TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published March 12, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
The MARS Maryland 5 Star will not run in 2026 due to financial instability and leadership turnover, though efforts are underway to preserve the CCI3*-L and Young Event Horse Championships under new management.
What Happened
The MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, one of only two CCI5*-L competitions in the United States and seven worldwide, will not take place in 2026. US Equestrian (USEF) confirmed the news on March 10, citing financial concerns from the current licensee, the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland ("Sport Corp.").
The cancellation follows a period of significant leadership instability, including the departure of event CEO Jeff Newman and various senior staff members. Furthermore, the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA), the parent organization of Sport Corp., saw the dismissal of its long-time Executive Director, Terry Hasseltine.
The event’s financial viability was further strained by state budget recommendations. An audit of the MSA budget led to a proposal to eliminate state funding for the Maryland 5 Star to make room for new grant applicants. This recommendation came despite data from the MSA showing the event generated nearly $20 million in total business sales and $11.6 million in direct spending for the state of Maryland.
While the 5* division is officially off the calendar for 2026, there is movement to save the CCI3*-L and the USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) East Coast Championships. The Fair Hill Foundation has indicated that plans are underway to host the 3* level in October as originally scheduled, and USEF is currently in discussions with a potential new licensee.
Why It Matters
The loss of the Maryland 5 Star is a significant blow to the international eventing landscape. For North American riders, it removes a critical "home soil" opportunity to compete at the highest level of the sport without the massive expense of shipping horses to Europe.
For the broader equestrian community, the situation highlights the fragility of high-level event organization. The event faced several logistical hurdles, including a date that conflicted with major European competitions like the Young Horse World Championships at Le Lion d’Angers and the Les 5 Étoiles de Pau in France. Additionally, the course’s reputation for extreme difficulty and taxing terrain may have impacted entry numbers.
For amateur riders and breeders, the fate of the CCI3*-L and the YEH Championships is the more immediate concern. These divisions serve as the pipeline for developing talent. If a new licensee is not secured, riders will lose one of the few year-end CCI3*-L opportunities on the East Coast, forcing them to reconsider their fall season plans or travel significantly further to events like Galway Downs in California or TerraNova in Florida.
Discipline Context
This development primarily affects the Eventing community. Specifically:
- High-Performance Riders: The loss of a 5* reduces the chances for Maryland-based and U.S. riders to earn world ranking points and gain experience at the elite level.
- Youth & Developing Horses: The potential displacement of the YEH East Coast Championships and the CCI3*-L affects the development arc for the next generation of event horses.
- Regional Economy: The equestrian and agricultural industries in Cecil County, Maryland, stand to lose a major "anchor event" that supports veterinarians, farriers, and local hospitality businesses.
Quick Facts
- Governing Body: US Equestrian (USEF) and the FEI.
- Affected Event: MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill.
- Status: CCI5*-L canceled for 2026; CCI3*-L and YEH seeking new management.
- Reasoning: Financial concerns and leadership changes at the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland.
- Economic Impact: Previous studies valued the event's total business sales at $19.9 million annually.
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