Welcome to the EquiRatings Archive, a treasure trove of timeless tales that celebrate the unique bond between horse and rider, the thrill of competition, and the beauty of this age-old tradition. Here, you'll find an extensive collection of stories from the world of equestrian sports, covering everything in show jumping and eventing.

Main

<h3><a href="https://pod.fo/e/2afa9a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can listen to the interview here</a> The Early move to Florida</h3>
Anna&rsquo;s journey began in Michigan, where her childhood was filled with dreams of horses and riding. In the show, she talks about her parents sacrifice to get her and her brother access to great education - and of their unwavering support for a road less travelled when the opportunity to ride presented itself.&nbsp;
 <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/77982306-f0e9-490c-9f89-3ca2487fd584?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="&ldquo;i Had Been a Working Student for Belinda Nairn a Couple Summers When I Was in High School. and Then She Offered&hellip; She Had an Injury Where She Had to Stop Riding. and so She Offered Me a Job to Com"> A pivotal moment in her career came when she made the decision to move to Florida to work with Belinda Nairn, an opportunity that allowed her to ride a variety of horses and immerse herself in the sport at a high level. Though it meant stepping away from traditional education, it provided her with the experience that would later shape her into a top competitor.
Anna&rsquo;s father played a crucial role in her journey, serving as a mentor, supporter, and even a &ldquo;dressage dad&rdquo; who follows her results as closely as any dedicated sports fan. His background as a competitive athlete himself has given him an eye for detail and an understanding of the dedication it takes to succeed in sports. <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0b3717b6-75b1-4892-b19b-dde43853f6ee?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Anna 2">
<h3><a href="https://pod.fo/e/2afa9a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can listen to the interview here</a></h3>
<h3>Family Support and Balancing Parenthood</h3>
Beyond her personal ambition, Anna credits her success to the support system around her. As a mother, she faces the challenge of balancing her professional career with her deep attachment to her children. She acknowledges that her family&rsquo;s unwavering support allows her to focus on competing at the highest level without feeling the guilt of time spent away from home. It&rsquo;s this deep-rooted sense of family and connection that resonates with so many equestrian fans and makes her story relatable.
<h3>Fire Fly: A Teacher in Patience</h3>
One of Anna&rsquo;s standout horses, Firefly, and <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/us-riders-marek-and-kohmann-dominate-a-chilly-night-in-wellington" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the winner of a leg in this series already</a>, did not arrive in her barn as a finished Grand Prix competitor. He was talented but faced mental roadblocks, particularly in the piaffe. Rather than pushing too hard, Anna took a measured approach, allowing Fire Fly to progress at his own pace.
&ldquo;He has taught me more than any other horse about patience and when to slow down,&rdquo; she says. Her strategy involved treating him as though he was learning from scratch, allowing him to rebuild his confidence. That methodical patience paid off, as Firefly has since delivered some of the highest scores in the US Equestrian Open, earning over 80% from one of the judges this year.
<h3>Fayvel: A Rising Star</h3>
If Firefly represents a lesson in patience, then Fayvel is Anna&rsquo;s chance to be bold. Originally owned and competed by&nbsp;Cynthia Davila, Fayvel transitioned into Anna&rsquo;s competitive string when Cynthia&rsquo;s injury took her out of the saddle. Despite coming onto the international stage slightly later than intended, Fayvel is proving to be a powerhouse, taking Anna to the the World Cup&trade; Final in Riyadh in April 2024. His rideability allows Anna to take more risks, particularly in the freestyle where she can push for every point.
<h3>The Power of Freestyle and Music Selection</h3>
One of the most exciting elements of dressage for fans is the freestyle to music, where riders choreograph performances to music that enhances their horse&rsquo;s movements. For Fire Fly, Anna and his owner wanted something dramatic&mdash;the theme from Stranger Things became the perfect fit. Working with a top freestyle designer, Anna and her team built a routine that matches Fire Fly&rsquo;s strengths, adding an extra dimension to their performances.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e76d51e9-7df7-47ac-9463-a4cccef31e74?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Anna 3">
<h3>The US Equestrian Open and Building Fan Connection</h3>
One of the key goals of the US Equestrian Open is to make the sport more accessible and relatable to fans. For Anna, this initiative is helping to bridge the gap between riders and spectators.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;When you feel like you know someone, you&rsquo;re more likely to cheer for them. Our sport needs that&mdash;positivity and connection.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
With the Open currently in a run of week-to-week shows taking us through almost directly to late April, fans now have the opportunity to watch leaderboards shift and follow riders like Anna on their journey. Seeing their stories unfold week after week transforms names on a leaderboard into athletes with a narrative&mdash;one that fans can invest in, just like any other sport.
<h3>Looking to the Future</h3>
As Anna continues to compete at the highest level, she also has her eyes on the next generation of top horses. One name to watch is Lareau D.E. , or &ldquo;Larry&rdquo;, a young talent that she believes could be a future international star. With a natural ability for piaffe and passage, Larry&rsquo;s progress will be one to follow closely - Check out <a href="https://www.instagram.com/phylbot07/">@phylbot07 on Instagram.&nbsp;</a>
<h3>A Season of Excitement</h3>
The US Equestrian Open is providing a platform for our US superstars like Anna Marek to share their journey, bringing fans into the sport in a deeper way. As she continues to compete and inspire, one thing is clear&mdash;Anna&rsquo;s story is one of passion, patience, and perseverance, and she is just getting started. <a href="https://pod.fo/e/2afa9a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can listen to the interview here</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">What&rsquo;s Next?</h2>
The qualifiers continue in Wellington next weekend for Adequan&reg; Global Dressage Festival 7, where two key contenders in the US Open of Dressage standings will be in action&mdash;Evelyn Eger (GER), who currently shares the lead, and&nbsp;Felicitas Hendricks (GER), winner of Week Two&rsquo;s qualifier. With standings this competitive, next weekend's results could once again reshape the leaderboard. <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/6abfec54-c7a7-4701-b7d4-b6f08629db57?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Table of the Show Calendar for the 2025 Us Equestrian Open of Dressage Series">
<h2 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h2>
For the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/dressage-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most up-to-date series calendar</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">latest standings</a>, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/">usequestrianopen.org</a>.
Stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen">&nbsp;Instagram</a>, and follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian">&nbsp;Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/usequestrian">X (Twitter)</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.

