Third Time’s a Charm for the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, continued... New this year was a “hall of champions” sta-
Hospitality Reports on hospitality of volunteers and staff
continues to stay steady with the majority of survey responders selecting “just right” (61%) or “exceeded expectations” (21.2%). Only 7.7% felt the staff or volunteers they met “needs im- provement” while 5.8% reported they did not interact with any staff or volunteers. One volunteer made a point to comment that
the free volunteer food options were great and several media personnel were incredibly pleased with the boxed lunches provided each day. Te following write-in comment basically sums up what our survey responders had to say about hospitality, “Everyone I came in contact with from volunteers to vendors and contrac- tual personnel were very nice, and an improve- ment over last year.”
Digital Program
Although more people this year stated the digital program exceeded expectations over last year, the majority of survey responders still don’t even know there is a digital program (58%). Some people wrote in that they would prefer a printed program. Others commented that the printed course maps and order of go for cross-country day was a big improvement over previous years. Although the digital program itself is spec-
tacular to look at and full of great information and photographs, the overall consensus is that the 134 pages is not functional when users at the actual venue are viewing on a cellphone.
Non-Competition Activities Many survey responders stated they did not
know about non-competition activities going on during the event. Tose who did stated the VIP Pet Experience and corgi races were their favorite.
ble area where famous top event horses were stabled such as two-time Maryland Hunt Cup winner Twill Do and Olympic event horse Mighty Nice. Sadly, many people did not know they were there. Other additions you may not have known
about were Shetland Pony and Lead Line Rac- es in the main arena and a rescue dog parade. Tere was also a revamped Kid Zone that was open Tursday through Sunday with a farm petting zoo on Friday through Sunday. Work To Ride also performed a polo demonstration.
Additional Comments
“Had not been [Fair Hill venue] for 10 years and was blown away by the improvements from the spectator perspective!” “Te audio commentary with the earpiece is
a great idea.” – Note: Spectators could purchase the use of an earpiece they could walk around with and listen to the commentary that was playing on USEF Network. “So much fun! Excited to attend next year!” “Huge improvements this year in every way. Especially the media company hired. Tey were really on top of things before and during the event and their hospitality for media was fan- tastic and very much appreciated.” “I can’t say enough good things about the
experience this year. Also saw a lot of people we know spectating so that was great. And even my non-horsie husband had a great time. I don’t think I’ll be missing many of these in the future!” “Great event! Better every year. Te courses
were fantastic.” “It’s clear that the MD 5 Star continues to make improvements and listen to and heed the suggestions/complaints of attendees. Tis year
Some spectators would like to see more cover- age of the YEH Championships. Pictured is Maryland-bred Cleveland Bay cross Magnific C’Imagination in the YEH 5YO Championship.
was the best yet and it was a truly fun day. Can’t wait till next year!” “Would like to see more coverage of the YEH
competition. People work just as hard to be there and it’s a big deal for the young horses. It felt like it was an ‘also ran.’” – Note: Te Dutta Corp East Coast Young Event Horse Champi- onships were held on Tursday and Friday near the main arena. “I could never afford to go to KY for the 5 star but I live in Baltimore and can afford to drive an hour! Just, please, keep your general admission prices down so us plebeians can still come.” “Te Maryland 5 Star is so amazing in my
opinion! It is a source of inspiration for me as a young rider and establishes an ideal goal to reach in my eventing journey.” “Love the whole thing. People, dogs and horses. What’s not to love?”
Maryland Horse Council PODCAST
Educate - Unify - Represent Maryland Horse Community
Available where you access podcasts.
16 | DECEMBER 2023 | THE EQUIERY YOUR MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL PUBLICATION
Got ideas for a topic?
rachann@raisingconnections.com 800-244-9580 |
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Kate Kotoski
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