by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 23, 2026
Trainer Frank Madden has sued the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which added him to its centralized disciplinary database on Dec. 23, 2025 after receiving allegations of sexual misconduct in 39 years ago in Florida and Switzerland 40 years ago.
On January 27, 2026, Madden received notice of a temporary suspension, and an allegation by another complainant who accused the trainer of committing sexual misconduct in 1984 in Virginia.
The lawsuit was filed last week in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, West Palm Beach, by Madden’s attorneys, the Kasowitz law firm. It notes that the applicable criminal statute of limitations would “have long expired” for such alleged misconduct under Virginia law, and the same applies to the criminal statutes in Florida regarding the 1987 allegations.
Madden, who has practiced his profession for 55 years, is particularly well-known for coaching equitation, as well as training riders for hunter and jumper competition.
The lawsuit stated that before Madden received any opportunity to be heard on Dec. 23, SafeSport’s action prevented him from engaging in his profession or attending U.S. Equestrian Federation competitions.
The legal papers challenge “unconstitutional conduct by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, a private corporation that claims jurisdiction over 11 million participants in Olympic sports under the Amateur Sports Act.
As the complaint details, SafeSport launched an investigation and commenced proceedings against Madden based on forty-year-old allegations, barred him from pursuing his calling as an elite equestrian trainer, and published his name in its online registry of suspected wrongdoers—thereby exercising a combination of coercive governmental powers unchecked by any accountable governmental authority, all without affording Madden an opportunity to clear his name or a judicial forum.”
The suit adds “Madden’s fate underscores the grave threat that SafeSport poses to the separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution—and thus to the liberty of anyone caught in its pseudo-governmental crosshairs.”
Madden’s counsel Marc Kasowitz, stated “It is deeply regrettable that an organization congressionally charged to protect athletes is being weaponized to destroy the livelihood and sterling reputation of someone like Frank Madden, an exceptional equestrian who has mentored and trained young riders for decades without complaint or incident.
“That SafeSport abuses its delegated power to ban and stigmatize such a person — without affording a meaningful opportunity to be heard or submitting to proper governmental oversight — underscores its egregiously coercive and profoundly unconstitutional nature.”
The lawsuit argues, “This case is about whether the federal government may transfer its formidable power to a private corporation and stand aside while that corporation does what the government could never constitutionally do: punish a blameless citizen, under rules that it drafted for itself and that defy due process, based on forty-year-old allegations of abuse; publicize its baseless
suspicion in an online database for the world to see and sneer; and deprive that citizen of his right to earn a living through the only trade he has ever known.
Update: The Center responded Wednesday to a request for comment by stating, “To the Center’s knowledge, it has not been served with the lawsuit and generally does not comment on litigation matters.”
Madden had other troubles at the end of last year.
USEF suspended him from membership as of Nov. 3, 2025 to Jan. 3, 2026, after determining “he demonstrated unsportsmanlike conduct towards other participants by standing in an obstructive position at the in-gate during an exhibitor’s ride” while the USHJA Gladstone Cup equitation class was under way.
USEF stated, “He was also observed loudly and repeatedly complaining about a decision on eligibility under the class specifications despite being told by competition officials that there was no conflict.”
USEF handled the situation through an informal resolution with Madden. In its decision, “The Federation took into account the facts and mitigating factors in this case, including Mr. Madden’s stature in the sport and his position as a Licensed Official where it is expected that he will uphold the highest ideals of sportsmanship and professionalism, and treat other exhibitors with respect and integrity, and determined that the following penalties were appropriate.”
As part of the resolution, Madden is barred from taking part in either leg of the 2026 Gladstone Cup, which is held at the East and West editions of the Junior Hunter Finals.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 1, 2026
She’s not a show jumper, but even so, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour made a huge leap from twenty-fifth place to first in the world dressage rankings as they turned over for a new month.
