Classic Eventing Nation

Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

We knew we’d be looking at a very strong challenge from the incredibly deep British squad, which sent forward three combinations for the MARS Maryland 5 Star, presented by Brown Advisory this weekend. True to form, the Brits have now established themselves as the top three to beat at the conclusion of two days of dressage.

Initially first after Thursday, Piggy March and Brookfield Cavalier Cruise will move into second tonight after an elegant performance from the 9-year-old Cooley Rosalent (Valent – Bellaney Jewel), owned by Paul Ridgeon and piloted this week by current world #1 Oliver Townend. Hot on the heels of one 5* victory at Burghley with the great Ballaghmor Class, Oliver’s hoping to add another to his collection of trophies, walking the line of a good first experience and a desire to compete. He’s hit the podium twice here, having come here to compete at Maryland since its first year as a 5* in 2021 and finishing second then with As Is and third last year with Cooley Master Class.

Cooley Rosalent, or “Rosie”, has been with Oliver since she was four, quickly showing her talent and grit for the sport with two top-10 finishes at the FEI WBFSH Young Horse Breeding World Championships, both as a six- and a seven-year-old. She stepped up to the 5* level at Luhmühlen earlier this year, an uncharacteristically high dressage score and a green 20 making it a true learning weekend for the pair.

Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

“We’ve always thought she was very, very good, but obviously she’s arriving at these big events a little bit ahead of being established,” Oliver said, noting that his test — which earned a 23.1 to give him a finger’s width of breathing room tomorrow — was a “movement by movement” type of ride, focusing on riding forward and keeping the mare relaxed. “But she’s got enough experience to be here, obviously, and she’s on great form.”

Cooley Rosalent comes from both jumping and racing lines — in fact her dam, Bellaney Jewel, won several times as a steeplechase racer — a combination Oliver would say is an optimum blend for a top event horse. “She was bred to gallop, not to do dressage, but luckily she trots as well. I love her type of pedigree. I think if you get that combination — and I think also if you own Thoroughbred mares and you’re wanting to breed event horses, it gives you much more option because you’ve got a thousand jumping stallions, whereas if you own an eventing-type mare, there [aren’t] that many Thoroughbred eventing stallions around these days.”

William Fox-Pitt and Grafennecht. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Multi-5* winner William Fox-Pitt is down to just one top-level event horse these days, and it’s the 11-year-old mare Grafennacht (Birkhof’s Grafenstolz – Nachtigall) who keeps him wanting to compete at these big 5* events. After attempting some embryo transfers this spring during 5* season, William decided to tick off a new box on the old “events to do” list — “Burghley’s wonderful, but I have done it a few times!”

“I’ve heard good reports, obviously from Harry [Meade] and Tim Price last year about how amazing it is,” William said. “And it’s fantastic. It’s so welcoming and generous. We’re all looked after completely.” His competition is off to a strong start as well, scoring a 26.1 to slot into third place overnight. This pair contested Badminton this spring, finishing in the top 15 and likely would have gone higher had it not been for three pesky rails down on Sunday.

“Honestly, delighted with the horse, she’s a trier. She’s fun to ride,” William said. “She’s also very good cross country but the show jumping is a little bit work in progress. So if I’ve got three in hand on Sunday, I’ll be happy!”

“I would like to think she really does want to clear the jump,” William said of her show jumping progression. “But she’s just in the stage sometimes where she’s a little bit core weak. So she’s very able to stretch and jump and gallop but the core sometimes is not good enough to be round enough for jumping, and I think that will come with age. You know, I say she’s only eleven but she had her tenth year off, so she’s a little bit like a ten-year-old. And I think, you never know when she’s 16 and I’m 100!”

It’s a bit of a festive atmosphere in the Fox-Pitt camp this week, as Grafennecht’s owner, Amanda Gould, lives in London but has dual citizenship with the States and therefore finds this weekend to be a bit of a “home” event.

Boyd Martin and Contessa. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Boyd Martin and Club Contessa Contessa (Contender – Veritas) are the top-placed U.S. pair now, moving into fifth place with on a score of 28.8. This is a marked improvement from Contessa’s debut 5* score of 35.5 (Kentucky), though she’s certainly scored in this range on the flat at other times. Boyd took a small risk and tweaked his warm-up today, opting to do a lengthier warm-up about two hours before his actual test time, spending some time both in the warm-up as well as on the gentle slope in the infield of the track, trotting and cantering relaxed serpentines and getting the mare loose and listening. As one that struggles a bit with tension, especially the more you ride her, this new approach seems to have paid off well for Boyd.

“It’s interesting, you know, growing up on Thoroughbreds, often you just get them as tight as you can and slowly but surely, I’m learning there’s all different systems in preparing horses,” Boyd said. “It was something different. I tried and it worked out. She’s a tough girl too, she’s a resilient horse. And sometimes we’re both lathered in sweat on dressage days, but I feel like we’re getting somewhere now.”

Using the words “quietly confident, but quietly terrified” are a fairly accurate way to sum up what Ian Stark has awaiting these riders tomorrow, but Boyd putting his experience to good use as he prepares to leave the start box as the last on course. “I’ve just gotta be sensible and pay [attention] — like she, if I try and go real fast in the beginning, it blows her mind a bit and I think I’ve got to ride calm but efficient. Pick the jumps that I feel like I could fly and the ones that are gonna slow down.”

Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Caroline Powell is also making her first trip to the Maryland 5 Star, bringing her up-and-comer Greenacres Special Cavalier (Cavalier Royale – Greenacres Touch) and taking a score of 29.0 to go into sixth overnight. At 10, this is another horse that’s still gaining experience and strength at the level, though she does have runs at Pau and Badminton under her belt to date.

“She’s only ten and there’s a lot in the test for her to do at a young age and she’s just improving all the time,” Caroline said. “At the moment, we’re about training the brain more than training movements and stuff — she just needs to develop into the superstar she’s hopefully going to be.”

Caroline noted that the mare’s owner, Mann Chris, loves to travel and see the world, and given that the mare had done Pau already, it seemed a good shout to come to the U.S. for a run. “Everybody was really keen to come out here,” she said. “It’s sort of been on our target all year. So we’ve been doing everything with Maryland in mind because we love Ian’s courses (though I might not be saying that tomorrow!).”

Jacob Fletcher and Fabian. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

A 5* first-timer hit the board in sixth place: Jacob Fletcher going on a 29.3 with Fletcher Farms’ Fabian (Up to Date – Ineke) in a strong start to his weekend. “I thought he was really good. I was really happy — he can be slightly cold but also really spooky in a new environment so we have to kind of battle doing just enough to where he still is fresh, but enough to where he doesn’t spook and it goes completely chaotic.”

Jacob’s chosen a lighter prep and fitness schedule for his horses, a methodology he’s gleaned from his own experience as well as time spent observing William Fox-Pitt and Kevin McNab, with whom he based previously. “So I’m quite happy to do well and have a canter around and keep them good, but that’s that philosophy. I try to do three or four shows, but try to do them [in] two to three week intervals to the show and then three weeks before the big one.”

Lexi Scovil and Chico’s Man VDF Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Lexi Scovil is also a newcomer to the top 10 after scoring a lovely 31.9 for seventh place with Chico’s Man VDF Z (Chico’s Boy – Chardonnay Z). “Sprout” was also keen to come into the mixed zone for an interview, and even more pleased to be included in some enthusiastic pats and grass-feeding from some adoring fans. Lexi refers to the 13-year-old Zangersheide gelding as “a total pet”, and one who’s matured much in the seasons she’s had him at the Advanced and 4* level. This is this pair’s second 5* start, having finished in the top 30 at Kentucky in 2022.

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

“He’s maturing and finally dealing with the atmosphere they snuck in,” Lexi said. “He always lights up a bit in the atmosphere, but he’s finally lighting up correctly instead of, you know, with tension, so I’m so happy with him. He’s such a good boy.”

“It’s just a matter of we’re trying to get a more uphill without adding tension,” she continued, noting her work with former Spanish Riding School rider and current Austrian eventing coach Herwig Radnetter as instrumental in helping her progress on the flat. “You know, I’ve struggled for a long time — he’s lovely in a lower level frame. It’s been that step up that’s been tricky for him.”

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Connor. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Caroline Pamukcu Overtakes Lead in USEF CCI3*-L National Championship

The Maryland 5 Star is also home to the USEF National CCI3*-L Championships, where the competition has been fierce. Caroline Pamukcu (nee Martin) has been working hard with a total of three horses in the division. She hasn’t let the extra workload hold her back, as she’s currently leading the division with HSH Connor (Connor 48 x Galwaybay Merstona by Mermus R) with a score of 25.4. The 7 year-old Irish Sport Horse, owned by Sherrie Martin, Luann McElduff, and Caroline, has been tackling the hefty atmosphere of Maryland 5 Star like a champ.

“He’s still young, he’s seven [so] it’s a big ask for him with all the atmosphere in the cross country but we think the world of them we’ve had him since he was a baby,” Caroline said. “I give an incredible thank you to my owners, Luann McElduff, who owns him with my mom, Sherrie Martin. They are the reason why I got to keep the ride on him.”

Lauren Nicholson and Larcot Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Behind Caroline is Lauren Nicholson and Ms. Jacqueline Mars’ Larcot Z (L’Arc de Triomphe – Kocote De La Londe, Socrate de Chivre), holding second with a score of 28.2. “All the credit goes to the training done by Will Coleman and Reagan Lafleur who campaigned him previously,” Lauren said. “It’s pretty lovely to get a horse trained by Coleman and get to compete. He’s a super classic horse anyway, and then lovely in the ring. So it is very much a pleasure to ride at the Maryland 5 Star.”

Taren Hoffos and Regalla. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

In third place, just .4 points behind Lauren is Taren Hoffos with Regalla (Sir Donnerhall – Rubiera, Rubinstein 46), owned by Carolyn Hoffos. Taren has traveled all the way to the East Coast from her home in Ramona, California, where she and her family own Copper Meadows. The Maryland 5 Star is Taren and Regalla’s first trip to the East Coast.

“This just felt like the right moment for the horse,” Taren said. “She’s had a really good season, at the Intermediate and three-star level when she did the three-Long at Rebecca Farm, and did quite well. And my mom and I were talking about it, my mom owns her, and she said, ‘Let’s just go for it. This is your moment. She’s ready, you’re ready. Let’s just do the big trip and go for it.’ So we just kind of got in the truck and started driving.”

