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

Mai Baum, known to his connections as &lsquo;Lexus&rsquo; will compete in his final upper-level competition this weekend at Rebecca Farm&mdash;the very same class he won 10 years ago at this Montana venue, marking what was only his second four-star with rider Tamie Smith and their first four-star victory together.
The poetic symmetry of Mai Baum's farewell couldn't be more perfect. A decade ago, he launched what would become a legendary partnership with Smith by winning the Rebecca Farm CCI4*-S. Now, after one of the most impressive US eventing careers, he returns to the same competition, for his final farewell.
Listen to the 'Mai Baum Special' on US Equestrian Open Podcast now.
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<h2 dir="ltr">A Career Defined by Excellence</h2>
The numbers alone tell an extraordinary story. With 33 international starts, 20 podium finishes, and 13 wins, Mai Baum achieved a peak EquiRatings Elo of 833&mdash;the highest of any U.S. event horse in the past 15 years and ranking among the top 15 worldwide over that span.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/67a9aeb8-b39d-49ee-947e-cee480d34327.png?width=1150&amp;height=664" alt="Screenshot 2025 07 14 120819">
The horse's international career began in 2013 with Alexandra Ahearn. The next year at only his second international event, he had his first win in the CCI2*-S at Galway Downs. That victory marked the beginning of what would become a special relationship with the California venue&mdash;Tamie returned with him four times, in which they took the win every time.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/b8f397ef-3550-4463-9e2d-b7979ad9712c.png?width=1688&amp;height=784" alt="I Aa K6 ">
 For all of Mai Baum&rsquo;s accolades and podium finishes, his story was never written with medals in mind.&nbsp;<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/8d4b834c-771d-44a7-8c34-662cbeffb011.png?width=1080&amp;height=540" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (9)">
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Dressage Mastery</h2>
Perhaps no statistic better illustrates Mai Baum's consistency than his dressage record with Smith. Across 29 internationals together, they never scored in the 30s. Their best test came at Tryon in 2021 with a score of 20.4, while their worst was still a respectable 29.9 at Arville in 2021.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/150ba00e-34da-4d59-965a-86fee7da5b79.png?width=1688&amp;height=1320" alt="Ua Wi4 Mai Baum S Top 10 Dressage Tests">
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<h2 dir="ltr">Five-Star Prowess</h2>
Mai Baum's five-star record reads like a masterclass in big-competition performance. Across five attempts at the level (Kentucky 2021, Badminton 2022, Pratoni 2022 World Games, Kentucky 2023, Maryland 2024), he finished in the top 10 four times. Only a mid-course retirement at Maryland 2024 disrupted their otherwise perfect record, with Tamie choosing to pull up when Mai Baum showed signs of fatigue.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a705d953-ef4b-4e7f-a0ec-d3279b97a364.png?width=1924&amp;height=822" alt="Hey Un Mai Baum S Cci5 Record (1)">
The pinnacle came at Kentucky 2023, where Mai Baum and Tamie Smith became the first American pair to win since Phillip Dutton in 2008. Pre-competition, EquiRatings had highlighted them as the ones to beat, giving them a 66% win chance and an 88% shot at the podium.&nbsp; Despite this, it was still no easy feat. Sitting in third after dressage (24.2), they delivered a textbook cross-country round where they made the time &mdash; a decisive move that secured their 3.6-penalty victory.
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Final Chapter</h2>
Rebecca Farm is a fitting stage for Mai Baum&rsquo;s farewell &mdash; the site where his brilliance at the highest-level first truly emerged. In 2015, it was here, in the mountains of Montana, that Mai Baum won the CCI4*-S on just his second start at the level.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/aa03986c-8b82-4527-98eb-77ddcf2f12f6.png?width=1080&amp;height=554" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (7)">
According to the <a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/rebecca_4s_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EquiRatings Prediction Centre,</a> they arrive this weekend with a 61% win chance and an 85% podium chance, practically identical to their Kentucky odds in 2023.
&nbsp;<a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/rebecca_4s_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a9eebb6f-3354-4691-ad01-46a40e13db0d.png?width=720&amp;height=820" alt="Screenshot 2025 07 14 125127"></a> 
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<h2 dir="ltr">A Legacy Beyond Statistics</h2>
While Mai Baum's achievements speak for themselves but his impact extends far beyond ribbons and rankings.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d405773a-a361-425d-9996-d1a3cf8eb057.png?width=1080&amp;height=537" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (6)">
This weekend at Rebecca Farm, the eventing community will witness the end of an era. Mai Baum may be stepping down from the upper levels, but his legacy will endure for many years to come. That it happens where his greatest chapter began makes this farewell all the more fitting.
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<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h2>Listen to The US Equestrian Open Podcast Now</h2>
Tamie Smith, Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell relive the moments that made Lexus unforgettable: from a German auction to Kentucky glory, from heartbreak to heroics.
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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>.