Cathrine laudrup-Dufour
Her horse, Mount St. John Freestyle, also is number one, replacing Zonk Plus, now number two as his rider, Justin Verboomen of Belgium, dropped to second.
Cathrine, the only Dane ever to reach the top of the rankings has been in that spot before.
The highest-ranked U.S. rider, Christian Simonson, dropped from ninth to twelfth.
We won’t see Cathrine, Justin, or world three and four, Isabell Werth (Germany) and Lottie Fry (Great Britain) at the World Cup finals in Ft. Worth next week, even though Lottie is the defending champion. But Christian will be there.
To read more about the World Cup dressage, click on this link from last month.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 29, 2026
This time the numbers were right.
Greya, the highest-ranked horse in the field of the $1 million Rolex U.S. Equestrian Open, demonstrated on the ground why she was rated number one overall on paper as she topped a five-horse jump-off with her usual flair.
Paired with her astute rider Kent Farrington, who is devoted to the celebrated grey mare he proudly calls “My favorite horse,” Greya (Colestus X Contender) gave her audience of 10,000 in Wellington, Fla., something to cheer about during the finale of the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Kent and Freya on their way to victory.
Five horses emerged for the jump-off from a field of 41 over a 14-obstacle course laid out by Guillherme Jorge, who has designed the WEF series-ending grand prix for 12 years.
Greya was put at the top of the list before the class in EquiRating’s evaluation of the equine talent, with an ELO of 780. It’s a score that takes into account a horse’s long-term consistency, how competitively it is performing and the quality of opponents it is beating.
Only two in the tiebreaker were fault-free while making the most of a couple of long gallops on the route that offered a chance to show off their speed.
Great Britain’s Ben Maher, the 2020 Olympics individual gold medalist, was in the difficult position of being first to go and gave it his all with Enjeu de Grisien.
Ben Maher and Enjeu de Grisien
His deftly executed effort in 43.72 seconds was a great comeback from Thursday’s qualifier, when he hit the ground after Dalla Vegas Batilly twice refused the airy U.S. Open jump.
Discussing his strategy, he explained, “It was about putting enough pressure on, leaving the jumps up and forcing them (the other riders) into mistakes, which I did. All but one. Ken’s just a pain in the ass. He’s always there, and he’s always fast.”
Jordan Coyle and Chaccolino had a rail, so when Kent went next on Greya, he was focusing on Ben’s performance.
I had to look twice to see whether Greya had sprouted wings as she flew over the fences under Kent’s astute guidance with an equine/human mind meld. Their clocking of 42.99 seconds was impressive, though Kent knew his lead wasn’t infallible.
“I took enough risk to put peer pressure on…but I didn’t take all the risk,” he recounted of his strategy to earn the $300,000 winner’s share of the purse.
He was aware that someone who dared “a crazy round” might edge ahead of him.
“So I knew it was possible to be beat, but it was going to take a lot of doing,” he said.
Toasting the class: Guilherme Jorge, Richie Vogel, Kent Farrington, Ben Maher and Wellington International CEO Michael Stone.
Darragh Kenny of Ireland, whose Eddy Blue was ranked just below Greya with an ELO of 774, had the front rail at the last of eight fences, the Rolex oxer.
European Champion Richie Vogel was the last with a chance to upset the USA’s leader, and he took advantage of it on Gangster Montdesir, moving faster than Kent had. But at the last fence, the front rail went down and his quicker round in 42.87 seconds was only good enough for third with the add-on of 4 penalties.
“That wasn’t a great ride to the last fence,” Richie admitted, musing that in hindsight he should have done one less stride to the Rolex oxer.
He’s only been riding Gangster for seven months, so it was still quite an accomplishment to come in third.
I have been curious about the horse’s odd name, so I asked Richie what was behind it.
He said the horse came from the breeder with that name. He is shy around the barn, but when he gets in the ring, it’s a whole different assertive personality, as we saw in his performance in the Open.
On the podium: Kent Farrington, Ben Maher and Richie Vogel with USEF President Tom O’Mara and the U.S. Open trophy.
