<h2 dir="ltr">Show Jumping: A First 5* 160 Win Puts Mimi Gochman in the Open Spotlight</h2>
The US Equestrian Open Final: Wellington, Week 12 | Countdown: 5 Weeks
The $300,000 Longines FEI World Cup&trade; qualifier at the World Equestrian Center, Ocala saw the 21-year-old rising star Mimi Gochman out-jump a field of Olympic veterans. In a high-pressure jump-off, Gochman delivered the performance of her career aboard Iron Maiden, jumping the only double clear to win her first-ever 5* 160 Grand Prix/World Cup. The victory was a massive statement for the home nation, with Gochman beating Brazil&rsquo;s Eduardo Pereira de Menezes and Ireland&rsquo;s Cian O&rsquo;Connor.
Gochman&rsquo;s dominance in Ocala isn't a flash in the pan but rather the continuation of a red-hot 2026 run. Just nine days prior, she claimed the CSI5* WEF Challenge Cup with Inclen BH. With two horses in winning form and confidence clearly building, she has moved firmly into contention for the US Equestrian Open title. With just six weeks until the Rolex finale in Wellington, the question now is whether she can sustain that momentum against the likes of World Number One Scott Brash and home-turf hero Kent Farrington.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/jumping" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/93f7dc6e-604b-4d1d-913d-73eddaee42db.png?width=1080&amp;height=161" alt="Read More Jumping"></a>
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<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h2 dir="ltr">Eventing: Heavy Hitters Headline Bouckaert</h2>
Next Qualifier: Bouckaert Equestrian | Countdown: 2 Weeks
The road to the 2026 Series heads to Georgia, with entries closing today for the first qualifier of the new year. Last week we looked at the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-first-wef-5-dressage-momentum-and-bouckaert-takes-shape" target="_blank" rel="noopener">early names on the list</a>, and since then the field has grown to 26 confirmed combinations in the CCI4*-S - meaning the winner will walk away with a full 50 points.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ec2bc08c-7c88-4dc3-a5e7-4fd9617950fd.png?width=3204&amp;height=2600" alt="Qualifiers With More Than 25 Starters (1) (1) (1)"> It&rsquo;s a serious field to open 2026 - the kind that sets the tone for the season ahead. Here are a few standout names on the list.
Lucienne Bellissimo: The current Series leader arrives for the first time&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/new-flag-for-the-frontrunner">officially flying the American flag</a>. Bellissimo brings a two horses to the 4* with Kitsch Couture HPK and Easter Star WM, who makes her move up to the level. Her October winner, Dyri, will contest the Open Intermediate alongside Qatar M as she builds her depth for the 2026 title race.
Waylon Roberts: Currently third in the series standings, the Canadian veteran brings forward Chevalier. The new ride for Roberts in 2025 (previously campaigned by Karl Slezak) finished in the top four in all four of their international starts. This streak includes a victory in the CCI3*-S at The Fork at Tryon last September.
Buck Davidson: Currently sitting in fifth place on the Series leaderboard, Buck returns with Cooley Candyman and Cerafino D. Cerafino D already has a podium finish at this venue from October&rsquo;s opening qualifier, making him a proven competitor on this track.
Caroline Pamukcu: A top-three finisher in last year&rsquo;s series, Pamukcu brings three contenders including the notoriously fast HSH Double Sixteen. The thoroughbred was one of only two horses to win multiple qualifiers during the 2025 series. As the defending champion of this exact event, he returns to the venue where he secured victory last March by recording the fastest cross country time of the day. Pamukcu also brings HSH Connor and King&rsquo;s Especiale.
Boyd Martin: The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/reigning-us-open-of-eventing-champion-boyd-martin-named-2025-usef-international-equestrian-of-the-year">2025 Series and Final winner</a> is leaving nothing to chance, arriving with four entries. His string includes 5* superstar and previous qualifier winner Commando 3, and Cooley Nutcracker, fresh off a 3rd place finish at Pau 5*. Keep an eye on his 4* debutants Fetiche Des Rouges and Kolbeinn; both horses jumped double clear at every international start last season, with Kolbeinn winning the 3*-L at Bromont.
