Arguably one of the most thrilling aspects of eventing is its inherent unpredictability—anything and everything can change overnight. And the CCI5* competition at the 2025 MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill didn’t disappointment in keeping us on our toes.

The first day of dressage competition saw Boyd Martin (USA) and 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding Luke 140 in the lead on a score of 31.0. By late Friday afternoon, Monica Spencer (NZL) and 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Artist had surged to the top of the leaderboard with a score of 23.7 after Dressage Day 2.

Spencer and the powerhouse “Max” went on to deliver a flawless cross-country round on Saturday to hold the overnight lead going into show jumping, with Felix Vogg (SUI) and 14-year-old Holsteiner mare Cartania in second place and Mia Farley (USA) and 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Phelps in third.

In the end, following Sunday’s show jumping, it was Vogg and Cartania who took top honors with the 2025 Maryland 5 Star title. Spencer and Artist finished in a commendable second place after strong performances throughout the week, and Martin and and Commando 3 moved up from fifth place to finish in third on the Maryland 5 Star podium.

Felix Vogg (SUI), Monica Spencer (NZL) and Boyd Martin (USA) celebrate their top three placings in the CCI5* competition on the 2025 Maryland 5 Star podium. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Vogg gives Cartania a pat following the First Horse Inspection on Wednesday. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Caroline Pamukcu, who rode three horses in this year’s five-star competition, greets her daughter Blake after the First Horse Inspection. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Vogg and Martin share a laugh during the awards ceremony on Sunday following show jumping. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Mia Farley (USA) and Phelps had a speedy cross-country round on Saturday and sat in overnight third going into show jumping. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Tayla Mason (NZL) gives Centennial a big pat after Sunday’s show jumping. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Vogg and Cartania celebrate their win with a victory gallop. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Spencer and Artist delivered a lovely dressage test on Thursday to take the overnight lead going into cross country. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Jennie Brannigan (USA) and FE Lifestyle delivered consistently strong performances throughout this year’s competition. ©Amy K. Dragoo
As Pamukcu finished her show-jumping round, her husband, Deniz Pamukcu, and daughter Blake cheer her on. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Pamukcu and HSH Blake. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Sophia Hill (AUS) and Humble Glory. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Arden Wildasin (USA) and Sunday Times. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Despite a recent injury after falling off another horse at Morven Park, Brannigan was cleared to compete in this year’s Maryland 5 Star. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Martin, Vogg and Spencer pose for podium pics. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Martin, focused as always, navigating Commando 3 through Sunday’s show-jumping course. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Martin and groom Stephanie Simpson swap out horses during the First Horse Inspection. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Luke 140 got a little excited during the First Horse Inspection, but Martin was quickly able to regain his focus. ©Amy K. Dragoo
The 2025 Maryland 5 Star marked Shannon Lilley (USA) and Eindhoven Garette’s second five star together. ©Amy K. Dragoo

For more of our coverage on the 2025 Maryland 5 Star, click here.