The athlete lineup for the 2025 MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory has been announced, featuring a world-class field for the event’s fifth edition. The 5-star (CCI5*-L) competition will showcase five Olympians from the 2024 Paris Games, a former Maryland 5 Star champion, and several riders making their Maryland debut—including, for the first time, a decorated competitor from Switzerland.
Twenty-five horse-and-rider pairs (total of 19 riders) are officially entered in the CCI5*-L competition as of October 1, representing a world-class field of talent from the United States and Canada and a strong international presence — including competitors from Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, and Switzerland.
Headlines about this year’s 5-star rider/horse lineup:
- Inaugural Maryland 5 Star winner and World No. 5 ranked Boyd Martin returns to the 5 Star with Commando 3 for the second straight year and Luke 140
- The first Swiss Rider at the MARS Maryland 5 Star – Olympian Felix Vogg atop Cartania
- Five Olympians from the 2024 Paris Olympics include the previously-mentioned Martin (USA), Caroline Pamukcu (USA), Jessica Phoenix (CAN), Vogg (SUI) and Jonelle Price (NZL).
- Returning horses: Phelps, Commando, Artist, Sorocaima, Fluorescent Adolescent, FE Lifestyle, Mama’s Magic Way, Artist and Wabbit
“Each year, the level of talent at the Maryland 5 Star continues to rise, and this year’s lineup across both the five-star and three-star competitions is truly world-class,” said Jeff Newman, President & CEO of the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory. “We’re thrilled to welcome back a past Maryland five-star champion and other top performers alongside exciting new faces and decorated athletes from around the globe in both the five-star and three-star. Adding to the excitement, this will also mark Pierre Le Goupil’s first year designing the cross-country course, bringing a fresh perspective and new challenges for competitors. It’s going to be an unforgettable showcase of skill, power, and partnership — and a must-see for everyone joining us this October.”
In his first year as Maryland 5 Star’s cross-country course designer, Pierre Le Goupil builds on the strong foundation established by Ian Stark, who designed the event’s courses since its inception and retired at the end of 2024. Known for his work designing the cross-country course at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Le Goupil brings fresh energy and international experience to Fair Hill. His nearly four-mile track introduces a new look and flow to the natural beauty and challenging terrain that have become hallmarks of the course, while honoring the groundwork Stark laid during the event’s first four years. Spectators can expect creative new elements and a course that highlights the athleticism, precision, and partnership between horse and rider.
In addition, the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, October 16-19, once again features an extensive 3 Star (CCI3*-L) entry list, as well as entries for The USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) East Coast Championships presented by Dubarry of Ireland for four-and five-year-olds. In total, 123 entries will take part between the 3* (55 entries) and the YEH Championships (68 entries).
The Maryland CCI3*-L once again proves to be a premier destination for horses at this level. Maryland native Isabelle Bosley returns with two mounts, Conner and Paper Doll, while Alyssa Phillips (USA) enters on a two-win streak with Rockett 19. Erin Kellerhouse (USA) makes the trip from Temecula, California, bringing Bon Vivant GWF and Ringwood Adios Amigo for her first appearance at Maryland. Representing Ireland, Michael Nolan is the sole Irish competitor across both the 3 Star and 5 Star divisions, bringing the total number of countries represented at the event this year to seven.
The YEH East Coast Championships presented by Dubarry of Ireland is the premier showcase of young equine talent in the USA.
The entire list of entrants can be viewed here.
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