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♪ ♪ >> It is a big sports week here on Maryland Public Television.

We are just three days away from starting four straight days of the Mars Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill coverage.

Hi everybody, I'm Jim Hunter and welcome in to the MPT Sports Desk.

Tonight we are going to get you ready for all the excitement at the Fair Hill event zone in Cecil County from Dressage, cross-country to show jumping and of course the very popular Corgi cup.

To shed more light on the activities around the Maryland 5 Star, we'll check in with the president and C.E.O.

Jeff Newman.

How are you doing?

>> I'm doing great, Jeff, thank you for having me.. >> It's always a pleasure, this event is very big.

It's only one of two of the 5 Star equestrian levels in the United States.

Tell us about that and how fortunate it is to be in Cecil County?

>> Maryland is really lucky to have it as well as Cecil County because there are only seven of these in the world.

We became the seventh when Maryland won the bid to host the 5 Star level event back in 2019.

So through all the work that was done at the Fair Hill special event zone, as well as the history of the horse industry here in Maryland, all those factors combined to enable us to win the bid and now we are in our fourth edition.

>> Now why is the sport of eventing the ultimate test of both the horse and the rider?

>> Well, the sport actually originated from a cavalry test to get horses and riders ready for battle and subsequently turned into an Olympic sport and now it's on the worldwide stage.

So it really tests the skills of horse and riders to become one.

So, yeah, the Dressage phase, which is basically like figure skating for horses, judged on technical merit and then you have the cross-country to really showcase endurance, agility and then culminates with show jumping, again, so that it really gets the horses and the riders together to be as one so that they could be ready for battle in the past, but now it's a sport.

So it's pretty exciting.

It's like the iron man competition for horses.

If you have never seen it, it's really something else.

>> Now you brought up the Olympics.

I understand some eventers who took part in the 2024 Summer Olympics will be participating at Fair Hill.

Can you talk about that?

>> That's right.

So as an international event that brings athletes from all over the world, we will have many of the Olympics riders participating in the 5 Star.

I mean barring the horse is healthy, they will be participating so that's one of the benefits of being an Olympic sport is the ability to then showcase those Olympic athletes at your event.

And what is even more unique, we have men and women competing together as equals on the same stage.

You will see both men and women Olympic athletes competing together.

>> How does that enhance the event at Fair Hill, having Olympians?

>> It just legitimizes the worldwide popularity of the sport by being an Olympic sport and discipline.

And I think, you know, at this past Paris Olympics, it was really a highlight.

I mean it was absolutely gorgeous.

The course, the facility, and I think it got some great coverage by a lot of the commentators and certainly was in a great time zone when they were showing the eventing competition.

So it just helps us to promote the event by having Olympic athletes and by giving the opportunity for people to see what the sport is at the Olympics and then hopefully they'll want to come to the event.

>> Last year I was there.

Austin O'Connor made history.

He won and it was Ireland's first 5 Star victory in 58 years.

What does that mean for this year?

Is it wide open?

>> Well, it's always wide open and, you know, those are the stories you hope take place and happen from an event.

You hope that it's going to resonate and you create these story lines that make your event different.

And so to have an Irish winner for the first time in 58 years, win the event, it just made Maryland worldwide news, especially in Ireland.

So, you know, one of the goals of the event is always to create exposure for the state.

You know what Cecil County has to offer to an international audience.

And whenever you have an athlete from another country actually perform well, it just becomes an infomercial for Maryland and Cecil County.

So those are definitely the stories that we always hope for and the first year of the event we had Boyd Martin win and he was, you know, the first American to win in close to 15 years.

So we have been lucky to have some really good story lines.

The second year we had Tim Price number 1 in the world in the event so hopefully that trend continues.

>> This 2024 edition will also feature a 3 star competition to Talk about the rising equine stars.

>> So we wanted to have the event showcase the different levels.