Mai Baum Returns to Rebecca Farm for His Farewell

<h2>The Breakthrough in Dinard</h2>
Aaron Vale and Carissimo 25 clinched their first CSI5* Grand Prix victory together last weekend, delivering a storming jump-off performance to top the Rolex Grand Prix of Dinard. It was a win that had it all: electric atmosphere, fierce competition, and a fearless final round that stopped the clock in 38.77 seconds, almost two full seconds ahead of the rest.
This moment marked their fourth international victory as a pair and their first at five-star 1.60m level. It came in their 33rd round together at this height, a stat that makes the win feel even more deserved and hard-earned.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/3be125d5-a35e-4a4a-b05f-dbb0446afdd2.png?width=1006&amp;height=696" alt="J4n Rj Aaron Vale Carissimo 25 S International Victories">
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<h2>A Power Pair in Red, White, and Blue</h2>
This win is just the latest chapter in a growing legacy. Vale and Carissimo have worn the Team USA jacket in five-star Nations Cup competitions nine times to date, playing a pivotal role in two team victories: the Longines League of Nations in Ocala earlier this year and the Aga Khan Nations Cup in Dublin last year.
Their next stop? Back to Dublin, where they&rsquo;ll aim to defend that Nations Cup title. It&rsquo;s a venue they know well. Alongside last year&rsquo;s team win, the pair also stood on the podium in the Rolex Grand Prix of Dublin. With recent form peaking and that success still fresh in their minds, they look poised to make another deep run.
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<h2>Could They Do the Double in Dublin?</h2>
Momentum is everything in this sport and Vale and Carissimo are riding high. If their Dinard performance is any indication, they could be in serious contention for another Nations Cup win and possibly more in Dublin.

Blazing to Glory: Vale and Carissimo 25 Capture Their First Five-Star Grand Prix Win

We&rsquo;re over halfway through the first ever US Equestrian Open of Eventing - 12 Qualifiers done, eight to go. That&rsquo;s eight more chances to take the Series lead, or at least finish in the money (i.e. the top three). 
<ol>
<li>June 12th: Aspen Farms</li>
<li>June 27th: Maryland International</li>
<li>July 16th: The Event at Rebecca Farm</li>
<li>Sep 11th: The Fork at Tryon</li>
<li>Sep 18th: Plantation Field International</li>
<li>Sep 19th: Twin Rivers Fall International</li>
<li>Sep 25th: Stable View Oktoberfest</li>
<li>Oct 3rd: Woodside Fall International</li>
</ol>
Right now,&nbsp;Phillip Dutton is at the top of the table (215 points) but his closest threat, Jessica Phoenix, is just 30 points behind him (185). Is that gap surmountable? Absolutely. Here are two main reasons why:
1. You don&rsquo;t need a string of top placings to haul in 30 points. You just need to finish anywhere from 3rd to 5th place at any one Qualifier.
2. Gains of up to 130 points at a single event have been recorded&nbsp;so far in the Series. Jess herself earned 75 points at TerraNova earlier this year by placing first &amp; second at that event.
<h3>Current Series Leaders (After Qualifier 12 of 20):</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/44d77235-5934-41a7-9436-ec12f002966b.png?width=497&amp;height=675" alt="Leaderboard Before Aspen Farms (1)">
<h2>Don't Count Your Chickens, Phillip</h2>
Not only is it possible for Jess to overtake Phillip, it&rsquo;s reasonably within reach for several of our Series leaders.&nbsp;
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<li>Last year, Jess took two horses to Maryland International and four to Plantation Field - both among our remaining eight Qualifiers this season. If she can repeat her third place Maryland result from last July (Aeronautics), she'll gain 30 points right there. Boom. Enough to equal Phillip. From there, she'll just need a 10th place finish (or higher) at Plantation to secure the solo lead. Of course if she goes to Maryland and places first or second, that single result will put her in front.&nbsp;</li>
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<ul>
<li>West-Coaster&nbsp;James Alliston (3rd on the leaderboard) earned 125 of his Series points by taking full advantage of California's Twin Rivers Qualifier in April. With the Twin Rivers Fall International among our last eight events, will he make a bid for more points? James did compete in the 2021, 2023&nbsp;and 2024 Twin Rivers Fall CCI4*-S so its seems to be a well-liked stomping ground for him.</li>
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<ul>
<li>Last year, Boyd Martin (4th on the leaderboard) brought two horses to the fall running of The Fork CCI4*-S and three entries to Plantation Field CCI4*-S, two events in this year's autumn Qualifiers. If those two 2024 results were part of this year's Open, Boyd would have earned 25 more points. A repeat effort this year wouldn't earn him the lead but it would put him in the top three as it stands (<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a spot that earns $10,000 come season-end</a>).</li>
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<ul>
<li>Likewise, Caroline Pamukcu (5th on the leaderboard) contested The Fork CCI4*-S and Plantation Field CCI4*-S last fall, with Plantation Field in particular being a frequent stop for her over the years.&nbsp; This year alone, Caroline has competed six different horses at the CCI4*-S level, giving her options for racking up points over a selection of our remaining eight Qualifiers.</li>
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<h2>Let&rsquo;s Break it Down</h2>
1. What points are up for grabs in the remaining Qualifiers? Here&rsquo;s what can be banked depending on field size:&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c529e9e5-8120-4a83-9139-e0715ef07d4d.png?width=1080&amp;height=847" alt="Points Available at Each Eventing Qualifier">
2. What&rsquo;s possible? Here is how each of our current leaders reached their points tally. Between just the five of them, you&rsquo;ll notice six different instances of a rider earning 70+ points at a single event, not to mention&nbsp;James Alliston&rsquo;s 125-point haul at Twin Rivers and Boyd Martin grabbing 130 points at Stable View.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f68b9879-7ba2-453b-977b-78edb789c40a.png?width=1350&amp;height=1686" alt="The Current Us Equestrian Open Leaders and How They Got There (1)">
<h2>What's&nbsp;on the line?</h2>
Prize money. And in a sport where the vast majority of pros lead...let's say...less-than-opulent lifestyles, substantial winnings are particularly appreciated. After all the Qualifiers are a wrap, this is how the prize money is divvied:
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<ul>
<li>Series winner: $25,000</li>
<li>2nd place: $15,000</li>
<li>3rd place: $10,000</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Big Finale</h2>
And then there's the CCI4*-L Final at Morven Park in October. Series standings do not determine Final qualification. Instead, riders just need to complete any one of the Qualifiers with an MER, or a rider can even buy into the Final for $5,000 (provided they meet CCI4*-L pre-requisites). Any $5K buy-ins will be added to the Final's $200,000 prize-pot.
Now&nbsp;that's prize money. We can expect to see a strong field in the Series finale.
<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>.

