Switzerland’s Felix Vogg and his 14-year-old mare, Cartania, claimed top honors in the CCI5*L at the 2025 MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory, sealing the victory with a polished show jumping round on Sunday to finish on a final score of 28.7.
With this win, Vogg makes history once again. Following his 2022 triumph at Luhmühlen aboard Colero, Vogg became the first and only Swiss rider to win a five-star since Hans Schwarzenbach’s Badminton victory in 1951. Now, he becomes the only Swiss rider ever to capture two five-star titles.
Vogg and Cartania’s partnership spans more than seven years, beginning with their first international start together at Plantation Field in the fall of 2018, when the mare was just seven years old. Since then, the pair have competed across the globe, including in the United States, England, France, Poland, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy and secured a top-15 finish at the 2022 World Championships. Seven years and 40 international starts later, their consistency and trust have culminated in a career-defining victory at the sport’s highest level.
New Zealand’s Monica Spencer and her 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Artist, placed second finishing with a score of 31.7. Four-time U.S. Olympic veteran, Boyd Martin and Commando 3 came in third with a score of 38.3, while compatriot Caroline Pamukcu took fourth on HSH Blake with a score of 39.4.
Sixth place on the world stage for Sophia and Hughie
Australians Sophia Hill and off-the-track Thoroughbred Humble Glory jumped clear on Sunday to finish on their dressage score of 46.2. It was the pair’s fourth CCI5*L start, and they certainly showed their class during the jumping phases – having been the quickest combination on course during Saturday’s cross country.
Sophia and ‘Hughie’ have been based in Maryland with Monica Spencer leading up to the event, and Hughie will now stay in the US with Monica while Sophia decides in their next move.
“We haven’t made firm plans for next year yet, but he is on a temporary import, which at this stage is a one-year visa. We hope to return and prepare him for another five-star, perhaps Kentucky or Badminton,” explained Sophia prior to the event.
“The horse was unbelievable…”
“It is unbelievable, and the horse was unbelievable,” Vogg said. “Of course, I wanted to win all week, many people wanted that. She was all week mentally so strong.”
Vogg’s participation in this year’s event was made possible in part by support from the Maryland 5 Star International Riders Travel Grant Program, which assists in bringing elite horses and riders from around the world to Maryland. The program plays a key role in attracting international-caliber competition to the MARS Maryland 5 Star while providing invaluable opportunities for American riders to compete against the sport’s best.
“Many people invite me (to the U.S.) but costs are quite high and to be honest, without that grant, I wouldn’t be sitting here,” Vogg said. “I am very thankful that people donated and put money together so that we can all come over.”
Maryland native Isabel Bosley wins CCI3*L
In the CCI3*L competition, Maryland native Isabel Bosley led from start to finish, topping all three phases of competition. After delivering a precise dressage test on Friday and a spectacular cross-country round on Saturday, Bosley sealed her victory with a fault-free show jumping performance aboard her eight-year-old gelding, Conner, finishing with a score of 24.8. The win marks her first CCI3*L victory.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Bosley said. “It means so much to have my family and friends here supporting me this weekend. Conner was incredible, he’s such a good boy, and he’s definitely not for sale.”
Bosley will look to build on her strong performance as she continues to advance toward future CCI5*L starts.
Alyssa Phillips (USA) and her 14-year-old gelding Rockett 19 maintained their position in second place throughout the competition, finishing on a final score of 25.5. Olivia Dutton (USA) and Jewelent also delivered consistent performances across all three phases to secure third place with a final score of 32.9.
Ryan Wood showcases future stars for Australia
Australian Ryan Wood had two rides in the CCI3*L and both finished inside the top ten on their dressage scores – a remarkable achievement. Wood finished fourth with Fernhill Domino on 35.4 and ninth with Clooney R on 39.4.
“What special eight-year-olds these two are! Fernhill Domino (owned by the Fernhill Domino Syndicate) and Clooney R (owned by Mary Perry) both finished on their dressage scores to come in fourth and ninth in the very competitive CCI3*L at the Maryland 5 Star this weekend,” said Wood via social media post-event. “And to top it off, Fernhill Domino was the best turned out horse in the division! This event is like no other and it was great to have them both looking and feeling their best all weekend. These two have a bright future ahead of them!”
Bring on 2026
“The continued success of the Maryland 5 Star is a true team effort,” said Jeff Newman, President & CEO of the Maryland 5 Star. “We’re deeply thankful to our title and presenting partners, MARS Equestrian™ and Brown Advisory, along with all of our sponsors, for their ongoing commitment to this event. This year brought incredible weather, record crowds, and world-class sport. Pierre Le Goupil’s course delivered the level of challenge and excitement we’ve come to expect at the five-star level, and the riders and horses rose to the occasion. None of it would be possible without the tireless work of our staff, volunteers, officials, and the loyal fans who continue to make Fair Hill such a special place for equestrian sport. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back in 2026.”
View full results from Maryland 5 Star here.
Re-watch the action on-demand via ClipMyHorse.TV.
Source: Maryland 5 Star press release, edited by Equestrian Life