I sort of compare it to like Major League Baseball where you have the professional level and Triple A and double A and single A.

The three star I would equate to double A.

So it's providing another level of competition to showcase that hopefully those horses and riders can then become 5 Star participants.

And then the young event horse competition, we actually host the United States eventing association's east coast championships.

And these are four and five-year-old horses that people are looking to see what type of potential they have to eventually become hopefully a 5 Star rider.

So you can see all the different levels at our event.

And you know, what it also creates is a lot of horses around.

So if you come to the event, it's really a sight to see.

>> Can you talk about some of the other fun events for families at the event?

>> Sure, we have something for everyone.

I think each day we are featuring a different special event.

So we have a Maryland fresh food fest on the Sunday of our event along with of course the American Corgi cup, which has become unbelievably popular in itself.

We have 125 corgis lined up with a waiting list on Sunday and then we also have on Saturday, we have tailgating.

We have beer, wine and spirits festival.

We violence a dog rescue parade.pp So there are all different types of things that people can do.

But one of the best highlights of the event is you can do your shopping.

We have over 100 retailers out there offering all kinds of products and services.

If you want to get our holiday shopping in, you can come to our event and find a wide variety of offerings.

We have something for everyone and you can bring your dog.

Everybody is welcome and dog friendly event.

We also have pony racing.

Lots going on.

>> Before we let you go, tell us about the kids corner.

Very popular.

>> Sure.

So we wanted to make sure again that, you know, the adults have a chance to enjoy themselves throughout the day.

We have a kids corner you can leave your kids there and we have Great Wolf Lodge bringing out a lot of activities, mill born orchards bringing out interactive displays and the YMCA bringing activities there, too.

You can leave your children there and they will have a fantastic time while you enjoy your shopping or eventing or all the other things we have to offer.

>> Jeff, we appreciate your time.

We are looking forward to a big four days on later on this week and go get 'em.

>> Please come out.

It's beautiful fall weather and it's just a sight to see.

We welcome everybody to Cecil County and Fair Hill.

Thank you very much for the time.

Appreciate it.

>> Coming up later we'll talk to the Executive Director of the Maryland sports commission.

But right now we are going to learn more about horses, specifically what they wear on their feet.

MPT's Charles Robinson tells us all about reshoeing, the process that involves a farrier removing old shoes and getting new ones.

>> Getting a makeover with Sarah Snyder.

The filing of her outer hoof is just part of the pampering.pp blacksmith is just one of the things Sarah does for horses.

>> The basic way to explain the difference between a blacksmith and a farrier is a blacksmith is primarily metal work.

Where a farrier can do the metal work and shoe horses.

>> So here at the days end farm, the farriers come every other week to put new shoes on horses.

Snyder and Sean are pros.

They bring their work skills and knowledge which is contained in their trailer to get it right for their horses.

We'll walk you through the process of removing and replacing horseshoes.

>> Starting off with the horse that has a shoe on.

We'll loosen the shoe up.

If I can't grab it, I'll take a crease nail puller and this takes out individual nails.

Then we clean out the debris on the horse's foot with a horse pick.

>> There could be as many as 60 horses on the days end farm horse rescue.

They rotate the herd, hoofing, shaping and finding the right shape for horses.

The pair of farriers have a passion.

If the horses could talk, they would appreciate individualized care.

>> And joining us now is Savannah Fulton, world class equestrian athlete.

What is it like to compete in an event like the 5 Star?

>> A little bit is out of this world.

I'm lucky enough I'm a native Marylander so I have been able to see the facility at Fair Hill, you know, grow over the years, over my lifetime.

And I will say they go completely all out, above and beyond to make the facility world class.

So many amenities for the competitors, so many amenities for the spectators.

I'm a little bit bias but I don't think there is anywhere prettier in the world than Fair Hill in October.

It's a special venue and special that it is in Maryland.

And I couldn't be prouder as a Marylander to have such a big prestigious competition in our backyard.

