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

Only four horses are entered in this week&rsquo;s qualifier, but don&rsquo;t let the numbers fool you. &ldquo;Small field&rdquo; does not equal &ldquo;small story.&rdquo; From a US Equestrian Open of Dressage leaderboard perspective, this show won&rsquo;t be the most consequential event of the season. But it will, however, feature one of the most celebrated horses in the entire Series: Fiontini.
<h2 dir="ltr">A Living Legend</h2>
The 15-year-old Danish Warmblood mare has one of the most consistent records in the sport. In 15 Grand Prix starts, she&rsquo;s dipped below 69% just twice. In the freestyle, she consistently scores in the mid-70s to 80s, no matter the rider. A Triple World Young Horse Champion (2015&ndash;2017), Fiontini isn&rsquo;t just good; she&rsquo;s reliably brilliant.
Over the course of her career, she&rsquo;s been ridden by some of Europe&rsquo;s top male riders: Severo Jurado L&oacute;pez, Andreas Helgstrand, and Patrik Kittel. Now, she&rsquo;s owned and ridden by 30-year-old US team rider Anna Buffini&mdash;one of the youngest athletes to represent the US at a World Championship in recent years. After purchasing the mare, Buffini joked that it was time to turn Fiontini into a &ldquo;lady&rsquo;s ride.&rdquo;
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<h2 dir="ltr">A New Chapter</h2>
Buffini first saw Fiontini competing with Kittel at Aachen. It only took one test ride for her to fall in love with the mare&rsquo;s big heart and immense talent. But transitioning Fiontini to Buffini&rsquo;s lighter riding style became a project of patience and tact. She was used to stronger leg aids and, at first, would shake her sides like she had flies on them when Buffini applied pressure.
So began the process of teaching her to respond to subtler cues&mdash;a new language for horse and rider. With the help of her longtime coach G&uuml;nter Seidel (also entered in this weekend's class), they opted for a long runway: two full years out of the spotlight, focused on trust, softness, and feel.
Buffini, who has a large social media following, chose to keep Fiontini&rsquo;s training private. Fans were eager to see the mare return to competition, but Buffini stayed steady in her approach.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;When she&rsquo;s ready, we&rsquo;ll come out.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Measured Return</h2>
That moment came 11 months ago&mdash;at this very venue. They scored 72% in the Grand Prix and 72.447% in the Grand Prix Special, a notoriously difficult test. In both, they placed second to decorated U.S. Olympian Steffen Peters and Suppenkasper. The Special was particularly close: four of the five judges placed Buffini ahead of Peters, who won by a razor-thin 72.766%.
Buffini and Fiontini debuted their freestyle the following month, again in Del Mar, earning a 76.210%. Judges rewarded the mare&rsquo;s expressive, expansive gaits with 8s for extended walk, trot, and canter. Their floor plan earned a 9.16 average degree of difficulty. The question now: in the year since we&rsquo;ve seen them perform this freestyle, have they dialed that difficulty up even further?
<h2 dir="ltr">A Delicate Dance</h2>
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With only four riders in Sunday&rsquo;s freestyle class, Buffini and Fiontini are the clear favorites. This is a chance to polish the freestyle, push the degree of difficulty, and test Fiontini&rsquo;s firepower. Seidel is the only one who could realistically challenge her. Equirelle&rsquo;s personal best&mdash;76.615%&mdash;actually edges out Buffini&rsquo;s PB on Fiontini (76.210%), but Seidel&rsquo;s last outing suggests they&rsquo;re still shaking off some freestyle rust.
Still, Seidel is a veteran, and you can never fully count him out.
Under Buffini, Fiontini is no longer just a powerhouse. She&rsquo;s expressive, responsive, and joyful in the ring. &ldquo;She&rsquo;s really become my horse,&rdquo; Buffini said after their debut. This weekend, Del Mar gets to see that magic in action.
For the West Coast, it&rsquo;s a reminder that top sport lives here too&mdash;even with smaller fields. Fiontini&rsquo;s presence brings eyes and gravitas to the Series. And for fans, it&rsquo;s a rare chance to see one of the most celebrated dressage mares of the modern era compete on home turf.
Fiontini might not be &ldquo;on the comeback&rdquo;&mdash;she never really left. But Del Mar might be where we see her new era begin.
Watch Buffini and Fiontini&rsquo;s return to the freestyle arena this Sunday&ndash;stream it live on the USEF Network. <a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew">Sign up for free</a> as a fan to catch the action.

