Elkton, MD — The 2025 MARS Maryland Five Star at Fair Hill, presented by Brown Advisory, brought another thrilling weekend of world-class eventing to the U.S. stage. Rising to the occasion, #TeamArion’s Monica Spencer and her talented partner, Artist, delivered a standout performance from start to finish. Representing New Zealand, the duo once again demonstrated why they’re among the most respected and admired combinations in the sport.

Monica and Artist share a partnership strengthened over years of dedication and trust. Artist, a 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding bred in New Zealand, was introduced to Monica as an unraced four-year-old gelding before transitioning to high-level eventing. Since then, the pair have competed at multiple five-star events, earning impressive results at both Kentucky and Maryland.

Competition at Fair Hill began with a technical CCI5-L dressage test*, challenging even the most experienced combinations with advanced movements and precision work. Spencer and Artist delivered one of their best performances to date, earning an international personal-best score and taking the early lead heading into the weekend. The remaining twenty-three competitors followed closely behind as the class prepared for the next phase, cross-country.

“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.”

Day two brought a demanding CCI5-L cross-country course*, which proved to be a challenge for even the most seasoned riders. Out of twenty-two starters, only thirteen combinations completed the course, and just four managed to produce clear rounds. Among them, Spencer and Artist delivered a bold, confident performance that kept them at the top of the leaderboard heading into the final day.

Monica Spencer and Artist during the awards ceremony at the 2025 MARS Maryland Five-Star at Fair Hill, presented by Brown Advisory. ©ShannonBrinkmanPhotography

The competition concluded in the main stadium arena at Fair Hill. Entering as the final pair to jump, Spencer and Artist maintained their composure under pressure, producing a polished and great effort. With only a narrow margin separating the top contenders, the duo finished Reserve Champions, just behind Swiss rider Felix Vogg and Cartania, with Boyd Martin rounding out the podium in third.

Emma Hakim and Cento Chico at the 2025 New England Equitation Junior Hunt Seat Medal Finals. ©JessWindhurstPhotography

Springfield, MA — Emma Hakim aboard her long-term partner, Cento Chico, bested a field of 180 horse-and-rider combinations at the 2025 New England Equitation Junior Medal Final Championships in Springfield, MA. A panel of six seasoned judges included Hope Glynn, Mark Jungherr, Ken Krome, Jimmy Lee, Tiffany Morrissey, and Jack Towell. Hakim and Cento Chic started the morning off with an impressive average score first round score of 89.66. The top twenty-five riders were invited back to challenge a technical second round. Hakim and Cento were the last to go as they were the leading pair from the first round. Scoring another remarkable average score of 91, the pair finished victorious. Congratulations Emma and the team behind her!

Watch why they won. Emma Hakim & Cento Chic’s impressive second round.