Maryland 5 Star dressage: thoroughbred takes early lead

Maryland 5 Star dressage: Monica Spencer and Artist — Monica Spencer and Artist at Maryland 5 Star in 2023.

(Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

New Zealand’s Monica Spencer has taken an early lead in the Mars Maryland 5 Star dressage.

Monica and 12-year-old ex-racehorse Artist, owned by his rider and her husband Andrew, scored 28.4 for their smooth, elegant test. The pair scored two nines for halts from the US judge at M, Robert Stevenson, and showed good lift in their trotwork and relaxation in the walk.

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Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.

Elegant thoroughbred takes early Maryland 5 Star lead, plus a frustrating error of course

“There were a couple of blips – that horse is capable of a really good score, but I can’t complain about a 28,” said Monica.

This is Monica’s Maryland debut after watching the event on the live stream for the past two years.

“It’s a beautiful venue and course, and well suited to my thoroughbred so I thought we’d come over and give it a crack. There’s a lot to do out there and it’s all to play for.”

The Kiwi combination, who have recently relocated to the US, contributed to team bronze at the 2022 World Championships but are looking for a first five-star completion after Monica fell off at Adelaide in the spring this year.

Fellow home side rider Doug Payne holds fourth on his own and his wife Jessica’s Quantum Leap, who was quite tense throughout his test and scored 35.9.

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