USEA Reiterates Commitment to MARS Maryland 5 Star

USEA President Molly Pellegrini and CEO Rob Burk have issued a statement saying, "The U.S. Eventing Association (USEA) remains committed to the long-term success of the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill."

The statement points out that, as one of only seven such five-star competitions globally, it is a cornerstone of the sport and a significant economic driver for the region.

Statement aims to quell concerns about the event's future

In November came the announcement that Competition Director for the MARS Maryland 5 Star Joanie Morris would leave the position to become the chief operating officer of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation. Other personnel closely affiliated with the Maryland 5 Star have since left their roles, touching off speculation about the future of the event in Cecil County, Maryland.

USEA shows support for the event

In the statement, leadership points out that the USEA supports the Maryland 5 Star through several key initiatives, serving as an annual sponsor and by securing and funding multi-million-dollar competition liability insurance for the event. In addition, they have worked to bring new sponsors and partners to the event, several of which have continued to support the event since its first year.

USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships

The statement also says that the USEA has supported the Maryland 5 Star by allocating the USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships to the event, and that this championship consistently draws more than 75 horses and their riders and owners each year.

Photo credit: USEA/Lindsay Berreth