Kent, who has a stable just down the road from the showgrounds, was mobbed by kids (mostly girls) in the post-competition autograph session in the arena. Being a resident of the area has its popularity perks.
Kent greets his fans.
“It’s always great to win at home,” said Kent, noting Wellington is an equestrian community.
They get a great local crowd that comes out and cheers for all of us. but particularly the American riders. I hadn’t won a grand prix yet this season so it was a great way to finish my season this year,” he commented.
Of his mare, he said “she’s really an exceptional horse as you see and as those stats say. She can do everything, she’s fast, she’s careful, she’s scopey, she’s rideable. An incredible horse.”
He called her “an outlier athlete.”
Kent and Greya take their victory gallop.
It was the first finale win for an American rider in seven years. The last two years, the class was won by 2024 Olympic individual gold medalist Christian Kukuk of Germany on Checker 47, but they didn’t finish the first round. Checker crashed through the narrow wall that was the second fence, and Christian retired.
click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 2, 2026
(See latest update as of 4/4/26 in boldface type below)
Lillie Keenan is replacing McLain Ward on the U.S. roster for the FEI World Cup Show Jumping Finals in Texas this coming week.
McLain is a mentor of Lillie, who has competed successfully on U.S. Nations Cup and Longines League of Nations teams. Lillie will be riding Kick On as McLain recovers from back and hand injuries following a fall when his mount refused at the Winter Equestrian Festival last month.
Lillie Keenan and Kick On.
Another American has been added to the lineup for the Zen Elite World Cup Dressage Finals, bringing the total number of U.S. competitors for that championship to three.
Ben Ebeling and Bellena, who did not qualify on points for a slot in the competition, will be joining Christian Simonson, the top-ranked U.S. dressage rider, twelfth in the world, and Kevin Kohmann with Dünensee.
Meanwhile, the other North America n representative, Canadian Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu, won’t be coming due to a mishap involving her horse, Jaccardo.
“Unfortunately, Jaccardo got cast in his stall earlier this week and isn’t quite comfortable enough to perform at his best, so we’ve made the decision to withdraw from the World Cup Final. While it’s disappointing to miss such a special event, his health and long term well-being always come first,” Brittany said. She would have been the first Canadian in 13 years to have competed in the Cup final.
Ben Ebeling and Bellena.
Carina Cassøe Kruth of Denmark also won’t be coming with Heiline’s Danciera because of an issue with travel documentation.
Key riders who chose not to come to the dressage final include world number one Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour of Denmark; number two, Justin Verboomen of Belgium, Germany’s Isabell Werth, number three and the defending champion, Lottie Fry of Great Britain. Charlotte Dujardin dropped out but did not give a reason.
With the world championships set for August in Germany, that is a priority for riders who want to save their horses and not run the risk of crossing the Atlantic and focusing on another show before the biggest competition of the year.
Follow the action at both World Cup finals on this website beginning on April 8.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 16, 2026
It used to be a tradition in New Jersey’s Somerset Hills. But the spring dressage schooling show presented by the New Jersey Region Pony Clubs has not been held for several years.
“We missed having that early show to get our shaggy ponies out again,” said Brita Tansey, District Commissioner of Somerset Hills Pony Club.
“It was a great, low-key way to get back into the ring before the Northeast show and rally season started in earnest, so we decided to revive it.”
The April 11 show is coming back at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation’s historic Gladstone stables and is open to everyone. There are English and western dressage classes for all ages. Offered are U.S. Dressage Federation levels from Intro A through Fourth Level and western dressage and eventing tests of choice.
The entry fee will be $50 per test. Tests will be run in two rings judged by Kari Allen, USDF L with Distinction, and Kelsey Johnson, USDF L. A special feature will be lead-line Intro A and Intro B tests, which are open to riders of all ages.
“We’d love to see kids leading their dads or grandmas around the ring,” said Brita.