Image of two women watching a competition from the supporters' platform. The image is from behind the women & the words "Team Dutton" are on both of their matching jackets. One woman wraps her arm around the other's shoulders.

Why Phillip Can't Count His Chickens

After 20 qualifiers, the leaderboard for the US Equestrian Open of Dressage has finally turned red, white, and blue. Anna Marek (105 points), Kristina Harrison-Antell (86), and Eline Eckroth (86) now hold the top three spots in a series that has, until recently, been defined by international domination. For the first time since Week 1, Americans control the podium positions. But getting there was anything but straightforward.
<h2 dir="ltr">A Disrupted Start</h2>
Qualifier 1 saw Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn lead the way, <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/genay-vaughn-gino-clinch-grand-prix-freestyle-win-with-new-personal-best" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claiming victory in Thermal</a> and becoming both the first winner and the first American to top the leaderboard. She remained at the top through Week 3, first tying with Germany's Felicitas Hendricks in Week 2, then sharing the lead with both Hendricks and Charlotte Jorst in Week 3. By Week 4, the tide had shifted. Hendricks claimed the top spot on the leaderboard, with Tinne Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n in second and Evelyn Eger in third, a European sweep of the standings even though none had won that week's event outright.
Week 4 Leaderboard <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e286c51b-e04e-41f6-b23e-7c861b4c040a.png?width=499&amp;height=516" alt="Leaderboard from week Four showing Hendricks in first">
That moment marked the start of a six-week drought for the American flag. Throughout the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and early WEC qualifiers, the top five remained packed with international riders. Danielle Gallagher (CAN) <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/gallagher-and-eckroth-deliver-career-best-rides-at-qualifier-five" target="_blank" rel="noopener">swept the early WEC events</a>. Hendricks and Eger took turns leading the standings. Even when Americans scored well, they were often second or third to an international winner.
The volatility at the top was fueled by a scoring system built for consistency, but early results were shaped by riders still early in their seasons, many of whom had competed only once at that point. For the first eight qualifiers, ties dominated the top five. Week 8 was the first time there were distinct riders in first through fourth place. But even then, three riders were still tied for fifth. It wouldn&rsquo;t be until Week 15 that the leaderboard showed a fully separated top five.
Week 8 Leaderboard <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/78d0bcf9-2d32-4010-909f-f4f7b30938cc.png?width=499&amp;height=404" alt="Leaderboard from week 8 showing a that there were finally no ties in first-fourth place">
<h3 dir="ltr">The Turnaround</h3>
Qualifier 10 marked the beginning of a power shift. Anna Marek&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/down-to-the-decimal-mendoza-loor-wins-closest-finish-in-series-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener">second-place finish</a> behind Julio Mendoza Loor earned her enough points to overtake Eger on the leaderboard. From there, more Americans began climbing. Although international riders still held space in the top five, their grip was slipping.
By Week 15, the leaderboard finally produced a fully separated top five. The following weeks saw rapid change: in Week 17, Kristina Harrison-Antell jumped from sixth to second, displacing Gallagher entirely. Two weeks later, Eline Eckroth pulled into a tie for second. And in Week 20, Vaughn <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/four-for-four-vaughns-streak-continues-at-devonwood" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reentered the top five</a> with 80 points, reclaiming her position among the leaders. By the start of the summer break, seven of the top ten were Americans, and Eger had dropped to fourth.
Week 20 Leaderboard <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/445b3e55-36f5-4ebe-9d89-e0b7ec6cd55f.jpg?width=499&amp;height=369" alt="Leaderboard from week 20 showing the top ten riders">
<h3 dir="ltr">The Three Who Rose</h3>
Americans now hold the top three spots, and Marek, Harrison-Antell, and Eckroth have each carved their own path to the front of the standings.
For Marek, the season has been a mix of brilliance and near-misses. Despite high scores and freestyle flair, she often found herself just edged out. In Qualifier 10, her second-place finish behind Mendoza Loor earned her enough points to finally overtake Germany's Evelyn Eger on the leaderboard. Over the course of six qualifiers, Marek has never placed below third. Four of those rides scored over 77%, including a win on 77.755%. Her partnerships with Fire Fly and Fayvel have been among the most electric and consistent of the season. Marek is the only rider campaigning two mounts, a flexibility that strengthens her position in the race for the overall series lead.
Harrison-Antell has earned her 86 points entirely on the West Coast. She was often chasing Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn, but when Vaughn went to Europe for the World Cup Final, Harrison-Antell stepped into the winner&rsquo;s circle herself. Her consistency in smaller West Coast fields has made her a quiet powerhouse&mdash;scoring between 70.9% and 72.7% in four of her five starts, with one off week dipping to 68.1%. When adjusting for that off-character ride, Harrison-Antell is a reliable 72% scorer, which is exactly the kind of consistency that puts you at the top of this leaderboard.
Eckroth wasn&rsquo;t on anyone&rsquo;s radar early in the season, but she&rsquo;s been steadily stacking results while others sat out. By continuing to show up, especially in weeks with thinner fields, she capitalized on every opportunity to climb the leaderboard. She picked up a personal best in <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/us-open-of-dressage-a-three-way-tie-at-the-top" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qualifier 7</a> and added points in small-field weekends like <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/nichols-claims-first-senior-freestyle-victory-at-terranova" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qualifier 13</a>. She&rsquo;s the only rider in the current top five without a freestyle win, but consistency alone put her into a tie for second heading into the break.
The leaderboard, once dominated by international names, now tells a different story. Americans have fought their way back into control, but the margin is slim. And now the question is: can they hold the line?
We&rsquo;ll be watching.
Starting next week, we&rsquo;ll dig into the rides and scores that built this leaderboard, and into the data that turned a scoreboard into a season-long story.