After a rockier start to Regalla’s career, the 12 year-old Oldenburg mare is really showing her talent this weekend. “She did the young horse events out west and honestly didn’t really excel at that. She went to be a dressage horse for a few years and that helped quite a bit,” said Taren. “She came back to us when she was eight and we thought, well, let’s give jumping another try and she really took to it. So from then on, it’s kind of like she’s going for it. She’s been great ever since.”

We now look ahead to the daunting challenge Ian Stark has put out in what are to be his final years designing at Maryland. Our full course preview will be published first thing tomorrow, but you can take an Ian Stark-guided glance around via CrossCountryApp here.

We’ll see the CCI3*-L first, beginning at 9:05 a.m. ET with Marley Bourke and Superstorm Sandy. CCI3*-L cross country will finish at 11:20 a.m. ET, and we’ll continue with the CCI5* beginning at 1:35 p.m. ET with Ireland’s Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue. All of the action will be live streamed on ClipMyHorse.TV/USEF Network — you can access the live stream here. If you’re outside of North America, you’ll find the live stream on Horse & Country here.

MARS Maryland 5 Star: [Website] [Entries, Schedule & Times] [Live Scores] [Live Stream (North America)] [Live Stream (Outside North America)] [Tickets] [5* Form Guide] [Digital Program] [XC Maps] [5* XC Order of Go] [3* XC Order of Go] [EN’s Coverage]

EN’s coverage of MARS Maryland 5 Star is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products.

Team March celebrates a leading test. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

What’s up ENers?! We’re back between the white boards for the second day of dressage at Maryland 5 Star – watching every step they take, and every move they make, and bringing it all to you, fellow eventing nerds, because what can I say, we love to share the love here at EN!

Yesterday’s competition left us with an international flavor at the top of the leaderboard, with Great Britain’s Piggy March and Brookfield Cavalier Cruise leading the way on a score of 24.2.

In second overnight is New Zealand’s Monica Spencer with Artist – they sit on a score of 28.4.

And in third place as things stand are Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M for the USA on a score of 32.4.

Here’s a look at all the scores from the first day of 5* dressage:

There were some very hot horses between the white boards yesterday, and some masterful displays of patience and understanding – as well as pushing for the top marks – from the riders. All in all, it was a great start to the competition and we’re looking forward to more stunning displays of horsemanship and talent today.

A quick update on the provisional scores from yesterday: Piggy March’s score remains unchanged. Phillip Dutton and Azure’s score of 34.9 was altered to 34.5.

First into the ring this afternoon will be Jacob Fletcher and Fabian for the USA. Their test is due to start at 2:05pm EST / 5:05pm BST.

If you’re following the British interest here at Maryland 5 Star, eventing legend William Fox-Pitt goes today with Grafennacht – they come forward at 2:45pm / 7:45pm BST – and current World No. 1 Oliver Townend with Cooley Rosalent will enter the ring at 3:27pm EST / 8:27pm BST.

Rounding out the dressage phase will be World No. 3 and Maryland 2021 champ Boyd Martin, who brings Contessa forward for the USA – they go at 3:51pm EST / 8:51pm BST.

It’s all to play for as the first phase scores continue to fill the board this afternoon, and we’re eagerly anticipating who’ll be heading out on tomorrow’s cross country as clubhouse leaders, and who’ll make up the chasing pack.

And you won’t have to miss a thing as EN will be bringing you all of the action over the course of the event, so keep your eyes on – and ears pricked – as we go eventing! We’ve got loads of great IG content happening courtesy of our team on the ground too @goeventing, and if you want to follow along with the form, you’ll find EN’s 5* Form Guide here.

If you’re keeping up with these updates live, don’t forget to refresh this page periodically.

So, let’s pony up, kick on, go eventing, and do this thing! 👀

MARS Maryland 5 Star: [Website] [Entries, Schedule & Times] [Live Scores] [Live Stream (North America)] [Live Stream (Outside North America)] [Tickets] [5* Form Guide] [Digital Program] [XC Maps] [EN’s Coverage]

EN’s coverage of MARS Maryland 5 Star is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products.

2:05pm We’re kicking things off today with the other half of the Fletcher eventing couple, Jacob Fletcher and Fabian who make their 5* debut here at Maryland.

🌶️ Hot form! They come here off the back of two second places and were 6th in the 4*-S at Kentucky in the spring.

Fabian was produced up to 4* by British rider Millie Dumas, with Jacob taking on the ride for the 2022 season and promptly winning the first two events they did together.

XC machine 🤖 In 21 FEI runs, Fabian hasn’t had a single cross country jumping penalty.

Dressage form 🕺They can go sub-30 at 4*, with a 29.9 last time out, but are mostly in the low-30s. How will their 5* debut match up?

Ears pricked and ready to roll:

Jacob Fletcher and Fabian. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

They canter up the center line looking like they’re meaning business this afternoon. Fabian has a little look around in the halt, but then it’s back to work and they set off in a lovely balanced trot.

He’s working in a really relaxed way for Jacob, this is a horse who’s up for the job. Jacob’s really going for every mark in the ring today.

A solid halt and clean rein back steps are sure to score well.

The relaxation continues into the walk and Fabian shows a clear difference between the paces. More nice work from this combination.

The first change is a smidge late behind, but he’s working in a beautiful frame and seems to be really trying for Jacob. The second change is perfect – Jacob rode it totally accurately and got it spot on.