“While we’re offering a ‘real’ schooling show with certified judges, we also want to encourage everyone to have fun, not to be so worried about a perfect test or perfectly groomed horse.”
Ribbons will be awarded on the Danish system, with placement determined by score rather than comparison to other riders.
All proceeds from the show will benefit SHPC, a 501c3 organization, and will especially help support club
members who wish to attend the USPC National Festival Championships in Kentucky this July.
“We already have several members who have qualified to compete in dressage and other disciplines,” said
Brita.
“We’d love to help them afford the trip. It takes a village, so we’re asking all our local dressage riders to be part of the SHPC village.”
Interested riders can download the entry form from the SHPC website at somersethillspc.org/shows.
Equine health certificates are not required, only Coggins tests dated within 12 months of the show date.
Closing date is April 1, 2026.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 26, 2026
Call it a crescendo leading to the big finale.
The last Adequan Winter Equestrian Festival Challenge class of the season on Thursday was a star-studded qualifier for Saturday’s $1 million Rolex U.S. Equestrian Open Grand Prix.
A field of 60 from 17 countries battled for 30 spots in the big class. The contest at the Wellington International showgrounds blazed in the Florida sun over a course designed by Guilherme Jorge and his team. The lineup included individual Olympic gold medalists and six of the world’s top 10-ranked show jumpers.
The competitors were riding not only for a piece of the $116,100 in prize money, but also for 30 slots in the $1 million 5-star.
The format was “winning round,” with the top 12 coming back to jump off. Theoretically. But five of the group declined to participate in the tiebreaker, saving their horses for the $1 million effort this weekend.
One who didn’t have to worry about that factor was the winner, U.S.-based Irishman Shane Sweetnam, who was fault-free in 39.71 seconds with Coriaan van Klapscheut Z to edge European Champion Richie Vogel of Germany on the aptly-named gray stallion, Cloudio, timed in 40.53.
Richie Vogel and Cloudio.
Cori was doing the groundwork for Shane’s top horse, James Kann Kruz, so he could gain a slot in the big class. James Kann Kruz, fondly known as Gizmo, had been double-clear as part of the second-place Irish team last weekend in the Longines League of Nations class at the World Equestrian Festival in Ocala. So he deserved a break.
As far as Cori went, “there were two plans for him this week: One to qualify and two, to win the class,” said Shane. Mission accomplished.
“In other years, Gizmo has jumped this class and I’ve scratched the jump-off.”
In view of the fact that Gizmo wasn’t as fresh as he could have been because of his Ocala effort, Shane noted, “I thought (entering Cori) was a better gamble and also keeps Gizmo fresh for Saturday night.”
Shane Sweetnam and Coriaan van Klapscheut Z.
He was full of praise for Cori, a 10-year-old Zangersheide son of Comme Il Faut 5, calling him “a brilliant horse. He’s so consistent, and especially the last six weeks, we’ve really sort of figured each other out and we’re in contention for most classes.”
Shane noted he had ridden the horse’s granddam, Coriana van Klapscheutz.
“She won an awful lot of WEFs in this ring as well, so it’s in his blood,” he said, noting the horse has “a very high ring IQ.”
Ben Maher, the Tokyo Olympics individual gold medalist, shocked onlookers when his mount, Dallas Vegas Batilly, refused the second fence, then did it again on another try smashing through the rails as Ben and the horse’s bridle headed groundward..
The obstacle was an airy vertical with a rail set diagonally across the open area of the jump. But since Olympic gold medalists have automatic entry to the $1 million class, we can expect to see Ben participating.
One big name who won’t be in the line-up Saturday is McLain Ward, who had a hairline fracture in his hand after a fall earlier this month and is not competing as a result.
Those who qualified for the tiebreaker but played it safe by opting out were tied for eighth. They included Belgium’s Nikola Philippaerts (Gadget Mouche), Ireland’s Darragh Kenny (Eddy Blue), France’s Nina Malavey (Dynastie de Beauvoir), and Karl Cook (Caracole de la Roque) and Spencer Smith (Keeneland) from the USA.
