Tamra Smith and Mai Baum Shine in Emotional Farewell At MARS Maryland

Swansong Starts Strong for Smith & Mai Baum

Tamra Smith and her beloved gelding, Mai Baum, are names etched in the annals of eventing history. As they step onto the stage of the MARS Maryland 5 Star event, it's not only a competition but a heartfelt farewell for Mai Baum, participating in his final five-star appearance. Let's delve into the extraordinary journey of this dynamic duo, highlighting their achievements and the unique challenges they’ve faced along the way.

The Magnificent Journey

Tamra Smith and Mai Baum’s journey is one for the books. With a remarkable career that spans nearly a decade, this team has garnered numerous accolades. Notably, they became the first American duo in 15 years to clinch victory at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L in April 2023. Mai Baum, affectionately known as "Lexus," has been Smith's partner in more ways than one. This German Sport Horse, with lineage tracing back to Loredano 2 and Ramira, marked the beginning of Smith’s illustrious rise in the equestrian world. Together, they blazed the trail as representatives for the U.S. at the 2019 Pan American Games and served as the traveling reserve for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Emotional Ties to Fair Hill

Maryland’s 5 Star event holds a sentimental significance for Smith, as it was at Fair Hill where Mai Baum’s competitive journey commenced. Each stride in this competition isn't just about winning; it's a celebration of their enduring partnership. The emotional tie brings another layer of depth and significance to their final hurrah at a five-star event.

Challenges Along The Way

While the emotional resonance of the event is high, the road has not been smooth. Earlier in the year, Mai Baum had a minor injury that sidelined him during the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. This injury also removed him from the running for the Paris Olympics, adding a challenging dimension to their journey. However, Smith’s dedication and Mai Baum’s resilience became the driving force that brought them back, stronger and ready to compete.

A Powerful Start in Maryland

At the MARS Maryland 5 Star, they’ve blasted off with a commanding dressage score of 25.3. Judged by Christina Klingspor, Valerie Pride, and Xavier Le Sauce, this stellar performance affirms their synergistic excellence. Smith attributes their top-notch performance to working closely with cross-country advisor Ian Stark, ensuring that Mai Baum continues to dominate with finesse and strength.

The Hallmark of Horsemanship

Smith’s remarkable skills transcend mere riding. Her deep understanding of Mai Baum’s idiosyncrasies is a reflection of her exceptional horsemanship. Influenced by mentors like Allen Clarke, her approach hinges on fairness, explicit communication, and positive reinforcement with a healthy dose of respect for Mai Baum’s perspective. This philosophy drives the training program at her facility, Next Level Eventing, and underscores her numerous achievements.

Challenging Course Designed by Ian Stark

This event is renowned not only for its competitors but also for the demanding course designed by the legendary Ian Stark. Known for crafting intricate and challenging courses, Stark’s involvement is a badge of prestige for any event. As the competition proceeds, his rigorously designed course is expected to substantially influence the leaderboard.

Facing Storied Competitors

In this valiant contest, Smith and Mai Baum are but one of the noteworthy contenders. Rivals like Oliver Townend with Ballaghmor Class and the young Bubby Upton with Cola each bring unique stories brimming with perseverance and skill. According to the Equiratings Prediction Centre, Smith and Mai Baum stand as favorites with a grounded chance to land in the top three, a testament to their outstanding caliber in eventing.

A Memorable Milestone

As Smith and Mai Baum approach the final chapters of their competitive journey, this event stands as both a personal and professional milestone. Their journey transcends mere accomplishments, reflecting growth, understanding, and an unbreakable bond between horse and rider. Through the partnership between Smith and Mai Baum, their legacy is not only secure but continues to inspire generations of future riders. To chronicle their journey is to recognize the beauty and depth of equestrian teamwork. As Mai Baum prepares for retirement, the story of their shared pursuit and accomplishments remains a powerful narrative, compelling riders and equine enthusiasts to understand the art of eventing from a fresh perspective. Their story underlines the importance of harmony, resilience, and undying dedication in the sport. Source: Horse Network, [MARS Maryland 5 Star](https://horsenetwork.com/), and streaming available at [Clipmyhorse.tv](https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/).