New Podcast: Anna Marek on Passion, Patience, and Performance

The US Equestrian Open continues to highlight standout performances from the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), and this year&rsquo;s roster of multiple international winners is packed with talent from around the world. A total of 22 riders have already picked up multiple international wins during this season of WEF in Wellington. Just two of those are quadruple winners.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/66355ab9-7524-44ff-8288-ea851875e6c2.png?width=1086&amp;height=2080" alt="75 G Yb Rider With Multiple International Wef Wins in 2025 (1)">
<h2>Leaders of the Pack</h2>
Two riders have risen to the very top of the leaderboard with four international wins each: Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) and Richard Vogel (GER). Their performances across a variety of classes demonstrate versatility and consistency and show great form to start off the 2025 season.
Luis Fernando Larrazabal has been in exceptional form, securing three victories aboard the ever-reliable Belle De Muze in the CSI 5* and CSI 4* 1.45m Wednesday classes. His fourth win came in the CSI 3* 1.50m Classic with Scarlett Du Sart Z.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/49fb7852-0edd-4b6d-9350-1c6a3c31e6c6.png?width=1588&amp;height=804" alt="E Zeti Luis Fernando Larrazabal S 2025 Wef Wins ">
 Richard Vogel has also claimed four victories, splitting his success between two horses: Phenyo Van Het Keysersbos and Cydello. Vogel&rsquo;s results include back-to-back Wednesday wins with Phenyo Van Het Keysersbos and Grand Prix triumphs aboard Cydello, demonstrating his mastery across mid-week classes and high-pressure weekend finales.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f230e762-6993-4210-ad51-b8512049d913.png?width=1588&amp;height=804" alt="B Y9q D Richard Vogel S 2025 Wef Wins">
<h2> The Triple Winners</h2>
A total of 5 riders are already triple international winners at WEF.
The most notable of those is undoubtedly&nbsp;Kent Farrington, who picked up back-to-back five-star Grand Prix victories aboard Greya during WEF 5 and WEF 7, and also won the 1.50m Classic on the 9-year-old Grass de Mars during WEF 7. His ability to deliver on both experienced and developing horses underlines why he remains a force at the very top level.
McLain Ward continues to be a pillar of consistency, bringing his trademark precision to Winter Equestrian Festival. His 3 international victories of 2025 have brought his tally of international wins at WEF since 2010 to 60, making him the most prominent winner of WEF in the last decade. Also World #1, Henrik von Eckermann has proven that his brilliance extends to the Florida circuit with three strong wins, all aboard Glamour Girl.
<h2>The Double Winners</h2>
A further 18 riders have already posted multiple international wins at WEF 2025, a testament to the depth of talent on display. Familiar names like Ben Maher, Darragh Kenny, and Jessica Springsteen are joined by rising stars including Ireland&rsquo;s Tom Wachman and Tim Brennan, and the USA&rsquo;s Michael Murphy and Zayna Rizvi.
 The early part of the season has already offered drama, excitement, and remarkable performances&mdash;and with riders fine-tuning their peak form, fans can expect even more fireworks in the weeks ahead. 
&nbsp;
<hr>
About the Series Born from a commitment by the US Equestrian Board in July 2023, the US Equestrian Open aims to grow the sport's awareness, exposure, and fan engagement. With $1 million in prize money and extensive media coverage on ESPN and the USEF Network, this series is designed to:
<ul>
<li>Provide a structured, prestigious championship format.</li>
<li>Attract a broader audience.</li>
<li>Enhance competition opportunities for athletes.</li>
</ul>
Stay connected with the US Equestrian Open on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and the USEF Network for live event updates, stories, and results. Use #USEquestrianOpen to share your own experiences and connect with fellow fans.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1ba79d22-0b13-4687-b1e5-5dc0cd708aee?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="P. 4 Jumping">
For sponsorship and media inquiries, please contact:
Carly Weilminster: cweilminster@usef.org Layson Griffin: lgriffin@usef.org
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Making a Habit of Winning at WEF