Anna Marek atop Fire Fly in the trot at an international dressage competition.

After the Drought: How the Americans Took Back the Leaderboard

Morven Park 2025 is poised to become the second-strongest CCI4*-L ever held on US soil since records began in 2015, boasting an Elo field strength of 596. Only The Fork at Tryon in 2020 (605) has assembled a stronger lineup.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5758f9e2-f2be-4f0b-bace-9cbf8f0fc71d.png?width=1008&amp;height=1140" alt="138t N Cci4 L Field Strengths on Us Soil Since 2015">
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<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">Rising to the Top</h3>
This marks a significant milestone for American eventing and the US Equestrian Open. Of the 46 CCI4*-L competitions held in the US over the past decade, this competition has established itself as a premier destination for the sport's elite. This will be the venue's fifth consecutive year holding a CCI4*-L and each edition has grown stronger. The 2025 field represents a massive leap in both depth and quality - a jump of 130 Elo points from last year.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/12fd79bb-5dc0-4b16-b869-5dd9f2621e81.png?width=1008&amp;height=700" alt="E8ppa Morven Park Field Strength">
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<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">Understanding Field Strength</h3>
Field strength measures the average Elo rating of the top 20 horses in a competition, providing a clear indicator of both quality and depth. The Elo rating system tracks performance over time, rewarding consistency and results in competitive fields while accounting for the difficulty of each achievement.
The depth throughout the top 20 is remarkable. While Off The Record and Miks Master C headline the field, riders like Phillip Dutton (with both Denim and Possante), Caroline Pamukcu (three horses in the top 15), and Boyd Martin (two in the top four) have brought multiple top-tier mounts, creating a field where any number of combinations could claim victory.
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/826ea0f0-85e7-4bc7-b6b7-2d1754c1eee1.png?width=1328&amp;height=2010" alt="Std1h Top 20 Elo Rated Horses in the Morven Field">
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<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">What Makes This Year Different</h3>
Several factors have come together to create this historic field. Most notably, this is the inaugural US Equestrian Open Final, the culmination of a year-long series of qualifiers and boasting the largest prize purse ever at this level - $200,000. That combination of prestige, financial incentive, and Morven Park&rsquo;s growing reputation for world-class footing and course design has drawn many of the nation&rsquo;s very best to Leesburg.
The US Equestrian Open Final is going to be an exciting chapter of world class competition on home soil as the sport and US Eventing look ahead to LA 2028. With history on the line and $200,000 up for grabs, next weekend promises to deliver drama worthy of the field assembled.
The stage is set and the best have answered the call. Now it's time to see who rises to the occasion.
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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>.