The last chance for riders to qualify is Friday’s 1.50 meter class. It also has 60 entries.
Click here for results.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 21, 2026
Things did not start well Saturday night for the USA, the defending champion country from a resounding 2025 Longines League of Nations victory at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala.
The only LLN leg in the U.S., the competition thus carries special weight for the home nation. Having Lillie Keenan as the pathfinder boded positively for the squad; she has had a series of double-clears in team competition and being mounted on her usually reliable Argan de Belliard seemed a huge plus.
But after a rail down at a vertical to dim hopes a bit, they got completely shattered when the gray gelding ducked out to the left at the final fence, the Longines oxer standing 1.5 meters high by 1.7 meters wide, and Lillie flew off. Both horse and rider were unhurt.
Hopes rose when Natalie Dean, a late replacement for McLain Ward (out with a hand injury) went fault free on Pedro van de Barlebuis as the second to go. But after that, it was all downhill.
Natalie Dean put in a clear round for the U.S.
Laura Kraut, one of the most successful riders in history, had a shocking refusal at the water jump with Tres Bien. It took expert urging from Laura to get him over the water on a second try, but he had a splash there. A rail at the double and another at that last oxer left her with a total of 33 faults, including time penalties.
There wasn’t much anchor rider Aaron Vale could do to recoup with Carissimo 25. A hometown campaigner from Ocala, he had a legion of fans but they couldn’t help him keep the poles in place. He had a rail the seventh fence, a vertical; a knockdown at the C element of the triple, then toppled a pole at A of the double and at the last oxer as well for 16 penalties. Aaron’s trip was adversely affected by his horse’s memory of a less-than-ideal experience at the water jump earlier in the week, which meant he wasn’t handling the fences in his usual style.
With only eight of the 10 teams coming back for the second round, the U.S. finished its evening early, tenth and last on 49 penalties. A different U.S. team, again with the exception of Natalie Dean who was clear, did not complete the second round of the League opener in Abu Dhabi last month.
U.S. Coach Robert Ridland commented on the obvious, saying “it was a disaster night. It’s good to get all your bad done in one class.”
He observed it was “a bunch of surprises; on paper we had a really strong team,” adding all three of the horses who had problems were “out of their comfort zone. Good to know.”
Robert pointed out that assessing problems earlier in the season and figuring out how to solve them is the way to go with the World Championships looming this summer.
“Every time things go well, that’s great; when things don’t go well, you learn from it,” he pointed out.
He promised, “We can fix these things. By Monday morning, we’ll know exactly what needs to be done. It’s the long game we’re playing this year because it’s the year of the championships. I want things to go wrong now, not in August.”
He praised Natalie, noting how important it is to have riders of her caliber moving up to fill in as necessary for longtime team stalwarts, such as McLain.
“I’m very excited to see Natalie step up,” he said.
The Irish, winners of the Ocala leg of the LLN in 2024, led after the first round on zero penalties, but the Dutch were right behind with only a single time fault. Germany and Belgium were tied on 4 penalties.
In the end, however, three clean trips in the second round from Germany took the trophy on 4 penalties, with Ireland second on 8 after Bertram Allen had two rails in the second round before Cian O’Connor and Shane Sweetnam went fault-free. (Only three riders from each team compete in the second round).
Christian Kukuk of Germany and Checker. (FEI Photo)
Looking at the German line-up, how could you bet against it? The roster included the European Champion (Richard Vogel with Cloudio), the Olympic individual gold medalist Christian Kukuk (Checker 47) and the consistent Andre Thieme with his top horse, DSP Chakaria. Christian and Richie were among the six riders in the class who achieved double clears over the course designed by Alan Wade, who also will lay out the routes for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
An overjoyed Christian said, “I think in general, it was really great sport. Again, it proved that this format is so exciting. I think it’s the most exciting one we have actually.