Jess Phoenix reminded everyone of her class last weekend in the TerraNova 4*-S, delivering a 1-2 finish that places her <a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">third on the US Equestrian Open leaderboard</a>. But this wasn&rsquo;t just a good weekend &mdash; it was one of the best in Jess's CCI4*-S career; a career that spans 164 starts at the level dating back to 2006.
<h1>One of Her Best Weekends Ever at 4*-S</h1>
From a field of over 20 starters, Phoenix and Freedom GS claimed the win, while Fluorescent Adolescent joined the party in second. It marked just the sixth time in recent history (2008 onwards) that a 1-2 finish has been achieved at a U.S. CCI4*-S from a field of over 20 starters &mdash; the last being Boyd Martin at Tryon in 2023.
<h2>Table-Topping Win Counts</h2>
The victory was Phoenix's fifth four-star win,&nbsp;more than any other Canadian rider of the last 18 seasons. And each win was with a different horse.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7316c1fa-fd9a-4e54-92e1-7f17744dbad4.png?width=1366&amp;height=1282" alt="Canadian riders with the most CCI4* wins between 2008-2025">
Looking at all international levels, TerraNova was Phoenix's 19th win which is a decidedly table-topping tally among her fellow Canadians. It's over twice as many wins as number two on the list.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5e0e6185-f26c-41ce-8f95-70c31cce3711.png?width=722&amp;height=892" alt="Canadian Riders With the Most International Wins Since 2008">
<h2>Top 10 Scores</h2>
Both of Phoenix's 1-2 placings also cracked her all-time top 10 CCI4*-S finishing scores:
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/fe9a813f-e3df-4c5b-afcf-4c5032678a84.png?width=1030&amp;height=1222" alt="Table showing Jessica Phoenix's all-time top 10 CCI4*-S finishing scores">
<h1>164 Runs, One Relentless Competitor</h1>
Jess has now competed 164 times at CCI4*-S since first appearing at the level in 2006, a stat that underscores both her longevity and commitment to the international stage <a href="https://app.datawrapper.de/edit/ZfP2D/visualize#refine">&mdash;&nbsp;</a>becoming Canada's most recognizable face in the sport.
We at EquiRatings have data on&nbsp;all international riders dating back to 2008 and between then and now, only six riders worldwide have more CCI4*-S runs than Phoenix's 161 (three of Jess' 164 were pre-'08).
As Diarm put it on the <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-us-equestrian-open-podcast/episode/aaf0749ae6d497a4c2c2e9f78129b3c1c4950cf5/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">podcast</a>: &ldquo;Jess has always had firepower. In my time in the sport, she&rsquo;s just remained constant.&rdquo;
Annie added:&nbsp;&ldquo;She's a national treasure. They call her the smiling assassin!&rdquo;
<h1>Climbing the Open Leaderboard</h1>
<blockquote>
"Form, confidence, and experience. That&rsquo;s a scary combination if you&rsquo;re chasing her.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
With her 1st and 2nd at TerraNova, Jess has jumped to 75 Series points and now sits third in the Open standings &mdash; just behind Emma Klugman (80 pts) and Phillip Dutton (175 pts). While Philip has already banked his six counting scores, Jess has more to come...
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s not just about the leaderboard,&rdquo; Annie noted. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s about how she&rsquo;s doing it &mdash; form, confidence, and experience. That&rsquo;s a scary combination if you&rsquo;re chasing her.&rdquo;
<h2>Series Standings after this weekend:</h2>
See the full series standings, updated after each qualifier,&nbsp;<a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/4d962986-f5c0-4bc8-a00d-81fb962eed30.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Eventing leaderboard after qualifiers 6 &amp; 7">
<h1>Freedom GS &amp; Fluorescent Adolescent: One Win, Two Big Futures</h1>
Both mares are Kentucky-bound, with Freedom GS set for the CCI4*-S (which is another Open Qualifier), and Fluorescent Adolescent aimed at the CCI5*. Their TerraNova form gives real cause for optimism:
<ul>
<li>Freedom GS: Boasts two of Jess's best-ever finishing scores at CCI4*-S (TerraNova Mar 2024 &amp; Mar 2025).</li>
<li>Fluorescent Adolescent: Clocked in just behind her stablemate, helping secure the historic 1-2.</li>
</ul>
<h1>What&rsquo;s Next?</h1>
 Jess Phoenix has made a statement: not just that she&rsquo;s back on form, but that she never left. With the Morven Park Series Final in her sights and Kentucky just around the corner. As Diarm says:
<blockquote>
&ldquo;A strong Jess Phoenix is good for Canada &mdash; and great for the Open.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<h1 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h1>
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"> Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Instagram. </a>Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.
Also follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>.&nbsp;
<hr>
For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <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>.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/aee0755f-7ba0-4aaf-b197-8570742781c8.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Competition Calendar for the 2024-2025 US Equestrian Open of Eventing">
<hr>
For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <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>.&nbsp;

Jessica Phoenix fist pumping after a show jumping round with Freedom GS

Phoenix Rising: Jess Climbs to Third in the Series Standings with a TerraNova 1-2