The stretch circle shows more relaxation and then there’s another sound change.

They trot back up the center line and finish up with a square halt. Fabian looks incredibly pleased with himself, and so he should. Jacob gives him a pat, and deserves one for himself too. That was great riding and a super demonstration of a partnership working in harmony with one another. It was powerful and accurate and for sure a good score will be coming in for them.

Jacob Fletcher and Fabian score 29.3 and go into third.

2:13pm New Zealand’s Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier come to Maryland for their third time at the top level, after finishing fifth on the mare’s 5* debut at Pau last season.

Based in Britain since 1992, Caroline started out working at a point to point yard, racing five times before switching her endeavors to eventing.

Olympic experience – Caroline groomed for top-level eventer, turned commentator, turned course builder Ian Stark at the Atlanta Games in 1996 before going on to represent New Zealand in 2008 and 2012, when she won team bronze 🥉

Burghley winner 🏆 Caroline won Burghley in 2010 on the late, great Lenamore, when the superstar gelding was seventeen.

Badminton veteran – She’s completed at Badminton 15 times!

‘Cav’ has been produced by Caroline through the levels – taking in the six- and seven-year old World Championships along the way.

Hot form 🌶️ They come here on great form, having won last time out in the 4*-S at Ballindenisk in Ireland.

Dressage form 💃 They put down a 27.4 at Badminton in the spring and a 27.7 at Pau last season, to which they added just 8 cross country time penalties on their way to fifth place.

🛫 Cav’s clocking up the air miles on her way to Maryland:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Caroline Powell (@carolinepowelleventing)

They get their test underway with a solid square halt and this young mare looks to be taking the atmosphere all in her stride. Her ears are pricked and she looks very happy in her work.

The trot is rhythmical and balanced and Caroline pushes for the extended and Cav responds beautifully.

Wow, they look a picture as they halt at C. They’re such a partnership and they really look in tune with one another, a great sight to see.

Cav is super relaxed in the walk, although she anticipates the canter transition a tiny bit. The mare is in a great frame with clear self-carriage and Caroline is able to really ride her bravely – which she does in the extended. Such a powerhouse! Very impressive.

Cav could take the contact a bit further in the stretch circle, but the changes come very easily for her.

She finishes up with another square halt and Caroline gives Cav a huge pat, which is very well deserved. A happy horse and a happy rider, for sure.

This has been a great test – beautiful really – which the crowd appreciates with a cheer.

Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier score 29 and go into third.

2:20pm Rookie combo alert! Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash van de Start are here for their first 5*.

World traveler 🛬 Mr. Cash was bought from a dealer in the Czech Republic.

He’s a bit of a quirky character – he was very spooky as a youngster 👻 and still refuses to travel without a buddy.

Smart cookie 🍪 Sarah studied environmental science and worked in environmental marketing and renewable energy before becoming a full-time eventer.

They come here on great form with a third place in their last run at Stable View in the 4*-S a few weeks ago.

Dressage form 🩰 At Stable View they put down a 30.9, in the 4*-S at Kentucky in the spring they scored 32.6 and finished just outside the top-20. This season they’ve shown low-30s form at 4*, how will their 5* debut match up?

Sarah is not one to be missed on the jog strip! We’re all huge fans of her fashion exploits here at EN:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sarah Kuhn (@sarahkuhnequestrian)

Mr Cash has a look ’round to make sure everyone’s watching him as he halts. A quick word from Sarah has him paying attention to her again and they set off in trot with him back on task.

Apparently Mr Cash was a bit worried about the big scoreboard during the arena familiarization, but he’s paying it no heed today, which Sarah will be pleased about.

It’s a square halt at C and clean rein back steps, albeit a little off the track, and there was an extra half step.

The walk is sound, although Mr Cash clearly knows the canter’s coming as they approach the transition.

The canter is slightly tentative, which affects the change slightly. The next change is similar.

They break into ‘tranter’ during the stretch circle and then the final two changes don’t really happen as well as Sarah would have liked.

Overall, there’s been some nice points during this test and Mr Cash has shown much potential and room to learn. A few green moments at the level, but Sarah should be very happy with this 5* debut.

Sarah Kuhn and Mr Cash van de Start score 38.1.

2:28pm 5* first-timers Arielle Aharoni and Dutch Times get their Maryland underway!

Arielle’s had the ride on Dutch Times since 2016, when she took over the reins from Canadian rider Tik Maynard.

🎓 ‘Dutch’ is one of five YEH graduates competing here this week. He was placed 4th in the Championships as a five-year-old.

🥈 They were 2nd in the 4*-L at Bromont earlier in the season, proving that the pair are totally ready for their step up to the top level.

This isn’t their first trip to Maryland – they competed in the 4*-S here last year, finishing 5th.

Family connection 🔗 Dutch is owned by Arielle’s mom, Christina Aharoni.

Dressage form 🩰 They scored 32.9 at Bromont – a career best. Overall this season, their scores have been mid- to high-30s.

Dutch may – now – be a 5* eventer, but he’s not too shabby in the show jumping ring also, competing at Grand Prix level:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Arielle Aharoni (@aharoniequestrian)

They enter up the center line really straight, and start off with a good square halt. Dutch shows nice extension in the medium trot across the arena but it’s a bit unbalanced, perhaps showing some nerves.

