Elkton, Md.—Oct. 14
While the Maryland 5 Star takes place at the same venue as the former Fair Hill International, everything looks completely different this year. The competition and trade fair are located on a different part of the massive property, with new rings for the dressage and show jumping nestled inside the existing steeplechase track, and the cross-country course will take horses and spectators to parts of Fair Hill they’ve likely never seen before.
The trade fair is on par with any other major competition: Abundant shopping options, food vendors to suit almost any taste—complete with Maryland’s famous crab cakes—and even a dog park to help your canine companion run off some energy.
ADVERTISEMENT
Take a walk around the venue with us.
The dressage and show jumping will take place in the main arena situated right by the steeplechase course’s finish line. Kimberly Loushin Photos
All competition is being filmed and livestreamed on the USEF Network.
Mars Equestrian has quite the set up, including a jumping course for our canine companions.
The Fair Hill water tower overlooks the facility.
Doug Payne (left) is interviewed by Frankie Thieriot Stutes for the USEF livestream following his three-star dressage test.
Looking dapper!
Anyone care for a fox pillow?
It’s not a Maryland-based event without some proper state-flag  swag and Old Bay seasoning.
A rider walks their horse up and down the hills.
Don’t forget to pick up some official Maryland 5 Star merchandise.
Fancy a photo with (from left) Phillip Dutton, Buck Davidson and Boyd Martin? You can do just that at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau booth.
Mike Pendleton chats with a volunteer,  with just  part of the large trade fair in the background.
Anyone need a stuffed pony?
The Fair Hill Nature center brought a slippery friend along for the day.
Just a little equestrian flair added to the Mars Equestrian display.
An adoptable dog makes a new friend.
Woods Baughman gives Hopak de Greenbay Z a hug after their three-star test.
There are options for every age.
The warm-up ring had a nice haze over it this morning.
A view of the stabling.
Of course the highlight will be Saturday’s cross-country course.
Check out all our coverage of the inaugural Maryland 5 Star here, or follow along on USEF’s livestream here.