With two weeks to go, Bouckaert is shaping up to be a pivotal qualifier. Lucienne Bellissimo arrives with the series lead but Caroline Pamukcu and Boyd Martin bring depth, experience, and serious firepower. If she wants to extend her advantage, she&rsquo;ll have to earn it.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c23492d7-840b-47ef-9003-9f9fdbe46459.png?width=1240&amp;height=714" alt="E Fens Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Eventing (1)">
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/eventing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/254e09dd-d92e-4194-986b-baf0dbd8460b.png?width=1080&amp;height=158" alt="Read More Eventing"></a>
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<h2 dir="ltr">Dressage: Davis Capitalizes as Mendoza Loor Withdraws</h2>
Next Qualifier: Adequan&reg; Global Dressage Festival 7 | The Final: Desert Dressage, Thermal CA (November)
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9d63989b-5f1c-4c8a-a6b8-f7d4d31a3eaa.png?width=697&amp;height=850" alt="Screenshot 2026 02 17 130211">
A four-horse Grand Prix Freestyle at World Equestrian Center&ndash;Ocala shifted before it even began when pre-show favorite Julio Mendoza Loor withdrew. No reason was given, though he is entered to compete in Wellington this week, suggesting a possible change in target. His absence left the door open, and Meagan Davis stepped through it.
Davis and Toronto Lightfoot won on a new personal best of 73.685%, narrowly ahead of Claire Darnell and Harrold S. Darnell improved nearly three percentage points from her previous outing at this venue&mdash;an unusually large gain at this level&mdash;and finished just 0.2 percentage points behind Davis. Two of the five judges had Darnell in first place.&nbsp;
For Davis, it was her first Series appearance since finishing third at Dressage at Devon last September. The progression with Toronto Lightfoot has been steady. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re just checking off goals left and right with Toronto,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;Getting the personal best up there on the screen&mdash;that&rsquo;s what I&rsquo;m looking for.&rdquo; She noted a mistake in the one-tempis but pointed to stronger second ones and twos on the line. The focus, she said, is continued improvement with an eye toward Europe later this year.
Charlotte Osborne, last month&rsquo;s WEC winner, finished fourth this time. Even so, her second appearance of the season moves her into fifth on the overall Series leaderboard with 21 points. Darnell now sits tied for seventh on 20.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a4c58000-e0fd-49b4-9d9d-af592ae7ed6c.png?width=1240&amp;height=806" alt="H Y6 Nq Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Dressage (1)">
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/dressage" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/df3afaab-1f25-4fab-a1dc-c46c608169fb.png?width=1080&amp;height=171" alt="Read More Dressage"></a>
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<h2 data-path-to-node="4">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-path-to-node="4">Stay in the Loop with The Open Weekly</h2>
Thanks for joining us for this week's edition! Don't forget: a fresh update of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/the-open-weekly" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Open Weekly</a> drops on the site&nbsp;every Tuesday.
<h3 data-path-to-node="9">Join the Conversation</h3>
Follow us for daily highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and live updates:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/useqopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>
<h3 data-path-to-node="6">Go Beyond the Article</h3>
Catch the latest insights and expert interviews on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sites.libsyn.com/559710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Equestrian Open Podcast</a>.
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The Open Weekly: Breakthrough Wins at WEC and a Stacked Bouckaert Field

