MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory
Cross country controller education with Richard Connelly on Sunday, October 19
Comment
Event Info
USEA Event ID: 18867
Event Date: Oct 15 - 19, 2025
Open Date: Sep 2 | Close Date: Sep 30
Location: Elkton, 4600 Telegraph Rd, MD 21921 (AREA 2)
Directions
Address: 4600 Telegraph Rd, Elkton, MD 21921.
From North: I-95 S. or NJ Turnpike S. over Delaware Memorial Bridge, take exit 109A (Rt. 279 Elkton) to Rt. 213, right on 213 N. to right on Rt. 273 E (Telegraph Rd), show grounds entrance on your right
From South: I-95 to Exit 100. Left off ramp on Rt. 272 N, 5 mi. to right on Rt. 273 E (Telegraph Rd), travel approx. 6 mi., show grounds will be on right immediately beyond Rt 213
Divisions
USEF/USEA Recognized: CCI5-L,CCI3-L
USEA Recognized Tests: YEH-4-CH,YEH-5-CH
Tentative Schedule
Horses may arrive Monday,October 13th from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 pm and Tuesday, October 14th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Arrivals outside of the designated times need approval from the Vet Delegate (or their designee) please contact the stable manager directly. Those arriving outside of the designated hours without prior approval may be sent to isolation stabling.
Please Note: CCI horses stabled in fenced enclosure with 24-hour security. All CCI horses must be examined BEFORE ENTERING CCI stables. (Examination upon arrival-FEI Rules). Arrival Exams will take place in the veterinary compound at stabling on Monday and Tuesday as listed above. Arrivals on Monday after 6:00 pm or Tuesday after 5:00 pm, or any horses without proper papers will be held in holding stalls, provided by management until examined & approved.
FEI rules allow only the following persons connected with horse access to CCI stables: the Rider, one (1) Groom/horse, one (1) partner, two (2) Owners as listed on the FEI Passport by October 1, 2025.In the case of multiple owners, the athlete must designate which owners are to receive accreditation. An additional owner accreditation per horse is available for $300 per accreditation. This allows access to stabling, warm up arenas, vet box and the Taylor Harris Insurance Services Owner/Competitor Chalet.
One additional support staff per athlete will be allocated on request at no charge. This allows access to stabling, warm up arenas, vet box and the competitor lounge. Additional support staff passes are available at $200 per accreditation. This allows access to stabling, warm up arenas, vet box and the competitor lounge. All accreditation will be processed through Hippobase.
One Chef d’Equipe and Veterinarian per NF will be accredited with full access to the stables. Only official Event Farrier allowed in CCI stables. Personalized credentials employed for ID access to CCI stables at all times.
Wednesday:
FEI Competitor Briefing - 10:00 am
First Horse Inspection - CCI3*-L: 1:00 pm; CCI5*-L: 2:00 pm
Cross Country Course Open after Briefing
YEH Rider Meeting - tentatively 6:00pm
Thursday:
CCI3*-L Dressage - 9:00 am
CCI5*-L Dressage - 1:00 pm
YEH 4-year-olds - All Phases (Dressage, Conformation, Jumping & Galloping) - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
YEH 5-year-olds - Dressage & Conformation - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday:
CCI3*-L Dressage - 9:00 am
CCI5*-L Dressage - 1:00 pm
YEH 5-year-olds - Jumping & Galloping Phase- 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Riders Meeting (3* and 5* Athletes) – 30 minutes after the completion of 5*-L Dressage
Saturday:
CCI3*-L Cross Country - 9:00 am
CCI5*-L Cross Country - 1:00 pm
Sunday:
CCI3*-L Second Horse Inspection - 8:00 am
CCI5*-L Second Horse Inspection - 8:45 am
CCI3*-L Show Jumping - 10:30 am
CCI5*-L Show Jumping - 2:00 pm
Cross country controller education with Richard Connelly on Sunday, October 19 approximately 10am - 2pm
All times are TENTATIVE and subject to change.
Event Officials
TD: Gary Parsonage (GBR);Asst TD:Tim Murray (USA), Martyn Johnson (GBR), Andrew Temkin (USA).
Judges: CCI5*-L Pres:Sandy Phillips (GBR);Members: Robert Stevenson (USA),Beatrice di Grazia (USA).
CCI3*-L Pres:Helen Christie (NZL;Member:Sarah Miller Leary (USA).
SJ Judge: Charlotte Skinner-Robson (USA) and GJ.
