Maryland 5 Star Equestrian
Travel Grant Program
Help support and preserve
international equestrian competition in Maryland.
Equestrian Travel Grant Program - A Partnership with Maryland 5 Star and MIEF
About the Travel Grant
The International Equestrian Travel Grant Program was created to help bring the world’s top horses and riders to Maryland to compete at the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory—one of only seven CCI5*-L events in the world.
By supporting elite international athletes, the program strengthened the Maryland horse industry and enriched the equestrian community at every level throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
The International Equestrian Travel Grant Program successfully helped bring top international horses and riders to Maryland to compete at the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, one of only seven CCI5*-L events in the world.
The results were outstanding: four of the five international grant recipients finished in the top 10, with Felix Vogg of Switzerland claiming the 2025 5 win*. With that victory—his second at the 5* level—Vogg became the first Swiss rider ever to win two CCI5-L events*.
This success was made possible by the generosity of our donors. Thank you for helping elevate Maryland’s place on the international stage and for supporting the athletes, horses, and community that make this level of sport possible. The future of the Equestrian Travel Grant Program, including potential offerings in 2026, remains under consideration.
Thank you for supporting The Maryland Horse Trials and Loch Moy Farm!
Global Talent Shines at the MARS Maryland 5*
What an incredible week at the MARS Maryland 5*! The Maryland International Equestrian Foundation (MIEF) extends heartfelt congratulations to Felix Vogg (SUI) — the 2025 MARS Maryland 5* Champion — who made history with his second 5* win, setting both a personal and Swiss record!
Thanks to support from MIEF’s Equestrian Travel Grant Program, Felix and four other international riders — Alex Bragg (UK), Sophia Hill (AU), Tayla Mason (NZL), and Jonelle Price (NZL) — brought world-class talent and energy to the MD 5* at Fair Hill. Hill, Mason, and Price all finished in the Top 10!
Both Jonelle Price and Alex Bragg shared with MIEF President Carolyn Mackintosh that the travel grant played a key role in their decision to come to Maryland — a powerful reminder of the impact this program has on attracting global talent.
MIEF extends our warmest congratulations and appreciation to all the competitors, organizers, and volunteers who made this year’s MARS Maryland 5* such a spectacular success.
A huge thank you to our generous donors — your support makes this international competition, 1 of 7 in the world, possible and helps strengthen Maryland’s horse industry, one stride at a time.
2025 Grant Donors enjoyed a private course walk with grant recipient Alex Bragg (UK) and 2023 MD 5* winner Austin O’Connor (Ire).
Applications for the 2025 Equestrian Travel Grant are now closed. Check back in 2026!
Travel Grant Application
Check back soon for 2026 Travel Grant Application details!
Bringing elite, international-level athletes to Maryland:
- Strengthens the Maryland Horse Industry
- Promotes growth across all levels of the equestrian community
- Expands the reach of eventing in the Mid-Atlantic region
We’re actively fundraising to support U.S. and foreign athletes in attending the Maryland 5 Star. This program allows American riders to compete against the world’s best—without leaving North America—benefiting:
- U.S. high performance equestrian programs
- The broader sport of eventing in North America
- Funds are awarded by application only
- Used exclusively to offset travel expenses
- Applications reviewed and funds allocated no later than 30 days before the event
Supporters of the Equestrian Travel Grant Program will receive exclusive opportunities, including:
- Course walks with grant recipients
- Educational sessions (subject to availability)
Grant recipients are expected to help promote:
- The Maryland equestrian industry
- Related events and community activities
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Maryland International Equestrian Foundation is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting the development of upper-level equestrians by creating a world-class competition venue at Loch Moy Farm in Maryland and providing funding for the development of dedicated riders from diverse backgrounds to compete at the top levels of equestrian sport.
Nonprofit Tax-ID: 88-2025807