“When we talk about nations cups, everything can happen in the second round. Also today, it happened. So I think it’s a great format for our sport and especially this show here, Ocala, I said that already two days ago it’s a very special venue for our sport, and I really, really hope that we will have the championship here one day, because it feels like a championship also tonight, especially when you go under the lights in the second round. It’s such an incredible atmosphere.”
Mentioning that for three months, he basically hadn’t ridden Checker, his 2024 Olympic gold medal horse, Christian commented, “I really have to say, he’s 16, but I can’t feel any difference to like, two, three years ago. He feels so fresh, he feels so excited for the sport, and I think, especially the second round, he showed all of us how much he enjoys the sport.”
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 19, 2026
After five years of losing to Germany at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, the USA claimed a very narrow victory over the Europeans in the Modon FEI Dressage Nations Cup on Thursday.
Led by Christine Traurig, the Dutta Corp. U.S. dressage team of Ashley Holzer on Hawtins San Floriana, Jordan LaPlaca (Gold Play), Meagan Davis (Toronto Lightfoot) and Anna Marek (Fayvel) earned 205.631 percent, just nipping its rivals, who scored 205.043. Canada was third on 204.196.
The winning U.S. team: Anna Marek, Meagan Davis, Jordan LaPlaca, Ashley Holzer, Christine Traurig (U.S. Equestrian Photo)
No one in the class broke 70 percent. The highest score belonged to Germany’s Frederic Wandres, who earned 69.913 percent on Verrenberg. Canadian Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu was second on Jaccardo with 69.826 percent. The top American, Anna, was third with 69.435 percent on Fayvel. She was a replacement for a rider who had dropped out.
“Christine chose me to go last, which is always a big honor,” said Anna. “
“In a team competition, there’s even more added pressure because I want to have a good ride for my team. I didn’t know what score I needed for gold and, honestly, it wouldn’t have really mattered. I just went in there wanting to ride the best test I could.
“This gold medal is huge, though, because it was important to Cynthia (Davila, Fayvel’s owner) for Fayvel to be on a team, so it’s special to share this with her. He’s a very special horse. He was hers to ride, and then I started riding him, and (my coach) Anne Gribbons always loved him, so Cynthia let me carry on, and we’ve been enjoying every second of it.”
The victory in the 3-star earned the U.S. 10 points to take the early lead as the series got under way, two points ahead of Germany and three ahead of Canada.
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 15, 2026
A unique talent is embodied in the magnificent stallion United Touch S, whose ability was showcased with a resounding victory in the Rolex Grand Prix Sunday afternoon at the Dutch Masters.
The 14-year-old son of Untouched was the only entry in an 11-horse jump-off for the featured class at the Netherlands Indoor Brabant show to finish the tie-breaker route in less than 40 seconds. The Westfalen star was clocked in 39.42 seconds for a clean trip under the guidance of Germany’s individual European Champion, Richie Vogel.
Richie Vogel and United Touch S on their way to victory.
Second went to Belgian rider Thibeau Spits on another stallion, the Zangersheide Impress-K van’t Kattenheye Z, more than a second slower in 40.76. Third went to Pieter Devos, also Belgian, with Casual DVZ another Zangersheide, in competitor, in 42.95. It’s a reminder, looking ahead to the world championships in August at Aachen, that Belgium was the winning team in last year’s European Championships.
How did United do it? Richie has the answer: “I’m just delighted how everything worked out. He’s an incredible, amazing horse, the way he can jump those oxers out of tight turns. He’s probably the only horse in the world who can handle it like that.”
Ah, there it is. United was able to roll over the route designed by Louis Konickx in a breathtakingly agile style that made his distances into shortcuts and brought the 300,000 Euro winner’s share to his rider.
The victory is part of the Rolex Grand Slam series, where three wins in a row brings a rider who makes the triple play a 1 million Euro bonus. The USA’s Kent Farrington, winner of the Geneva Rolex Masters in December and world number two, made the jump-off with Toulayna but had two rails down to wind up tenth. So the scepter was passed to Richie, whose next challenge in the series will be at Aachen’s regular show in May.