<hr>
Wellington&rsquo;s star-studded winter season comes to a close tomorrow night with the final US Equestrian Open of Dressage qualifier at this iconic venue. Even without some of the biggest names in attendance, there&rsquo;s plenty of intrigue as we close the chapter on Wellington's dressage circuit. From leaderboard shakeups to career milestones, here&rsquo;s what to keep your eye on at AGDF 12.
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-vIhvR" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Grand Prix Freestyle Stats:&nbsp;Adequan&reg; Global Dressage Festival 12" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/vIhvR/1/" height="942" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe>
<h2 dir="ltr">1. Evelyn Eger&rsquo;s new ride could reclaim the lead</h2>
After a commanding season aboard 11-year-old Oldenburg mare Tabledance 3, Evelyn Eger brings a new horse to the stage&mdash;Dancing Darkness 4. While this will be their freestyle debut, the pair logged a 72.326% in the Grand Prix Special earlier this month, suggesting they have the chops to land in the top five. That&rsquo;s all it would take for Eger to retake the series lead from Anna Marek. If it works out, she&rsquo;d join Marek as one of just two riders this season to lead the standings on two different horses.
<h2 dir="ltr">2. Camille Carier Bergeron&rsquo;s tenth freestyle could be her best yet</h2>
With nine FEI Grand Prix Freestyles under their belt, Camille Carier Bergeron and Finnl&auml;nderin will hit double digits this weekend&mdash;and they&rsquo;re doing it with momentum. Their personal best of 77.280% is second-highest in the field, and their most recent outing here earned a 75.325%. That score placed them just behind World Cup&ndash;bound Kevin Kohmann and series leader Anna Marek. A repeat performance could not only earn them the win, but also launch them into the top five on the Series leaderboard.
<h2 dir="ltr">3. Naima and Statesman bring 113 tests of experience to the ring</h2>
While Naima Moreira Lalibert&eacute; and Statesman are new to the US Equestrian Open Series, they&rsquo;re far from inexperienced. Statesman has logged 113 FEI-level tests&mdash;this weekend will be his 114th. That kind of mileage, paired with a personal best of 77.860%, makes them serious contenders. Their average (73.379%) already places them in the top five of this field. A win wouldn&rsquo;t change the leaderboard standings&mdash;but it could throw a wrench in the climb for Eger, Carier Bergeron, and Karen Lipp.
<h2 dir="ltr">4. Karen Lipp could move into third with another solid ride</h2>
Karen Lipp may not be the flashiest name on paper, but she&rsquo;s quietly become one of the Series&rsquo; most consistent performers. With 60 points from five starts, she&rsquo;s already in fourth place&mdash;and a top-five finish this weekend could move her into third. Riding Infinity, she&rsquo;s averaging 71.676% and has proven that steady, solid performances are a powerful strategy in a Series that rewards persistence as much as brilliance.
<h2 dir="ltr">5. Susan Dutta joins the double-digit freestyle club</h2>
Susan Dutta and her 14-year-old gelding Don Design DC will notch their 10th FEI Grand Prix Freestyle together this weekend. With a personal best of 73.950%, the pair are poised to contend for a top-five finish. Dutta has developed Don Design from a five-year-old to a seasoned international competitor over the years. And yes&mdash;that&rsquo;s the Susan Dutta behind the Dutta Corporation, one of the most recognized names in global horse transport.
<h2 dir="ltr">6. Kasey Perry-Glass returns aboard Heartbeat W.P.</h2>
Best known for her Olympic team bronze in Rio and team silver at the 2018 World Equestrian Games aboard Goerklintgaards Dublet, Kasey Perry-Glass is back in international competition with a new mount: Heartbeat W.P., a 13-year-old KWPN gelding. The pair debuted in February with back-to-back wins in the CDI3* Grand Prix and Special, and recently posted a personal best of 76.290% in the Freestyle. With the highest average in the field (74.728%), Perry-Glass could be a podium spoiler if she continues this upward trajectory. She may not be chasing Series points&mdash;but don&rsquo;t be surprised if she makes headlines anyway.
<hr style="height: 1px; background-color: #1b3066; border: none; margin: 24px 0;">
While it may not have the headline names of earlier qualifiers, this weekend&rsquo;s field is full of riders with something to prove&mdash;and plenty of chances to shake up the Series standings. It&rsquo;s the last AGDF qualifier, and for some, it could be their last best shot before the season&rsquo;s second half kicks off.
Catch all the action Friday night on the USEF Network. <a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew">Sign up for free</a>!
<h1 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h1>
For the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/dressage-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most up-to-date series calendar</a> and <a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">latest standings</a>, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/">usequestrianopen.org</a>.
Stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen"> Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen"> Instagram</a>, and follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian"> Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian">X (Twitter)</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/dce51360-5371-41aa-a234-8d5afb25ac10.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Dressageopensched Final">
<hr>
For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <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>.&nbsp;

A rider saluting during a dressage test aboard a chestnut horse.