Dutch looks to be working nicely for Arielle and the extended trot is braver than the medium, but there’s a mistake at the end and they come back to walk for a couple of strides.

The walk comes off for them though, although it could have been a little more relaxed. Dutch is getting a bit more frustrated as the test goes on, which shows up in the contact and the transitions. He’s arguing a little which is affecting the changes too.

He softens in the lateral work and does take the contact forward in the stretch circle. The change catches him out again though and it’s tight behind.

Overall though, there were some good moments in this test and we could see that this pair have a good partnership. Dutch has a good shake at the end and gives a goofy smile for the camera which makes Arielle smile – a nice way to end your first 5* test.

Arielle Aharoni and Dutch Times score 38.6.

2:36pm Erin Kanara brings unraced but track-trained Thoroughbred Campground forward for the gelding’s third 5*.

Campground – AKA ‘Gideon’ – made his 5* debut here last year, whilst Erin has competed at Kentucky, Burghley and Pau.

5* form 🌟 They were 15th here last season, and 16th at Kentucky in the spring.

A horse with two hats 🎩👒 As well as being a 5* eventer, Gideon has another job – as an adult amateur ride for owner Marnie Kelly.

Erin made her way in eventing via training with fellow Maryland competitor Phillip Dutton. She also has experience working with racehorses.

Dressage form 📈 They scored 35.9 here last year, and 41.4 at Kentucky in the spring – his average form is somewhere between the two. He’s here for the cross country though and will be a fun one to watch tearing up the track on Saturday.

😁 It’s all smiles from Gideon:

Erin Kanara and Campground. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Gideon looks relaxed as he canters into the arena, he even looks like he’s smiling. They’re a real partnership this pair, which is very clear from the lovely picture they make as they trot ’round the arena.

The trot work is very accurate – they lose a little rhythm in the extended, but recover really well.

The halt is sustained and the rein back is clean, and they set off into a very relaxed walk. Gideon looks to be enjoying his time between the white boards this afternoon and is listening to Erin and obviously trying his best.

There’s a little tension across his back in the change, but the lateral work seems to soften him up a little. The next change is similar to the first but Erin’s riding really well, trying to protect the marks and get everything she can.

Gideon enjoys the stretch circle and gets two good changes afterwards, much more relaxed after that little stretch.

They finish up with a square halt and Gideon has a good shake after all that hard work. Overall this was a very pleasant test to watch – a horse trying hard for his rider and a lovely partnership on display.

Erin Kanara and Campground score 38.

Well, this will be a familiar figure to eventing fans – multi- Olympic, Worlds and European medalist, Britain’s William Fox-Pitt comes to Maryland with the Grafenstolz mare Grafennacht.

William describes ‘Lillie’ as a “tough old wench”. Safe to say, that’s 100% a compliment when you’re talking about a 5* event horse!

She comes forward for her second time at the top level, after finishing in 14th place at this year’s wet and wild Badminton edition.

Top of his game 🏆 William has been World No. 1 four times, and has won five of the seven 5*s – his name is immortalized on Burghley’s Winners’ Avenue a whopping six times, he’s had a hat trick of Kentucky wins, picked up four Badminton Armada Dishes and won the trophy twice, done the double at Pau, and won Luhmulen. Will he add Maryland to his list of accolades on his first time of trying?

Dressage form 💃 They scored 25.8 at Badminton in the spring and in their 16 FEI runs they’ve rarely been anywhere but sub-30.

Lillie looked every bit the pro traveler as she set off for the States, complete with Gaffa taped shoes:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fox-Pitt Eventing (@fox.pitt.eventing)

Lillie goes to have a little look round as she halts but William’s ready to let her know that it’s time to focus. She sets out in a beautifully relaxed way – so supple and elegant.

The trot work is so clean. William really pushes for the extended and Lillie responds.

They nail the halt, but Lillie’s a little reluctant to rein back. Only a little though.

The walk is confident and expressive and they strike off cleanly into canter.

This really is a picture of a horse and rider in harmony with one another.

William has to work a little harder for the changes, but they push on in the extended and stride right across the arena. There could have been more stretch in the circle, Lillie looks a little like she wants to look around a bit. She’s very keen but is working really very nicely for William with two clean changes to finish.

There’s an enormous cheer at the end for William, which Lillie obviously thinks is all for her. She sticks her nose in the air as she halts and looks round at her audience, incredibly pleased with herself, and so she should be!

William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht score 26.1 and go into second.

2:53pm Last up before the break, Jennie Brannigan brings Thoroughbred gelding Twilightslastgleam forward for the his third start at the level.

They were 17th at Kentucky and 16th here last year – will they find themselves up the leaderboard when all’s said and done on Sunday?

Breeding info 🧬 ‘Comic’ was born and bred in the US by owner Nina Gardner who, with her husband Tim, has been breeding Thoroughbreds for more than 40 years. Comic possesses blood lines that have been in their breeding program since the early 1980s.

Keeping it equestrian – Jennie is married to a racehorse trainer 🏇

Dressage form 📈 They scored a 36.3 at Kentucky and 35.2 here last year. They won the 4*-L at Bromont last year where they posted a 32.6 in this phase.

🎓 Comic is one of five YEH graduates competing here this week. He was Reserve Champion as a four-year-old:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brannigan Eventing (@branniganeventing)

There’s a trot step into the halt transition after a very straight and confident entry. But they set off positively and the trot work is very correct and looks easy for Comic.

