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

For the second time this season, the US Equestrian Open of Dressage unfolds on both coasts, with qualifiers at Pacific Coast Dressage in Temecula, California, and TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City, Florida. Only six qualifiers remain before the Finals in November, and leaderboard points are at a premium.
This weekend could bring a pivotal shift in the Series standings. Two-time winner Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn is chasing a historic third victory. Ben Ebeling looks to solidify his Finals contention. Kristina Harrison-Antell and Devon Kane are poised to break into the top ranks. Eline Eckroth&rsquo;s strategy could vault her into third overall. And G&uuml;nter Seidel aims to secure his Finals ticket with a promising new mount.
As the leaderboard&rsquo;s Top 18 cutoff tightens, every percentage point matters.
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<h2 dir="ltr">Vaughn Chases a Record Third Win</h2>
Two victories earlier this year propelled Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn into a three-way tie for the series lead this spring. She currently sits 19th after missing recent qualifiers, but another strong finish would push her safely into Finals qualification. Since returning from the FEI World Cup Final in Basel &mdash; where Vaughn and Gino earned a respectable 73.765% in their World Cup Finals debut &mdash; she now makes her first US Equestrian Open appearance since February. All eyes will be on the pair&rsquo;s return this weekend.
Because of the small field size, simply completing her freestyle will be enough to move Vaughn into the Top 18 &mdash; displacing another rider from Finals contention. A win at Galway Downs this weekend would also make her the first three-time qualifier winner this season. Gino&rsquo;s current freestyle average stands at 73.051%, with a personal best of 75.150%.
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-py3IH" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Grand Prix Freestyle Stats: Pacific Coast CDI" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/py3IH/1/" height="666" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe>
<h2 dir="ltr">Ebeling Targets Another Win</h2>
Ben Ebeling and Bellena made a statement at their only US Equestrian Open outing this season, taking the win with a 75.740%. Though Ebeling sits outside the Top 18 due to limited starts, another high-scoring win at TerraNova would put him within striking distance. One more qualifier after this would make him a serious Finals threat. It&rsquo;s not just about qualifying, either. With scoring power already demonstrated, Ebeling could pose a legitimate challenge to current series leader Anna Marek when the Finals roll around.
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-zzV5v" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Grand Prix Freestyle Stats: TerraNova Dressage 3" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/zzV5v/1/" height="597" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe>
<h2 dir="ltr">Leaderboard Movement Mayhem</h2>
On the East Coast, Charlotte Jorst, Devon Kane, and Eline Eckroth are all poised to make leaderboard moves at TerraNova.
Jorst and Zhaplin Langholt return to the entry list this weekend. She has competed in three qualifiers this season, winning at Gold Coast and finishing fourth in the same event where Ebeling claimed victory. Because of the smaller field sizes this week, simply completing her freestyle will earn Jorst enough points to move into the Top 18 &mdash; pushing out one of the current riders.
Devon Kane and Vamos are projected to finish third at TerraNova based on their average of 73.193%. A result in that range would push Kane solidly into the Top 10, a significant jump after spending much of the season hovering around the leaderboard bubble.
Eline Eckroth, who has quietly climbed the standings through tactical scheduling, stands to benefit once again. Though her freestyle averages remain modest at 69.680%, simply completing her ride &mdash; even in last place &mdash; will earn enough points to surpass Karen Lipp and take over third place in the overall standings.
While the East Coast riders aim to solidify or improve their positions, the West Coast lineup is poised for even bigger leaderboard shifts.
Kristina Harrison-Antell, who won the last West Coast qualifier, also returns this weekend. If she finishes third or better, she will move into second overall in the Series standings, ending the long hold Germany&rsquo;s Evelyn Eger has had on the runner-up position since Week 8.
G&uuml;nter Seidel brings a new mount, Jack, to the freestyle arena. While Jack has limited experience at this level, his recent Grand Prix Special results suggest he&rsquo;s ready for the challenge. Seidel is projected to finish fourth this weekend, which would earn him 15 points &mdash; enough to secure a place inside the Top 10 and comfortably above the Top 18 cut line.
Tune in to the USEF Network this weekend for coast-to-coast action as the US Equestrian Open of Dressage continues its thrilling march toward the Finals. <a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sign up for free</a>!
<h2 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h2>
For the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/dressage-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide">most up-to-date series calendar</a> and <a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open">latest standings</a>, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at <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.