One Last Dance in Wellington

Kent Farrington has done what only Kent Farrington has ever done before. With victory in the $340,000 CSI5* Grand Prix of Greenwich aboard Toulayna, the world no. 1 secured his eighth five-star Grand Prix/World Cup triumph of 2025, matching the unprecedented tally he first set in 2017.
<h2>History Repeats Itself, With a Twist</h2>
In the modern era of show jumping, consistency at the very top is one of the sport&rsquo;s hardest currencies. Since 2010, no rider other than Farrington has managed to amass eight five-star Grand Prix or World Cup wins in a single calendar year. Martin Fuchs (2019) and McLain Ward (2010) came close, but only Farrington has scaled the summit. Twice.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ea454955-bc3b-41c8-b0b3-aed61501a437.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Usef Jumping Graphics 2025 (21)">
This latest victory in Greenwich, achieved by just three-hundredths of a second over Daniel Bluman and Corbie V.V., was the perfect snapshot of what makes Farrington unstoppable: speed, precision, and the nerve to execute under pressure.
&nbsp;
<h2>Greya Joins the Legends</h2>
It isn&rsquo;t just Farrington rewriting history this year, his superstar mare Greya is doing the same. With her latest Grand Prix win in Williamsburg, the 11-year-old Oldenburg (Colestus x Contender) captured her sixth five-star victory of 2025, matching the legendary record set by Gazelle in 2017. Remarkably, both mares have been guided to these milestone seasons by Farrington, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest championship managers of horses in modern show jumping. With history still unfolding, Greya&rsquo;s campaign could yet surpass Gazelle&rsquo;s benchmark and stand alone at the very top.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/204b935d-44bc-4581-ad1c-99937e60f2a6.png?width=1200&amp;height=600" alt="1">
<h2>Rivalries and Records</h2>
Farrington and Bluman have been locked in a season-long battle across Major League Show Jumping and beyond, trading blows in Toronto, Traverse City, and now Greenwich. While Bluman once again pushed him to the limit, Farrington&rsquo;s composure in the jump-off brought his season tally to an extraordinary eight wins.
Behind the stats lies a remarkable storyline: Farrington&rsquo;s triumphs have come aboard multiple horses, led by Greya, with whom he has taken 6 of those wins and Toulayna, the 11-year-old Zangersheide mare co-owned with Rabbit Root Stables. The mares&rsquo; blend of scope and speed has been the cornerstone of Farrington&rsquo;s dominance in 2025.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/2f5016af-b017-4a7f-92b4-8eb6707474d8.png?width=1200&amp;height=600" alt="2">
<h2>The Making of a Modern Legend</h2>
What sets Farrington apart isn&rsquo;t just his ability to win, it&rsquo;s his ability to do it again, and again, across different arenas, continents, and lineups of the world&rsquo;s best. From Wellington to Traverse City, from Toronto to Greenwich, 2025 has been a masterclass in sustained brilliance.
Eight five-star Grand Prix victories in one year is a number most riders can scarcely imagine. For Kent Farrington, it is not just a record, it is a signature.

Eight and Great: Kent Farrington Rewrites the Record Books

The Twin Rivers CCI4*-S marks <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qualifier 9 of the US Equestrian Open of Eventing.</a> It also marks a new frontier for Tamie Smith and the first 2025 international for one of James Alliston's rising stars.
Last weekend, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIJnPuXOXmU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boyd Martin gained 130 Series points in a single qualifier</a> to jump to second on the leaderboard. Both Tamie and James, with multiple entries, can likewise make gains this weekend.&nbsp;
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Tamie Crosses a Threshold</h1>
About 18 years ago, Tamie Smith faced her first ever CCI4*-S event. Since then, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIRaiIYuYTS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">she has started a total of 100 competitions at the level </a>and has become the unofficial West Coast ambassador in the world of eventing.&nbsp;
The path to World silver medals (Pratoni 2022 team) and five-star victories (Kentucky 2023) is paved, largely, with CCI4*-S runs. And Tamie has become one of the USA's best at the level. She has <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIRaiIYuYTS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">won 12 of her 100 CCI4*-S appearances</a>. And, even more telling, she has produced two of the USA's best CCI4*-S performances on record according to the EquiRatings High Performance Rating (which measures not just scores and placings but also all the other factors that make an event difficult to win).
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/72d3df95-cce2-4b78-a39b-b7548fa06935.png?width=1318&amp;height=1636" alt="Top 10 Cci4 S Performances by Us Riders">
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9556104c-7eb2-4b9e-baf2-4f035ec1f048.jpg?width=5172&amp;height=5606" alt="Bay horse Kynan &amp; Tamie Smith">
Tamie Smith &amp; Kynan who she rides this week. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Tamie is also one of just five US riders to register five or more&nbsp;sub-30 scores at the CCI4*-S level since 2008.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a42fa09c-cf2d-43f8-af26-f6c484ec475c.png?width=806&amp;height=826" alt="Us Riders With the Most Sub 30 Scores at Cci4 S Between 2008 2025"> And, at 4:48 pm PT on Thursday, Tamie will trot down center line on Kynan. It will be her 101st CCI4*-S start. Shortly after, Lillet 3 will be her 102nd.
Onward and upward to 200.
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Keep an Eye on Karma</h1>
Another West Coast stalwart,&nbsp;James Alliston, is Mr. Reliable at Twin Rivers. He&rsquo;s won the last four CCI4*-S events here &mdash; and just to show off, he did it on four different horses. This weekend, he brings forward four entries, including one of his most exciting prospects: Karma.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c8190c64-1cbc-4bcd-89e0-8a8f842181da.png?width=1200&amp;height=1622" alt="Last 10 Winners of Twin Rivers Cci4 S">
Karma is one to keep an eye on for the future. She hasn&rsquo;t run internationally since last summer, when she and James crossed the Atlantic to take on the&nbsp;CHIO Aachen Nations Cup, one of the most prestigious competitions in the world. There in Germany, Karma and James didn&rsquo;t just hold their own &ndash; they finished as the highest-placed US combination, ninth out of 45 starters. And that was in a field stacked with German athletes fighting for Olympic selection and other would-be Paris Olympians. It was a performance that helped Team USA secure the Nations Cup silver medal.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/cf81b56e-f5f2-4f05-87fe-51a26b4bdbf0.png?width=1080&amp;height=853" alt="Dark bay horse Karma &amp; rider James Alliston clearing a show jumping fence">
James Alliston &amp; Karma.
Karma has so far contested 10 internationals and aside from one early hiccup &mdash; a cross-country elimination on her very first international start &mdash; she has been on a roll:
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal">She&rsquo;s picked up Elo points in all nine subsequent international appearances, a sign of continual improvement and consistency.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal">She has knocked only one rail across all nine international show jumping rounds.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal">She made her five-star debut at Kentucky last year where she finished 12th by adding only time penalties to her dressage score.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal">She hasn&rsquo;t had a single XC jumping fault in any of those nine runnings, including a&nbsp;clear on that five-star debut.</li>
</ul>
So on Saturday, James and Karma be aiming for ten clear XC rounds in a row.
Or will they?
The pair are also entered for the Kentucky Three-Day CCI5* later this month. So it wouldn&rsquo;t be a surprise if James decides to withdraw the mare before cross-country. We&rsquo;ll find out soon enough &mdash; but whether or not she runs, this is a pair with positive momentum heading into their 2025 season.
<h1 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h1>
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"> Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Instagram. </a>Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.
Also follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/aee0755f-7ba0-4aaf-b197-8570742781c8.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Competition Calendar for the 2024-2025 US Equestrian Open of Eventing">
<hr>
For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <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>.&nbsp;