Anna Buffini riding Fiontini in the extended trot

A Quiet Stage, A Legendary Mare

The $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open CSI5* Grand Prix is set to deliver one of the most exciting show jumping spectacles of the year. As part of the prestigious Rolex Series, this marquee event draws the sport&rsquo;s elite to the spotlight with a huge prize fund, a technical course, and career-defining prestige. But who has the edge heading into Saturday night?&nbsp;
<a href="https://digital.equiratings.com/view/64858650/">View Fan Guide</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://wellingtoninternational.com/showgrounds/classes/detail?cid=200005338&amp;sid=200000013">Start List</a>&nbsp;|<a href="mailto:https://wellingtoninternational.com/showgrounds/classes/detail?cid=200005338&amp;sid=200000013?cid=200005338&amp;sid=200000013">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://wellingtoninternational.com/showgrounds/classes/detail?cid=200005338&amp;sid=200000013">Results</a>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a68b111e-50d9-45b5-a37b-63a69937686b.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Jumping Us Equestrian Open Final Graphics (5)">
<h2>Kent Farrington &amp; Greya</h2>
Kent Farrington &amp; Greya will be among the favourites flying the US flag in the Rolex Grand Prix of Wellington. The pair have already made history this WEF season, with Greya becoming the first horse ever to win two five-star Grands Prix in a single Wellington season. They&rsquo;ve started 2025 with a flawless five-star 160 record &ndash; 2 clears from 2 starts, both wins &ndash; and Greya ranks inside the Top 10 rated horses in the world. They top the prediction model this week with a 12% win chance and a 60% chance of jumping clear. <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e72f829f-dd8d-41d5-92e2-4ffb64954c1b.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Kent Greya Web">
<h2>Ben Maher &amp; Dallas Vegas Batilly&nbsp;</h2>
Set to go last on Saturday night after a win in the WEF Challenge Round 12, Ben Maher brings Olympic mount Dallas Vegas Batilly to the US Equestrian Open Jumping Final. This pair has jumped clear in their last two five-star Grand Prix appearances at WEF and were instrumental in helping Team GB secure Olympic Team Gold last summer in Paris. Their 7% win chance places them firmly among the top contenders.
<h2>Henrik von Eckermann &amp; King Edward</h2>
Henrik von Eckermann has been the World #1 for 32 consecutive months and arrives with the best-rated horse in the world: King Edward. On a staggering Elo of 814, King Edward is unmatched, and their 2025 form speaks for itself &ndash; Top 5 in all three five-star Grands Prix they've contested this year, maintaining a perfect five-star 160 record in 2025. In 2024, they jumped 19 clears from 26 rounds at 160 level (73%). A position as favorite this week is no surprise.
Latest Podcast Preview:&nbsp;
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<h2>Karl Cook &amp; Caracole de la Roque&nbsp;</h2>
Karl Cook &amp; Caracole de la Roque were breakout stars in 2024, capturing wins in the Rolex Grand Prix of Rome and World Cup of Arcadia. Key to the U.S. Team Silver in Paris, they&rsquo;ve returned to the top level after a brief break. Cook was on the podium here last year with a different mount &ndash; and has a 6% chance to improve on that result this weekend.
<h2>Christian Kukuk &amp; Checker 47</h2>
The reigning Olympic Champions return to Wellington, the site of one of their greatest wins just 12 months ago. Since then, they&rsquo;ve taken the LGCT Grand Prix of Madrid and Olympic Individual Gold in Paris. They&rsquo;ve already notched a Grand Prix win here this season and hold a 6% win chance with a 49% chance of making the jump-off.
<a href="https://www.greatamericaninsurancegroup.com/about-us/business-operations/contacts/equine-morta[&hellip;]m=Sponsorship&amp;utm_campaign=4328-CO&amp;utm_content=USEF" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/4def42c5-5a3c-4d2d-a9c5-7b6f757148ec.png?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Great American Advert"></a>
<h2>McLain Ward &amp; Ilex&nbsp;</h2>
A legend at WEF, McLain Ward has over 60 international victories at this venue. Partnered with Olympic mount Ilex, they were key to the U.S. Team Silver in Paris and recently jumped a double clear to help the U.S. win the Longines League of Nations in Ocala. They are among the favourites for the home nation on Saturday night.
<h2>Laura Kraut &amp; Bisquetta</h2>
Laura Kraut rides Bisquetta, a combination that jumped to eighth in last year&rsquo;s Rolex Grand Prix of Wellington. Bisquetta has been incredibly reliable, jumping nine rounds at 150 level or above in top company without touching a pole. They're a potential surprise package this weekend.
Tune in to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_US/events/15330/csi5-wef-week-12-rolex-us-equestrian-open-qualifiers-and-grand-prix-a-rolex-series-event">USEF Network powered by ClipMyHorseTV</a>&nbsp;to watch all of the action live with a free fan membership. Learn more about the US Equestrian Open by visiting the&nbsp;<a href="mailto:https://usef-website-gold.vercel.app/">US Equestrian Open microsite, powered by EquiRatings,</a>&nbsp;to follow all of the qualifying and story-telling action throughout the year. Stay Connected For the most&nbsp;<a href="mailto:https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/dressage-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide">up-to-date series calendar</a>,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open">latest standings,</a>&nbsp;podcasts, original content and more, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usequestrianopen.org/">www.usequestrianopen.org</a>. Stay connected with the latest news and standings on&nbsp;<a href="mailto:https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="mailto:https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen">Instagram</a>, and follow US Equestrian on&nbsp;<a href="mailto:https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian">Facebook,</a>&nbsp;<a href="mailto:https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="mailto:https://x.com/usequestrian">X</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation. US Equestrian Open Technology &amp; Content Partners The US Equestrian Open Series is proudly supported by industry-leading technology, utilizing data-driven insights and real-time results to enhance the fan experience. In collaboration with&nbsp;<a title="https://www.equiratings.com/" href="https://www.equiratings.com/">EquiRatings</a>, the premier data and analytics firm in the industry, and&nbsp;<a title="https://blackhorse-one.com/" href="https://blackhorse-one.com/">Black Horse One</a>, one of the pre-eminent technology and scoring providers across the equestrian disciplines, the US Equestrian Open is revolutionizing the way audiences view, interact with, and follow equestrian sport.
<hr>
 There are plenty of other top names and rising stars in the field, each with a story worth knowing. Check out the <a href="https://digital.equiratings.com/view/64858650/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fan Guide</a> &ndash; your go-to resource for stats, stories, and insights on every combination in the class. Whether you&rsquo;re a die-hard fan or just getting into the sport, it&rsquo;s the perfect way to follow all the action.
Check out the entire Prediction Centre <a href="https://jumping-prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/458" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Who Will Win the $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix? 

