Todayat 5 p.m. EST, the Maryland International CCI4*-S will kick off with an opening ceremony followed by a reception at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Maryland. EN editor Sally Spickard and reporter Veronica Green-Gott will be bringing you all the action from the ground. Stay tuned for our end of day reports and keep up with the action on Eventing Nations Instagram or on the Maryland Horse Trials Facebook page.Caroline Martin and Kings Especial. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.The EntriesTen riders are entered in the CCI4*-S and weve got some new and interesting horses and riders in the mix, including quite a few 4* first-timers. Rookies include the Chiraz Syndicates Chiraz (Asquetta x Casall), previously ridden by Boyd Martin and now piloted by Australias Ema Klugman. Jessica Phoenix will also be riding a 4* first-timer and recent addition to her string, Sarah Irvings Thoroughbred Aeronautics (Two Step Salsa x Satin and Silver, by Silver Ghost). We also have a rookie pair at the Maryland International this weekend: Braden Speck and his horse, BSF Liam (Ballywhim An Luan x Rumor Risky, by Hawkster).Familiar names in the division include Hannah Sue Hollberg, who will be riding Christa Schmidts Carsonstown (Lougherne Cappucino x Nonavic Spyridonna, by Limmerick), as well as Bobby Meyerhoff, who will be piloting his longtime partner Lumumba (Levisonn x Lamara, by Lamarc), owned by the rider and the Donovan Group. Also keep an eye out for Olympians William Coleman and Phillip Dutton, as well as riders Arden Wildasin, Dan Kreitl, Kim Severson, and Erin Kanara in the CCI3*-S. The CCI2*-S division also has some exciting names, including Olympic team member Carolina Pamukcu.In total, four different countries will be represented across all divisions: Canada, USA, Ireland, and Germany, with North Americas Canada and the United States being most heavily represented.The OfficialsDesigned by Ian Stark with assistance from Andrew Heffernan, the cross country course promises challenging and educational questions. As Ian will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2024 season, this will be the riders last chance to tackle an Ian Stark course in the highlands of Maryland. All FEI cross country courses will run through the rings by the Vendor Village, allowing spectators to keep a close eye on the action without having to walk out on the course. The track includes difficult terrain features, like the triple bank complex at the water, which was brand new in 2023. Stay tuned for a full course preview coming soon.USAs Chris Barnard will be designing the show jumping course for the second year in a row. Chris is known for his use of bending lines, as well as his tough courses that challenge riders at every level.The FEI President of the Ground Jury is Canadas Peter Gray, who is assisted by the USAs Marilyn Payne.Bobby Meyerhoff and Lumumba. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.The ScheduleThursday, July 5th5 p.m. Opening Ceremony followed by receptionFriday July 6th8 a.m. to 3:55 p.m. dressage for all FEI divisionsSaturday July 7th8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. 4* Show Jumping9 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. 4* Cross CountrySunday July 8thNational riders will compete in all three phases, starting at 8 a.m.Young Rider divisions will trot up at 8 a.m. followed by show jumping at 9 a.m.Competitor EventsTheres plenty to do at the Maryland International, both in and out of the saddle. Competitors, owners, and grooms are invited to attend a welcome party sponsored by Triple Crown on Friday evening after competition has concluded. Following the conclusion of FEI competition on Saturday, there will also be a competition party, including Highland Games for the Young Riders. Competitors can have another chance to compete, this time challenging each other to ax throwing, stick horse steeplechase, zorb balls, a paper toss, and more.AwardsEventing Nation will be celebrating grit and grooms alike with two awards to give away over the course of the weekend. The first is the Ride EquiSafe Best Save Award, which honors the rider who displays the most stickability over the weekend. This award is open to all divisions. Learn more about the Ride EquiSafe Best Save Award here. Next, Eventing Nation will be giving away the Best Turned Out award to the horse whose coat shines a little brighter than the rest.Stay cool and stay hydrated. Maryland may barely be below the Mason Dixon line, but that sun still feels pretty darn southern. Riders and spectators have to be prepared for the heat this fourth of July weekend. Temperatures are expected to be in the high eighties, and while cloudy skies will help, bring your sun hat, sunscreen, and water bottles. Loch Moy Farm has set up cooling stations for the horses and riders.ENs coverage of the Maryland International is brought to you with support from Ride EquiSafe, your go-to shop for quality, science-backed safety equipment. View this post on InstagramA post shared by Ride EquiSafe (@rideequisafe) [Website] [Live Scores] [Entries] [ENs Coverage]