As the Tallahassee sun dips low, painting our Florida pastures with warm amber hues, we’re celebrating the heartbeat of equestrian life: the unspoken bond between rider and horse, forged through trust and teamwork. At Cavallo Farms, nestled in the oak-lined trails of North Florida, our riders and their equine partners live for these moments—whether it’s a quiet canter through our pine-shaded paths or a bold leap over a training fence. This fall, that passion finds its ultimate stage at the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill (October 16-19, 2025), where the world’s best rider-horse duos tackle the pinnacle of eventing.

The Maryland 5 Star isn’t just a competition; it’s a celebration of partnership—dressage finesse, cross-country courage, and show jumping precision, all set against autumn’s golden backdrop. With 25 entries from 19 riders across seven nations, the stakes are high, and the stories are electric. For our Cavallo community, it’s a spark to dream big, whether aiming for local Tallahassee events like the SWDEA Year-End Schooling Show on November 8 or eyeing a future 5* run.

Rider-Horse Heroes: Maryland’s Standout Pairs

The magic of Maryland lies in its partnerships. Here’s a look at a few rider-horse teams inspiring our Cavallo crew:

• Boyd Martin (USA) & Commando 3: Fresh off a Kentucky Three-Day second place, this 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding brings grit that mirrors our own Luna, a Cavallo Thoroughbred mare who’s carried Tallahassee juniors to local wins. Boyd’s trust in Commando 3? It’s what we teach in our cross-country clinics—pure synergy.
• Caroline Pamukcu (USA) & HSH Blake: A Florida native turned Olympic silver medalist, Caroline’s commanding Thoroughbred reflects the potential we see in our riders like Sara, who’s leveling up with our stallion Rocco. From Ocala’s arenas to global stages, Caroline’s journey fuels our dreams.
• Felix Vogg (SUI) & Cartania: The first Swiss rider at Maryland, Felix and his championship mare shine with elegance, much like our mare Bella, prepping for the Florida State IDA Dressage Show. Their bold debut inspires our riders to chase new heights.
• Jonelle Price (NZL) & Chilli’s Midnight Star: This new 5* pair, coming off a Scone Palace win, reminds us of our student Mia and her Thoroughbred Jax, who just nailed their first Novice cross-country in Tallahassee. New bonds, big results—it’s what Cavallo’s all about.

With Olympians like Jessica Phoenix and fresh talents like Lindsay Traisnel in the mix, these 25 horses (mostly geldings, led by Irish Sport Horses) show what’s possible when rider and horse click. Missing this year is defending champ Oliver Townend, opening the gate for new stars to shine.

At Cavallo Farms, we’re weaving this inspiration into our Autumn Partnership Workshop. Check out our riding services breakdown here:

Interactive: Match the Rider-Horse Magic!

Think you know what makes these pairs tick? Try our drag-and-drop game below to match riders to their horse’s standout trait. Hover for hints, and drag (or tap) to pair them up. Can you score a perfect 3/3? (Psst: It’s like matching your horse’s stride to your seat!)

Score a 3/3? You’re ready to ride with us! Share your results below.

Cavallo’s Fall Tips: Strengthen Your Bond

Inspired by Maryland’s elite, here’s how we’re helping Tallahassee riders and horses thrive this autumn:

1. Listen Closely: Practice reading your horse’s ears and tail—our workshop drills, inspired by Jonelle Price, build trust.
2. Florida Fuel: Mix local honey into feed for energy; keeps coats shining.
3. Trail Trials: Our sandy paths mimic Fair Hill’s softer ground—try our October 25 low-jump clinic.

Ready to deepen your partnership? Our Rider-Horse Harmony Retreat (November 1-2) blends dressage and cross-country flow. Only 10 spots—book now. Plus, don’t miss Tallahassee’s SWDEA show for a taste of local competition.

Who’s your favorite rider-horse duo? Drop a comment or share your own Cavallo story to our social media!

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