Benjamin Ebeling and Bellena closed out the WEC spring season with authority, scoring a 76.190&mdash;their best ride to date, and the mare&rsquo;s all-time high. The win marked their second US Equestrian Open of Dressage victory, but this one felt different. The performance was bold, clean, and confident, set to a girl-power-themed freestyle featuring tracks like Femininomenon, Rich Girl, Maneater, and Perfect. The message was clear: this pair is Finals-ready.
This result solidifies Ebeling&rsquo;s position inside the top 18. He now sits tied for 12th with 57 points, and with just four qualifiers remaining&mdash;and one of them (TerraNova) right in his Florida backyard&mdash;it would take a significant shake-up to knock him out of Finals contention. More importantly, the performance suggests he won&rsquo;t just be making up the numbers in Thermal. He&rsquo;s proving he can win big classes against full fields, and he&rsquo;s done it twice this season. If this momentum carries into the fall, Ebeling could be a serious podium threat when the series wraps in California.
<blockquote>
Ben Ebeling talks family, freestyle, and the future of US dressage in a new podcast&mdash;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/ben-ebeling-family-freestyle-future-of-US-dressage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listen now</a>.
</blockquote>
<h2>Marek Crosses 100</h2>
Finishing second on the weekend with a score of 75.620, Anna Marek officially became the first&mdash;and so far, only&mdash;rider to break 100 points in the US Equestrian Open of Dressage. Her total now sits at 105, with all six of her qualifying rides complete. It&rsquo;s a landmark number, one that reflects the consistency and composure she&rsquo;s shown across multiple venues, multiple horses, and nearly every type of pressure.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e91b3c29-9936-47e1-a729-842436e6ae70.jpeg?width=993&amp;height=723" alt="Screenshot of the leaderboard with Anna Marek in first place on 105 points.">
This ride didn&rsquo;t add a win to her tally, but it did reinforce Marek&rsquo;s position as the most successful rider in the series to date. That said, the gap is beginning to narrow. Ebeling&rsquo;s score this weekend topped hers, and while Marek remains the clear front-runner heading into the Finals, she&rsquo;s no longer operating in a vacuum. With just one series win under her belt, the question becomes: can she log another when it counts? Are these second-place finishes part of a deliberate training strategy, or the first signs of pressure peeking through? There&rsquo;s still every reason to believe Marek has what it takes to be the series&rsquo; inaugural champion, but for the first time, there&rsquo;s reason to ask. She now has two world-class Grand Prix horses to choose from heading into Thermal&mdash;depth no other rider in the field can match. Even so, the path to the title feels a little less certain than it did a month ago.
<h2>A Debut Worth Watching</h2>
Christian Simonson and Fleau De Baian made their CDI freestyle debut this weekend and walked away with third on a score of 72.330%. Their test was composed and confident, especially impressive in a ten-rider field that included both seasoned competitors and emerging international talent. While several riders in the class were chasing Finals points, Simonson was riding to show he belongs in the conversation.&nbsp;
Already a decorated young rider with a European Tour bronze medal and mentorship under Adrienne Lyle, Simonson&rsquo;s transition into senior-level CDI competition is clearly well underway. With a podium finish on debut, he and Fleau De Baian are a pair to watch in future Series stops, even if this year&rsquo;s Finals are likely out of reach.&nbsp;
<h2>The Middle Gets Messy</h2>
Charlotte Jorst brought GPF&rsquo;s S-Express into the Grand Prix Freestyle spotlight this weekend for the gelding&rsquo;s debut at the level. The 10-year-old Westphalian gelding scored a 64.990. Not a headline-making number, but also not the point. Bringing a horse to the Grand Prix level and debuting a freestyle in a series of this caliber speaks to the depth of Jorst&rsquo;s program. She remains in 7th overall with 65 points and will likely head to the Finals aboard Zhaplin Langholt, a more experienced partner who has carried her to podium positions before.
Eline Eckroth had a tougher weekend. After placing fifth in the Grand Prix, she dropped to 10th in the freestyle with a 62.535&mdash;her lowest score of the season. While shifts between the two phases are common, a five-place drop is unusual. Still, her leaderboard position is strong. She now sits in a tie for second with 86 points, a result of strategic entries in smaller fields earlier this season. Her leaderboard position reflects a season of smart scheduling and consistent entries, particularly in smaller fields. Whether that translates to success at the Finals is another question.&nbsp;
<h2>The Final Push Begins</h2>
The window for Finals qualification is closing. Nadine Schwartsman, Micaela Mabragana, and Brittney Simpson are locked in a three-way tie for 18th place, but with Schwartsman scheduled to ride in next week&rsquo;s qualifier, she&rsquo;s got the first shot to break from the pack. That Oregon qualifier marks the final stop before a long summer break, with the series resuming September 23 at Dressage at Devon.
Personal bests, photo finishes, and podium drama usually grab the headlines. But with limited chances left for anyone still chasing the cutoff, the narrative shifts. It&rsquo;s not about who&rsquo;s winning. It&rsquo;s about who&rsquo;s still in the fight.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/fade3f77-cbac-402e-9d26-e7c84a8fc0fc.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="US Equestrian Open of Dressage Schedule">