>> Now we know the Dressage event may look calm and composed.

How do you achieve that perfect harmony with your horse?

>> I'm still trying to figure that out.

Yeah, you know, it's life long.

And just like with people, you know, working on communication is an everyday all day type of training.

So, you know, a little bit day by day by day just to make the communication and that relaxation in such a big atmosphere so consistent.

And the thing is, you have to remember the horse is so fit to be able to run in the endurance portion, you know, the next day on Saturday.

So there is so much energy just sort of balanced underneath of you, which is an extra component of difficulty.

>> Now let's switch to cross-country and that nearly four-mile course full of massive challenging obstacles.

Tell us about that?

>> You know, it's a true endurance test.

Not only are the fences big, but you know, the terrain plays a huge part in it; especially at the Fair Hill venue.

The hills are intense.

You need a very fit horse, a horse that really wants to try for you.

At the end the star course is one of the best in the world, having ridden around the courses, these are some of the most fun and scare toe look at but a lot of riders but the horse reads all of the questions well and have you to attack and it's a big, bold challenging course every time.

>> One of the events that is a of fun to watch is the show jumping.

Tell us about that.

>> The show jumping, after you have the ballet, the dancing portion on the first day of the Dressage, then the cross-country and then the show jumping is really all about, okay, can you your horse recover from that grueling test the day before and can they be sharp enough to jump over the poles.

You know, the poles fall down with just a little bit of a push.

They come down and the penalties really stack up.

So you are looking for a clean fast round over the fences that have you to keep them up.

>> Now you mentioned the horses are very calm.

What about the rider?

>> Yeah, I think, you know, everyone is an individual.

But the type riders and the top competitors, they have nerves of steel and ice running through their veins.

But you know, it's definitely tougher and you will see in the competition the higher-placed riders go last so that as another level of, yeah, nerves to the whole thing, it makes it really fun to watch but it can make it not so fun to be in first place going into the big packed stadium can everyone watching and your fellow competitors cheering you on but also maybe hoping that you have a rail so that they can move up in the placings.

>> Thank you very much for your expertise, Savannah.

We appreciate it and look forward to a big event later this week.

>> Look forward to seeing everyone there.

>> We want all of our viewers to have a full understanding of how the event works so let's break it down.

The competition tests both the overall ability of the horse and the skill and judgment of the rider.

Now the first phase is Dressage; which shows the relationship between horse and rider with an emphasis on obedience and harmony.

Phase 2 is the cross-country event.

It's a nearly four-mile test of endurance with almost 50 jumps and the final phase is jumping where penalties are incurred for knocking down a jump, failing to jump or exceeding the time limit.

The horse and rider with the least number of combined penalties over the three days is the winner.

We are joined now by the Executive Director of the Maryland sports commission Terry Hasseltine.

The state's horse industry has a big economic impact of more than $2.9 billion.

Can you break down what this means for the Maryland economy?

>> Any time you host an event of this magnitude in connection with the equine industry, it's bringing resources to the equestrian sport and a profile of visitation for people from all over the globe.

Most of the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is an added, you know, perspective of about $13 million into Maryland economy through a four-day event up in Cecil County, Maryland.

>> What about the economic impact in Cecil County where the event is held?

>> You are talking about now with the Great Wolf Lodge open, you are talking a facility built for this purpose.

You are talking about millions and millions of dollars each year being pumped into the Maryland economy and into Cecil County because of the 5 Star being hosted there in October.

>> Is there any way for you to know how many people actually come into the state for the event?

>> We do.

We are doing analysis over the last three years, going into our fourth year of this event, dealing with seeing the number of people.

Basically about 60 plus percent of the people that come to the 5 Star are not from Maryland.

>> What are some of the long-term benefits beyond the event's four days?

>> Well, it's one we are adding to the profile, the equestrian sports industry in the State of Maryland.