black dressage horse going into an arena 

Leaderboard Drama Looms at Qualifier 17

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

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.
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<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.
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<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

With just five qualifiers left in the US Equestrian Open Eventing series, all eyes are on Jessica Phoenix. Sitting 30 points behind Phillip in the standings, she has five of her six counting results on the board. One more strong result could turn the leaderboard on its head.
The equation is simple. In a qualifier with fewer than 25 starters, a win is worth 40 points, second place earns 35, and third place brings 30. Any podium finish would pull Jess level with Phillip&mdash;but the math just got more complicated.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/93c031f0-9df0-4f1d-8657-5faf25faabfb.png?width=874&amp;height=865" alt="Screenshot 2025 08 14 152111">
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<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The Plantation Wild Card</h2>
Phillip has his sights set on the Plantation qualifier as his final tune-up before Morven Park, and this strategic move could shift the entire championship calculus. If he can secure first or second place at Plantation, he will extend his points buffer when Jess needs it to shrink.
While Jess is hunting for her breakthrough result, Phillip has the opportunity to slam the door before she gets her chance. A win at Plantation (40 points) would put him 70 points clear, making any single result insufficient for Jess to catch him. Even a second-place finish (35 points) would stretch his lead to 65 points, requiring Jess to win her next outing just to pull within 25 points of the lead.
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<hr>
<h2> Limited Options, Rising Pressure</h2>
September brings a packed run of qualified and Jess's potential path forward is narrowing by the week.&nbsp;
September
<ul>
<li>The Fork &mdash; 11th&ndash;14th</li>
<li>Plantation Field &mdash; 18th&ndash;21st</li>
<li>Twin Rivers &mdash; 19th&ndash;21st</li>
<li>Stable View &mdash; 25th&ndash;27th</li>
</ul>
October
<ul>
<li>Woodside &mdash; 3rd&ndash;4th</li>
</ul>
The west coast events Twin Rivers and Woodside are likely off her calendar, leaving just three venues where she can strike. But now she faces a ticking clock&mdash;every day Phillip gets closer to Plantation, her window of opportunity shrinks.
The historical numbers are not in her favor. Jess has not competed at any of the remaining venues since 2022, and the last time she stood on the podium at one of them was back in 2017. That's a long drought to break when the pressure is on.
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<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The Competing Strings</h2>
Both riders come into the finale with serious firepower. Jessica has four horses&mdash;Freedom GS, Wabbit, Aeronautics, and Fluorescent Adolescent&mdash;that have already competed in US Open qualifiers this season. Phillip brings Denim, Possante, and Quasi Cool to match her stable strength, having recently handed the reins of Jewelent over to his daughter Olivia Dutton. This shift in horse allocation could prove pivotal. Jessica now holds the advantage in numbers (4 vs 3), giving her more options and chances to gain points and for the finale. 
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>But who is actually better?</h2>
The head-to-head battles this season between these combinations have been tight. At TerraNova in March, Jess took the win with Freedom GS and second place with Fluorescent Adolescent, while Phillip's Possante finished third and Denim back in sixth.&nbsp;
But the tables turned at the Kentucky CCI4*-S in April, where Phillip's Possante claimed second place, with Jessica and Freedom GS just behind in third, followed by Phillip's Denim in fourth&mdash;the perfect example of the razor-thin margins that separate these horses.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>More Than Just Points</h2>
The battle between Phillip and Jess is not purely about bragging rights. The prize money for winning the series adds a tangible incentive. At this stage of the season, every second, every rail, and every point counts.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f698a19a-3030-4d6c-8ea4-7038546ee6e1.png?width=762&amp;height=757" alt="Screenshot 2025 08 14 152041">
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<h2> The Final Question</h2>
Will Jess take the fight to Phillip now, striking before Morven Park? Or will she hold her ace until the series finale, risking it all in one high-pressure showdown? The countdown is on &mdash; the next few weeks will decide if Jess rewrites the story or if Phillip can hold onto his lead.
One thing&rsquo;s certain: Jess has got her sights set on Morven.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;And the Morven four-star long &mdash; we will bring almost every horse we have, because not only is it part of the US Open, but we truly believe it&rsquo;s one of the best venues in North America to produce event horses.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
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<hr>
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Listen to Jessica Phoenix on the US Equestrian Open podcast.
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36737995/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/4c414c/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;
<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">
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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>.