WEC Belongs to Ebeling 

For the first time this season, the US Equestrian Open of Dressage splits in two, with qualifiers unfolding on both coasts this weekend. Riders will face off in Ocala and Del Mar, marking the first West Coast qualifier since opening weekend. Below are six key storylines to follow as the competition unfolds.
<h3>1. This weekend marks the series&rsquo; first doubleheader</h3>
With two qualifiers happening simultaneously, competitors on both coasts are fighting for valuable series points. The World Equestrian Center in Ocala hosts&nbsp;Qualifier 7 - East, while Del Mar Horse Park in California sees the return of West Coast action for Qualifier 7 - West&mdash;the first in the region since opening weekend. <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/17bb66f7-85cb-46de-8eb4-c41f72005e04?width=1364&amp;height=1326" alt="Grand Prix Freestyle Stats for WEC Ocala ">
<h3>2. Familiar names and new entrants are in the mix</h3>
Week One winner Genay Vaughn is competing again on&nbsp;Gino in Del Mar, and Week Five winner Denielle Gallagher is returning with&nbsp;Come Back de Massa in Ocala. Both riders have a chance to become the first double winner of the series&mdash;and if either of them succeeds, they will tie Evelyn Eger for first place in the standings.&nbsp; <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/b18f60dc-0ca7-49ef-84fd-a0c82902406b?width=1364&amp;height=1280" alt="Grand Prix Freestyle Stats for Del Mar Dressage Opener">
<h3>3. Vaughn and Gino are on an upward trajectory.</h3>
Although the pair are technically third based on averages, their consistent scoring improvements put them in strong contention for first place this weekend. If they achieve a new combination best, they will be well within reach of challenger&nbsp;G&uuml;nter Seidel&rsquo;s averages. Vaughn and Gino won Qualifier One on a score of 75.150%, while Seidel and Equirelle&rsquo;s average freestyle score sits at 75.423%&mdash;putting Vaughn within striking range of a victory. 
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/8af5861b-1a9c-4343-9358-1dafb929a37f?width=1204&amp;height=912" alt="Qn Ybw Genay Vaughn Gino S Freestyle Scores">
<h3>4. Three-time Olympian G&uuml;nter Seidel enters the series competition on Equirelle</h3>
The pair last competed at the FEI level in November 2024, when Seidel piloted Equirelle to first place in the Grand Prix Special. However, before that, they had not appeared in an FEI arena since 2021, which was also the last time they completed a freestyle. At that event, they finished second with a score of 76.615%, their combination-best. While they may be shaking off some rust this weekend, it&rsquo;s hard to count them out as podium contenders. With the highest average in the field (75.423%) and Seidel&rsquo;s decades of experience, they are well-positioned to impress this weekend <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d6d0d51a-e05e-4433-b601-00fcd93fa2ba?width=1204&amp;height=1472" alt="A table examining G&uuml;nter Seidel's career highlights">
<h3>5. The East Coast qualifier is wide open, with the top three entrants separated by less than one percentage point.&nbsp;</h3>
&bull; Hatsjie B (James Koford) &ndash; 71.808% &bull; Dee Clair (Caroline Stevenson)&nbsp;&ndash; 71.378%. &bull; Come Back de Massa (Denielle Gallagher)&nbsp;&ndash; 70.748%
Although&nbsp;Dee Clair&rsquo;s personal best is 76.100%, that score came with rider Anna Marek in 2021. This will be Stevenson&rsquo;s first FEI freestyle aboard Dee Clair, though they have completed four freestyles at the national level.
<h3>6. Three horses are making their FEI Grand Prix Freestyle debut this weekend</h3>
On the East Coast, Etanga (ridden by Alexandra Dominguez Thomas), and on the West Coast, Flower-power and Iniesto (both ridden by Laura de Cesari) will make their first appearances.
With two qualifiers running simultaneously for the first time, this weekend&rsquo;s competition could have a major impact on the series standings. With top contenders looking to solidify their positions and new faces entering the mix, both coasts promise an exciting showdown as the road to the US Equestrian Open Finals continues to unfold. Both freestyle classes take place Saturday, February 15. <a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew">Become a USEF Network Fan for free</a> to stream the upcoming qualifiers live!&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h2>
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/4bcc5e89-799b-4ab1-85d0-23b457ed5fa2?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Table of the Show Calendar for the 2025 Us Equestrian Open of Dressage Series">
<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;

Picture of horse and rider from above as they enter the arena. They are dressed in gear for Dressage.

6 Key Things to Know About Qualifier 7's Doubleheader

In a recent episode of the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Podcast, Annie Bishop sat down with eventing star Sharon White and EquiRatings' Diarmuid Byrne to discuss one of the most exciting horses in the sport today &mdash; Jaguars Duende.&nbsp; The US Equestrian Open Podcast is available <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-us-equestrian-open-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on all podcast channels here</a> and you can check out Sharon's <a href="https://pod.fo/e/2ac78a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">episode here.&nbsp;</a>
<h2 class="p-rich_text_section">A Mare with Confidence and Character</h2>
Sharon White describes Jaguars Duende as fiercely independent and confident, traits she believes are essential for success.
<blockquote>
"She shows up to work every day. She likes her job, she likes doing things well, and she goes along with my motto: If you're going to do something, do it well. That&rsquo;s what makes her so special &mdash; she finds enjoyment in working hard." 
</blockquote>
Her determination is evident not only in competition but also in training. Sharon enjoys that Jaguars Duende isn&rsquo;t afraid to express herself, even if it means bucking her off every now and then!
<blockquote>
"I like that she has enough confidence to try and tell me to go fly a kite sometimes."
"If you&rsquo;re gonna do something, do it well, otherwise don&rsquo;t bother to do it. Which includes bucking me off, by the way! That&rsquo;s one of her favorite things too &mdash; which I love, right? Because I like that she has enough confidence to try and tell me to go fly a kite sometimes."
</blockquote>
<h2><video controls="controls" width="600" height="300"><source src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c66e89fb-6000-4eed-9ed9-9ef123b671cb" type="video/mp4"></video></h2>
<h2>A Remarkable Journey from an Unlikely Start</h2>
<blockquote>
"When I first saw the videos, I was like, 'I wouldn&rsquo;t buy that.'"
</blockquote>
Jaguars Duende&rsquo;s journey began when Sharon purchased her as a three-year-old, sight unseen. However, she admits her first impressions weren&rsquo;t exactly glowing.
"When I first saw the videos, I was like, 'I wouldn&rsquo;t buy that. Just being honest.' And then when she came over, I thought, 'I don&rsquo;t know. I don&rsquo;t know what&rsquo;s going to happen.'"
Despite initial doubts, White recognized that Jaguars Duende needed time and patience. She focused on helping her develop confidence and strength rather than rushing her progress. That patience has certainly paid off, as she has developed into one of the most exciting horses in US eventing today.
<blockquote>
"I&rsquo;ve always thought big picture with her. It&rsquo;s not about the immediacy of what you&rsquo;re going to do this weekend. It&rsquo;s: what am I going to do three years from now? That&rsquo;s what really interests me."
</blockquote>
<h2>A Stellar Competition Record</h2>
Jaguars Duende has quickly become one of the sport&rsquo;s most talked-about rising stars. Diarmuid shared the impressive statistics:
<ul class="p-rich_text_list p-rich_text_list__bullet p-rich_text_list--nested" data-stringify-type="unordered-list" data-list-tree="true" data-indent="0" data-border="0">
<li data-stringify-indent="0" data-stringify-border="0">11 international starts, nine podium finishes (the other two starts were withdrawals before cross-country)</li>
<li data-stringify-indent="0" data-stringify-border="0">Three wins in her last four competitions</li>
<li data-stringify-indent="0" data-stringify-border="0">A victory in the Maryland 5 Star CCI3*-L to close out the 2024 season</li>
</ul>
These numbers are staggering, but White admits she rarely focuses on them.
<blockquote>
"It's hard to read the label when you're inside the box. You don't even realize what's happening until you step back and look at that pile of blue ribbons. I was cleaning out the barn and found this pile of ribbons, and I thought, 'Holy moly, they're all Jags!'"
</blockquote>
<h2 class="p-rich_text_section"><video controls="controls" width="600" height="300"><source src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/40daeed9-fdb5-437d-be20-7123a08e2d76" type="video/mp4"></video> The Road Ahead: US Equestrian Open and Beyond</h2>
<blockquote>
"With horses, you never really know. You make a plan, but they tell you what&rsquo;s next."
</blockquote>
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Jaguars Duende is set to make her first appearance at <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/about-the-us-equestrian-open-series" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bouckaert</a>. While the US Equestrian Open remains a possibility, White emphasizes the journey will be dictated by what Jags tells her.
"The US Equestrian Open is exciting because it brings so much fun into the sport. There&rsquo;s so much talk about it, so much anticipation. You look at the calendar and think, &lsquo;Could this be an option?&rsquo; But with horses, you never really know. You make a plan, but they tell you what&rsquo;s next."
White&rsquo;s philosophy remains centered on patience and trusting the process. Every step of Jaguars Duende's career has been carefully planned to ensure she moves up when she&rsquo;s ready. With continued growth and strong performances, her future looks incredibly bright.
&nbsp;
<h2>"My Little Pegasus"</h2>
Jaguars Duende is more than just a top competitor; she&rsquo;s a horse with presence, personality, and a devoted team behind her. Sharon White&rsquo;s dedication to her long-term success is evident, and as she steps into 2025, fans will be eagerly following along to see just how far she can go.
<blockquote>
"She doesn&rsquo;t mind digging deep when she has to, and I love that. That&rsquo;s something you need in a great horse. When she started to give me that feeling, I would call her my little Pegasus, because suddenly, she had wings."
</blockquote>
With a stellar track record and a team committed to her development, Jaguars Duende is a name to remember. As the season unfolds, we&rsquo;ll all be watching to see where her journey takes her.
<h2 dir="ltr">What&rsquo;s Next in the Open?</h2>
Having kicked off in 2024, the US Equestrian Open qualifiers will pick back up in March when the leaderboard battle continues at Bouckaert.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/145ad0e6-6356-4cd4-98f7-394e78b6afdb?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Table of the Event Calendar for the 2024-2025 U.S. Equestrian Open of Eventing Series">
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>.
<h3>Series Standings at the End of 2024:</h3>
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/d85de2e9-4a7d-4cdc-9eb6-538d9de32553?width=1080&amp;height=1682" alt="Table Showing the Top 10 Athletes on the Us Open of Eventing Leaderboard as of the End of 2024">
<h2 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h2>
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.
&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;