You are talking about people who come in who are C.E.O.s and/or high, you know, senior leaders, you know, in the corporate marketplace, seeing Maryland sometimes for the first time.

And a chance for us to really showcase that Maryland has a can do and can get it done attitude when it comes to putting on big profile events and some people, you know, might choose to live here.

They might choose to vacation here and so it just adds to the, you know, the profile that Maryland is a great place to visit and it's a great place to live.

>> Tell us about Maryland's reputation as a hub for equestrian sports not only in Maryland but in the United States.

>> Domestically, it's second to none.

Obviously between what we do in Maryland and the Maryland 5 Star, there is only one other 5 Star in the United States that and at in Kentucky.

So it's about growing the sport.

Maryland is at the forefront of creating opportunities in the equestrian eventing space and other states are beginning to identify Maryland as a place to bring business whether equestrian or other sports but this is a temple event for the State of Maryland.

We are excited about the opportunity and it allows us to brag that we are the best equestrian state in the country.

>> Maryland is obviously horse country.

This is a perfect fit, isn't it?

>> Absolutely.

You can't get better than this.

>> As far as the event goes, last year the winner came from Ireland, first time ever, a rider from Ireland would be the event and we were there on the final day when he won.

It was so exciting.

What do you have anticipated for this year?

>> We obviously are looking for a great field of competitors at the 5 Star level and hosted the young event and 3 star national championship.

Our whole goal right now is to make sure the athletes, spectators and everybody who comes out to Fair Hill has a world class experience and leaves just so happy they want to come back year in and year out.

I think you are going to see some really good competition on the course, whether that's cross-country, Dressage or show jumping.

We have a great feel and I think people will be really impressed with what they see.

>> Of the cross-country, Dressage and the show jumping, what do the fans enjoy the most?

>> The biggest day of the event is really cross-country.

That's where we are getting the biggest.

It's four plus miles of-- it's like a golf event.

You pick a hole and you pick your jump in this case and you watch these really elite athletes do things that you and I would not even think about doing.

They're doing it on an animal, a beautiful animal by the way.

And they're doing it and showcasing the skill and the athleticism of a rider and a horse, you know, competing as one entity.

Sights super spectacular.

Cross-country is usually the day most of our audience comes out, then show jumping and Dressage.

>> We appreciate your time.

We are looking forward to a big event later on this week.

We appreciate your joining us.

>> Thanks for having me.

I appreciate it.

>> That's Executive Director of the Maryland sports commission Terry Hasseltine.

Now let's talk about the cutest race on four legs.

MPT's Nancy Yamada with a preview of the Corgi cup.

>> This is Stanley and he is going to be five years old in a couple of weeks.

>> Stanley and his sister Annie will be among the Corgi competitors who will be running, racing and entertaining the crowds in the third annual Maryland 5 Star Corgi cup.

>> It's a lot of fun, very chaotic.

This year we have 125 racing.

>> Corganizer said the event gets bigger every year which makes me wonder.

Are corgis super athletic, are they natural competitors?

>> Not at all.

They're breeded for herding.

And it's just funny because they have little tiny legs and big attitudes.

>> Which leads to some interesting downright hilarious races.

>> We have had some not leave the start.

We have had some that got halfway and decided to turn around and then some that just crossed the finish and you can't catch them.

>> The dogs race the 150 feet by age group after qualifying rounds, the top two go to the championship where the winner will go home with more than an attaboy.

>> They get a cooler that resembles what the horses win at the 5 Star.

It's like a little blanket.

And we have ribbons and local sponsors will donate prizes as well.

>> Aside from the fun side show from the main event, it is a great way to promote a breed that has enthralled dog owners more than 3,000 years.

>> They're great family dogs.

They really do want to please you.

And they're just a lot of fun.

You know, makes you smile when you see them because they always have a smile on their face.

>> And we invite to you look for the Corgi race coming up this Sunday.

Now back to the cross-country course.

