The Maryland 5 Star cross-country course for this week’s event has been designed by British multi-medallist and former event rider Ian Stark. A master of creating four-star tracks, this is Ian’s five-star design debut. There are 28 numbered fences including a fantastic – even if slightly disconcerting – crab on the way into the water, and what I think is an American Eagle cut out of a hedge in a step up from your average topiary. It’s impressive.
2. Laura Collett heading to Pau to defend her title
It was after winning Pau Horse Trials last year with London 52 that Laura Collett felt there was a chance for her and the horse at Tokyo Olympics, where they went on to won team gold – so no wonder she has warm feeling about the place. Laura is returning to the French five-star this autumn (27-31 October) to defend her title, this time riding Dacapo.
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Sarah has worked at an equestrian journalist and editor since 2004 and has held the position of Horse & Hound Editor-in-Chief since 2014. She has reported for Horse & Hound from major championships including Europeans and World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on horses and horse sport including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. She has owned and ridden horses since 1993, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university. While studying for a BSc at London School of Economics Sarah also worked for top British dressage rider Louise Spate.
