Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill
Eventing’s Finest Take Center Stage
October 14, 2025 at 2:16 PMBy b.wehner
Staged at the Fair Hill Special Event Zone, the Maryland 5 Star is one of only two CCI5* events in the United States—and just seven on the global calendar. As the pinnacle of eventing competition, the CCI5* challenges horse and rider across three disciplines: the finesse of dressage, the endurance of cross-country, and the precision of show jumping. What sets eventing apart is its true equality: men and women compete side by side, from grassroots to Olympic level, on an entirely level playing field.
This year’s Maryland 5 Star promises to be another thrilling showcase of talent. The competition draws an impressive international lineup of seasoned champions and emerging stars. In addition to the headline CCI5*, the event features the CCI3* and the USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) East Coast Championships, giving fans a glimpse of the sport’s future as up-and-coming horses demonstrate their potential before enthusiastic crowds.
Among the notable entries, inaugural Maryland 5 Star champion Boyd Martin (USA) returns with Commando 3 and Luke 140, joined by Olympian Felix Vogg (SUI)—the first Swiss rider ever to contest the Maryland 5 Star—aboard Cartania. Five Olympians fresh from the 2024 Paris Games will compete this year: Martin, Caroline Pamukcu (USA), Jessica Phoenix (CAN), Vogg, and Jonelle Price (NZL). Returning equine stars include Phelps, Commando, Artist, Sorocaima, Fluorescent Adolescent, FE Lifestyle, Mama’s Magic Way, Artist, and Wabbit.
A new creative force shapes this year’s cross-country course, as Pierre Le Goupil—designer of the Paris 2024 Olympic course—takes over from Ian Stark, who retired in 2024 after designing the Maryland 5 Star courses since the event’s inception. Le Goupil’s nearly four-mile track introduces fresh flow and innovative challenges while honoring the foundation Stark established. Spectators can expect a course that blends the natural beauty of Fair Hill’s landscape with technical precision, highlighting the athleticism and partnership of horse and rider.
The CCI3*-L also features a strong entry list, with 55 horses set to compete. Maryland native Isabelle Bosley returns with Conner and Paper Doll, while Alyssa Phillips (USA) enters on a two-win streak with Rockett 19. Erin Kellerhouse (USA) makes her first Fair Hill appearance with Bon Vivant GWF and Ringwood Adios Amigo, traveling from Temecula, California. Representing Ireland, Michael Nolan is the sole Irish competitor across both 3* and 5* divisions, bringing this year’s total number of countries represented to seven.
Fans can watch every moment of the Maryland 5 Star CCI5*, CCI3*, and YEH Championships live and on demand via ClipMyHorse.TV, ensuring no jump goes unseen.
Tune in to watch LIVE on ClipMyHorse.TV!
Photos courtesy of Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill & Stefan Lafrentz
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