James Alliston & the dark bay horse Karma clearing a cross-country fence during competition.

Tamie Crosses 100 & James Brings a Rising Star

In only her second Grand Prix Freestyle as a senior, accomplished 21-year-old Erin Nichols earned her first international freestyle victory at TerraNova, scoring 72.140% aboard her 16-year-old KWPN gelding, Elian Royale. While this marks a new milestone at the senior level, Nichols is no stranger to the spotlight&mdash;she&rsquo;s a former triple gold medalist at the North American Youth Championships and a winner of multiple international U25 classes, including freestyle victories on both sides of the Atlantic.
Nichols placed second in Friday&rsquo;s Grand Prix with a 68.848%, just behind USA&rsquo;s Benjamin Ebeling and Bellena (69.109%). While Ebeling opted to ride in the Grand Prix Special, it was Nichols and Eline Eckroth contesting the Freestyle the next day.
While not an overall personal best, the 72.140% is right in line with Nichols&rsquo; average across her freestyle performances&mdash;most of which came during her successful run in the Under 25 ranks. That makes this weekend&rsquo;s test a senior-level personal best, and an important benchmark as she builds her r&eacute;sum&eacute; at the top level. Although the field was small, the win is a clear milestone for Nichols, who has her sights set on future U.S. team appearances and dreams of representing her country at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
<h2>Eckroth Climbs the Leaderboard</h2>
Eckroth&rsquo;s second-place finish&mdash;earned in a modestly contested class&mdash;was enough to propel her from 11th to 4th in the US Equestrian Open of Dressage standings. She edges out early-season favorite Felicitas Hendricks, who is likely returning to Germany now that the Wellington circuit has wrapped. Like Karen Lipp, currently ranked third overall, Eckroth is gaining ground through consistent 2nd- and 3rd-place finishes at smaller shows. It&rsquo;s a reminder that Series points don&rsquo;t always come from big wins&mdash;smart scheduling can pay off, especially with cash prizes going to the top 18 riders at the end of the qualifiers. The biggest payday, however, will come at the Finals, where those top 18 will face off in Thermal, California, this November.
<h2>Ocala Could Shake Things Up</h2>
The TerraNova weekend may have featured a small field, but it gave Nichols another career milestone to add to her already impressive resume. It also shuffled the standings in favor of Eckroth, who will compete again next weekend against third-place rider Karen Lipp at the World Equestrian Center&rsquo;s CDI4* Freestyle. With the two riders only four points apart, Ocala&rsquo;s outing could significantly reshape the leaderboard&mdash;potentially even knocking Germany&rsquo;s Evelyn Eger out of second place.
Stay connected with the latest news and standings on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen">Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen"> Instagram</a>, and follow US Equestrian on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian">X (Twitter)</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.

Horse and rider trot away from the camera in an upper level dressage test.