Photo of Sharon White during an awards ceremony. She is seen from the torso up behind her horse's ears, who she sits on while smiling very broadly, still in her show jumping kit.

Jaguars Duende: Sharon White on Her Rising Star of US Eventing

Since 2010, the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) has hosted 59 five-star Grands Prix, drawing the best showjumpers in the world to Wellington, Florida. These elite competitions serve as key battlegrounds for top riders, offering a preview of Olympic, World Championship, and Nations Cup success. EquiRatings' Elo Field Strength metric, which averages the top 25 Elo ratings in a competition, provides a unique insight into just how tough each of these Grands Prix have been. The data reveals that some of the fiercest battles in WEF history have taken place in the past few seasons&mdash;including multiple events from 2025 making it into the top 10.
So, which competitions had the most stacked fields? And who emerged victorious against the toughest opposition?
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/64e1a0e5-2cee-458a-873d-4db785a7b948.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Usef Jumping Graphics 2025 (1)">
<h1>2025: A Year for the Record Books</h1>
Out of the 59 five-star Grands Prix at WEF since 2010, three from the 2025 season have already made the top 10 based on Elo Field Strength, solidifying this year as one of the most competitive in Wellington history.
<h3>Emilie Conter &amp; Portobella Van de Fruitkorf Stun a Star-Studded Field</h3>
Last weekend&rsquo;s CSI5 Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix (WEF 9)* reached an Elo Field Strength of 716, ranking it among the top three toughest Wellington competitions on record. The entry list read like a who&rsquo;s who of showjumping, featuring:
<ul>
<li>Reigning World Champions Henrik von Eckermann &amp; King Edward (810)</li>
<li>Reigning Olympic Champions Christian Kukuk &amp; Checker 47 (760)</li>
<li>US Olympic Team Silver Medalists McLain Ward &amp; Ilex (731)</li>
</ul>
Yet, it was U25 rider Emilie Conter and her 10-year-old mare Portobella Van de Fruitkorf who stole the show, claiming their first-ever five-star Grand Prix victory in one of the toughest fields ever recorded at WEF.
<blockquote>
"It hasn't sunk in yet; I'm super happy with my horse and my team for making this happen," a beaming Conter said post-victory. "I saw a really long [distance] to the last oxer, and I heard Helena [Stormanns] scream 'go get it!', so I took it. I didn&rsquo;t think it was going to be enough to beat these other riders, but I looked up and saw that I was in first.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
The moment was made even more special with Conter&rsquo;s grandparents in the crowd, and her groom, Lisa Sorg, earning the Double H Farm Grooms Award for her exceptional care of Portobella Van de Fruitkorf.
&nbsp;
<h3>Kent Farrington &amp; Greya: The Dynamic Duo</h3>
US star Kent Farrington and Greya have been rewriting WEF history in 2025. Both of their five-star Grand Prix victories this season made the list of highest Field Strengths ever recorded at Wellington, proving just how dominant they have been.
With these wins, Farrington became only the second rider to secure multiple five-star Grand Prix victories in a single WEF season. Meanwhile, Greya became the first horse to achieve this feat&mdash;cementing her status as one of the circuit&rsquo;s most formidable competitors.
&nbsp;
<h1>The Rolex Grand Prix: Where the Best Meet the Best</h1>
The CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix consistently draws the strongest fields of the WEF season.
2024&rsquo;s edition was the highest-rated five-star Grand Prix at WEF since 2010 with an Elo Field Strength of 718. It was Christian Kukuk &amp; Checker 47 who took the win in this class and later went on to win individual gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The previous year, it was also a German combination that took top honours in the Rolex Grand Prix at the Wellington International. Richard Vogel rode the then only 9-year-old Cepano Baloubet to victory in challenging weather conditions to beat out the competition with an Elo Field Strength of 714.
<h1>An Underdog Victory in a Field of Champions</h1>
2021&rsquo;s WEF 5 Grand Prix was another showdown of champions with an Elo Field Strength of 717, the second-highest ever-recorded at the Wellington International.&nbsp;
The start list included Ben Maher&rsquo;s Explosion W, who would later claim Olympic gold in Tokyo, and Martin Fuchs &amp; Clooney 51, the reigning European Champions at the time. Despite the depth of talent, it was Shane Sweetnam &amp; Alejandro who took the win, entering this class as the 16th rated combination of the field.
<h1> What&rsquo;s Next at Wellington International?</h1>
With the CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix, US Equestrian Open Final just around the corner, all eyes are on Wellington International to see if 2025 will continue its trend of setting new records for competitiveness.
Can Kent Farrington &amp; Greya make it a third victory? Will another young star emerge, as Emilie Conter did? Or will a proven champion like Christian Kukuk defend their dominance?
<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

