Mark Phillips warns against complacency after Maryland cancellation

Mark Phillips has issued a warning against complacency in equestrian sport. The caution comes in his exclusive column for Horse & Hound following the cancellation of the Maryland five-star event. He describes the incident as highlighting the sport's fragility.

In a recent column published by Horse & Hound on March 22, 2026, Mark Phillips addressed the cancellation of the Maryland five-star event. He stated, ‘We must not be complacent’, emphasizing the need for vigilance in equestrian disciplines like eventing. Phillips points to the Maryland cancellation as a stark reminder of the underlying fragility within the sport. The piece appears under the eventing section of the publication, underscoring concerns specific to high-level competitions. No further details on the reasons for the cancellation or rescheduling were provided in the available information.

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Illustration depicting the empty Maryland 5 Star eventing venue with cancellation signs, evoking financial disappointment and paused equestrian dreams.
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Maryland 5 Star event cancelled for 2026 over financial concerns

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The Maryland 5 Star, a premier five-star eventing competition in the United States, has been cancelled for 2026 due to financial issues faced by its organizers. US Equestrian confirmed the decision, noting efforts to secure a new licensee for a lower-level event at the same venue. The pause aims to allow for better preparation for a potential return in 2027.

Select Event Group announced on April 21 that it will lead the organization of the Maryland 5 Star CCI5* event in 2027, after its recent cancellation. The group has applied to run a CCI3*-L and young event horse classes at Fair Hill in October 2026 as a precursor. Paris Olympic course designer Pierre Le Goupil will design the revived five-star course.

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