Nichols Claims First Senior Freestyle Victory at TerraNova

As the US Equestrian Open of Dressage breaks ahead of its final stretch, one of the season&rsquo;s most captivating partnerships sits in the top five: Genay Vaughn and her partner, Gino. With four wins from four starts, a freestyle rooted in the music of her childhood, and a leaderboard surge that has her closing in on the top, Vaughn's season so far has blended personal expression with elite performance.
Tune in to hear Genay in her own words or catch the highlights below. 
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36950420/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/000a80/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h3 data-start="852" data-end="893">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="852" data-end="893">Gino: The Star of His Own Show</h3>
The bond between Genay and Gino isn&rsquo;t just strong, it&rsquo;s the foundation of everything. Their connection goes far beyond training sessions or test scores. It&rsquo;s the rhythm of their everyday life that builds the deep understanding you see every time they enter the ring.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9e942aaf-0d5c-4393-9208-ec328865b8bb.png?width=1080&amp;height=875" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics">
Since bringing Gino home as a six-year-old, Genay has built their partnership with patience and care. Their original freestyle was designed to keep things comfortable, but with Gino now stronger and more confident, they&rsquo;re ready to push the boundaries heading into the final.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h3 data-start="1586" data-end="1634">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="1586" data-end="1634">High Performance Starts at Home</h3>
Genay&rsquo;s team isn&rsquo;t made up of the usual coaches and grooms - it is her family. Her mom is her trainer, which although it is intense to train, work, and live together, Genay says she wouldn't want it any other way. Her dad, a former Major League Baseball player, brings the high-performance mindset and support to the table. The entire family farm is built on a shared ambition and a relentless drive for success.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0f01eb7c-01dc-4ef8-80ed-7ff94978dc3f.png?width=1080&amp;height=870" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (4)">
It&rsquo;s a rare dynamic: personal trust mixed with professional expectation. There&rsquo;s no hiding in a family of competitors and no shortage of motivation, either.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h3 data-start="2191" data-end="2232">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="2191" data-end="2232">Freestyle with a Personal Beat</h3>
One of the most talked-about freestyles on the circuit this season? Genay and Gino&rsquo;s. Freestyle dressage is all about self-expression, and Genay has mastered that art. Their freestyle music feels as bold and distinctive as the rider herself. The scores speak for themselves - it&rsquo;s clearly striking a chord with both judges and fans alike.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/42164377-dc19-43f0-abb0-6cfc9406bee3.png?width=1080&amp;height=864" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (3)">
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h3 data-start="2738" data-end="2780">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="2738" data-end="2780">The Leaderboard</h3>
With 80 points, Genay Vaughn currently sits in 5th place on the US Equestrian Open leaderboard, just behind Evelyn Eger and tied contenders in second. Anna Marek leads with 105 points, but it isn&rsquo;t over yet. If Genay continues her form, the Desert Final could see major movement.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0b2ea0c7-e18b-4f83-a7c1-dc7cbd2f442f.png?width=733&amp;height=1032" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 11 123623"></a>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h3 data-start="2782" data-end="3076">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="2782" data-end="3076">Want to hear from the leader herself?</h3>
Check out our podcast with Anna Marek on passion, patience and performance.
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/35371080/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/002580/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> 
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Dressage</h2>
Stay updated on news and standings for the US Equestrian Open Series 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.</a>&nbsp;Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/22433326-f7d7-4286-930b-62c3a1ba80f2.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Show calendar for the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage">
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center">
&nbsp;
<hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"></div>
&nbsp;
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>.&nbsp;

New Podcast: Genay Vaughn lives in Gino's world

Last weekend at The Fork,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DOoEwwLDYCw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boyd Martin soared to the top of the Open leaderboard</a> after securing a 120-point haul. Phillip Dutton, on 215 points, is now sitting pretty in second place. But, while Boyd is fairly out of reach this late in the Series, Phillip&nbsp;can be caught and if he is, <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">it will cost him $5,000</a>.
&nbsp;
<hr>
Prize money come Series end:
<ul>
<li style="font-style: italic;">1st - $25,000</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-style: italic;">2nd - $15,000</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-style: italic;">3rd - $10,000</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<hr>
One rider with a good shot at catching Phillip is&nbsp;James Alliston.&nbsp;
James is competing in this weekend's Qualifier 18 - Twin Rivers - and&nbsp;he&rsquo;s won the last five editions of the event.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9b4f52ba-a85f-4a2a-84c1-76355322fce3.png?width=1190&amp;height=1670" alt="Last 10 Winners of Twin Rivers Cci4 S">&nbsp;
This time, James brings forward a CCI4* first-timer,&nbsp;HMR Rolan. But looking at Rolan&rsquo;s results, so far he has handled everything in stride. James has taken Rolan around four internationals and, across all four, Rolan has added just 4 penalties to his dressage score, just a single rail. That&rsquo;s it.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5b88af88-2748-4fa6-9b81-40791d070065.png?width=1400&amp;height=736" alt="Cm Ob F Hmr Rolan S International Appearances (1)">
On their latest outing last month - a national event - James and Rolan were crowned USEA Open Intermediate Champions and before that, they finished second in the Rebecca Farm CCI3*-L.
Now, facing Rolan's first CCI4*, the pair compete against five other combinations and according to EquiRatings Predictive Analytics,<a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/twinriverssep2025/predictions--records" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> they have a 35% chance of winning</a>.
That&rsquo;s important because a win here would take James from 145 Series points to 185 points and equal third in the Series.
Then, after Twin Rivers, there is one last qualifier on the West Coast - Qualifier 20: Woodside. The Woodside Fall International is an event James has started 24 times before, including two entries in the CCI2*-S last year. He hasn&rsquo;t contested the CCI4*-S there since 2020 but he may be incentivized to enter this year - given the horse power - if it gives him a chance to secure more Open winnings.&nbsp;
<h1>The Scenario</h1>
Say James wins Twin Rivers this weekend to sit on 185 points coming into Woodside. To then catch Phillip on 215, James would need to place third or higher at Woodside (30+ Series points) to meet or exceed Phillip. Now, from 2020 onward, the number of Woodside 4*-S starters has ranged from 2 (2024) to 15 (2020), so placing third this year may be more or less straightforward depending on the number of this year&rsquo;s entries.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h1>Other Challengers</h1>
Another qualifier going on this weekend is the East Coast&rsquo;s Plantation Field. Of that field, Caroline Pamukcu and Jennie Brannigan are the two that could join James in a race for the Open podium.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/2e11d825-95cc-4c7c-8ac9-a0d18a33031a.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="West Side Story leaderboard notations"> 
All to say, the Series ain't over. The checks aren&rsquo;t written. Stay tuned.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h1>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h1>
The Final in a snapshot. For full Series details, <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">head to our quick guide</a>.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/6e95e199-0e64-4508-aaa5-7039e5d08293.png?width=2160&amp;height=2700" alt="Final Snapshot for Open Eventing Blogs">
<h3>Current Series Standings (Sep 18, 2025):</h3>
See the full, updated series standings and how the leaders got to the top, <a href="https://usef.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/dfc13b24-b6dc-4dab-ac88-91d5d46150e5.png?width=721&amp;height=557" alt="Eventing Leaderboard as of 18 Sep 2025">
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;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/aee0755f-7ba0-4aaf-b197-8570742781c8.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Competition Calendar for the 2024-2025 US Equestrian Open of Eventing">
&nbsp;
<hr>
For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <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 James Alliston jumping the dark bay horse Karma over a cross country fence during competition.