Growing Depth: Morven Park 2025 Raises the Bar

The US Equestrian Open Final at Morven Park is about to brings together some of the best horses in the US but also globally to compete for the largest prize pot at the CCI4*-L level in history. While traditional rankings focus on who finished on the podium, the EquiRatings Elo digs deeper - rewarding horses who've consistently tackled tough competition and delivered when it mattered most.
Elo is a rating system that tracks how strong a horse's results are over time &mdash; kind of like a world ranking, but based on performance quality, not just placings. Big results in tough fields send your Elo up faster. Smaller wins or mistakes in easier company might hold you steady or even knock you down. It's how we measure long-term class.
From veterans to 10-year-olds already posting world-class numbers, the field at Morven is stacked with depth. Here are the 10 horses with the highest Elo ratings heading into Morven Park.
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/58d4c0a6-f0eb-4e33-9e1e-955696610f4e.png?width=851&amp;height=1289" alt="Morven Park Graphics (15)">
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<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">1. Off The Record | Elo: 779 | 16 years old | William Coleman</h3>
Off The Record sits atop not just this field but the entire American eventing landscape. With an Elo of 779, this 16-year-old is the highest-rated horse in the US currently and the second-highest rated US horse&nbsp;on record, trailing only the legendary Mai Baum. Currently ranked 13th in the world, Off The Record has built his Elo through his ultimate consistency at the highest level.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">2. Miks Master C | Elo: 742 | 13 years old | Boyd Martin</h3>
The 13-year-old Miks Master C earned his 742 Elo rating while partnered with Liz Halliday before joining Boyd Martin's string. He's currently the third-highest rated horse in the US, sitting behind only Off The Record and 'Mikki's' stablemate, Commando 3. Miks Master C is currently ranked 25th globally.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">3. HSH Blake | Elo: 662 | 10 years old | Caroline Pamukcu</h3>
At just 10 years old, HSH Blake has established himself as the second-highest rated 10-year-old in the world, behind only Clarke Johnston's Rocketman. With an Elo of 662, this young horse may represent the future of American eventing.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">4. Shanroe Cooley | Elo: 661 | 10 years old | Boyd Martin</h3>
Shanroe Cooley ranks as the third-highest rated 10-year-old, coming in a mere 1 point behind HSH Blake Also produced by Liz Halliday, 'Dallas'' steep Elo ascent is a credit to his almost perfect cross-country record: 21 clear rounds out of 22 starts (one elimination).
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">5. Denim | Elo: 649 | 10 years old | Phillip Dutton</h3>
Denim ranks fifth worldwide among 10-year-olds. Since 2023, this horse has only&nbsp;gained Elo points through nearly always finishing in the top 10. Remarkably, Denim has never won an event, proving you don't need victories to build an elite rating.&nbsp;
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">6. Larcot Z | Elo: 649 | 12 years old | Lauren Nicholson</h3>
The 12-year-old Larcot Z has quickly moved up the rankings with his recent form. In Lauren's last three international starts with Larcot Z, they've won two: an 18-point gain at Bromont CCI4*-L, followed by a withdrawal at Hartpury (which doesn't affect Elo), and then a massive 26-point gain from winning a competitive CCI4*-S section at Arville.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">7. QC Diamantaire | Elo: 649 | 15 years old | Sydney Elliott</h3>
At 15 years old, QC Diamantaire has had more time than some younger horses to build an impressive resume. This partnership has competed in 46 international events together dating back to 2016. Standout performances include a podium finish at Kentucky CCI4*-S in 2023 and another top-10 result at Kentucky in 2024, cementing their place on this list.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">8. Possante | Elo: 648 | 12 years old | Phillip Dutton</h3>
Denim's stablemate, the 12-year-old Possante, benefits from Phillip Dutton's masterful cross-country riding. Dutton has never incurred a cross-country penalty with this horse, allowing for consistent Elo increases built on reliability and clean rounds.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">9. Freedom GS | Elo: 636 | 13 years old | Jessica Phoenix</h3>
Freedom GS, the only mare on the list, carries Canadian hopes into Morven Park as the third-highest rated Canadian horse currently and the fifth-highest rated Canadian horse of all time. With an Elo of 636, Freedom GS sits just seven points behind the highest-rated Candian horse - Kilcandra OceanPower (643 Elo with Nicolas Helayel). A strong performance at Morven could see Freedom GS claim the title of the highest-rated Canadian horse.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">10. Dyri | Elo: 581 | 13 years old | Lucienne Bellissimo</h3>
The 13-year-old Dyri has recently experienced the volatility of the Elo rating. Previously eared as high as 614, an unlucky start to the season, including an elimination and a retirement, has dropped the rating. But before this rough patch, Dyri had won a CCI4*-S and earned three additional four-star podiums. The class is clearly there, and Morven Park offers a chance to rebuild that elite rating.
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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 Top 10 Elo-Rated Horses at the US Equestrian Open Final