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Main

Megan McIver sat down with Annie Bishop on this week's US Equestrian Open podcast to talk horses, risk-taking, and the goal she's finally saying out loud. Find the full episode <a href="https://pod.fo/e/391d1f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.</a>
<h3 dir="ltr">A California Beginning</h3>
Megan is a California rider through and through. She grew up riding at Webb Ranch in Portola Valley after convincing her dad that she needed to ride horses. Eventually, beach trail rides weren't enough. Lessons followed. Then competition. Then a life built around the sport.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1f650059-afad-4973-ab64-eab1ac417343.png?width=1080&amp;height=546" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (1)">
Like many eventers, she didn't come from a deep equestrian background. What she had was work ethic. In high school, she rode multiple horses a day, then came home to finish homework late into the night. At Cal Poly, she balanced a full-time degree in accounting , a sorority, and worked for former Olympian Gina Miles and Bec Braitling. Megan was Gina&rsquo;s assistant trainer and it was here that she got really serious about the sport.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/633ba413-a437-4bd6-a476-dcb349134dff.png?width=1080&amp;height=537" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (2)">
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<h3 dir="ltr">Building Something of Her Own</h3>
After formative years with Gina Miles, Bec Braitling and Brian Sabo, Megan returned to Northern California to build something of her own. She established McIver Equestrian at the Horse Park at Woodside; a serious base with four-star events on site, world-class facilities and the infrastructure to match her ambitions.
Just 15 minutes away is Eric Duvander, with whom she works and trains full time. The support system is intentional, the set-up is strategic, and her business is growing due to it.
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<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">Igor B: The Risk&nbsp;</h3>
If there's one horse Open fans will recognise, it's Igor B. He is known at home as Rupert but was originally named Cuddles by the breeder's daughter.
However, they are a partnership that almost didn't happen. Megan saw him in the UK while trying a different horse. The video didn't sell her and she couldn't afford him. But when she watched him walk just three steps in person, she knew.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/37be393b-6ec2-4171-8e7c-8af90c3225a5.png?width=1080&amp;height=555" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (3)">
Buying Igor B meant risk. Loans. Stretching beyond what felt comfortable.
But Megan leaned on the advice of long-time supporters&nbsp;Leo Wang: life is about taking risks and sometimes you have to get uncomfortable to move forward.
So she bought Rupert.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0700936a-24d0-421e-a5d8-08421bf5c3c0.jpeg?width=4000&amp;height=2665" alt="9 F9 A0 E34 6 B38 413 D B68 F A3110 D C141 Ea (1)">
Now, after two full seasons together, which included Megan&rsquo;s first step up to four-star level, a seventh-place finish in the inaugural US Equestrian Open Series of Eventing signals that the foundations are firmly in place. The process is starting to pay off.
The next step? Go faster. When it feels right, be braver against the clock.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/37d43b11-df0f-42ed-8440-3db7a4990398.png?width=1080&amp;height=570" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (5)">
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<h3 dir="ltr">Kapitan Sparrow XII: The Journey</h3>
Kapitan Sparrow XII might be the most meaningful horse in the barn. He arrived hot, spooky, running through fences, and definitely not an obvious four-star prospect. But Megan saw something worth the investment.
They've worked through setbacks (including a colic episode en route to competition). They've managed quirks. They've grown up together.&nbsp;Last season saw their step up to four-star where he jumped clear cross-country in both of his two starts at the level.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f071a70a-04c7-409c-9e1b-a2892b0eb761.png?width=1080&amp;height=549" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (6)">
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<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">The Goal on the Wall</h3>
In her tack room, Megan keeps written plans for each horse - two years out, three, five. At the top of her own list sits something bigger.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/86d48dd1-027a-4f80-a947-b1f34c6dfce0.png?width=1080&amp;height=564" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (7)">
For a long time, she kept that quiet. Now she is practising saying it out loud. Because saying it makes it real.
The US Equestrian Open is part of that picture. Not as a stepping stone, but as a championship in its own right. For combinations like Megan and Rupert, it is both opportunity and objective. A structured season to measure progress.
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40144145/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/28427a/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
Check out the full Series calendar below and stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Instagram.&nbsp;</a>Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.
Also follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>.&nbsp;
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c9dfe039-3b02-415d-b513-c5bd87d85dae.jpeg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="26 Open Eventing Qualifier Calendar">
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For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.