“All the Rolex majors are the best shows in the world, the best riders with the best horses on the world compete here,” observed Richie, acknowledging, that being the next in line for a shot at the Grand Slam involves “A bit of pressure toward Aachen — but it’s a nice pressure to have.”
Dutch dressage legend Anky van Grunsven presented a trophy to Richie Vogel.
The best U.S. performance came from Lillie Keenan, the country’s other rider in the class in s’Hertogenbosch. She had a rail at the VDL oxer, the third fence on the shortened route, but claimed sixth place with Kick On in 40.82 seconds.
Scott Brash, the only rider ever to win the Grand Slam, will have his 2014-2015 record of consecutive victories in Geneva, Aachen and Spruce Meadows with Hello Sanctos standing for a while longer. The British star ranked world number one was first of 37 starters to go in the class aboard Hello Chadora Lady. But the winner of the Rolex Top 10 last December in Geneva caught the back pole at the seventh fence, the pink and white VDL oxer. He finished twelfth.
click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 11, 2026
The fate of the Maryland 5-Star event really wasn’t in doubt since word surfaced late last year that financial issues were affecting the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, which presented it.
But on Tuesday, the U.S. Equestrian Federation made it official, announcing that the facility at Fair Hill would not stage either the October 5-Star or the 3-Star that was also a part of its program for the last five years.
USEF “has been in regular communication with the Maryland Stadium Authority to support their ongoing discussions surrounding the future viability of the Maryland 5-Star. The current licensee, the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, due to apparent financial concerns, will not host the CCI3*-L or CCI5*-L in 2026.”
USEF’s statement said it “is working with a new potential licensee for the CCI3*-L for 2026 and will share updates about the future possibilities for the CCI5*-L as soon as possible. The timeline and FEI requirements to host an event of this stature are published to support any efforts to pursue an application in the future.”
Yet on Wednesday, the Fair Hill Foundation called the decision not to hold the 5-Star this year a pause that “reflects confidence — not uncertainty. It is a proactive step grounded in responsible stewardship and a shared belief that the Maryland 5-Star deserves the time, leadership, and operational depth required to thrive for decades to come. The Foundation is confident in this direction and will continue to provide support through various means to ensure a strong return in 2027.”
Having the event skip a year and come back in 2027 could be a difficult strategy, since momentum would be lost and competitors likely would wonder about the viability of the 5-Star when they plan their schedules.
The foundation, however, states that the 2026 3-Star “will take place as planned, supported by members of a well‑resourced organizing group, including the very experienced Fair Hill International team, many (of whom) will be engaged in the next chapter of the Maryland 5-Star. This team ensures continuity for athletes, owners, and fans, while allowing thoughtful preparation for the 5-Star’s return. In coming days, there will be updates related to the CCI3-L plans for 2026.”
Entries for the 5-star have been relatively light for the last few years after a strong debut for the event. By the time autumn rolls around each year, some top event horses have wrapped up their season, whether because they have done enough for the year or are recovering from physical setbacks.
The calendar also hasn’t been the event’s friend, with France’s Pau 5-star scheduled for the week after Maryland, an easier trip for Europeans than crossing the Atlantic. Maryland also conflicts with another French fixture, Le Lion de Angiers, the Young Horse eventing world championships. And some have cited the debut of the U.S. Open of eventing, a lucrative 4-Star the week before Maryland, as another issue in the viability of the 5-Star on a crowded roster of dates.
Looking ahead to 2027, the Fair Hill Foundation said a leadership and organizational structure is “being assembled to guide the Maryland 5-Star forward. A highly capable, cross‑disciplinary team has been identified, and work is underway to finalize the framework that will support the event’s long‑term success. This approach allows future partners and sponsors to engage with clarity and confidence, understanding both the vision and the commitment behind the investment.”
