Elkton, MD – According to The Baltimore Sun, the prestigious Maryland 5 Star equestrian competition, held annually at Fair Hill in Elkton, will not occur in 2026 due to ongoing financial challenges and leadership changes at the organizing nonprofit.
The Maryland 5 Star, one of only seven five-star eventing competitions worldwide, tests horses and riders in dressage, cross-country, and show jumping over three days. For the past five years, the event took place at the Fair Hill Training Center, drawing international attention and significant local economic benefits. Last year’s competition saw an 11% increase in attendance to 32,000 spectators, highlighting its growing popularity.
Cecil County Executive Adam Streight expressed disappointment over the cancellation but remained optimistic. “While the pause of the Maryland 5 Star for 2026 is certainly disappointing, we remain hopeful for its return in 2027 and are encouraged by the continued commitment to the 3 Star event this year, as well as the Fair Hill Races on Memorial Day weekend—a Cecil County tradition spanning generations,” Streight stated.
The decision stems from financial difficulties faced by the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland (SECM), the nonprofit responsible for organizing the event alongside other major Maryland sporting occasions like the Preakness Festival and the Maryland Cycling Classic. In January 2026, the Maryland Stadium Authority approved a $94,000 transfer to SECM after reports emerged that employees had missed paychecks. This funding aimed to stabilize operations and retain key events, underscoring the state’s commitment to preserving the Maryland 5 Star.
Financial records from 2023 reveal the event’s expenses reached $7.6 million, with sponsorship revenue at $1.4 million, indicating persistent budgetary pressures. The 2026 event had been scheduled for October 15-18, but these challenges led to its postponement. The Fair Hill Foundation described the move as a strategic “pause,” expressing confidence in new leadership and organizational restructuring to ensure the event’s future viability.
Leadership turmoil has further complicated matters. In December 2025, SECM President Terry Hasseltine and CEO Jeff Newman departed abruptly, leaving the organization without prior notice. Hasseltine also served in dual roles with the Maryland Stadium Authority and the Maryland Sports Commission, amplifying the impact of the exits.
Despite the setback, the Maryland 5 Star serves as a vital economic engine for Cecil County and Maryland. According to Tourism Economics, the event generates approximately $11.6 million in direct spending statewide, supporting local businesses, tourism, and the equine industry. Last year’s runner-up, the New Zealand Thoroughbred horse Artist, captured attention from the local racing community, illustrating the event’s crossover appeal with Maryland’s thoroughbred heritage.
The U.S. Equestrian Federation and Maryland Stadium Authority officials were unavailable for immediate comment on the cancellation’s broader implications. Meanwhile, the Fair Hill Foundation confirmed plans for a three-star level event in October 2026, providing some continuity for competitors and fans.
As Maryland’s equestrian scene navigates these uncertainties, stakeholders emphasize the event’s role in promoting conservation efforts at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, a protected landscape that hosts these high-profile competitions. The pause raises questions about sustaining elite international events amid fiscal constraints, but optimism persists for a robust return.
This development affects not only athletes and spectators but also the regional economy reliant on such gatherings. With the 3 Star event proceeding and traditional races intact, Cecil County aims to maintain its status as a hub for equestrian excellence. For more information, visit The Baltimore Sun.