The Toughest Five-Star Grands Prix at WEF & Who Won Them

The 2024 WEF 12 Rolex Grand Prix proved to be more than just another prestigious Saturday Night Lights event - it became a preview of Olympic excellence. Of the nine combinations that reached the jump-off, five would go on to compete in Paris, with three securing Olympic medals. The night's dramatic conclusion, with Christian Kukuk denying McLain Ward a home victory by just 0.42 seconds, foreshadowed an extraordinary season for both combinations.
<h2>The Golden Path</h2>
Christian Kukuk and Checker 47 demonstrated their trademark composure as last to go in both rounds. Their winning margin of just 0.42 seconds over McLain Ward set the tone for what would become a defining year.
Following their Wellington triumph, the pair claimed victory in the LGCT Grand Prix of Madrid, earned their Olympic team selection, and ultimately secured individual gold in Paris with another clutch performance as last to go in the jump-off. Their recent return to Wellington has already yielded success, with a CSI4* Grand Prix victory during WEF3 2025.
<h2>New Partnership, Immediate Success</h2>
McLain Ward's second-place finish with Ilex was remarkable given their brief seven-week partnership. This performance launched an impressive campaign that included another prestigious second place in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen.
Despite their relatively new partnership, they secured Olympic team selection and contributed two clear rounds to Team USA's Team Silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games.
<h2>Home Success Continues</h2>
Karl Cook and Kalinka van 't Zorgvliet came to WEF12 with momentum, having won the million-dollar Grand Prix in Thermal four months prior. Their third-place finish in Wellington, achieved with a solid double clear, matched their earlier podium finish in the WEF9 CSI5* Grand Prix, though they haven't competed since.
<h2>Olympic Connections</h2>
The jump-off field showcased several future Olympic combinations. Daniel Bluman and the now-retired Ladriano Z placed fourth before helping Israel reach the Olympic team final.
Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly's fifth-place finish preceded their contribution to British team gold in Paris, where they delivered crucial rounds including a clear in qualification and just a single time fault in the final.
Cian O'Connor and Maurice, despite being a relatively new partnership of five months, used their ninth-place finish as another stepping stone toward Olympic selection, where they helped Ireland to seventh place.
<h2>Looking Ahead to 2025</h2>
As Wellington prepares for the inaugural $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open CSI5* Grand Prix, the legacy of WEF12 2024 serves as a reminder of the venue's ability to identify future champions. The potential return of Olympic gold medalists Kukuk and Checker 47, alongside Ward and Ilex, suggests another historic night awaits in the International Arena.
<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

WEF 12 Grand Prix: The Springboard to Olympic Glory

Since Week One, US riders have been attempting to reclaim the top spot on the US Open of Dressage leaderboard. Now, Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn, who won the season&rsquo;s opening qualifier, is back at the top, though this time she shares first place in a three-way tie with Canada&rsquo;s Denielle Gallagher and Germany&rsquo;s Evelyn Eger.
This weekend marks the first time in series history that a rider has won two qualifiers, and remarkably, it happened twice. Vaughn took the victory on the West Coast at the HITS Del Mar Dressage Opener, while Gallagher did the same in Florida at the WEC-Ocala CDI3*.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0523ea96-9b13-4bf7-b8ce-aa3f8824a3af?width=490&amp;height=767" alt="The US Open of Dressage leaderboard as of Feb 16, 2025 showing Denielle, Evelyn and Genay at the top, tied for first place.">
<h2 dir="ltr">West Coast Triumph: Vaughn Secures Repeat Victory</h2>
Vaughn continued her reign on the West Coast, delivering a dominant performance and securing the win with a score of 74.370%. Her Grand Prix test the day before set the tone for the weekend with a solid 70.739%, far outpacing the rest of the field.
This marks Vaughn&rsquo;s sixth consecutive victory with Gino, establishing her as an undeniable force in the region. Vaughn had posted personal bests in her last three outings, and though a few minor mistakes in her tempi changes may have kept her from another PB this weekend, the rest of her test was strong and well-executed. Her growing consistency is a testament to her partnership with Gino, a 14-year-old KWPN gelding. Purchased by Vaughn&rsquo;s mother when he was six, Gino showed raw potential from the start.
<blockquote>
"She knew right away; even though he wasn&rsquo;t like he is now, she could see the potential that he had," Vaughn told Chronicle of the Horse last year.
</blockquote>
With this result, Vaughn is now officially qualified for the World Cup Final in Basel, Switzerland, where she will join fellow American Adrienne Lyle and Helix in representing the US.
Kristina Harrison-Antell (USA) and 15-year-old KWPN gelding Finley delivered a strong performance to finish second with a score of 70.910%. This marks her second runner-up finish of the season, having also placed second at the Thermal opener. Harrison-Antell&rsquo;s test featured standout moments, particularly in the extended trot, which was fluid and expressive. The halt work was another highlight, earning 8s from four out of five judges for its precision and balance.
<h2 dir="ltr">East Coast Brilliance: Gallagher Joins the Double-Win Club</h2>
On the East Coast, Denielle Gallagher claimed victory with a personal best score of 72.940%, besting her previous high, which was also set at this venue just weeks ago. She also won the Grand Prix the day before, further cementing her partnership with 13-year-old Lusitano gelding, Come Back de Massa.
The pair&rsquo;s freestyle is an ode to horse lovers worldwide. Set to the nostalgic soundtrack from Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, the instantly recognizable melodies from Bryan Adams and Hans Zimmer deeply resonated with the audience.
<blockquote>
"The &lsquo;Spirit&rsquo; soundtrack is emotional," Gallagher said. "I heard people in the crowd talking about crying when I started out. I either want people dancing in their seats or crying. I want to hit them emotionally."
</blockquote>
With this win, Gallagher extends her international win streak to four and now finds herself in a three-way tie for first in the US Open of Dressage standings.
Gallagher wasn't the only rider celebrating a personal best this weekend. Eline Eckroth also continued her upward trajectory with a first-ever score in the 70s. Her 71.055% was enough for second place&mdash;an impressive achievement considering she and her 14-year-old Oldenburg mare, Daphne, moved up to Grand Prix just three months ago. The pair also posted a personal best in the Grand Prix the day before.
<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 Felicitas Hendricks (GER), winner of Week Two&rsquo;s qualifier. With standings this competitive, next weekend's results could once again reshape the leaderboard.
<h2 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h2>
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/b0ba4a7e-31a4-4a11-a147-7faa41ac9f1d.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Competition calendar for the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage">
<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;