YEH Judges: 5-Year-Olds: Debbie Adams (USA), Christel Carlson (USA), Derek di Grazia (USA); 4-Year-Olds: Jeanne McDonald (USA), Cathy Tucker Slaterbeck (USA), Helen Brettel (USA), Phyllis Dawson (USA)
CD: X-C:Pierre Le Goupil (FRA);SJ: Michel Vaillancourt (CAN)
FEI Steward:Chief Steward: Nicola Salmon (GBR), Asst Chief:Helen Bowler (GBR); Assts: Marjorie Molloy (USA), Beth Davidson (USA), Jeff Legg (USA), Dana Diemer (USA), Pascal Livet (SUI).Stabling Manager: Rachael Livermore (USA)
FEI Vet Delegate:Dr. Duncan Peters (USA); Add'l:Dr. Karen Reynolds (USA)
Veterinary Services Manager: Dr. Charles Arensberg (USA)
Chief Medical Officer: Rusty Lowe (USA); Medical Services Manager: Tom Coulter(USA)
Farrier: Benjamin Groves (USA)
Starting Times
CCI times available Wednesday, October 15, after first horse inspection on event website (www.maryland5star.us).
YEH times availablenoon Tuesday, October 14, on event website (www.maryland5star.us).
Entry Information
IMPORTANT– All entries will be processed electronically. FEI entries must use the FEI Entry System (https://entry.fei.org), as well as the event's Event Entries (https://evententries.com/#Welcome)listing.
Preferred method is payment via Credit Card online using entry system on Evententries.com.
Athletes have the option to wire transfer their entry fee by closing date of entries as well. For more information, please inquire within to Marissa Melzer at [email protected]
All transfers have to be made in US DOLLARS.
Event Secretary: Rick Dunkerton, c/o AMS, PO Box 1647, Laurel, MS 39441-1647. Phone 601-498-3330. Fax 601-426-9984. Email [email protected]
Organizer
Org:Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland,351 W. Camden St, Suite 202, Baltimore, MD 21201,410-MD5-STAR (410-635-7827).
Show Secretary: Mary Coldren
President of the Event: Jeff Newman
Competition Director: Joanie Morris
Press Officer: Marty Bauman
Fees
Attention US riders: Entries for ALL FEI competitions MUST be submitted through the FEI Entry System (https://entry.fei.org) or they will not be considered complete. There is no fee to submit an entry through this system. Athletes MUST also enter the events (and pay the entry fees) through the normal entry process on the event's Event Entries (https://evententries.com/#Welcome) listing. Please also pay close attention to the closing date in the FEI Definite Schedule. Foreign riders need to contact their National Federation.
Electronic payment is preferred. Contact Secretary for additional payment method options.
Event Fees Directory: see individual section for details.
Entry: Per entry (U.S. dollars only):
CCI:5*: $1100; 3*: $1050.00. Includes stabling (one stall per horse), and some breakfast and lunchin competitor lounge.
YEH: Entry$450 includes some breakfast and lunch in competitor lounge.
Stabling $300.
Tack Stall: $300.00
Camping: $50.00 per night with electric hook-up and access to water tank refill.
Late Fee:Entries received after closing may be accepted if space permits but will be subject to a$100 late fee.
Refunds:On or before Closing Date – full refund all levels.After closing, ONLY If there is a waitlist and your spot is filled upon cancellation, you will receive a refund less a $50 processing fee. If not accepted or withdrawn from the waitlist – full refund.
The USEA Starter and D&M fees are not subject to office fees and shall be returned within 30 days of the competition to any rider who does not present at the first horse inspection.
Entries
Refunds:On or before Closing Date – full refund all levels.
After closing, ONLY If there is a waitlist and your spot is filled upon cancellation, you will receive a refund less a $50 processing fee. If not accepted or withdrawn from the waitlist – full refund.
The USEA Starter and D&M fees are not subject to office fees, and shall be returned within 30 days of the competition to any rider who does not present at the first horse inspection.
Neg. Coggins required within 12 months for all horses. (Copy must accompany entry & horse). CCI horses must be accompanied by a valid Passport.
Maximum Number of Horses per Athlete: Only paid entries will be accepted.CCI: 5 total;Riders may be limited to 2 horses per level if event is oversubscribed. Otherwise, limited to 3 per level up to 5 total, as schedule permits.Riders must submit entry with payment as well as enter via the FEI Entry system for FEI entries. YEH: Riders may be limited to 4 horses depending on total number of entries and scheduling.
Wait List Policy: Entries will be accepted based on the date that the electronic payment ismade or postmark of mailed payment. Electronic payment is preferred. Additionally, the entry must have been done throughthe FEI system (if applicable). Entries will be accepted from the wait list by division as space allows.
