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In 2021, the inaugural Maryland 5 Star (CCI5*) at Fair Hill hit the ground running as Maryland’s newest star attraction.
Today, this prestigious event draws horse enthusiasts, fans and curious spectators by the thousands to cheer on the world’s “best of the best” equestrian eventing teams while basking in the fall beauty of Maryland’s storied horse country.
Supported by a host of dedicated sponsors led by MARS Equestrian as the title sponsor, Brown Advisory as the presenting sponsor and Cecil County as the host sponsor, the event has continued to grow by leaps and bounds.
Each year has seen an exciting lineup of fun-filled events, exclusive attractions and first-class amenities come aboard to create a five-star experience for visitors of all ages.
The fifth annual MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory will take place in Cecil County from Oct. 16-19.
“This is a milestone event,” said Jeff Newman, president and CEO of the Maryland 5 Star Event Committee. “And we couldn’t be more proud to welcome everyone to historic Fair Hill, Cecil County and the state of Maryland. We’ve added more attractions, enhanced others and made the whole experience even more fan-friendly. There’s something for everyone.”
So what exactly is a 5 Star event? In short, it is an equestrian triathlon best known globally as eventing. First used as a training regimen by French cavalry to prepare for battle, eventing has grown to become an international sport. Featuring elite equestrians and meticulously-trained mounts bred for grueling competition, it is considered the ultimate test of horse and rider.
The Maryland 5 Star is one of only two such events in the United States (the other is in Lexington, Ky.) and one of seven worldwide (two in England and one each in Germany, France and Australia).
The prestigious 5 Star competition is the pinnacle of the sport of eventing. It consists of three phases: Dressage (Thursday and Friday), Cross Country (Saturday) and Show Jumping (Sunday). It is also one of the few sports where men and women compete alongside one another as equals up through the Olympic level.
Maryland 5 Star competition director Joanie Morris echoed that sentiment and expects another world-class field to compete at Fair Hill for $300,000 in total prize money with a first prize of $100,000.
Morris noted that 5 Star competitors are the best of the best from their respective countries.
“This is not a competition that just anyone can sign up for,” Morris said. “Horse and rider teams have to reach the highest levels of experience and accomplishment to qualify as a 5 Star participant. It can take years.”
Morris is also looking for the past four Maryland 5 Star winners to compete including last year’s winner, Oliver Townend of Great Britain. Townend’s 2024 win was his ninth all-time victory in 5 Star competitions.
Morris also noted that the schedule includes four days of 3 Star (CCI3*-L) with prize money of $25,000 and two days of YEH (Young Event Horse) eventing competition.
“These are the Olympians and 5 Star competitors of the future,” Morris said.
New For 2025, “The Real Rider Cup”
This year a very special charity, show-jumping competition joins the MARS Maryland 5 Star lineup, “The Real Rider Cup.” Founded by Anita Motion in 2017, the event brings together equestrian organizations and individuals across industries that are dedicated to the well-being and aftercare of retired thoroughbreds.
“We are honored to host an event that is doing so much for the wellbeing of horses and the industry as a whole,” Newman said. “We are thrilled to add it to our list of activities.”
To date, The Real Rider Cup has raised more than $600,000 for thoroughbred aftercare. Look for this event on the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 18 following the Cross Country competition.
More To See And Do
When it’s time to take a break from the action, a long list of activities for all tastes, interests and ages await. Returning in 2025 are many of the fan favorite special events situated within easy access. Enjoy Pony Racing on Saturday produced by U.S. Pony, along with the palate-pleasing Beer, Wine and Spirits Showcase hosted by Cecil County’s own Elk River Brewing Company.
On Sunday, the Local Food Festival hosted by Horizon Farm Credit and supported by Cecil County agriculture will feature local vendors serving up local products from the finest Maryland farmers, growers and makers.
Take in live music and browse through a long line of exclusive shopping options like LeMieux and Dubarry of Ireland featuring everything from saddles to sportswear.
New this year is a 5K run and if you’re feeling lucky you can place a bet through the event’s partnership with Crab Sports.
Capping off the weekend is the always popular Maryland Corgi Cup presented by Major League Eventing. Cheer on the most lovable corgis as they “gallop” across the turf in an all-out race that’s become a signature 5 Star Sunday tradition.
Tickets Now On Sale
General admission tickets start as low as $18 and are free for kids 10 and under. A variety of options include reserved seats, hospitality packages at the Main Arena and an exclusive Saturday-only VIP hospitality experience at the Sawmill Waterfront Club presented by Quarry View Building Group located along the ropes at the Cross Country course.
Tailgating spaces for the Cross Country event on Saturday are also on sale now. Planning on staying overnight? Check out the nearby Great Wolf Lodge in Perryville, the official event hotel for 2025. For full ticket and hospitality offerings, visit maryland5star.us.
“This world-class event continues to grow with attendance up 11 percent year-over-year, a 30 percent increase in direct spending and 72 percent of ticket sales from out of state,” said Terry Hasseltine, who as president and chairman of the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland was instrumental in bringing this event to Maryland. “These are clear indicators of this event’s rising national and international appeal. The economic impact for the northeast region of Maryland is significant, and Fair Hill’s location plays a vital role in uplifting the broader mid-Atlantic economy.”
“Thanks to state and county government, the private sector and our dedicated volunteers this event gets better every year,” Hasseltine added. “It truly is the place to be in October and belongs on everyone’s bucket list.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Maryland 5 Star
Issue 294: August / September 2025
Originally published Aug. 13, 2025