The Phoenix Factor: The Final Push in the US Equestrian Open

Every once in a while, a horse and rider come along and completely rewrite the established narrative. This weekend at TerraNova, 23-year-old Christian Simonson and Indian Rock did just that.
Their Grand Prix Freestyle score? 81.405%.
Eighty. One. Percent.
In a field of eight, the young American and his new partner not only won their first CDI-W together but did it with the highest score ever recorded in the US Equestrian Open of Dressage.
<h2 dir="ltr">A Storybook Debut</h2>
Simonson&rsquo;s freestyle debut with Indian Rock felt like something out of a storybook, each chapter unfolding with drama and delight.
TerraNova marked Simonson&rsquo;s first CDI-W appearance with Zen Elite Equestrian Center&rsquo;s 12-year-old stallion, Indian Rock (Apache x Vivaldi). Previously campaigned by the Netherlands&rsquo; Emmelie Scholtens &mdash; who rode him at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing 11th with an 81.750% &mdash; Simonson took over the ride less than a year ago. Typically, partnerships need time to settle before scores rise again. But Christian and &ldquo;Rocky&rdquo; are clearly on their own timeline.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;To compete in my first CDI-W, let alone have the placing and score that we did today, was just a dream come true,&rdquo; Simonson said. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s kind of my best friend. He and I are real bros. We spend so much time together grazing and hanging out... He&rsquo;s such a cool character.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
Their test was bold yet precise, with artistry peaking at 87.600% and technical marks reaching 79.500%. The piaffe&ndash;passage work and canter pirouettes earned some of the highest marks of the season, and Rocky&rsquo;s elasticity allowed for a 9.5 degree of difficulty, a score on par with fellow rising star Felicitas Hendricks.
It was the first time since Adrienne Lyle&rsquo;s 80%+ freestyles on Helix &mdash; Indian Rock&rsquo;s half-brother &mdash; that a rider crossed the 80 percent barrier in the Series. The symmetry is hard to miss. Both horses share Apache bloodlines and are owned by Zen Elite Equestrian Center, and while Helix is piloted by Lyle herself, Indian Rock is now ridden by her student.
While Simonson has only two qualifying starts this season, his timing might be better than it looks on paper. If he competes in Tryon this weekend and repeats anything close to this form, he has a real shot at qualifying for the Final in Thermal this year, a twist that could upend even the most well-calculated Final predictions.
<h2 dir="ltr">The Contenders Close In</h2>
Behind Simonson&rsquo;s record-breaking ride, two familiar names continued their steady climb. Benjamin Ebeling rode Bellena to a new personal best of 78.055% for the mare, reinforcing his position as one of the most consistent performers of the season. His balance of athletic precision and composure under pressure has kept him firmly in the title race, inching closer to Anna Marek&rsquo;s long-standing lead.
Just behind him, Kevin Kohmann and D&uuml;nensee delivered a polished, expressive test for 77.17%. The score pushes Kohmann into a three-way tie for third on the overall Series standings &mdash; though his confirmation that he&rsquo;ll skip the Final in favor of a World Cup event in Mexico leaves podium predictions tantalizingly open.
<h2 dir="ltr">The Leaderboard Shockwave&nbsp;</h2>
When the dust settled at TerraNova, the leaderboard told a very different story than it had on Friday morning.
Anna Marek still holds the lead on 105 points, but her once-comfortable margin is shrinking. Ebeling&rsquo;s latest result vaults him solidly into second with 94 points, while Kohmann&rsquo;s performance locks him in a three-way tie for third with Kristina Harrison-Antell and Eline Eckroth, each sitting on 86 points. Jennifer Williams, on her debut with Babylon Berlin, climbs into the top 15 which is a promising development for a combination just finding its rhythm.
If Ebeling makes the trip to Tryon and continues his current trajectory, Marek&rsquo;s six-month grip on first could finally be in jeopardy.
<h2 dir="ltr">The Next Chapter Begins</h2>
Simonson&rsquo;s breakthrough performance underscores why the Open was created. It offers a stage for rising riders to prove they can shine under pressure and to compete on a large stage.
The United States has a decade-defining stretch ahead: the World Cup Finals in Fort Worth in 2026, then the LA Olympics in 2028. If this weekend was any indication, Simonson embodies what&rsquo;s next for US dressage: polish, poise, and ambition.
Even if Simonson doesn&rsquo;t make the trip to Thermal this year, his name is now firmly in the conversation. And with Open qualifiers for the 2026 season right around the corner, it won&rsquo;t be the last time we hear it.