We are joined by sigh son Rementer, the course design builder.

Tyson, thank you for your time and how do you make the course designer's vision a reality?

>> It's a long process.

Thank you for having me.

We begin all the way as soon as the last event ends, this event begins.

We start planning for the 2024 event back in October of 2023 and I'm standing in front of a few fences we have modified, changed this year a little bit from the course that would you have seen in 2023.

The familiar roller coaster fences are behind me and the great big Fair Hill drop I'm standing in front of.

We rearranged the fences on the landing here, made a lot of adjustments to it.

I'm in the process right now of working with the course designer getting everything in place for 2024.

And it's looking great.

>> Tyson tell us about the changes you made to the course from last year's event.

>> Absolutely.

We have a lot of new features this year.

One of my favorite features is I heard you mention the Corgi race earlier.

Although we don't have any large Corgi carvings this year, we have a massive Scotty dog carve.

Scotty is the name of our cross-country course designer so I thought it was appropriate to give him a big Scotty dog carving and we found a piece of wood that is on the other side of the property from where I stand now that's more than 8,000 pounds.

And I carved it into a massive 16-foot long Scotty dog to honor our course designer Ian stark who is designing his very last course here at Fair Hill.

>> Now you have the Dressage.

You have the cross-country.

And you have the show jumping.

How is it as a designer that you keep it safe for both the horse and the rider?

>> These horses don't just walk off the street and start competing.

These horses are trained.

They have been working at this for their entire lives.

Unlike race horses who compete at a very young age, 2, 3 years old.

Some of the horses in our field are in excess of 15 years old and training their entire lives to prepare for this.

So they start at the very smallest level with very small jumps, very easy Dressage tests, smaller show jumping competitions and build their way up just like any other professional athlete, to get to this level.

So a lot of the safety-- a lot of the elegance and grace and sophistication that you see out here from the horses and riders didn't happen overnight.

That was not bred into them.

That's a relationship that these horses and riders have developed, in some cases, more than a decade.

>> Now will we be seeing the crab- inspired jumps or Oriole bird like they had last year?

>> Absolutely.

We have tons of local flavor.

Not only do we have the great big crab fences.

This year I crafted a massive crab mallet that they will be jumping over.

They will jump over the mallet, leap over the crab into the water right in front of a great bar spot for the spectators to enjoy food to eat, crabs of their own, as they watch the horses jump over the fences.

A few familiar faces like the crab, this big Fair Hill drop behind me, the roller coasters we have seen before and we have a lot of new fences.

I'm looking forward to everyone checking that out.

>> I'm curious.

How long does it take for a course designer to complete a course?

>> Well, Ian Stark, the course designer-- I have been working on this course, working on building these fences all year long.

I came for my first visit in January; two feet of snow on the ground, did a layout and measured the distance of the track to make sure everything was just right.

I have been here with Ian for a week placing each fence on course.

When I tell you we have moved these fences 5, 6, 7 times to be in exactly the right spot so the horses get the best opportunity to jump the fences.

Some of these fences, it is no easy feat.

They will be jumping through this opening here behind me.

It's very, very important that we get it just right.

So we have moved this fence a number of times now just to get it in exactly the right location so these horses have the best opportunity to have a good safe jump over it.

>> Tyson, fascinating stuff.

We appreciate your time and look forward to the event later on this week.

>> Yep, Saturday is cross-country day October 19.

Do not miss it.

If we have fun for the whole family.

Get out here, bring your kids, your dogs, pets of all kinds and enjoy the action at Fair Hill.

>> Tyson, thank you.

Tyson Rementer, course design builder at Fair Hill.

>> Again, MPT Mars Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill coverage begins Thursday.

Go to MPT.org/Maryland5star for all the details.

And we'll be in Cecil County for another edition of Sports Desk next Sunday.

We thank you very much for watching and for everyone here on our MPT team, I'm Jim Hunter.