There are very good steps in the medium and Comic is in a beautiful frame.

The halt is easy and the rein back too. Easy is definitely how I’d describe how this looks. Comic’s obviously well within himself.

A little tension creeps in at the beginning of the walk but he comes straight back to Jennie and relaxes really nicely for the majority of the walk.

The canter has a similar feel to the trot – Comic working very nicely for Jennie and looking comfortable in his work. The canter work is very rhythmical and happy.

The stretch circle is excellent, he really takes the contact down and shows his suppleness.

There’s a big cheer as they finish and Comic looks very relaxed as he walks out of the arena. Overall a very nice test and a clear example of a horse enjoying his work.

Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam score 35.

3:00pm We’re heading into the break now. It’s Great Britain in first and second, and New Zealand in third and fourth as things stand.

We’ll be back in around 10 minutes – at 3:11pm EST / 8:11pm BST – don’t miss it!

3:10pm Getting us back underway are Sydney Solomon and Early Review C who are looking for their first 5* completion this week as they come forward for their second attempt at the level.

🎓 ‘Coco’ is one of five YEH graduations contesting the 5* at Maryland this year. The mare started out with fellow Maryland competitor Lillian Heard Wood, who piloted Coco to fourth place in the five-year-old championships, winning the Safe Harbor Award for a young horse who gives the most rider-friendly performance at the event.

Sydney took over the reins in 2016 and has brought Coco up through the levels to the top of the sport.

They made their 5* debut at Kentucky in the spring, but an unfortunate parting of company on the cross country ended their event early. They’ll be hoping to put that right this time around.

Dressage form They posted 43.3 at Kentucky but have been more consistently mid-30s at the 4* level. Last season they were predominantly in the high-30s, so things seem to be headed in the right direction.

😍 Strike a pose! Coco could side hustle as a model if she fancied:

Early Review C. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

There are a couple of trot steps into the first halt but they stand square and Coco looks happy to be in the dressage ring. They set off into a balanced trot, it’s expressive and bouncy and looks to be fun to ride. Sydney’s able to push for the extended and Coco strides out nicely.

Coco has a good look ’round to makes sure everyone’s watching her as she halts at C. That continues through the walk – she’s having a lovely time in there. She’s not being disobedient, just really enjoying herself.

There are a couple of trot strides into the canter transition and it’s here that we see a little tension creeping in. This is where Coco can get a bit lit up, particularly in the changes, but the mare is behaving nicely for Sydney.

The stretch circle is nice but Coco jumps the change after it. She gets a bit excited in the last change and there’s some wiggling up the center line. The halt doesn’t really happen – Coco’s very pleased with herself and Sydney just has to go with that.

Overall, this was a nice test, particularly in the early stages, and it was nice to see Coco happy in her work, albeit a bit excited by it.

Sydney Solomon and Early Review C score 45.6.

3:19pm Lillian Heard Wood brings my personal favorite, seasoned 5* campaigner seventeen-year-old LCC Barnaby for his third go at Maryland.

✨ How many 5* starts?! This is Barnaby’s thirteenth time at the top level, with six top-20 finishes under his girth.

He finished just outside the top-10 here last year for a career-best result.

Not content with contesting the American 5*s multiple times, Barnaby’s a familiar face across the Pond, where he’s been to Badminton twice and Burghley three times.

Found by Lillian as a six-year-old in Ireland, he was known to be a bit of a rogue gelding, but boy can he jump and so Lillian bought him and the pair haven’t looked back since.

Dressage form 🕺 Barnaby is not here to do dressage – he puts up with it so he gets to gallop across the country on Saturday. At Badminton this season he put down his highest dressage score since Kentucky in 2019, 39.5, although Lillian was pleased with his performance and thought he’d actually been “much more crazy” between the white boards on other occasions when he’d scored better. He generally trends in the mid-30s; at Maryland last year he scored 33.6 and he achieved a career best of 30 in the 4*-S at Plantation Field a few weeks ago.

I just totally love this guy 😍:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lillian Heard Wood (@lillian.j.heard.eventing)

Barnaby jiggles a bit in the halt and doesn’t look to want to trot forward, he’d rather canter. Lillian gets him going but he breaks into canter again. Lillian gets him back but he’s being a bit difficult in the early stages of his test.

Once he gets going properly in trot, Barnaby does a good job of the lateral work. He’s in a nice frame and the position is very good.

Barnaby halts at C much better than he did at the start and his rein back is accurate.

He seems to have settled into the test and walks out nicely for Lillian. He’s reasonably relaxed and waits for the aid before transitioning into canter.

The first change is a bit uncomfortable looking, but then Barnaby settles in the lateral work. Lillian knows this guy so well, and she’s really riding the horse that’s underneath her. All in all, after a bit of a wobbly start, it’s come together nicely.

Barnaby could have taken the contact forward more in the stretch circle, but the change afterwards is really lovely.

They halt at the end and Lillian’s got a big smile on her face and there’s a nice pat for Barnaby. It’s a shame about the start of the test because Barnaby really settled into it after the first few movements. Barnaby looks a real picture – a testament to Lillian’s program with this older guy. It’s such a treat to see a really established partnership working together with what they’ve got.

Lillian Heard Wood and LCC Barnaby score 36.4.

