Isabelle Bosley and Conner lead following CCI3*-L Dressage Competition
Fair Hill, Maryland – October 17, 2025 – Monica Spencer(NZL) and her 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Artist,secured his international personal best score and now sit atop the leaderboard following the CCI5*-L Dressage competition at the 2025 MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory. The pair finished Dressage with a total score of 23.7 from the judging. Caroline Pamukcu (USA) and her 10-year-old gelding, HSH Blake are currently second with a score of 28.2 while Felix Vogg (NZL) and Cartania follow close behind in third place on 28.3.
Spencer, now based in the U.S., has steadily built Artist into a high-level partner. The pair helped New Zealand secure a team bronze at the 2022 World Eventing Championships. They’ve completed multiple 5* events, including a strong showing at Kentucky this season and a top finish at Maryland in 2023. Monica acquired Artist as a former racehorse when he was four, and together they have proved not only a competitive dressage combination but also a resilient cross-country and show jumping duo.
“We really enjoyed ourselves out there and he was offering me plenty of energy, but I managed to keep a lid on it and he showed himself off well, so I was really pleased,” said Spencer. “He’s a good boy.”
Spencer became emotional when speaking of the bond with her horse, Artist, whom she has been with for 10 years.
“I’ve had him since he was four…We’ve been together a little while and he’s just been a great horse for me, he has taken me all over the world,” said Spencer. “We come to these big events and I’m just thankful to be here. He just tries so hard.”
This competition also resulted in Pamukcu and HSH Blake’sbest ever 5-star score and the first time she has gotten below a score below 30.0.
“This is our first time at the 5 Star level, and I am just over the moon with how he performed,” said Pamukcu. “He felt like he really enjoyed himself. When I came into the arena, it’s like he kicked into another gear and just felt happy which made me happy.”
Following the conclusion of Friday’s CCI3* dressage in the Main Arena, Maryland native Isabelle Bosley (USA) took the lead with a score of 24.8 aboard Conner, an 8-year-old gelding owned by Werner Behrens and Karen Martin.
“I was thrilled with him,” said Bosley. “I’ve had this horse for a couple years now and he’s always been a bit of a hothead, but he really stayed with me and I felt like I could kind of push a little bit more with all of the marks. He’s the best he has felt in the ring. He has leveled up for me and I am just so proud of how much he has matured over the years. He came out and did everything right today.”
Alyssa Phillips (USA) and Rockett 19 are close behind in second with a 25.5, while Olivia Dutton (USA) and Jewelent, who delivered Thursday’s top performance, sit third on a 28.1. Tommy Greengard (USA) and Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad hold fourth with a 28.2, followed by Mia Farley (USA) and Pinacolada in fifth with a 28.8. Laine Ashker (USA) and her 9-year-old mare Lovedance round out the top six on a score of 30.0.
As the event enters day three, all eyes turn to the highly anticipated cross-country course, designed by new course designer, Pierre Le Goupil, where riders will face a true test of skill and precision over its demanding obstacles.
The event is being streamed globally via ClipMyHorse.TV and regionally via Maryland Public Television.
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Schedule & Results
For more information, please visit www.maryland5star.us.
