Inside Maryland: Behind the scenes with Jeff and Joanie

EquiRatings Eventing Podcast

Five years in, the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory has gone from ambitious newcomer to a cornerstone on the international calendar. With a new Olympic course designer, world-class fields from both sides of the Atlantic, and a unique mix of sport and spectacle, Maryland 2025 (October 16–19) promises to be its biggest year yet.

Nicole is joined by Event CEO Jeff Newman and Competition Director Joanie Morris to take us behind the scenes of one of the sport’s youngest but most important five-star fixtures.

Highlights

• Maryland’s journey from idea to established five-star in just five years
• What to expect from new course designer Pierre Le Goupil, fresh from designing at the Paris Olympics
• How the event showcases the pipeline of US event horses, from Young Event Horse Championships to the top level
• Local color: from Cecil County’s equestrian roots to cider donuts, corgi races, and even betting on eventing
• A first look at this year’s international entries, with top US names joined by big European challengers

Guests

• Jeff Newman – CEO, MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill
• Joanie Morris – Competition Director, MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill

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