Young Event Horse East Coast ChampionshipsEntry Process:
Provided they are complete, event management will accept entries for the USEA YEH East Championships in the order in which they are received, including a qualifying score, by no later than the closing date. 30 horses will be accepted in the 4-year-old division; 50 horses will be accepted in the 5-year-old division. For each age group, the remaining entries that have been accepted will be placed on a wait list and pulled off the wait list in order of highest qualifying scores. Entries must be fully complete in order to be accepted, with a qualifying score at time of entering/acceptance (per USEA YEH rules).
Age Verification Requirements for YEH Championships:
Age verification must be submitted with entries. The following are suitable forms of age verification that must be received: Registration Papers, (or) Certificate of Pedigree, (or) passport issued by a breed or sport horse registry approved by the Federation, (or) horse identification documents issued by a breed or sport registry, approved by the Federation that states the registered name of the horse, the registry number of the horse and age. There will be no exceptions.
Reminder: All USEF Life and Senior Active members, as well as participants who have regular contact with minor athletes, are required to comply with the U.S. Center for SafeSport training requirement, to be eligible to participate in the competition. All participants must adhere to the U.S. Center for SafeSport Code, USEF Safe Sport Policy, and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies. More information about these can be found at www.usef.org.
Provided they are complete, event management will accept entries for the USEA YEH East Championships in the order in which they are received, including a qualifying score, by no later than the closing date. 30 horses will be accepted in the 4-year-old division; 50 horses will be accepted in the 5-year-old division. For each age group, the remaining entries that have been accepted will be placed on a wait list and pulled off the wait list in order of highest qualifying scores. Entries must be fully complete in order to be accepted, with a qualifying score at time of entering/acceptance (per USEA YEH rules).
Age Verification Requirements for YEH Championships:
Age verification must be submitted with entries. The following are suitable forms of age verification that must be received: Registration Papers, (or) Certificate of Pedigree, (or) passport issued by a breed or sport horse registry approved by the Federation, (or) horse identification documents issued by a breed or sport registry, approved by the Federation that states the registered name of the horse, the registry number of the horse and age. There will be no exceptions.
Reminder: All USEF Life and Senior Active members, as well as participants who have regular contact with minor athletes, are required to comply with the U.S. Center for SafeSport training requirement, to be eligible to participate in the competition. All participants must adhere to the U.S. Center for SafeSport Code, USEF Safe Sport Policy, and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies. More information about these can be found at www.usef.org.
Awards
$325,000 TOTAL PRIZE MONEY!CCI5*-L - $300,000; Trophy, ribbons and prize money awarded through 10th place. CCI3*-L - $25,000; Trophy, ribbons and prize money awarded through 10th place. US Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 to be filled out before Prize Money is distributed. All prize monies are awarded to the Owners, or lessees of Horses, or Athletes if designated by Owner.
Trophies:
CCI5*-L:"The Trish Gilbert Bronze"- Winning Athlete and Horse in CCI5*-L; "The Beale Wright Morris Trophy"- Owner of Winning Horse in CCI5*-L; "The Amanda Pirie Warrington Trophy"- Highest Placed Rider in their First CCI5*-L; "The Retired Racehorse Project Trophy"- Highest Placed American Thoroughbred in the CCI5*-L; Best Presentation Award
CCI3*-L: The "Heartwood FarmTrophy"- Winning Athlete and Horse in CCI3*-L; The "Seahorse Farm Trophy"- Owner of the Winning Horse in CCI3*-L; The "Combined Training Trophy"- Highest Placed US Rider (18 & over). The "Jonathan R. Burton Trophy"- US Young Horse (6 & 7 yo) Championship;The "John H Fritz Trophy"- Highest Placed Competitor in the Young Rider Championship; The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill Highest Placed Rider in their First CCI3*-L; The "Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue Trophy"- Highest Placed American Thoroughbred in CCI3*-L;Best Presentation Award.
Prize-Giving Ceremony:Ten (10) athletes will be invited for the prize giving ceremony for the CCI5*-L division. Ten (10) athletes will be invited for theCCI3*-L ceremony, if time permits due to live TV start times for the 5*.
Stabling/Veterinarian
$300.00 from Monday to Monday. (CCI entry fees include one stall). Parking price for fee of $50 per night includes electric hook-up and access to water tank refill in close proximity to stables. Primitive camping for anyone living in their lorry/caravan for the duration of the event without a need for power or water supply is at no charge with close proximity to stables. Unhooked trailers parked in remote lot for no charge.
The first 2 bales of straw or 4 bags of shavings are provided by the Event/Organizing Committee. Notation of which option you would prefer is REQUIRED with your entry.Please indicate any additional initial shavings or straw needed for PRE-ORDER as well. Additional shavings can be requested on site from Stabling Office. Additional straw can be purchased through Fair Hill Saddlery for $9/bale. Hay prices start at $10/bale and hay PRE-ORDER is required with entry.Fair Hill Saddlery offers various hay choices depending on your needs. For more information, please inquire directly at 443-406-3456 or [email protected].