During this brief break in the US Equestrian Open calendar, all three of our Series leaders are competing on the world stage at CHIO Aachen (Germany) this week. Aachen, like all of the US Equestrian Open qualifiers, is a CCI4*-S and its one of the toughest CCI4*-S events in the world. How might our Series leaders fare abroad?
<h3>Series Standings as of July 4th, 2025 (After Qualifier 14):</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/d157fc24-3f4a-4051-97fd-f08a6dbc9f19.png?width=675&amp;height=844" alt="Current Series Leaders after Qualifier 14 (Maryland Int.)">
<h2>Phillip Dutton with Possante and Denim</h2>
Current Series leader (in the $25K position) | 215 points
Possante&nbsp;and Phillip&rsquo;s last international run was a second-place finish in the Cosequin&reg; Lexington 4*-S (Qualifier 11) where they earned 45 Series points. It was the pair&rsquo;s third top-three placing at the level of their five CCI4*-S appearances together. CHIO Aachen is known for a cross country-course that surprises even the world&rsquo;s best but if anyone knows how to handle whatever a cross-country course throws at you, it&rsquo;s one Phillip Dutton.
Plus, together, this pair have never had a CCI4*-S cross-country jumping fault so there is a big opportunity for them to move up the Aachen leaderboard come Saturday.&nbsp;
Possante&rsquo;s younger stablemate at just 10 years-old, Denim finished fourth in this year&rsquo;s Cosequin&reg; Lexington 4*-S which was also his latest international outing. He is ranked as a reliable cross-country jumper and is the most-reliable show jumper in the field.
<h2>Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS</h2>
Currently second place in the Series (in the $15K position) | 185 Points
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d03b7e99-5f24-43a0-a2c0-abaa556da494.jpg?width=4914&amp;height=3592" alt="Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS at the Paris Olympics. Photo by Tilly Berendt.">
Jessica Phoenix &amp;&nbsp;Freedom GS at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Paris Olympians&nbsp;Jess and Freedom GS are both making their CHIO Aachen debut. Freedom has earned Jess 80 of her 185 total Series points so far, doing so with a win at TerraNova this spring (Qualifier 6) and a third in the Cosequin&reg; Lexington 4*-S (Qualifier 11).
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/well-take-almost-every-horse-weve-got" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jess is seriously targeting her string for the Series Final this October (Morven Park CCI4*-L)</a> and this additional appearance on the European stage (after Paris) will only add even more valuable experience under Freedom&rsquo;s belt, a horse who is a top contender for the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Series-ending $200,000 prize pot</a>.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Caroline Pamukcu &amp; HSH Blake</h2>
Currently third place in the Series (in the $10K position) | 155 Points
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/106c84f1-3bb2-49f9-a493-049709f09149.jpg?width=null&amp;height=null" alt="HSH Blake and Caroline Pamukcu at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Photo by Tilly Berendt.">
Caroline Pamukcu &amp; HSH Blake at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
With She&rsquo;s The One, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLiOgDtN2Go/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Caroline won the latest Series qualifier at Maryland International</a> (Qualifier 14) last weekend. Thanks also to a fifth place finish with HSH Tolan King, Caroline added 60 total Series points at that event, moving from fifth to third in the standings (and into the money positions).
Now, with her Paris Olympic mount and Pan American Champion, Caroline will want to get her groove back with her special HSH Blake:&nbsp;At Paris, they incurred 20 cross country points; they returned to international competition with a CCI3*-S in Carolina this spring - no issues there; but then they contested the Cosequin&reg; Lexington 4*-S (Qualifier 11) in April and got a 15-point flag penalty. A clean cross country round here will be particularly important for this pair. HSH Blake is rated as one of the fastest horses in the CHIO Aachen field and it's typically tight for time at the venue. Blake's speed will be of great advantage on the Aachen leaderboard if paired with a clear round, which their both well-able to produce.&nbsp;
<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 dark bay horse HSH Blake and Caroline Pamukcu leave a dressage arena after completing a dressage test. HSH Blake has a content, ears-pricked expression and Caroline smiles.

