Felix Vogg makes history and wins MARS Maryland 5* eventing!

Felix Vogg and his 14-years-old Cartania made history for Switzerland: the pair managed to win the prestigious MARS Maryland 5 Star Eventing in Elkton! Starting for Switzerland, the pair beat the best eventing pairs in the world to secure their second five-star victory - a unique success for Switzerland at this level to date.

Strong final phase secures victory

After a successful dressage and cross-country test, the pressure on Felix Vogg did not let up. As the penultimate starter, he had to complete a clear round with his Cartania in order to secure at least second place. However, two knockdowns by Monica Spencer, who had been in the lead until then, saw Vogg move into the lead and finally celebrate his first international victory at the five-star level with Cartania. The mare, descended from Cartani 4 x Schatzi, is owned by Vogg and Phoenix Eventing S.A.R.L. and has been in Vogg's saddle since 2018.

Cartania was not always considered an easy horse. As Vogg described, according to USEA, she was initially temperamental and difficult to handle. However, she has always shown exceptional qualities in the cross-country, which is reflected in her consistent cross-country record with only one 20 since the beginning of the partnership. Vogg receives support in jumping training from Marcus Döring, among others. The penalty-free round in Maryland not only secured victory for the pair, but also made equestrian history: Vogg is now the first Swiss rider ever to achieve two successes at the five-star level.

Photo: Pferdefotografie Lafrentz