All horses will be stabled in temporary stalls provided by FEI Stabling LLC or the permanent race barns. Stall doors provided. Bring stall guards.
Veterinarians:FEI Vet Delegate: Dr. Duncan Peters; FEI Additional Vet Delegate: Dr. Karen Reynolds; FEI Veterinary Services Manager: Dr. Charles Arensberg. Treating Vets: Dr Bernie Smith, Dr Steven Berkowitz, Dr Julia Hecking
Sampling Procedure for Prohibited Substances (Vet Regs, Ch. V&VI and Annex IV) Regular sampling is carried out in CCI 5/4*, CCIOs, World Cup Qualifiers and Finals, Championships and Games, whereas at other CCIs sampling is recommended. When testing takes place, the number of horses tested is at the discretion of the Testing Veterinarian/Veterinary Delegate; however, a minimum of three is recommended (Vet Regs Art. 1016).
Accommodations
The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill recommends the Great Wolf Lodge hotel at 1240 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville MD 21904, USA, which is 15 miles and 20 minutes away from the Fair Hill Special Event Zone. The Great Wolf Lodge has an indoor water park, multiple dining options, bars and a coffee shop on site.
Athletes, owners and team members are encouraged tobook at a reduced rate with Event partner, Great Wolf Lodge.
Booking link: Maryland 5 Star Block #2; Booking Code: 025M5S2
GWL features food, fun, and Hollywood Casino right next door! If you have any questions regardingbooking, please contactMarissa Melzer at[email protected]
If you are interested in local housing rental options, we recommend utilizing AirBnB or VRBO. If you have any other questions on rental options, please contact the Organizer.
Camping: $50/night with electric hook-up and access to water tank refill; no charge for primitive camping, limited sites w/out hook-up adjacent to stables. Advance reservations & payment required with entry. Specify preference. Only competitors SLEEPING IN THEIR LQ, will be allowed to park trailers in Camping Area.
Meals: For Athletes, lunch will be provided from October 15th to October 19th in the Athlete Lounge in stabling at the expense of the Organizer. For Grooms, lunch will be provided from October 15th to October 19th in the Athlete Lounge in stabling at the expense of the Organizer.Some breakfast and dinner options available. Food available for purchase onsite. Meals provided by the OC will be served in the athlete lounge in stabling.
Dressage
Test & Arena size: CCI5*-L -2025 FEI CCI 5 Star Dressage Test (A) - Std;CCI3*-L -2025 FEI CCI 3 Star Level Dressage Test (C) - Std. YEH-5: YEH 5-year-old Championship test - Std. YEH-4:YEH 4-year-old Championship test - Std.
Arena:Attwood Equestrian Surfaces 5 Star Footing Eurotex Blend, 90m x 80m
Cross-Country
CCI5*-L - 6500m @ 570 mpm, 45 efforts.CCI3*-L - 5500m @ 550 mpm, 35 efforts.
Tall Fescue Blend Turf on rolling terrain, will require fit horse.
YEH Jumping Test: 15 obstacles (5 SJ and 10 XC). Max jump height (except for the option fence in the show jumping section):YEH-4 2'11", YEH-5 3'3".
Other Information
Cross country controller education with Richard Connelly on Sunday, October 19 10am - 2pm $100 registration includes lunch!
Dogs must be leashed. Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources requires proof of rabies vaccination. Owners WILL BE FINED $50/dog per incident by MD DNR for unleashed dogs anywhere on grounds INCLUDING STABLE AREA.
Motorized vehicle use will be restrictedwith further information to be released to competitors prior to the event.
The Scoring and Timing of the Event will be performed by HippoData, with the assistance of their partners Rechenstelle and Longines Timing.
Tickets for the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill can be purchased on the event website at maryland5star.us/tickets/.
Disclaimer: The official FEI Schedule (https//data.fei.org/calendar/search.aspx) supersedes information found in this prize list.
SUBCHAPTER EV-9 DRESS
1. PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR.
a. At Federation licensed and endorsed Events, Athletes must wear headgear as follows, except as may otherwise be mandated by local law (see also GR801)
b. Upon arrival, anyone riding a Horse must wear properly fitting protective headgear. The harness must be secured and properly fitted. See GR801.
EVERY CLASS OFFERED HEREIN WHICH IS COVERED BY THE RULES AND SPECIFICATIONS OF THE CURRENT USEF RULE BOOK WILL BE CONDUCTED AND JUDGED IN ACCORDANCE THEREWITH.