Simonson Shakes the Series at TerraNova

It&rsquo;s not often that a generational cohort emerges so clearly, but the United States has something brewing that should among their 11-year-old generation of showjumpers. A standout group of horses poised to shape the future of Team USA&mdash;and perhaps even the Olympic stage in Los Angeles 2028.
<h2>A Generation Taking Shape</h2>
There are six standout names in this class of 2014: Greya, Toulayna, Bisquetta, Out Of The Blue SCF, Gypsy Love, and Kick On. With a spread of riders that includes legends like Kent Farrington and Laura Kraut, and a new wave of talent like Katie Dinan, Alessandra Volpi, and Lillie Keenan, this group reflects both depth and balance in US show jumping.
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/4021fc29-faa5-4577-8fa9-63406af8e86d.png?width=1240&amp;height=1068" alt="W A4 Nn the 11 Year Old Generation of Us Horses">
<blockquote>
&nbsp;&ldquo;This isn&rsquo;t a flash of form. It&rsquo;s a foundation being laid for Olympic success.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
Greya and Toulayna, both piloted by Kent Farrington, sit at the top of the list with Elo ratings of 770 and 764 respectively. These two have already delivered consistency and class at the top level and Greya sitting firmly among the Top 10 rated horses in the world currently. But the group doesn&rsquo;t stop there.
Bisquetta, currently rated 739, has emerged as one of Laura Kraut&rsquo;s top prospects after a runner-up finish in the US Equestrian Open Jumping Final Rolex Grand Prix of Wellington a couple of weeks ago, while Katie Dinan&rsquo;s&nbsp;Out Of The Blue SCF (722) was the only combination to jump double clear on the final day at World Cup Finals in Basel the following week.
Further down the list,&nbsp;Gipsy Love (Alessandra Volpi) and Kick On (Lillie Keenan) round out the top five with ratings of 710&mdash;after both having produced solid championships at World Cup Finals in Basel..
<h2> Building Toward 2028</h2>
It&rsquo;s early days, but the signs are promising. Each of these six combinations has already made an impact at five-star level, and their current Elo ratings reflect both performance and potential. There&rsquo;s also space for additional stars to emerge&mdash;the US system has shown its ability to integrate elite horses through ownership changes and smart management.
With a little over three years until LA, the groundwork is being laid now&mdash;and this generation is giving Team USA a reason to believe.

The 11-Year-Old Generation: US Show Jumping’s Next Olympic Wave

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. 