Image of Megan McIver jumping Igor B cross country

Megan McIver’s Plan to Turn Seventh into Selection

Five combinations from four nations contest this week&rsquo;s qualifier, but only one rider looks poised for first.
Julio Mendoza Loor enters this week&rsquo;s Grand Prix Freestyle at WEC Ocala operating in a scoring range the rest of the field hasn&rsquo;t seen. Recent qualifiers have largely been decided in the low-70s band, so when a combination can reliably produce 75% or better, the predictions become obvious. The spotlight focuses. It becomes that rider&rsquo;s class to lose, and they don&rsquo;t need a miracle to win it.
<h2 dir="ltr">A Tier of His Own</h2>
This week, Mendoza Loor is that rider.&nbsp;
He and Jewel&rsquo;s Goldstrike average 77%, with a personal best of 84.230%. You don&rsquo;t hit those numbers by accident. That requires repetition, and lots of it.
The pair have 16 FEI freestyles together. They have repeatedly scored 78&ndash;80% across venues and seasons, including two Series wins last year and a victory at WEC last March. This is an established partnership with Olympic mileage and a long scoring record at the top end. An easy favorite.
No other combination in this field averages above 73%.
That separation is not subtle. In recent qualifiers, winning scores have frequently landed in the low 70s. A pair capable of delivering a high-70 test does not need to stretch for a personal best to control this class. Mendoza Loor&rsquo;s average already sits where most of this field&rsquo;s peak ambitions lie.
Could someone produce an outlier performance? Of course. But the rest of the field will need to find something remarkable to pull off an upset.
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-BSvns" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Grand Prix Freestyle Stats: WEC Ocala February Dressage" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/BSvns/1/" height="528" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Ride for Second</h2>
The remaining combinations operate inside a narrow scoring window where the order can shift with a slightly more uphill extended trot or a more settled collected walk. Across this group, the separation between second and fifth sits within roughly three percentage points.
By the averages, Claire Darnell and Harrold S should be the clear pick for second. They average 72.9% together and have reached 77% once in the past. But here's the problem with this scoring band: the data doesn't always hold. Two weeks ago in Ocala, they finished second on 70.5%&mdash;just 0.2% behind Charlotte Osborne and Fruhlingszauber, who won with a 70.775% personal best.
When most of the field lives between 70 and 73%, small variations matter more than long-term trends. A couple of points below average is enough to reshuffle the entire podium. One slightly tense walk transition, one loss of rhythm in a pirouette, and second becomes fourth.
That scoring compression has been a consistent feature of recent qualifiers. Several combinations who regularly score above 75% have focused more heavily on the Special this season. The result is that many freestyle podiums are being decided inside that low-70s band. This is not a commentary on quality. It simply reflects what the top-end talent is choosing to prioritize this season.
But when an established high-scoring combination does enter a freestyle, none of that volatility matters. The predictions become immediately clear.
This week, Mendoza Loor and Jewel's Goldstrike take that role.
If they perform to their established average&mdash;and there is no indication that they won't&mdash;"Goldy" will be cantering with a blue sash on Saturday. If they somehow do not, well&hellip; we'll have a lot to unpack next week.

Julio Mendoza Loor rides Goldy in a winner's lap around the arena at the Pan American Games