3:57pm World No. 1 Oliver Townend has made his way over from Great Britain with Cooley Rosalent for the mare’s second 5* start.

Oliver won one of the best turned out riders prizes at the First Horse Inspection yesterday for looking particularly dapper in his Tokyo Olympics suit 🕴️ Suits you sir!

Maryland form 🥈🥉 It’s Oliver’s third trip to Maryland, where he’s no stranger to the podium – he was runner-up with Cooley Masterclass in 2021 and took third place last year with As Is.

Hot form 🌶️ Oliver’s had a great season thus far, reclaiming the World No. 1 title, winning Burghley and coming second at Badminton. Cooley Rosalent comes to Maryland off the back of a win in the 4* class for eight- and nine-year-olds at Blenheim, where she finished on her dressage of 24.7.

📺 Oliver has appeared on the UK TV show Question of Sport – where they asked him a bunch of horse racing questions 🫢 (He knew the answers though.)

He’s one tough cookie 🍪 At Kentucky in 2010, he broke his collar bone, shoulder bones, sternum and four ribs – he was in hospital for one day!

Royal approval 👑 Oliver was awarded an MBE for his services to equestrianism by the late Queen of England in 2022.

Dressage form 💃 They posted a 37.4 at Luhmuhlen on the mare’s 5* debut. At 4* they’re mid- to high-20s. In 16 FEI runs, they only have three scores that aren’t sub-30 on their record.

Boop! from Cooley Rosalent:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Oliver Townend Official (@olivertownendofficial)

Oliver canters up the center line looking like he’s meaning business. There were a couple of little trot steps into the halt but Cooley Rosalent sets off in a beautiful outline with lots of expression and swing in her trot. She looks absolutely beautiful – so soft and supple and really working for Oliver.

Oliver’s riding for every single mark, really showing off everything this mare has. He pushes for the extended – it’s stunning – but they’re not quite square in the halt. The rein back is a little quick, but they set off into a very relaxed walk.

There’s such quality in this mare’s gait which Oliver shows off in every single stride of the walk.

The transition into canter isn’t totally clean, and she’s a smidge late in the first change, but we’re talking tiny margins.

Oliver pushes for the extended canter and then makes Cooley Rosalent wait for the change and they absolutely nail it. There could have been more stretch at the beginning of the circle, but then she takes the contact forward and shows just how relaxed and comfortable in her work she is.

The next change is slightly late, but it’s a super square halt to finish and Oliver looks absolutely delighted. Huge smiles, huge pats, a huge cheer, and a hugely exciting young mare. There were a couple of very tiny blips – tiny – but this test was truly lovely. Stunning, in fact. And she’s just a nine-year-old. Wow.

Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent score 23.1 and they go INTO THE LEAD.

3:34pm Zach Brandt and Direct Advance come forward for their third 5* together.

Zach and ‘Rosco’ have been together right from the gelding’s first event.

They made their 5* debut here last year and had their first 5* completion at Kentucky this season, where Zach won the James C. Wofford “On the Rise” trophy.

Zach’s based in Florida where he runs Zachary Brandt Eventing with his partner Audrie Stanker and their business partner Crissa Gillette, sourcing, training and matching horses with riders.

Dressage form 🕺Their scores at 4* range from low- to mid-30s to just into the 40s. They posted 35.9 here last year and 43.5 at Kentucky.

🏆Well I know who I’d give the prize for perfect braids to:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zachary Brandt Equestrian (@zachbrandtequestrian)

Rosco canters straight up the center line and there’s a tiny trot step into the halt, but he stands very square and still, so a good start for them.

Rosco is in a lovely frame as he trots round the ring and this pair look in total harmony with one another. Zach’s making sure that Rosco carries himself, using his double rein exactly how it’s meant to be used – just a little reminder every now and then. Overall Rosco is showing self-carriage nicely, better than he perhaps has before.

The halt is good and the walk is relaxed. There’s a clean transition into canter and they continue in the same way – working nicely as a team and showing themselves off to their best.

He skips through the change slightly and there’s a tiny break at the end of the extended canter. But Zach gets Rosco straight back and the horse seems to be trying really hard for him.

The changes continue to be a little muddled, but for Rosco they’re really very good and he’s trying to do what Zach’s asking – he’s showing a lot of improvement from previous tests.

They finish up and Zach seems pleased. There are things to work on, but there’s a lot of improvement and potential on show, so overall this was a very good performance from Rosco today.

Zach Brandt and Direct Advance score 39.7.

3:43pm Lexi Scovil and Chico’s Man VDF Z come forward for the gelding’s second 5*, having made their debut at Kentucky last year.

🌱 ‘Sprout’, as he’s known in the barn, has gained experience on both sides of the Pond with Lexi, as well as in Europe, where he started his early eventing career with Belgian rider Raf Steegmans.

Lexi bought the gelding in 2017 and has spent time producing him from 2* to the top of his sport.

Lexi relocated to England in 2019 to learn from eventing legend and fellow Maryland competitor William Fox-Pitt, before moving back to Florida to start her own business.

They come here off the back of two top-10 finishes.

Dressage form 🩰 At Kentucky last year they posted a first phase score of 35.5 and are consistently mid-30s at 4*.

🍪 A smart pony snaffling snacks:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lexi Scovil (@lexiscovileventing)

Sprout trots a little into the first halt and goes to have a quick look round. Lexi reminds him he’s in his 5* dressage test though and he responds by setting off in a lovely trot.

