The newest 5* event started today and runs through October 17th at Fair Hill’s Special Event Zone. The Maryland 5* is the world’s seventh at this level and the second in the US, joining the Kentucky Three-Day Event.

The cross-country course at Maryland 5 Star was designed by British multi-medalled former event rider Ian Stark. This is his first 5* event and he’s got some interesting fences. You can see the whole course here.

After the first day of dressage, Oliver Townend is leading the field (no surprise) on Cooley Masterclass. There are a total of 45 entries, with the second day of dressage happening tomorrow. The second day of dressage begins at 1 p.m. EST (there is a 3* competition first) and cross country runs at 1 p.m. EST.

During a time when so many events have been canceled, due to COVID, or where the venue has been sold, it’s very exciting to see a three-day even to of this caliber starting up in the U.S. There is a strong turnout of international riders. Six horses traveled to the US from Europe: Babylon De Gamma (France‘s Astier Nicolas), Cooley Master Class (Britain’s Oliver Townend), Xavier Faer (New Zealand’s Tim Price), Classic Moet (New Zealand’s Jonelle Price), Class Affair (Britain’s Zara Tindall) and Superstition (Britain’s Harry Meade).

“We’re just hugely grateful to Maryland, Fair Hill and the organizing committee. It’s a very brave move to put a five-star on in these times that we’re in and I just wanted to show my huge support for them. To put a five-star on, you need the good competitors to come and support you and that’s why we’re here. We want to support Maryland and we want to make it a great event.”

Oliver Townend in Eventing Nation

Want to watch the live action? In the US the USEF Network is offering free live and on-demand viewing. Just use the code maryland21. Viewers in the UK who subscribe to Horse & Country can also watch as the event unfolds.