Down to the Decimal: Mendoza Loor Wins Closest Finish in Series History

Fifteen Qualifiers done, five to go. Next up, in two weeks, is the Fork at Tryon (12 Sep). In the meantime, we thought we&rsquo;d summarize the Series scores so far and what it&rsquo;s taken to win.
<h1 dir="ltr">First up, finishing scores:&nbsp;</h1>
The best Qualifier score came from California&rsquo;s Tommy Greengard &amp; Joshuay MBF. In fact, the top three Series scores have come from West Coast events, including the only sub-30 finishes.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/619146cc-b142-4e70-89d5-fff9de035b4d.png?width=1156&amp;height=1858" alt="R Nho E Top 10 Finishing Scores in the Series so Far">
Tommy &amp; Joshuay produced their table-topping result by finishing on their dressage score (aka, getting an FOD) &ndash; one of just three combinations in the Series so far to do so.
<h2 dir="ltr">The three FODs in the Series so far:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ol>
<li dir="ltr">Tommy Greengard &amp; Joshuay MBF- 26.9 at Aspen Farms (Qual 13)</li>
<li dir="ltr">Jessica Phoenix &amp; Fluorescent Adolescent - 40.4 at TerraNova (Qual 6)</li>
<li dir="ltr">Brooke Burchianti &amp; Cooley Space Grey - 46.0 at TerraNova (Qual 6)</li>
</ol>
Of all 256 Qualifier runs, Tommy Greengard &amp; Joshuay and Tamie Smith &amp; Mai Baum make up the just 1% who finished on a sub-30 score. Here&rsquo;s a breakdown of all 256 finishing results:
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/8c74721b-93f7-424b-b5b3-2b97f6575950.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Wc 18 Aug Usef Article Images (3)">
&nbsp;
<h1 dir="ltr">Next, dressage scores:</h1>
With Will Coleman, Off The Record produced his best ever international dressage score (21.8) en route to winning Qualifier 10, the Cosequin&reg; Lexington CCI4*-S (Kentucky). Off The Record&rsquo;s previous best had stood for five years - a 21.9 from the 2020 Great Meadow CCI4*-S.
It&rsquo;s his new PB that tops the Series dressage table so far:
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/3f300e35-2427-406e-90b4-ffd6f6306085.png?width=1156&amp;height=1724" alt="B Br M8 Top 10 Dressage Scores in the Series so Far"> 
The top three dressage scores on the table &ndash; delivered by Will &amp; Off The Record, Tamie Smith &amp; Mai Baum, and Phillip Dutton &amp; Possante &ndash; make up the 1% of Series tests in the 25-or-lower scoring bracket. Here&rsquo;s how all 256 panned out:
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9f99b0ba-31bb-4b13-a56f-41f55de8a2a7.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Wc 18 Aug Usef Article Images (4)">
&nbsp;
<h1 dir="ltr">Lastly, winning profiles:</h1>
Winning scores across the 15 Qualifiers have ranged from 26.9 to 52.3 while the first-phase scores of winners have all been sub-37.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/b0827104-b787-48a2-81db-482e9cdb2f90.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="winning scores summary - first 15 eventing qualifiers">
Looking at the detailed winning scores, six Series winners have knocked a rail in the show jumping phase and one even won with a frangible penalty (11 points) across the country. Thirteen different athletes have won a Qualifier; Caroline Pamukcu and Jessica Phoenix each took home two Series victories.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/91d6d5b4-9a8a-4936-b52e-400d55c1d2ac.png?width=1464&amp;height=2282" alt="W Y3m T the 15 Series Winners so Far">
<h1 dir="ltr">The current leaderboard</h1>
Those two wins by&nbsp;Caroline and Jess helped put them both in the top three on the all-important leaderboard standings. The top three spots will bring home the money so it&rsquo;s a handy place to be this far into the Series.
<h3 dir="ltr">Once all Qualifiers are wrapped up, here's how the prize money is divvied.</h3>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">1st place:&nbsp; $25,000</li>
<li dir="ltr">2nd place: $15,000</li>
<li dir="ltr">3rd place: $10,000</li>
</ul>
Then, there's an&nbsp;additional $200,000 up for grabs at the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Morven Park CCI4*-L Final this fall</a>.
<h3>Series Standings after the First 15 Qualifiers:</h3>
See the full 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/6322a623-cee0-440a-a66e-d0734fc72db4.png?width=722&amp;height=562" alt="Leaderboard After Rebecca Farm">
<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">&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">
<hr>
&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>.