In the view of the foundation, “The Maryland 5-Star was always intended to be more than a moment — it was meant to be a legacy. The Foundation views this period as an opportunity to honor what has been built while ensuring that the event becomes a world‑class 5-Star competition worthy of Fair Hill, Maryland, and the global sport of eventing.”
The spring Kentucky 5-star also has been running in one form or another since the late 1970s and is a solid fixture at the Kentucky Horse Park. But questions arose when a U.S. autumn 5-star was proposed, as to whether it could get sufficient support from competitors both in the U.S. and abroad so close to the end of a long season.
Also, since competitors can qualify for championships by their record in 4-star events, 5-stars may not feel as relevant as they once did. Not everyone is interested in taking on the sport’s ultimate challenge category. They are still a goal for some, however.
Caroline Pamukcu, who finished fourth in the 2025 Fair Hill 5-star with her 2024 Olympic horse, HSH Blake (and eleventh with HSH Tolan King), was a “huge fan”of the (Maryland) event.
“I think the 5-star is a really important part of our sport. Going 5-star really helps prep me and my horses for big championships,” she said.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Eventing Association has pledged support for the 5-Star and its future, stating it “has made the MARS Maryland 5- Star a focal point of our fall media coverage and has supported it both publicly and privately with the regulatory bodies of our sport, as well as with others in positions to positively influence the event’s long-term success.”
The USEA has further supported the Maryland 5-Star by allocating the USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships to the event while helping fund the development of the YEH cross-country course through various terrain builds. The organization confirmed the those East Coast Championships will continue in the fall this year.
“We are committed to running the YEH Championships at Fair Hill if the CCI3*-L takes place on that weekend, subject to the USEF’s negotiation with the new licensee, and approval of the USEA Board of Governors,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk.
“However, we know there are a couple of other venues who would be eager and willing to host the YEH Championships, and we would be willing to relocate. But for the time being, we are committed to holding it on the same dates at the same venue, if that is possible.
“This championship is a premier showcase for the nation’s top young horses and consistently draws more than 75 horses (along with wait-listed horses due to the limited number of competition spots), as well as their riders and owners each year, drawing additional international attention to the event and making it a significant and highly visible feature of the Maryland 5-Star,” the USEA statement continued.
The organization has been a sponsor of the Maryland 5-Star by securing and funding multi-million-dollar competition liability insurance. It also has worked to bring new sponsors and partners to the event.
“We know that the Maryland 5-Star also generates substantial economic impact for surrounding jurisdictions. The state of Maryland can be incredibly proud of this event, and the work that all those involved have put in to make this a globally recognized competition in the Olympic sport of eventing.”
Attendance last year was 32,000, an 11 percent increase over 2024.
The future of the Maryland 5-Star, which was looking dicey after all the principals of the Sport & Entertainment entity departed late last year, became even more of a question in February, after the Maryland Division of Legislative Services discussed 2027 budget proposals before the state Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.
To insure that “new grants are not crowded out by large ongoing grants,” the department recommended that grants for the 5-star should be deleted for the next fiscal year, beginning July 1.
In November, it was projected that the state could have nearly a $1.5 billion shortfall for fiscal 2027. Maryland’s numerous financial issues include work involved with Pimlico and Laurel racetracks. The lottery fund backing stadium authority bonds is approaching its debt limit, and there is concern that the rebuild of Pimlico, home of the Preakness Stakes, could push it over the line.
Maryland Sports Authority Chairman Craig Thompson had said this year that “the plan is to move forward in October” with the 5-star. But neither he nor MSA Executive Director Michael Frenz, who is retiring in April, responded to requests for interviews. There was no information about who could organize a 2026 5-Star, who would be on their team and where the money would come from to fund it.
The five-year-old Maryland 5-Star had received approximately $3 million annually from the state. This event also got money for capital improvements on the under-utilized state-owned Fair Hill property. A tax filing from 2023 shows the event reported $7.6 million in expenses and $1.4 million in sponsorship revenue.
