Caroline Martin and King's Especial. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.
Today at 5 p.m. EST, the Maryland International CCI4*-S will kick off with an opening ceremony followed by a reception at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Maryland. EN editor Sally Spickard and reporter Veronica Green-Gott will be bringing you all the action from the ground. Stay tuned for our end of day reports and keep up with the action on Eventing Nation’s Instagram or on the Maryland Horse Trials Facebook page.
Caroline Martin and King’s Especial. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.
The Entries
Ten riders are entered in the CCI4*-S and we’ve got some new and interesting horses and riders in the mix, including quite a few 4* first-timers. Rookies include the Chiraz Syndicate’s Chiraz (Asquetta x Casall), previously ridden by Boyd Martin and now piloted by Australia’s Ema Klugman. Jessica Phoenix will also be riding a 4* first-timer and recent addition to her string, Sarah Irving’s Thoroughbred Aeronautics (Two Step Salsa x Satin and Silver, by Silver Ghost). We also have a rookie pair at the Maryland International this weekend: Braden Speck and his horse, BSF Liam (Ballywhim An Luan x Rumor Risky, by Hawkster).
Familiar names in the division include Hannah Sue Hollberg, who will be riding Christa Schmidt’s Carsonstown (Lougherne Cappucino x Nonavic Spyridonna, by Limmerick), as well as Bobby Meyerhoff, who will be piloting his longtime partner Lumumba (Levisonn x Lamara, by Lamarc), owned by the rider and the Donovan Group. Also keep an eye out for Olympians William Coleman and Phillip Dutton, as well as riders Arden Wildasin, Dan Kreitl, Kim Severson, and Erin Kanara in the CCI3*-S. The CCI2*-S division also has some exciting names, including Olympic team member Carolina Pamukcu.
In total, four different countries will be represented across all divisions: Canada, USA, Ireland, and Germany, with North America’s Canada and the United States being most heavily represented.
The Officials
Designed by Ian Stark with assistance from Andrew Heffernan, the cross country course promises challenging and educational questions. As Ian will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2024 season, this will be the riders last chance to tackle an Ian Stark course in the highlands of Maryland. All FEI cross country courses will run through the rings by the Vendor Village, allowing spectators to keep a close eye on the action without having to walk out on the course. The track includes difficult terrain features, like the triple bank complex at the water, which was brand new in 2023. Stay tuned for a full course preview coming soon.
USA’s Chris Barnard will be designing the show jumping course for the second year in a row. Chris is known for his use of bending lines, as well as his tough courses that challenge riders at every level.
The FEI President of the Ground Jury is Canada’s Peter Gray, who is assisted by the USA’s Marilyn Payne.
Bobby Meyerhoff and Lumumba. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.
The Schedule
Thursday, July 5th
5 p.m. Opening Ceremony followed by reception
Friday July 6th
8 a.m. to 3:55 p.m. dressage for all FEI divisions
Saturday July 7th
8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. 4* Show Jumping
9 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. 4* Cross Country
Sunday July 8th
National riders will compete in all three phases, starting at 8 a.m.
Young Rider divisions will trot up at 8 a.m. followed by show jumping at 9 a.m.
Competitor Events
There’s plenty to do at the Maryland International, both in and out of the saddle. Competitors, owners, and grooms are invited to attend a welcome party sponsored by Triple Crown on Friday evening after competition has concluded. Following the conclusion of FEI competition on Saturday, there will also be a competition party, including Highland Games for the Young Riders. Competitors can have another chance to compete, this time challenging each other to ax throwing, stick horse steeplechase, zorb balls, a paper toss, and more.
Awards
Eventing Nation will be celebrating grit and grooms alike with two awards to give away over the course of the weekend. The first is the Ride EquiSafe Best Save Award, which honors the rider who displays the most stickability over the weekend. This award is open to all divisions. Learn more about the Ride EquiSafe Best Save Award here. Next, Eventing Nation will be giving away the Best Turned Out award to the horse whose coat shines a little brighter than the rest.
Stay cool and stay hydrated. Maryland may barely be below the Mason Dixon line, but that sun still feels pretty darn southern. Riders and spectators have to be prepared for the heat this fourth of July weekend. Temperatures are expected to be in the high eighties, and while cloudy skies will help, bring your sun hat, sunscreen, and water bottles. Loch Moy Farm has set up cooling stations for the horses and riders.
EN’s coverage of the Maryland International is brought to you with support from Ride EquiSafe, your go-to shop for quality, science-backed safety equipment.