Our Series Top Three are Among the World's Best in Europe this Weekend

The US Equestrian Open arrives at The Fork at Tryon this weekend after an almost two-month break from competition. This is the fifth-to-last qualifier before Morven Park, with entries already flowing in for the series final. This weekend, The Fork fields over 30 entries, meaning extra points are up for grabs in the battle for the series title. With more than 25 starters, the top five finishers have the chance to earn a higher amount of points: 1st place (50 pts), 2nd place (45 pts), 3rd place (40 pts), 4th place (35 pts), and 5th place (30 pts). Caroline Pamukcu, sitting third in the series standings, arrives with three rides and will be looking to improve on her previous counting scores this weekend. But it's Boyd Martin who has grabbed our attention. Sitting 5th in the series with only 4 of 6 counting scores - and one of these being a mere 5 points - The Fork is Boyd's chance for series contention. Sitting 80 points behind the series leader Phillip Dutton and with a combined 42% win chance across his three horses, this weekend is likely to change the series standings. Listen to the 'The Fork at Tryon Preview Show' on the US Equestrian Open Podcast now.
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/38158805/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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<h3>Boyd Martin's Moment</h3>
This venue has been golden for Boyd before. He has won The Forks CCI4*-S twice, taking victory in 2019 with&nbsp;Tsetserleg TSF and again in 2023 with Commando 3. Now he returns with three different horses: Miks Master C, Shanroe Cooley, and Luke 140.&nbsp;
The Last Ten Winners of The Fork at Tryon
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1d5a8cc0-4acb-447d-872b-0242209dadd3.png?width=598&amp;height=745" alt="Screenshot 2025 09 11 171719">
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Both of Boyd's top contenders are new rides for him, having taken over from Liz Halliday. With Liz, Miks Master C won four CCI4*-S events and finished 3rd at Kentucky CCI5* in 2023, while Shanroe Cooley also finished on CCI4* podiums. This will be Boyd's second event and first CCI4* with both horses. While Boyd may take a conservative cross country approach when developing his new partnerships, the proven class of both horses under Boyd's expertise means they are still likely to feature prominently on the leaderboard.
In contrast, Luke 140 is Boyd's well-known partner, together since 2019. He was 3rd in the CCI3*-S at Bromont which was his first event after finishing inside the top 10 at Kentucky 5* in the spring.&nbsp;
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<h3>What It Takes to Win The Fork</h3>
Boyd Martin may arrive with a competitive string but The Fork doesn't hand out victories easily. Looking at the last 10 runnings, winners have finished on a score anywhere from 25.7 to 38.5. With the average dressage score sitting at 29.0 and the average winning score being 32.0 -&nbsp;you can only afford to add a few penalties along the way. 
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/01863fa3-516b-4d83-a56d-0b8a3a84058c.png?width=1075&amp;height=586" alt="Screenshot 2025 09 11 174000">
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<h3>The Dressage Battle</h3>
Leading after day one is certainly a good start but only 2 of the last 10 dressage leaders have gone on to win. Boyd's proven he can win from anywhere - front-running with Commando 3 in 2023 or climbing from 3rd in 2019. When looking at the&nbsp;EquiRatings 6 Run Average (6RA),&nbsp;Miks Master C leads the field with a 25.8 6RA while HSH Connor and Caroline Pamukcu follow with 27.0. Luke 140 and Cooley Chromatic (Sara Schulman) also sit on sub-30 6RAs.
The Best Dressage Horses in the Field
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d949ebc7-8131-4259-a5d5-f85f0187968d.png?width=421&amp;height=903" alt="Screenshot 2025 09 11 174914">
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<h3>Show Jumping phase&nbsp;</h3>
Show jumping has played a decisive role at The Fork over the years &mdash; but not always in the way you&rsquo;d expect. The venue's clear rates vary wildly - from 63% in 2017 down to just 14% in 2023, but on average only 38% are likely to manage a clear round on Saturday.
Clear Rates Year by Year | (Clear= clear jump &amp; time)
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/932d63ed-0d2c-44af-ac46-86a7ace787eb.png?width=550&amp;height=628" alt="Screenshot 2025 09 11 175354"> The most reliable show jumpers in the field are&nbsp;Lindsay Traisnel's Bacyrouge, Ashley Adams' Quicksilver Grans, and Mary Bess Davis' Imperio Magic. Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic arrive to The Fork on a streak of 8 consecutive international clears. It is the longest incoming streak in the field and their round is not to be missed on Saturday.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/24d6a602-3ba5-46b8-9ab1-9e464df6bb8a.png?width=747&amp;height=637" alt="Screenshot 2025 09 11 175654">
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<h3>The Speed Challenge</h3>
Saturday's cross-country delivers a solid 78% jumping clear rate - 10% above the CCI4*-S average. The real challenge lies in the speed with only 7% managing to finish inside the optimum time over the last ten runnings. The course has grown increasingly demanding in recent years, with just one combination making the time in the last five editions.
Cross Country Summary&nbsp; 
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d97fe673-a13e-480e-befd-75adb69141bf.png?width=753&amp;height=513" alt="Screenshot 2025 09 11 181503">
Clear inside-the-time rates year by year
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f8f07256-e64a-4f98-ba42-ab5a08d23674.png?width=502&amp;height=531" alt="Screenshot 2025 09 11 181603"> With venue history like this, the speed horses are the one's to watch on Sunday. Based on the EquiRatings Top Speed Percentage (TSP),&nbsp;the fastest horses are Caroline Pamukcu's HSH Double Sixteen and HSH Tolan King, Bacyrouge for Lindsay Traisnel,&nbsp;and Kim Severson's Cooley Corraghy Diamond.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f776c76c-3e20-4bf5-b530-cf45ff70912c.png?width=448&amp;height=970" alt="Screenshot 2025 09 11 182024">
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<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Who Wins?</h3>
According to the <a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/thefork_4s_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EquiRatings Prediciton Centre,</a> Boyd Martin has three strong chances - a&nbsp; 28% win chance with Miks Master C, plus 10% with Shanroe Cooley and 4% with Luke 140. Add them up and Boyd sits on a 42% chance of victory, nearly three times more than his closest rival.&nbsp;Will Coleman and Very Dignified trail at 16%, while Sydney Elliott's QC Diamantaire sits at 15%.
<a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/thefork_4s_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5a1652c6-ce2e-44df-8ef0-02b98bb864d1.png?width=855&amp;height=820" alt="Screenshot 2025 09 11 153942"></a>
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<h3>Want to know more about The Fork at Tryon?</h3>
We've crunched all the numbers, analyzed every stat, and uncovered the key storylines you need to know before The Fork at Tryon kicks off this weekend. From dressage averages to cross-country clear rates, speed percentages to show jumping reliability - it's all in our comprehensive form guide. Check it out <a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/thefork2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.</a>
<h3>When and Where to Watch</h3>
Competition kicks off Friday with dressage running from 10:50am. Cross-country starts at 11.10am on Saturday and show jumping on Sunday from 11:49am. All times are local.
You can catch all the action live on the <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_US/events/16709?utm_campaign=main_slider_content&amp;utm_medium=cmh_content_slider&amp;utm_source=clipmyhorse&amp;utm_term=2025%2BOcala%2BSummer%2BSeries%2BII%2BCSI3%252A" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USEF Network, powered by ClipMyHorse.TV,</a> streaming free with a <a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USEF Fan Membership</a>. With Boyd's series surge on the line and three legitimate contenders in his arsenal, this weekend promises drama.
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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 Fork at Tryon CCI4*-S Preview: Boyd Martin's Moment