Jewel in the Crown: Goldstrike Set to Shine

<h3 dir="ltr">What is the US Equestrian Open of Eventing?</h3>
The US Equestrian Open of Eventing is a nation-wide Series that brings together top riders and horses across multiple qualifying events, all building toward a championship final at Morven Park.
Throughout the season, riders compete at Qualifiers at the CCI4*-S level to earn series points. Riders can also qualify for the US Equestrian Open Final which has a $200,000 prize pot.&nbsp;
The series is part of a broader US Equestrian Open initiative that also includes Dressage and Jumping disciplines, all designed to create a clear season-long storyline for fans to follow.
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<h3 dir="ltr">How does the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Series work?</h3>
The series runs across a set of official qualifiers during the 2025&ndash;2026 season.
At each qualifier:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Riders earn points based on their finishing position</li>
<li dir="ltr">The number of points available depends on how many starters are in the class (see image below)</li>
<li dir="ltr">Points accumulate across the season</li>
<li dir="ltr">A leaderboard tracks standings</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d17ad15d-f84f-403d-a977-f2f4b9c90d48.png?width=3204&amp;height=2600" alt="Qualifiers With More Than 25 Starters (1) (1)">
Whoever accumulates the most points by the end of the Series wins $25,000, with 2nd place getting $15,000 and receiving $10,000.
Check our this year&rsquo;s leaderboard here: <a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/2">https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/2</a>
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<h3 dir="ltr">When and where are the next US Equestrian Open eventing qualifiers?</h3>
At the time of writing, the next two qualifiers are:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Bouckaert International in Fairburn, Georgia will take place from March 5th&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr">Carolina International in Raeford, North Carolina on March 12th&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
A full list of 2025&ndash;2026 qualifiers is below.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/990e1192-6e1c-4f71-bd65-b0892eca1b8f.jpeg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="26 Open Eventing Qualifier Calendar">
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<h3 dir="ltr">What happens at a typical eventing qualifier?</h3>
Eventing is a three-phase competition, typically run over three days. All qualifiers are held at the CCI4*-S level, with most following this order: dressage first, then show jumping, and finally cross country. The final result combines penalties from all three phases with the lowest score winning.
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<h3 dir="ltr">How do riders qualify for the US Equestrian Open Final?</h3>
Riders qualify by completing at least one Series Qualifier with a MER. A MER is a Minimum Eligibility Requirement. It means the rider and horse must complete the competition within specific performance standards across all three phases.
To achieve a MER at four-star:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Dressage: Score no more than 45 penalty points (55% or better)</li>
<li dir="ltr">Show jumping: Finish with no more than 16 jumping penalties</li>
<li dir="ltr">Cross country: Jump clear at the obstacles (no more than one frangible device activation or one missing flag allowed) and finish no more than 75 seconds over the optimum time</li>
</ul>
In simple terms, a MER proves that a combination can complete the level safely and competitively across all three phases.
The Final is held at CCI4*-L level, which is a longer format competition and a true championship test at one of the best eventing venues in the country.
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<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">Where is the US Equestrian Open Final of Eventing held?</h3>
