At the MARS Maryland 5 Star CCI3*-L cross-country phase, the top three riders after dressage—Isabelle Bosley on Conner, Alyssa Phillips on Rockett 19, and Olivia Dutton on Jewelent—delivered double-clear rounds, maintaining their leading positions heading into the final show jumping phase. Bosley praised her 8-year-old Oldenburg gelding for stepping up to the challenging course despite being young and inexperienced at this level, while Phillips highlighted the fitness preparation needed for her Holsteiner gelding to handle the demanding terrain. Dutton, riding a horse previously campaigned by her father, expressed confidence in their partnership despite a lengthy hold on course.
Out of 53 entries, 41 pairs advanced to the final show jumping phase, with five retirements and seven eliminations during cross-country. Notably, Elle Choate fell at the MARS Sustainability Bay and was hospitalized in stable condition, while her horse Paddrick was unharmed. The competition will conclude with a final horse inspection Sunday morning followed by show jumping, where the leaders aim to secure their standings.
