Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.
The future of the Maryland 5 Star has hit another stumbling block as the entity that had made moves to revive it has announced its withdrawal of its license application from consideration. Funding was a large consideration named in the press release issued by Select Event Group, which had announced its intention to acquire the license to run the 5 Star in April on Thursday. Select Event Group emphasized that the Maryland 3 Star and USEA East Coast Young Event Horse Championships slated for October 15-18 are not in jeopardy and will move ahead as scheduled.
The full press release is as follows:
The organizing group supporting the future of the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill remains committed to the long-term vision of restoring one of the world’s premier eventing competitions and continues to work collaboratively with public, private, and community stakeholders to identify a sustainable path forward. That commitment has not changed.
However, after careful evaluation of current timelines, funding requirements, and organizational responsibilities, Select Event Group has informed the United States Equestrian Federation that it will withdraw as the prospective license holder for a future Maryland 5 Star event at this time. This decision reflects the practical realities of the current situation, not a lack of enthusiasm for the event’s return.
While encouraging discussions continue regarding potential funding, governance, and operating structures, the certainty necessary to responsibly relaunch an event of this scale has not yet materialized. Rather than misrepresent the status or timing of those efforts, we believe it is important to be transparent with the governing body and the broader equestrian community regarding where things stand today.
This decision does not affect the USEF 3* or Young Event Horse competitions scheduled at Fair Hill next week. It relates only to the timing and structure of a future Maryland 5 Star license and does not signal any concern regarding next week’s competitions.
Select remains ready and excited to support, participate in, or potentially lead a future organizing effort as a viable long-term funding model emerges. Fair Hill remains a world-class venue, and many dedicated stakeholders continue working toward a solution that can ensure the Maryland 5 Star’s successful return. We remain hopeful that opportunity will present itself in the future and stand ready to assist when it does.
This is a developing story on which we’ll be working to find more information in the coming days.