West Side Story

With just 0.04 percentage points separating them, Week 10&rsquo;s qualifier was a tight battle for first place. Ultimately, Julio Mendoza Loor took the win aboard his Paris Games mount, Jewel&rsquo;s Goldstrike, despite a music error that forced them to restart their test. New to the US Equestrian Open of Dressage qualifiers&mdash;but not new to the sport&mdash;Mendoza Loor rode to an upbeat, bold soundtrack, earning a score of 75.860%. Finishing second was Anna Marek aboard Fayvel, a 14-year-old gelding. This finish puts Marek and the US flag back atop the leaderboard.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e9eaf549-50ba-4fec-995a-c082ff590f4c.png?width=491&amp;height=496" alt="Top 5 riders in the US Open of Dressage as of Feb 9, 2025. (1) Anna Marek (2) Evelyn Eger (2) Karen Lipp (4) Denielle Gallagher (5) Felicitas Hendricks">
Mendoza Loor&rsquo;s high-energy freestyle music particularly suited &ldquo;Goldie&rsquo;s&rdquo; trot work. The 13-year-old KWPN gelding scored exceptionally well in the piaffe and passage, earning 8.0s from most judges. A stumble during one of the flying changes cost them a few marks, likely making the final score even closer than it would have been otherwise. This marked their return to competition after placing 27th individually at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.
&ldquo;There were a lot of highlights tonight in the test,&rdquo; Mendoza Loor said. &ldquo;After the line of the one-tempis, he was really there in what I was asking him to do. His performance was amazing."
Marek, fresh off a second-place finish in Wellington last weekend on Fire Fly, delivered a strong test to a freestyle featuring the punchy, rhythmic &lsquo;BOOM&rsquo; by X Ambassadors and the playful, offbeat &lsquo;Coincidance&rsquo; by Handsome Driver. Her ride was remarkably consistent, with no movement receiving lower than a 7.0 from any judge.
The 0.04 percentage point margin between first and second place is the smallest in Series history, breaking the previous record of 0.210 percentage points, which was also set by Marek&mdash;though that time aboard Fire Fly&mdash;when she narrowly edged out Kevin Kohmann and D&uuml;nensee at Global Dressage Festival 3.
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-LMZSy" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Winning MarginsUS Equestrian Open Dressage Qualifiers" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/LMZSy/1/" height="539" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Range Plot" data-external="1"></iframe>
This second-place finish earned Marek 17 points in the Series standings, cementing her position at the top of the leaderboard. With the Final in Thermal, CA, this November, her focus is now on maintaining that lead as the qualifiers near their halfway point.
<h2 dir="ltr">What&rsquo;s Next&nbsp;</h2>
The back-to-back qualifiers return to Wellington this weekend for Adequan Global Dressage Festival 10&rsquo;s CDI5*&mdash;a highly anticipated competition in Florida&rsquo;s winter circuit. The entry list is stacked, with top combinations poised to shake up the standings: Adrienne Lyle on Helix, Anna Marek on Fayvel, Evelyn Eger on Tabledance 3, Felicitas Hendricks on Drombusch OLD, Kevin Kohmann on D&uuml;nensee, Tinne Vilhelmson&nbsp;Silfv&eacute;n&nbsp;on Devanto, and Julio Mendoza Loor on Jewel&rsquo;s Goldstrike.&nbsp;
With Marek, Eger, and Hendricks separated by fewer than 20 points, the battle for the top spot is far from over.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/b0ba4a7e-31a4-4a11-a147-7faa41ac9f1d.jpg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Competition Calendar for the 2025 US Open of Dressage">

A bay horse in a double bridle walks out of the arena after a dressage test. 

Archive