Close up of a dressage rider in the saddle showing their legs, hands and part of the horse's neck. They're wearing a shadbelly coat and the horse has a white saddle pad with an American flag.

US Open of Dressage: A Three-Way Tie at the Top

The countdown to the $750,000 US Equestrian Open Final, CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix of Wellington, officially begins with Thursday&rsquo;s $116,100 FEI 5* Adequan WEF Challenge Round 12. This 1.55m class is the first of two qualifiers, where the top 30 riders will secure their place in Saturday&rsquo;s finale. With four pre-qualified names already in the mix &mdash; McLain Ward, Kent Farrington, Christian Kukuk, and Henrik von Eckermann &mdash; the pressure is on for the rest of the field to deliver their best.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d9e49f42-592e-4c33-bc43-87c7a7363041.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Jumping Us Equestrian Open Final Graphics (3)">
<h1>Rising and Reigning: US Contenders to Watch</h1>
<h3>Karl Cook &amp; Caracole de la Roque</h3>
Karl Cook and Caracole de la Roque are back in action after a well-earned break, ready to pick up where they left off following major wins in the Rolex Grand Prix of Rome and the World Cup of Arcadia. As part of the Team USA silver medal squad at the Paris Olympic Games, this pair&rsquo;s class and consistency are undeniable. Cook was on the podium here last year on Kalinka van&rsquo;t Zorgvliet &mdash; can he go one better this week?&nbsp;
<h3>Laura Kraut &amp; Bisquetta</h3>
Laura Kraut has been at the top of US showjumping for the last decades. On Bisquetta, she made the jump-off in last year&rsquo;s Rolex Grand Prix of Wellington to finish eighth and will be motivated today to get their qualification to try and match or improve on that performance.
<h3>Mimi Gochman &amp; Inclen BH</h3>
Mimi Gochman and Inclen BH have kicked off 2025 on fire, with two top-five finishes in five-star Grands Prix already under their belts. A third-place finish in the CSI5* Grand Prix of Wellington during WEF 8 and a fourth-place in Ocala last week show they&rsquo;re riding a serious wave of form. Inclen BH ranks as the fourth-highest rated US horse in the field &mdash; expect them to make an impact.
<h3>Alex Matz &amp; Ikigai</h3>
Rising talent Alex Matz has been turning heads, capturing his first major international victory with Ikigai in Toronto&rsquo;s World Cup late last year. A strong performance here could be another milestone moment in a fast-developing career.
&nbsp;
<h1>Pre-Qualified Powerhouses</h1>
<h3>Kent Farrington &amp; Toulayna</h3>
Pre-qualified but never one to sit back, Kent Farrington will be a major threat with Toulayna. Currently ranked #2 in the world, Kent&rsquo;s 2025 campaign includes nine international wins already &mdash; three with Toulayna, including the CSI5* World Cup of Thermal. Don&rsquo;t be surprised to see them at the top of the podium again.
<h3>McLain Ward &amp; Callas</h3>
A Wellington legend with over 60 international victories at WEF since 2010, McLain Ward needs little introduction. Eight podium finishes with Callas at four- and five-star level make this combination one to watch for the class win.
&nbsp;
<h1>The Challengers to Watch</h1>
<h3>Ben Maher &amp; Point Break</h3>
The highest-rated horse in the class and third in the world rankings, Point Break is an absolute powerhouse. With Ben Maher in the saddle, this is a pair that could easily steal the show.
<h3>Lorenzo de Luca &amp; Denver de Talma</h3>
Fast, reliable, and always in the mix, Denver de Talma has one of the strongest CSI5* 160 clear rates from 2024. Lorenzo de Luca will be keen to lock in his qualification spot for Saturday&rsquo;s Final.
<h3>Nicola Philippaerts &amp; Derby de Riverland</h3>
This pair has been incredibly competitive over the course of the 2025 season so far, having already picked up six international podiums including a win in the WEF Challenge Cup Round 4 two months ago. On the back of two victories in Ocala last weekend, this is a pair on form.
&nbsp;
 With top talent from around the globe and major stakes on the line, the first qualifier for the US Equestrian Open Final promises edge-of-your-seat action. Stay tuned &mdash; this one is going to be electric.
&nbsp;
<hr>
Make sure to stay up-to-date with the latest stories about the US Equestrian Open of Jumping in our Fan Guide: <a href="https://digital.equiratings.com/view/64858650/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://digital.equiratings.com/view/64858650/</a>
The Jumping Final is now just days away. Action continues in the qualifiers in both Eventing and Dressage.&nbsp;
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.

