hill Race Track along the rail in front of North Aintree Grandstand) ◆ Preliminary Heats start at 9:30 a.m. EST (Or immediately following CCI5* Horse Inspection) ◆ Final Rounds and Championship will be immediately following CCI3* awards (approximately 12:00 pm. EST)
Fresh Food Fest, Hosted by Cecil County Agriculture (Between the North Aintree Grandstand and MARS VIPet) ◆ 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST
Andrews Bridge Foxhound Parade (Main Arena) ◆ During Lunch Break
Rescue Dog Parade (Main Arena) ◆ Following the Andrews Bridge Foxhounds Parade
Kids’ Corner (All day, infield behind South Chalet Shops) ◆ Hannimal Farm Petting Zoo ◆ Milburn Orchard, barnyard games and straw maze ◆ Fair Hill Nature Center, crafts and real life bugs to meet ◆ Cecil County YMCA, stick horse and turkey crafts ◆ Wolf Ear Decorating with Great Wolf Lodge ◆ Hall of Champions ◆ Fluffy Eventer
Plant Sale (Next to the Ticket Box Office)
Conclusion of Competition
Fund Raiser Plant Sale (Next to Ticket Box Office) ◆ Mums, flowers, pumpkins and gourds used in course decoration ◆ 10:00 a.m. EST, until sold out
*All events and times are subject to change if necessary based on entry numbers at the sole discretion of the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland. **Competition entries are subject to change due to injury or other unforeseen circumstances. ***The majority of retail vendors and food concessionaires will not open until the start of competition each day.
Find the full 2024 Maryland 5* schedule here.
Want to take a peek at the track that horse and rider combinations will be tackling in the Maryland 5* this weekend? Cross-Country Course Designer Ian Stark, a three-time Olympic and World Championships medalist and winner of the 1999 Badminton 5*, and legendary U.S. eventer and Olympic and World Championships gold medalist, Bruce Davidson, Sr. walk and discuss the new course on Instagram. Take a look here.
Tickets are still available through the event website for advanced sales at special pricing through October 16. Then, tickets will be sold at the box office beginning on Thursday, October 17 at 9:00 a.m. ET. Single-day or multi-day packages available the event. Children under 10 are admitted free and active and retired military personnel receive a discount. At press time, a limited number of VIP hospitality and exclusive club packages were also available. Find ticket information here.
If you cannot get there in person to witness all of the sports action and fun activities, Maryland Public Television will be broadcasting the event for people in the local viewing area. Global viewing of the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is possible via ClipMyHorseTV which offers livestream and on-demand replay options (a subscription is required). Find more information here.
Visit HorseIllustrated.com for a wrap-up of the action from the 2024 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill after the close of the event.
◆ Maryland 5 Star Main Website ◆ United States Eventing Association Maryland 5 Star Omnibus Listing
Kim MacMillan graduated from Purdue University where she majored in agriculture communications and animal science. She has been reporting on equestrian sports, agriculture, science, travel and history for over 35 years. She and her husband Allen, who is a professional photographer, have covered several World Equestrian, Olympic and Pan American Games. The MacMillans share their Northeastern Indiana farm with several much-loved horses, dogs and cats.
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