Fast Facts: Maryland 5 Star
Who is ready for the second U.S. five-star of the 2025 season? The MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill (Elkton, Maryland) kicks off Wednesday, October 15 with the first formal horse inspection for both the CCI5*-L and CCI3*-L fields. Don’t forget about the excitement of the USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) East Coast 4- and 5-year-old Championships that will also take place onsite this Thursday and Friday as well.
Today we are diving into all the interesting facts about the five-star field. Keep an eye out tomorrow for fun facts about this year’s USEA YEH East Coast Championships.
The Field:
There are six countries in contention for the coveted five-star glory: Switzerland, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Great Britain.
We will see five Thoroughbreds on the roster this year: Artist, Wabbit, Humble Glory, Phelps, and Sorocaima.
Both Phelps and Sorocaima are representing as the two U.S.-bred entries.
This year’s five-star field is comprised of 20 geldings, three mares, and one stallion (Chilli’s Midnight Star).
Thoroughbreds reign supreme as the most popular five-star mount in this year’s entry list with five horses from racing roots. The Irish Sport Horse and Holsteiner fall closely behind with four entries each.
Caroline Pamukcu is the busiest rider in the field with three five-star entries, HSH Tolan King, HSH Blake, and She’s The One.
While all of the riders are seasoned at the level, there are several horses hoping to tick off their first five-star this week: Vandyke, HSH Blake, HSH Tolan King, She’s The One, Cooley Candyman, and FE Connory.
Ten is the age of the youngest horses in the field, all of which are Pamukcu’s entries.
The oldest horse is Arden Wildasin’s long-time partner Sunday Times, who is 18.
On the subject of ages, 14 seems to be the sweet spot for these five-star contestants with the majority of the field, with eight horses having been born in 2011.
HSH Blake and HSH Tolan King are both graduates of the USEA Young Event Horse program.
This will be the first time competing on U.S. soil for Alexander Bragg (GBR), Sophia Hill (AUS), and Tayla Mason (NZL).
The Facts:
Gary Parsonage (GBR) is the Technical Delegate and will be assisted by Tim Murray (USA) and Martyn Johnson (GBR).
Sandy Phillips (GBR) is serving as President of the Ground Jury for the five-star and will be joined by Robert Stevenson (USA) and Bea di Grazia (USA). Helen Christie (NZL) is the CCI3*-L President with Sara Miller Leary (USA) and Charlotte Skinner-Robson (USA) assisting.
Pierre Le Goupil (FRA) will be making his debut as the cross-country course designer after Ian Stark’s retirement last year.
Michel Vaillancourt (CAN) is this year's show jumping course designer.
The CCI5*-L is a qualifier for the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final that will take place at the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds next August.
Live streaming information can be found here.
The USEA will have a retail booth located near the front entrance to the event. Learn more here:
The Competition Schedule:
Wednesday, October 15th
CCI3*-S Horse Inspection: 1:00 p.m. EST | Jog Strip
CCI5*-L Horse Inspection: 2:00 p.m. EST | Jog Strip
Thursday, October 16th
USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) 4- and 5-year-old East Coast Championships Dressage and Conformation: 8:00 a.m. EST | Jog Strip
CCI3*-S Dressage: 9:00 a.m. EST | Main Arena
USEA YEH East Coast 4-year-old Championships Jumping: 10:30 a.m. | Timber Field
CCI5*-L Dressage: 2:00 p.m. EST | Main Arena
USEA YEH East Coast 4-year-old Championships Awards: Approximately 1:30 p.m. | Timber Field
Friday, October 18th
USEA YEH East Coast 5-year-old Championships Jumping: 8:30 a.m. | Timber Field
CCI3*-S Dressage: 9:00 a.m. EST | Main Arena
CCI5*-L Dressage: 2:00 p.m. EST | Main Arena
USEA YEH East Coast 5-year-old Championships Awards: Approximately 3:00 p.m. | Timber Field
Saturday, October 19th
CCI3*-S Cross-Country: 9:00 a.m. EST
CCI5*-L Cross-Country: 2:00 p.m. EST
Sunday, October 22nd
CCI3*-S Final Horse Inspection: 9:00 a.m. EST | Jog Strip
CCI5*-L Final Horse Inspection: Immediately following CCI3*-S inspection | Jog Strip
CCI3*-S Show Jumping: 10:30 a.m. | Main Arena
CCI5*-L Show Jumping: 2:00 p.m. EST | Main Arena
Helpful Links
Can't watch the livestream? Follow the USEA event coverage on social media!
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