Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.
In March, EN announced that the Maryland 5 Star would not go forward for its sixth year in October of 2026. The CCI3*-L and USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships were confirmed to be viable to still happen, and we can now fully confirm that Select Event Group has submitted its application to lead organization of the CCI3*-L this year and for the return of a CCI5* to Maryland in 2027.
“Select Event Group announced today that it has assumed the role of lead organizer, bringing together the operational leadership, partners, and community alignment required to guide the event confidently into its next chapter,” a press release from Select Event Group reads. “Select Event Group has submitted its application to run the CCI3-L in October 2026, as well as the Young Event Horse competition. In addition, Select Event Group is actively preparing its application to organize and put on the 2027 Maryland 5 Star Event. Together, these steps are evidence of a deliberate approach: ensuring a strong, well-executed Three-Star this fall while building the operational, financial, and community foundation necessary for the Five-Star’s return next year.”
With visions to reimagine the cross country course that had been designed by Ian Stark for the first four years and Pierre le Goupil in 2025, Select Event Group and their partners have brought in Pierre (the designer, also, of the 2024 Paris Olympic course), to consult on the ongoing evolution of the track.
Felix Vogg and Cartania. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.
“As part of its long-term vision, Select is embracing the opportunity to reimagine the Maryland Five Star course—honoring its reputation as one of the sport’s most demanding tests while ensuring it remains a destination that inspires confidence to compete at the highest level,” the release continued. “Working with legendary course designer Pierre Le Goupil, Select aims to deliver a course that is uncompromising in quality, compelling in design, and capable of drawing world-class participation from across the globe.
“‘Select is eager to build on the momentum created over the past several years and to thoughtfully broaden what this event can be,’ said Alex Corgan, President of Select Event Group. ‘Our goal is to expand the aperture of supporters and participants — from longtime equestrian fans to new community partners — creating more opportunities for people to engage, contribute, and feel invested in the event’s success. By bringing together a strong Team and welcoming all those willing to help make this a success, we believe that we can deliver at Fair Hill an experience that is both world-class in sport and deeply rooted in community.”
Select Event Group had been involved with the Maryland 5 Star from the outset and has worked closely with multiple major sporting venues and other outlets to host world-class caliber events all over the country. Cecil County will also be involved in the process, bringing more familiar entities to the table in the wake of the disruption of the original organizing body earlier this year.
Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.
“Cecil County is pleased to see the Three-Star event continue this year, ensuring the tradition of world-class eventing at Fair Hill remains strong,” said County Executive Adam Streight in the press release. “We look forward to working with Select Event Group, who understand the importance of including Cecil Countians and local businesses, along with our partners, to deliver a successful 2026 competition and welcome the return of the Maryland 5 Star in 2027.”
The full press release with additional information and details can be found here. Licenses do yet need to be approved for both this year’s CCI3*-L and next year’s event (CCI5* and CCI3*-L), but we’ll keep you posted on any additional updates along the way as they are made available to us.