A collage of photos featuring Tommy Greengard, Will Coleman and Caroline Pamukcu

Top Scores and What it Takes to Win: the Eventing Qualifiers So Far

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

As the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) gears up for its third five-star Grand Prix of the season, anticipation is at an all-time high. Saturday night&rsquo;s $500,000 CSI5* Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix will see some of the world&rsquo;s best combinations battle it out under the lights in the International Arena. With just one more CSI5* Grand Prix left before the $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Final during WEF 12, this is a crucial moment for riders to make their mark.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/611386ef-bae7-4dee-913f-2a2f1bc45a39.png?width=1484&amp;height=1862" alt="Uyi Hw Top 10 Elo Rated Horses for the Wef 9 500 000 Csi5 Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix (1)">
<h1>Reigning Champions in the Field</h1>
Two of the biggest names in the sport will enter the ring as the highest-rated horses in the competition: Henrik von Eckermann &amp; King Edward and Christian Kukuk &amp; Checker 47. These two reigning champions&mdash;King Edward as the current World Champion and Checker 47 as the reigning Olympic Champion&mdash;have already proven themselves at WEF this season.
King Edward, the highest-rated horse on record with an Elo rating of 810, finished fifth in the WEF 5 CSI5* Grand Prix after delivering a solid double clear. Meanwhile, Checker 47 has been nothing short of dominant, claiming a CSI4* Grand Prix victory during WEF 3, finishing as the runner-up in WEF 7&rsquo;s five-star Grand Prix, and are of course the defending champions of the WEF 12 Grand Prix.
Both horses arrive in top form and will be the combinations to beat when the competition heats up under the Saturday night lights.
<h1>The Hometown Heroes</h1>
<h3>McLain Ward &amp; Ilex &ndash; The USA&rsquo;s Best Shot?</h3>
If the American crowd is looking for a home victory, their hopes may rest on McLain Ward &amp; Ilex. This combination played a key role in securing Team USA&rsquo;s Olympic silver medal in Paris last summer, and Ilex will be making his five-star Grand Prix season debut here at WEF 9.
Ward&rsquo;s track record at the Winter Equestrian Festival speaks for itself. Since 2010, he has amassed an impressive 60 international wins at this venue. He is also one of just two riders in history to win multiple five-star Grands Prix in the same WEF season&mdash;a feat that only one other rider has ever achieved.
<h3>Kent Farrington &amp; Myla &ndash; Making History?</h3>
That rider? Kent Farrington&mdash;who has already won both five-star Grands Prix of the WEF 2025 season aboard Greya. No rider has ever managed to win more than two five-star Grand Prix classes in a single WEF season, but with Myla in strong form, Farrington could be on the verge of rewriting history.
Though Myla sits just outside the Top 10 Elo-rated horses in the field (Elo: 720), she is ranked among the Top 5 highest-rated 10-year-old horses in the world. Farrington&rsquo;s record speaks for itself, and if anyone can pull off the impossible, it&rsquo;s him.
<h3>Lillie Keenan &amp; Argan de Beliard &ndash; A Veteran of the International Arena</h3>
For Lillie Keenan &amp; Argan de Beliard, experience will be key. The 13-year-old gelding will be jumping his 40th five-star 160cm round in this Grand Prix, with 12 of those rounds already taking place in this very arena at WEF.
Most recently, the pair delivered a strong podium finish, taking third place in the WEF 7 CSI5* Grand Prix. With familiarity and form on their side, they will be looking to improve upon that result as they take on another stacked field this weekend.
<h1>The Challengers</h1>
<h3>Darragh Kenny &amp; Zero K &ndash; The Momentum Factor</h3>
Ireland has always had a strong presence in Wellington, and this year is no exception. Leading the charge will be Darragh Kenny &amp; Zero K, who will enter the ring last in the draw after their WEF 9 Challenge Cup victory last Thursday. Kenny has a history of success under the lights, and with momentum on his side, he could be a serious contender for the win.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;These classes are so competitive. There are so many brilliant riders. One day it&rsquo;s me, next day it&rsquo;s Kent [Farrington], next day it&rsquo;s Richard Vogel, Henrik Von Eckermann, Mclain Ward. That&rsquo;s just how competitive this circuit is here.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<h3>Shane Sweetnam &amp; James Kann Cruz &ndash; Ireland&rsquo;s Top-Rated Horse</h3>
Another top Irish combination to watch will be Shane Sweetnam &amp; James Kann Cruz, currently the highest-rated Irish horse with an Elo of 760. Coming off a runner-up finish in the Ocala World Cup last month, James Kann Cruz is in top form and could be one of the biggest threats to the championship favorites.
<h1>The Stage is Set</h1>
With elite talent from around the world converging on Wellington, this promises to be one of the most thrilling nights of the WEF 2025 season. Can King Edward solidify his reign? Will Checker 47 add another WEF Grand Prix title to his record? Or will a US rider rise to the occasion on home soil? One thing is certain&mdash;Saturday night is set to deliver a world-class showdown.
&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

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