The US Equestrian Open Eventing Final takes place at Morven Park. The 2026 Final will be held on the 8th-11th of October, continuing its role as the championship destination for the Series.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f0ade7a4-b840-450b-a877-2cbe2e3fb60e.jpg?width=2704&amp;height=2134" alt="Img 5414 (2)">
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<h3 dir="ltr">How can I watch the US Equestrian Open live?</h3>
Fans can follow the US Equestrian Open in several ways:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">USEF Network: Many qualifiers and the Final are streamed live and for free on the <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_US/usef" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USEF Network.</a></li>
<li dir="ltr">Local Event Streaming: Some venues provide their own livestream coverage</li>
</ul>
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<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>What other resources are available to follow along?</h3>
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/magazines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Official Fan Guides:</a> Each qualifier has a dedicated US Equestrian Open Fan Guide available on the Open website. These guides highlight key storylines, leading contenders, and relevant numbers to help fans understand what&rsquo;s at stake.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/eventing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Weekly Articles:</a> A new article is published on this website every week, covering previews, reviews, leaderboard movement, and standout performances across the Series.
Social Media:&nbsp;Follow the US Equestrian Open<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Instagram</a> and<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a> page for event images, live updates, and season highlights.
<a href="https://podfollow.com/the-us-equestrian-open-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The US Equestrian Open Podcast</a> Stay up to date with preview and review episodes for every qualifier, plus interviews with leading contenders and top competitors throughout the Series.
This week's episode:
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40068020/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/28427a/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
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<h3 dir="ltr">Can I attend a qualifier or the final in person?</h3>
Yes! Attending in person gives you the opportunity to watch all three phases up close and experience the horses and riders at ground level.
Check the event&rsquo;s official website for daily schedules and ticket information. Most qualifiers do not require tickets, but it&rsquo;s always worth confirming in advance so you can plan ahead.
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<h3 dir="ltr">Do I need to understand all of eventing to follow the Open?</h3>
No. Even experienced equestrian fans may be new to the Open format. The series is designed to make the sport easier to follow by:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Tracking points</li>
<li dir="ltr">Creating a leaderboard</li>
<li dir="ltr">Highlighting contenders</li>
<li dir="ltr">Building toward a defined final</li>
</ul>
If you are new, start with the Fan Guide. If you are experienced, follow the podcast and deep dive articles.
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<h3 dir="ltr">Why should I follow the US Equestrian Open?</h3>
Because it turns standalone events into one season-long championship race.
You can follow who&rsquo;s climbing the leaderboard, who needs points, and who will qualify for the final at Morven Park. Real-time standings create clear storylines, and the $200,000 finale&mdash;broadcasted on ESPN and the USEF Network&mdash;brings added stakes and visibility.
It&rsquo;s elite competition, on home soil, with a narrative you can follow from start to finish.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-first-wef-5-dressage-momentum-and-bouckaert-takes-shape" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/797de4a4-a9fd-4ef8-8f83-7253791613fc.png?width=4048&amp;height=577" alt="Us Open Blog Inserts"></a>

