Scenes from CCI5* Cross Country at the 2023 Maryland 5 Star

A look at how horses and riders fared on Ian Stark's "six star" cross-country course at the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill.

Course designer Ian Stark’s goal of slowing down the CCI5* horses and riders at the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill was achieved. After getting flack for a too-generous time allowed in the past two years, Stark told riders, “Be careful what you wish for.”

Of the 25 starters, only one pair—first-time five-star competitor Mia Farley (USA) and Phelps—managed a double clear on cross country. Their efforts moved them up from tenth to third place with a score of 32.9. And though they performed beautifully to maintain their lead, Oliver Townend (GBR) and Cooley Rosalent couldn’t beat the time allowed, either. They incurred 6 time penalties for a total score of 29.1 ahead of show jumping. William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Grafennacht added 5.2 time faults to their score, but moved into the second place spot on a score of 31.3.

Four horse-and-rider combinations retired on course, five were eliminated along the way and one withdrew before the start.

Here’s a look at how horses and riders fared on Stark’s “six-star” cross-country course:

For full results, click here.

The MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill CCI5* continues with show jumping tomorrow, October 22, at 2:00 p.m.

Thanks to Mane ‘n Tail Equine for our coverage of the 2023 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, including rider interviews, competition reports, horse spotlights, photos, videos and more!⁣

SHARE THIS STORY
CATEGORIES
TAGS
RELATED ARTICLES
HAPPY BOYTim PriceNZL
Kentucky First-Time Five-Star Superstars
FISCHERCHIPMUNK FRHMichael JungGER
Forces of Nature: Kentucky Show Jumping Rocks Rolex Stadium
KY3DE_SAT_0056.00_57_00_29
Pretty in Pink: Ali Kuhn and Little Hail Finish Kentucky CCI4*-S in Style
KY_XC__Boyd1
2025 Kentucky Cross-Country Powerhouses
Practical Horseman
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.