The Race Is On: US Equestrian Open Jumping Qualifier 1 Promises Thrills and High Stakes

This week on the US Equestrian Open podcast,&nbsp;show jumping legend&nbsp;Laura Kraut shared her thoughts on its significance, challenges, and the future of US show jumping. The podcast is hosted by Kim Prince and is available <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-us-equestrian-open-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on all podcast platforms</a>.&nbsp; You can download the Laura episode<a href="https://pod.fo/e/2ac788" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> here.</a>&nbsp;
<h2><video controls="controls" width="600" height="300"><source src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/935048b8-7bb6-490e-8115-35826269f024" type="video/mp4"></video> Laura Kraut: A Legacy in Show Jumping</h2>
Laura Kraut has been a dominant force in the equestrian world for decades. A two-time Olympic medalist and veteran of international competition, she has been a cornerstone of Team USA&rsquo;s&nbsp;success. Her career began with&nbsp;catch riding, an old-school way of gaining experience by riding multiple horses at competitions without formal ownership.
Kraut&rsquo;s breakthrough moment came in 1992, when she was named reserve rider for the&nbsp;Barcelona Olympics &mdash; despite never having left the US before. From there, she steadily built an elite career, competing in the 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2021 Olympics. Her gold medal win at the&nbsp;2008 Beijing Olympics&nbsp;with&nbsp;Cedric remains one of her most celebrated achievements.
Now, with one of the strongest strings of horses in her career, she remains a formidable competitor on the world stage.
<h2>The Toughest Era of Show Jumping?</h2>
<blockquote>
"I think it doesn&rsquo;t get much harder than this year."
</blockquote>
The level of competition has never been higher. The US circuit&nbsp;now attracts the&nbsp;world&rsquo;s best riders, including Olympic champions, World Cup winners, and top-ranked athletes.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Yeah, I think it doesn&rsquo;t get much harder than this year. I think when you&rsquo;ve got, yeah, the reigning Olympic champion, the number one in the world and reigning world champion, then you have the last Olympic champion, Ben Maher.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
She noted that on any given Saturday night, there are at least 20 to 25 riders capable of winning&nbsp;a top-level class. With show jumping becoming increasingly global, the competition is fiercer than ever.
<h2>Why Storytelling Will Shape the Open&rsquo;s Success</h2>
<blockquote>
"She [Serena Williams] came to me and she said, &lsquo;This was the most exciting thing I have ever seen.&rsquo;"
</blockquote>
One of the biggest challenges for show jumping as a spectator sport is its complexity. Unlike mainstream sports, where fans follow clear teams and leagues, equestrian competition requires&nbsp;context &mdash; stories that bring riders and horses to life.
Kraut believes storytelling will be key in engaging fans. &ldquo;Most people that want to come to this love horses in some way. Maybe they've never been around one, they want to be around one, or maybe they've, yeah, they just want to be up close to an animal. So I think that these stories are what make the sport popular because it's just, yeah, it's exciting.&rdquo;
Even outside of traditional equestrian audiences, people can be drawn in when they understand the stakes. Kraut recalled a powerful moment from the Olympics: &ldquo;And I know that with the Olympics, the last two Olympics, I've had people who've watched who were not horse people at all and Serena Williams being one, she came to me and she said, &lsquo;This was the most exciting thing I have ever seen.&rsquo; She said she'd gone to volleyball the day before and she said, &lsquo;I didn't think anything would beat that. And this just blew it out of the water.&rsquo;&rdquo;
This kind of mainstream appeal&nbsp;is something the US Equestrian Open can harness by creating narratives around&nbsp;rivalries, young rising stars, and legendary horses.
<h2>What to Expect in Wellington</h2>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I have the best string of horses I&rsquo;ve ever had in my career.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</blockquote>
The first edition of the US Equestrian Open&nbsp;will take place in&nbsp;Wellington, Florida, known for hosting some of the most competitive winter circuits in the world. Many of the top US riders, including&nbsp;McLain Ward, Kent Farrington, and Kraut herself, will be vying for victory.
For Kraut, the competition is personal. &ldquo;I have the best string of horses I&rsquo;ve ever had in my career,&rdquo;&nbsp;she shared. With her talented mare&nbsp;Bisquetta, she is aiming for a top finish. &ldquo;She loves jumping at night, and she&rsquo;s fast &mdash; two things you need for this kind of event.&rdquo;
<h2>The Future of US Show Jumping</h2>
<blockquote>
"We have great competitors at every age."
</blockquote>
Beyond this event, there&rsquo;s a wave of young American talent&nbsp;emerging, giving the US a bright future in the sport. Kraut praised riders like&nbsp;Mimi Gochman and Natalie Dean, who are proving they can compete at the five-star level.&nbsp;&ldquo;For a while, it felt like we had a gap in top young riders, but now we have great competitors at every age. That&rsquo;s exactly what the sport needs.&rdquo; <video controls="controls" width="600" height="300"><source src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9af166a8-327a-43a8-8ba8-6d19ff5eccdc" type="video/mp4"></video>
As the US Equestrian Open build up gets underway, it feels like something big is happening&mdash; it&rsquo;s a&nbsp;new era for American show jumping. With&nbsp;elite competition, big prize money, and growing fan engagement, this championship has the potential to become a premier event on the international calendar. One thing is certain: the world will be watching.
<h2>Tune in &amp; Join the Journey</h2>
Catch the US Equestrian Open Podcast&nbsp;wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow along as we count down to&nbsp;one of the most exciting events in US show jumping!
<h3><a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/about-the-us-equestrian-open-series" target="_blank" rel="noopener">About the Series</a>:</h3>
Born from a commitment by the US Equestrian Board in July 2023, the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/about-the-us-equestrian-open-series" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Equestrian Open</a> 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>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/26e65d0f-a32f-4632-a9b6-debbb809300c?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="List of the Participating Classes for the 2025 U.s. Equestrian Open of Jumping (3)">
<h2 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h2>
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.
&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;

Profile image of Laura Kraut in her competition attire as she stands ringside watching the competition. She leans forward onto the arena wall with her hand to her chin & a concentrated expression.

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