Horse and Rider Trotting Beside The US Equestrian Open Sign 

A First-Timers Guide to the US Equestrian Open of Eventing

The CSI5* $500,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix has become a big springboard to successful seasons over the last decade. Last year, this class was won by Kent Farrington and Greya. Kent went on to rewrite the record books with nine five-star victories in a single season, seven with Greya. He had won the class with Gazelle back in 2017 - and would set the pre-2015 benchmark of 8 Grand Prix/World Cup wins in a single season. Martin Fuchs&rsquo; 2019 campaign - after a win here with Clooney was similar.&nbsp;
With Cloudio and United Touch already in the string, this weekend&rsquo;s victory for Richard Vogel and Gangster Montdesir could well be the set up for a superstar season.&nbsp;
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<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">1. Richard Vogel and Gangster Montdesir Will Be Contenders</h3>
We had a German winner of last year&rsquo;s Open and on this evidence, we could well have another. Before the class, the EquiRatings numbers gave Gangster Montdesir just a 38% chance of going clear - a caution born from limited mileage, not lack of quality. Under the Saturday night lights, the ten-year-old delivered again, producing his fourth consecutive clear in CSI5* Grand Prix competition from four starts. He then went fastest in the jump-off in 42.65 seconds to take his second win at 5* Grand Prix.
"I couldn't wish for anything more and I&rsquo;m just thrilled with how he jumped tonight and how he was fighting for me," Richard Vogel said in the press conference.
"Wellington is really our home in the winter months. It&rsquo;s my fifth circuit here. It has always been good to us, good to our horses. Every year we are able to step up a couple of new, younger, exciting horses and Gangster is one of them this year."
The Lesson: A 100% clear rate across four starts at 160 is a meaningful signal. We can begin to discard the small-sample caution now. If Gangster Montdesir is at the Open Final, he will be a genuine contender.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/3cc3abfa-71b0-4888-b858-63076c0173ac.jpeg?width=1600&amp;height=1360" alt="Img L8913">
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<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">2. Nina Mallevaey and Dynastie de Beaufour Are Writing History</h3>
Third place on Saturday told only part of the story. The number that mattered was their 11th consecutive clear round at CSI5* 160 - a streak achieved by only eight combinations in modern history (since 2010).
"She (Dyanastie de Beaufour) is so amazing in every way. Since the first one (5* Grand Prix), she felt like she could do anything, she felt like she had done it for her whole life. I think she&rsquo;s incredible,smart, scopey, fast&hellip; she is an amazing horse."
Nina Mallevaey has competed at WEF Week 12 only twice before&mdash;2025 and 2023&mdash;watch to see if she makes it three.
The Lesson:&nbsp;Reliability is a competitive weapon. The top-ranked U25 rider in the world, the top ranked female in the sport, Mallevaey and Dynastie de Beaufour had a breakout season last year winning Brussels and are emerging as a major contender for the non-US riders hoping to take the title off home soil.&nbsp;
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<h3 dir="ltr">3. Lillie Keenan&rsquo;s Home Soil Threat</h3>
Lillie Keenan and Argan de Beliard jumped double clear and finished fourth, 2.64 seconds off the podium. We have been highlighting here in recent weeks how the addition of Highway TN to an already top string could be the tipping point and she goes to the next level. This weekend was a reminder of her strength in depth. Earlier during WEF she won the NetJets CSI4* Grand Prix with&nbsp;Fasther and claimed victory on Highway TN in their first show together. Three horses winning across multiple levels over the past few weeks - Lillie Keenan will have lots of choices when it comes to the Final.&nbsp;
The Lesson: The US home advantage is real and backed by form. Keenan enters the next five weeks as one of the riders to watch and a leading US contender to keep the trophy on American soil.&nbsp;
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<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">4. Kent Farrington and Greya Are Still the Ones to Beat</h3>
The defending champions and the pre-competition favorites, they did not win on Saturday, but they posted the fastest jump-off time of the night and only the final rail cost them the win. Their CSI5* 160 jump-off record remains exceptional, with nine wins and 11 podium finishes from now 15 jump-off appearances. Greya&rsquo;s conversion rate of Jump Off appearances to wins is unmatched at this level. Their round 1 rail last year cost them a place in the Jump Off but if they make it in Week 12, they will be favorites to win it.&nbsp;
While Saturday did not convert, Kent Farrington&rsquo;s response is likely to be even more determined push for the win.
The Lesson: Do not be distracted by a single rail. Farrington and Greya remain the favorite for the US Equestrian Open of Jumping Final as things stand and the combination to beat until proven otherwise.
 <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/3835ff9b-46e5-418c-8cf7-ddb8500270c2.jpeg?width=1600&amp;height=1414" alt="Img L7122">
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<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">5. The Track Will Be Unforgiving - And Watch the Time</h3>
Gregory Bodo, who designed the Paris 2024 Olympic course, built Saturday's track. Only eight of the 39 starters jumped clear in Round 1. The resulting 20% clear rate sits just below the already demanding 10-year average of 23%, and is notably tougher than many global CSI5* 160 classes, where clear rates of 28&ndash;35% are not unusual.
But there is another statistic that deserves equal attention. 16 of the 39 riders collected time penalties meaning over 40% of the field was caught out by the clock. The Lesson: The Final will reward horses and riders who are simultaneously accurate and fast. Pairs who struggle with time allowed under pressure are flagged.
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Five weeks out, the picture is starting to sharpen. The contenders are emerging, momentum is building, and history suggests what works in Wellington early on tends to hold. When the Rolex US Equestrian Open of Jumping Final rolls around on March 28 (WEF Week 12), the lessons from Week 5 are likely to be big storylines.

Lillie Keenan and Argan de Beliard at WEF Week 5

The Open Weekly: Breakthrough Wins at WEC and a Stacked Bouckaert Field

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The Open Weekly: Breakthrough Wins at WEC and a Stacked Bouckaert Field

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A First-Timers Guide to the US Equestrian Open of Eventing

Countdown to the Final: Five Lessons From the First Five-Star Weekend in Wellington.

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