Morven Park's CCI4*-L has been running since 2021. Since then the venue has gained a fantastic reputation for being a strong competition which rewards excellence across all three phases. As we count down to this year's US Equestrian Open Final, here's how the last four winners claimed their place in the venue's hall of fame.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c4730ecf-d58b-47ed-872e-e849cc9ef902.png?width=511&amp;height=313" alt="Screenshot 2025 10 01 170446">
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<h2 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">&nbsp;</h2>
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">2021: Phillip Dutton &amp; Quasi Cool - The Triple Crown Year</h3>
For Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool, 2021 was the year. The pair had three wins together - their only three career wins as a combination: a CCI3*-S, a CC14*-S, ending with the pinnacle: their win at Morven Park&rsquo;s four-star long.
They sat joint-second after dressage on 29.8, behind Buck Davidson and Cooley Candyman, who also return this year. But with Dutton's masterful cross-country riding, he added less time than Buck edging them ahead to victory with a final score of 34.2.&nbsp;
Dutton returns with Denim and Possante, ready to add another chapter (and potentially even win) to his Morven Park story.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">2022: Tamra Smith &amp; Solaguayre California - The Seven Year Wait</h3>
The chestnut mare California was just 11 years old and tackling only her second CCI4*-L when she and Tamra Smith produced a near-perfect performance. Sitting second after dressage on 29.3, they added just 0.4 time penalties (one second) across the jumping phases to win on a score of 29.7.
The win was Smith's second at the four-star long level - a seven-year wait after her first, which came at Fair Hill with Mai Baum. The overnight leaders, Sharon White and Claus 63, were eliminated on cross-country, opening the door for California's triumph. Sharon White and Claus 63 are entered again this year.
Smith will returns to Morven Park this year with Kynan, a horse who has never finished outside the top 10 in his three runs at the CCI4*-L level.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">2023: Boyd Martin &amp; Commando 3 - Winning from the Front</h3>
In 2023, Boyd became the only winner of Morven to win from the front after dressage. Commando 3, one of Boyd's biggest stars, laid down a 26.2 dressage test and never looked back, adding just 3.2 cross-country time penalties to finish on final score of 29.4.
The win was Martin's 9th at the CCI4*-L level since 2008, adding his 10th earlier this year. <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/boyd-martin-is-one-of-the-most-successful-4-l-riders-and-hes-entered-for-the-final" target="_blank" rel="noopener">No rider in the world has tallied more wins at this level </a>- he shares the record of 10 with Australia's Shane Rose, but nobody beats him.
Commando 3 went on to finish 2nd at Kentucky CCI5* this year and returns to Maryland 5* in a few weeks. Boyd will return to Morven Park as the series winner and with two strong contenders: Miks Master C and Shanroe Cooley, both sitting high on the <a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/morvenpark_4l_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prediction center.</a>
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">2024: Julie Wolfert &amp; SSH Playboy - The Comeback Queen</h3>
Julie Wolfert pulled off the biggest winning climb of this competition, moving from 6th after dressage to claim victory by finishing on their dressage score - only the fifth combination to achieve this at the venue. Starting on 34.5, Wolfert and Ssh Playboy jumped double clear across both phases to move into the top spot.&nbsp;The victory marked Wolfert's third CCI4*-L start - all with SSH Playboy - and her first win at the level.&nbsp;
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In 10 days, we'll have another name to add to this prestigious list. Who will join Morven Park's hall of fame?
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<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>.

Phillip Dutton was the first-ever winner of this class.

Morven Park’s Champions: A Look at the Hall of Fame

The final of the US Equestrian Open Championship promises top-quality dressage, and based on EquiRatings' 6RA scores (the average of a horse's last six international dressage tests), here are the five horses most likely to lead after the first phase.
1. Miks Master C | Boyd Martin | 6RA: 25.9 Test Time: 11:00 AM Friday
This new ride for Boyd boasts the lowest 6RA in the field, though only two of these six tests have been with Martin - the horse was previously campaigned by Liz Halliday. In their partnership so far, they've scored 27 and 27.9, but this talented horse has gone as low as 20.1 with Liz back in 2023. Can Boyd unlock that potential again or will it take a bit more time to get to know eachother?
2. Possante | Phillip Dutton | 6RA: 28.8 Test Time: 1:42 PM Friday
One of Phillip's two rides here, Possante has a bit of a mixed record but finished on a strong note with a 24.5 just three weeks ago (September 18th). Earlier this year at Aachen, they scored 34.2, though the field was marked particularly harshly across the board. Expect Phillip to be extremely competitive this weekend as he was pipped last minute in the Series race.
3. Very Dignified | Wil Coleman | 6RA: 30.1 Test Time: 11:14 AM Thursday
A previous 4*-L winner, this horse has four of his last six tests with Will - the other two were with Robbie Kearns in Ireland. Coleman has been steadily improving the dressage with scores beginning to creep lower. Going early on Thursday morning, they're likely to set the standard as day one leaders.
4. Off The Record | Will Coleman | 6RA: 30.3 Test Time: 11:56 AM Friday
Joint-most likely winner according to the Prediction Centre (alongside Miks Master C), this Aachen winner has demonstrated that he can be extremely accurate and correct. They went as low as 21.8 when winning Kentucky - a new venue record and the horse's personal best. Their next outing saw a 35.6 (Aachen), so it's likely we can expect them somewhere in the middle of that spectrum.
5. Kynan | Tamra Smith | 6RA: 30.4 Test Time: 1:21 PM Friday
Tamie will be bringing her A game here as a previous Morven Park winner while also holding the lowest finishing score record on US soil at CCI4*-L level. Kynan is remarkably consistent, hovering around the 30 mark without much variation, so you can bank on them delivering right around their 6RA.
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Dressage takes place Thursday and Friday at the Grand Prix arena, with CCI4*-S tests also interspersed throughout the schedule. Check out the fan guide here: &nbsp;<a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/thefinal2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://usequestrianopen.info/thefinal2025/</a> 
<hr>
<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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<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>.
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