There’s a little tail swishing going on but Sprout is stepping out nicely for Lexi. You can see him looking out of the corner of his eye as he goes ’round the arena, but he’s staying with her and she’s able to really push for the extended trot – tons of reach and it looks very impressive.

Sprout stands nicely in the halt at C and the rein back is clean and accurate. They set off in walk and Sprout looks relaxed and keen to do as Lexi’s asking of him. He knows the canter transition is coming but waits for Lexi to ask for it and they get a clean strike off.

Ah, there’s a break at the end of the medium canter and Lexi has to bring Sprout right back to walk to get him back with her. They set off again and are back together, and Lexi’s brave enough to push for the extended, which works out well for her.

The stretch circle is very relaxed and they finish up with a very clean and true change.

There have been a couple of unfortunate mistakes, but they finish with a super square halt. Overall this test has been very impressive – lots of relaxation and Sprout seemed totally rideable. They’ve obviously got a wonderful partnership with one another and look to be a real team. Lexi gives Sprout a huge pat as he walks out of the ring looking incredibly relaxed.

Lexi Scovil and Chico’s Man VDF Z score 31.9 and go into 7th place.

3:51pm And finally, wrapping up the dressage for us is unofficial Ice Man (I’m pretty sure Wim Hof lays claim to the official title) and Maryland champ in 2021 Boyd Martin who brings German-bred mare Contessa forward for her second 5* start.

Ready? Yo VIP, let’s kick it! 🛀 (Ice, ice baby…)

Contessa made her debut at the level at Kentucky in the spring, finishing in 14th place.

At fourteen, she’s relatively low-mileage, having been produced slowly by Boyd, spending a good while at the Intermediate level and sitting out the 2021 season.

It’s no secret that Boyd is partial to a nippy dip, but have you ever wondered where his love of ice baths comes from? Perhaps it’s in the genes 👖 Boyd’s parents met at the Winter Olympics – his mom competed in speed skating ⛸️ and his dad in cross-country skiing ⛷️ So that’s why he’s so speedy across the country!

He may be the ice man, but he’s on hot form! 🌶️ Boyd won the 2*-L, 3*-L and 4*-S all in one weekend at Bromont in June. He’s had 14 top 3 finishes this season, is currently the top rider on the USEA leaderboard and World No. 3, and comes here off a win in the 4*-L at Morven Park last weekend.

Breeding info 🧬 Contessa has the same sire as Tim Price’s Burghley 4th place ride Vitali.

Dressage form 💃 They scored 35.5 at Kentucky and have generally been low-30s at the 4* level this season.

Eventing’s self-appointed PR star, the perks of being a wallflower are not on Boyd’s radar:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Boyd Martin (@boydmartineventing)

There’s a cheer as Boyd ad Contessa come forward to walk ’round the outside of the arena. They set off into canter and come straight up the center line. The halt is square and Boyd means business.

Contessa looks great. Boyd’s able to really push in the medium and Contessa shows off her expression as she strides across the arena. So far so good for this pair – they really look to be working together.

Contessa is really soft across the top line, so relaxed and happy in her work. They’re very impressive in the extended and then halt totally square. The rein back is off the track, kind of diagonal into the arena, but the walk is relaxed and Contessa steps out nicely for Boyd.

This test is going really well for Boyd and Contessa. She’s working totally with Boyd so far. The first change is a little tight but Boyd’s able to really ride forward for every mark.

Ah, the extended is great, but they pay for being so brave in the corner. There’s a break in the canter, but it looks like it’s because she’s trying so hard.

There is stretch in the circle and the next changes are a bit better, although still slightly tight. But again, it’s because she’s really trying for Boyd and you can’t complain about that.

The halt is perfectly square to finish. Boyd gives Contessa a big pat and she looks relaxed and happy as she finishes up her test.

This has been a great showing from the pair – a couple of mistakes in the canter, but overall a really happy combination working together.

Boyd Martin and Contessa score a PB of 28.8 and go into 5th place.

4pm And there we have it! Maryland 5 Star is well underway with the first phase wrapped up and thoughts turning to tomorrow’s cross country.

It’s a British 1, 2, 3 after the two days of dressage.

Here’s a look at how things stand:

Leading overnight is Oliver Townend with Cooley Rosalent on a score of 23.1.

Just over a point behind, in second is Piggy March with Brookfield Cavalier Cruise on 24.2.

And rounding out the top 3, just under two points behind Piggy, is William Fox-Pitt with Grafennacht on 26.1.

In fourth is New Zealand’s Monica Spencer with Artist on 28.4.

And best of the Americans is Boyd Martin with Contessa, who go out onto cross country tomorrow on a PB of 28.8 in fifth place.

Watch out for EN’s full round-up of all the day’s dressage – coming soon!

Tomorrow is everyone’s favorite day – cross country day 🏇

The 5* action kicks off at 1:30pm EST / 6:30pm BST and Team EN will be bringing you live updates from Ian Stark’s track – so keep it locked on to EN – and go eventing!

MARS Maryland 5 Star: [Website] [Entries, Schedule & Times] [Live Scores] [Live Stream (North America)] [Live Stream (Outside North America)] [Tickets] [5* Form Guide] [Digital Program] [EN’s Coverage]

EN’s coverage of MARS Maryland 5 Star is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products.