The penultimate 5-star eventing competition of the season, the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, Maryland, features a strong roster of top US and international riders from countries including Australia, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, and Switzerland. After dressage, New Zealand’s Monica Spencer and Artist lead with a personal best score of 23.7, followed closely by US rider Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Blake and Swiss Felix Vogg on Cartania. The event has progressed to the challenging cross country phase, with riders navigating a demanding course that has already seen a mix of clear rounds, penalties, retirements, and falls.

Highlights from the cross country include Caroline Pamukcu’s debut ride on HSH Tolan King, which incurred 20 penalties, and strong performances from Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle, who delivered a confident round just over the time. Unfortunately, some riders like Allison Springer and Jessica Phoenix retired after refusals or difficulties on course, while Boyd Martin experienced a fall but quickly recovered. The event continues to unfold with live updates and expert commentary, showcasing the intensity and unpredictability of top-level eventing.