Spotlight: Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill

Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer

The inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill (Elkton, Md.) is in the books as a great success, with plans for even more coming at the next event, which will be held from Oct. 13 to 16.

The highest level of competition in the equestrian sport of eventing is the fi ve-star level. There are just seven fi ve-star events in the world, and only two in the United States. A three-phased event combining dressage, cross country, and stadium jumping disciplines, the sport tests horses and their riders in precision, speed, and endurance as no other riding sport does.

The Fair Hill Special Event Zone was created at The Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Elkton. In addition to a new cross-country course, state-of-the-art dressage and show jumping arenas were constructed to host this elite competition and others.

“We learned a great deal from the inaugural event and the areas that can be improved to enhance both the competitor and spectator experience in 2022, and we’re also going to look to see if there are other special events we can add. We want the event to be a well-rounded family event,” Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill President and CEO Jeff Newman said.

The fi rst-year attendance of over 21,000 exceeded expectations in spite of pandemic limitations. Eventing fans were joined by many fi rst-time spectators.

“It was really good to see that we introduced new people to the sport. They understand it’s a multi-day international competition now and not a race,” Newman said. “We hope we’ve created an awareness of both the event and Fair Hill and build on that momentum moving forward.” Winning in 2021 was local eventer and American Olympic Team member Boyd Martin riding On Cue, followed by Britain’s Oliver Townend (World #1) on Cooley Master Class in second place and New Zealander Tim Price (World #2) on Xavier Faer in third. This was the fi rst American victory at a 5-Star level event in 13 years. “From a results standpoint, it couldn’t have gone any better, having Boyd win and then of course, having the world number one and the world number two following Boyd on the podium,” Newman said.

For those who did not get a chance to experience the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, viewing opportunities are still available on the website at Maryland5Star.us. The website along with facebook, twitter and Instagram are also the best places to fi nd out more about the 2022 event as it approaches.

“Hopefully, people will realize that the sport of eventing and the level of competition that we’re bringing is something really special and unique to see, and that this could be a great event for Maryland for years to come,” Newman said.