October 2023 Issue

Page 10 October 2023 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN The Competition: A 5 Star event (CCI5*-L) is the pinnacle of the sport of eventing. It consists of the most advanced form of compe- tition as it pertains to the skill level executed in the field of dressage, as well as, tougher terrain and obstacles in both cross-country and stadium jumping. There are only seven 5 Star events in the world, with two being in the United States. The CCI5* event takes place over four days. The first two days of competition taking place on Thursday and Friday will feature dressage tests completed in the main arena. The third day of competition on Saturday is the cross-country test, where riders jump up to 45 obstacles over almost 4 miles of varying terrain. The final day of com- petition on Sunday is show jumping, where riders jump over fragile obstacles in the main arena. In addition to hosting a CCI5*-L competition, the event also hosts a CCI3*-L competition featuring many more of the best athletes and horses from around the world. Highlighted as a portion of the competition will be the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championships, which is open to all US competitors entered in the three-star compe- tition. The CCI3*-L National Championship has been hosted at Fair Hill for over 30 years, so we are thrilled to have the competition remain at the venue. The CCI3* level of eventing is comparable to the intermediate level in domestic competition. Horses who compete at the three-star level must be at least 6 years of age. Athletes are eligible to compete once they turn 16 years old. The USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) program is best described as an eventing talent search. The program’s goal is to identify young horses that possess the talent and disposition to excel at the upper levels of the sport. During the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, we offer championship divisions for both four and five-year-old horses to be judged on dressage, conformation and jumping ability. Opening Times: Gates open one (1) hour prior to the start of competition on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and two (2) hours prior to the start of competition on Sunday to allow for viewing of the Final Horse Inspection if desired. The majority of Retail Vendors and food concessionaires will not open until the start of competition. Hospitality Areas will open one (1) hour prior to the start of competition. Tentative Competition Start Time Schedule: • Thursday – 8:00 AM • Friday – 8:00 AM • Saturday – 9:00 AM • Sunday – 9:00 AM *Competition times and schedules are subject to change by Event Organizers at any time. **It is strongly suggested that spectators leave for the competition grounds early in anticipation of traffic and to allow time for parking and shuttling. Recommended/Appropriate Attire: Eventing is a sport that takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Dress for the weather but antici- pate fluctuations in temperature and conditions, layers are suggested! Be sure to wear comfort- able, weather-proof footwear for all days, particularly Saturday’s Cross Country competition. Please note that there is varying terrain throughout the venue, and it is recommended to wear sensible shoes for such conditions. Lost & Found: Lost personal items can be turned into and collected at the Information Booth or other designated area as listed at the venue during the event. Location: Fair Hill Special Event Zone, located at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. 4600 Telegraph Rd. Elkton, MD 21921 Admission: All event attendees must purchase a General Admission (GA) Ticket, GA- Box Ticket, or Reserved Seat Ticket for each day they plan to attend the event OR purchase a Multi-Day GA Pass or Hospitality Pass. Tickets purchased in Advance can be paid for by Credit Card ONLY. The on-site Box Office will accept payment by Credit Card or Cash ONLY. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover cards are all acceptable payment methods. The on-site Box Office will not be accepting payment by check. ATMs will be available on-site for cash withdrawals to be used for purchas- es made at the events Retail Vendor Area and other designated areas. ATM fees apply. Photo credit: Shannon Brinkman Photo credit: Shannon Brinkman