Ensure accessibility of grass roots to FEI level eventing in Maryland

 
 
 

About Maryland International Equestrian Foundation

The Maryland International Equestrian Foundation (MIEF) was established to promote, preserve and support equestrian sport in Maryland, from the grass roots level to the upper-level FEI (International Federation for Equestrian). MIEF is also committed to provide funding for the development of dedicated riders from diverse backgrounds to compete at the top levels of our sport.

US and International Riders Travel Grant Program for the Mars Maryland 5* at Fair Hill, MD

Developed in partnership with Carolyn Mackintosh and her team at Loch Moy Farm, the intention of this travel grant program is to assist with bringing the world’s best horses and riders from the USA and internationally to Maryland to compete in the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory, one of only seven CCI5* events in the world. Bringing elite, international-level athletes to Maryland benefits the Maryland Horse Industry, and the growth and development of the equestrian community at all levels in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Fundraising for the 2025 International Travel Grant has started with the goal of bringing both US and foreign athletes alike to the Maryland 5 Star, affording our American athletes the opportunity to compete against some of the best in the world without having to leave North America. This is a huge benefit to the US high performance equestrian programs and the sport of eventing in North America.

Scholarship Programs

MIEF has established three scholarship programs to assist equestrians in achieving the riding and competition goals.

  • FEI Dedicated Rider Scholarship for riders competing at the 4* to 1* level at the Maryland International CCI 1* 2* 3* and 4* at Loch Moy Farm

  • Merrylegs Junior Rider Scholarship for riders age 13-17 competing at the grass roots level

  • Menfelt Adult Amateur Rider Scholarship for riders over 18

To date MEIF has awarded eight FEI Dedicated Rider Scholarships, eight Merrylegs Junior Rider Scholarships and one Menfelt Adult Amateur Scholarship.

Loch Moy Farm and Ireland International Rider Exchange

Through the support of MIEF, the Maryland Horse Industry Board, and Millstreet Equestrian Centre in Ireland, top placing Young Riders from the US and Ireland participated in an international rider exchange. This program allowed a top placing Young Rider to compete in an eventing competition at Millstreet Equestrian Centre in County Cork, Ireland, and a top placing Irish Young Rider to come to Maryland to compete at the Maryland International CCI 4* and Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm. This was a terrific opportunity to allow these up-and-coming equestrians to experience international competition.

Community Involvement

Through competitions at Loch Moy Farm, MIEF and the Maryland Horse Trials supports local youth programs and charitable organizations such as scout troops, pony clubs, animal rescue groups, Great & Small Therapeutic Riding, Gallop for Life, Carroll Manor Fire Company.

Educational Programs

MIEF partners with local organizations, businesses to provide educational seminars and mounted and unmounted clinics.

For FEI level eventing to stay in Maryland, we all need to support it.

Our team brings years of experience to organizing and running horse events. With your support, we can continue to run FEI events and ensure that eventing is accessible to riders.

Checks made payable to: “Maryland International Equestrian Foundation” • Send to: 1235 Park Mills Rd, Adamstown, MD 21710

Maryland International Equestrian Foundation Board of Directors:

  • Carolyn Mackintosh

  • Bill Nelson

  • Caroline Martin Pamukcu

  • Cathy Hare

  • Jim Newman

  • Joanie Morris

  • Kim Egan

  • Leah Fleming

  • Mike Smallwood

Carolyn Mackintosh began transforming Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Maryland from cow country to a premier eventing facility in 2006. This year she will run over 50 competitions—more than any other eventing venue in Maryland. The facility is open for schooling year round, including a Xderby course set up on the 9 acres of all weather rings.

Loch Moy Farm hosts events for all ages, amateurs and professionals alike, from starter activities for the very newest human and equine competitors all the way to the highest levels of international competition. US Eventing has called Loch Moy Farm "a year-round playground for eventers." Without it, Maryland eventing would be greatly diminished.

About Loch Moy Farm

Checks made payable to: “Maryland International Equestrian Foundation” • Send to: 1235 Park Mills Rd, Adamstown, MD 21710

We are committed to ensuring the continued viability of horse sports at Loch Moy Farm.

MIEF’s mission is dedicated to supporting equestrian sport from grass roots to FEI level at Loch Moy Farm, and committed to providing funding for the development of dedicated riders from diverse backgrounds to compete at the top levels of our sport.

 

“Loch Moy Farm is a Year-Round Playground for Eventers, offering competitions, schooling shows and clinics for all levels of horses and riders.”

— US Eventing