<p>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.</p>

Main

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

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

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

<p>Returning for the third year in a row for the CCI4*-L, <strong>Lucienne Bellissimo </strong>and&nbsp;the 13-year-old gelding <strong>Dyri</strong> have proven that they can perform at this venue. Last year, they led the CCI4*-L after dressage (30.7) only to drop to second with 4.8 cross-country time penalties. The year before, they finished 4th.</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body"><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">"He's done the four-star long at Morven twice now. </span><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">He sadly didn't win it last year. He finished up second... He deserved to win it. </span><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">I found a gallop that suited him and I left him alone and it was the right choice by the horse. </span><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">But I will definitely be aiming him for the four long </span><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">there again."</span></p>
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<p class="cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body"><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">In fact, this will be their 5th year in a row at this venue and their track record speaks for itself. With results like this, <strong>Bellissimo </strong>and <strong>Dyri </strong>are a serious threat even though they may not instantly make the headlines or top the <a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/morvenpark_4l_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EquiRatings Prediction Center.</a></span></p>
<p class="cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body"><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/b5bfa8f1-8c65-473c-bd1e-c21cd72d7801.png?width=1880&amp;height=666" alt="Rrj Rz "></span></p>
<h3>Their 2025 Season</h3>
<p>The season started brilliantly with two top-five finishes at CCI4*-S but then came challenges. At Kentucky, their first attempt at five-star, Bellissimo made a tough call:&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I could feel him saying, I'm not enjoying this. So I put my hand up and did the walk of shame and brought him home, but it was the right choice because he doesn't deserve to get spooked."</p>
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<p>A few weeks later, what should have been a confidence-building run at Tryon's four-star long turned into an unlucky fall at a double of corners when Dyri hit the back rail after an open distance.&nbsp;<br><br><em>"Horses, it's a humbling sport,"</em> Bellissimo admits. Two difficult outings in a row for a usually reliable partnership.</p>
<h3>The Rebuild</h3>
<p>Rather than push through, Bellissimo took the approach of stepping back a few levels and giving Dyri a spin around some smaller events. The strategy worked - winning their last two events, albeit at the CCI2*-S level. With two FODs, it seems the partnership is clicking again - just in time for Morven Park 2025.</p>
<h3><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/04fc8630-3c6e-4d49-a0a3-542ecdc7ec5f.png?width=1676&amp;height=422" alt="Ff L77 "></h3>
<h3>The Morven Threat</h3>
<p>Because of this inconsistent start to the season, Dyri doesn't feature high on the Prediction Center. But knowing the full story, the rebuild, and the track record - this combination could be a real threat.<br><br>In the dressage, you can expect this pair to score around the 30 mark - which was enough to lead this exact competition last year. As long as their cross country stays back on track, they are in with a good chance. Dyri's showjumping record is excellent - having only had one pole across their last 8 international runs.</p>
<p>Bellissimo discussed how the US Equestrian Open adds extra pressure: <em>"It does suddenly make you think, maybe I should go a bit quicker today," </em>and with time penalties being the only thing that cost them victory at Morven last year? The pressure may benefit this pair this time around.</p>
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<h3><em>Listen to&nbsp;<strong>Lucienne </strong>Bellissimo on the US Equestrian Open Podcast now.</em></h3>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/37875415/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></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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"></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>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;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>

The Morven Specialists: Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri

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<div>After the 20 CCI4*-S Qualifiers, the grand finale of the US Equestrian Open steps up to a CCI4*-L at Morven Park. To qualify for the $200,000 Final, riders must earn an MER at any one of the Qualifiers. So far,&nbsp;<strong>76 athletes have earned their ticket</strong>, with five more qualifiers still to come.&nbsp;<strong>Who of them has demonstrated 4*-L winning form? </strong></div>
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<div>Now,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">riders can also buy into the Final</a> without having MER'ed at a Qualifier - provided they meet all other 4*-L prerequisites - but here, we're going to focus on the pre-qualified athletes. We looked at the 4*-L results of the 76 Final-eligible riders and compared them to the 4*-L winning standard.</div>
<h1>What does it take to win a 4*-L on US soil?</h1>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Across the last 20 4*-L events on US soil, the winners averaged a<strong> </strong>first-phase score of 31.8 and a final score of 35.3.&nbsp;Looking beyond the averages,<strong> eighteen of the 20 winners scored a sub-35.0 dressage score</strong> and a <strong>slight majority of them (12), finished on a sub-35.0 score.</strong></div>
<div><br><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/480414b7-56c8-4791-bb02-134bd42be4e0.png?width=1366&amp;height=2881" alt="Last 20 winners of US 4L events"></div>
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<h1>Who's scored a sub-35 <strong>dressage</strong> score at US 4* longs?</h1>
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<div>Of the 76 Final-qualified riders, <strong>11 have scored three or more sub-35.0 dressage tests at US 4*-L events within the last few years</strong> (2021 onward).</div>
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<div><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1f2f678e-0a7e-4b4b-8572-f2756bc6aeb2.png?width=1096&amp;height=1314" alt="Kv11y Final Qualified Riders With the Most Sub 35 0 Dressage Scores at Recent Us 4 L Events"></div>
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<div>Table-topper <strong>Tamie Smith</strong>&nbsp;has earned three of her 12 scores with <strong>Kynan </strong>who she has&nbsp;<a href="https://evententries.com/#ShowCenterNy7IspNRvqnjxKn3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">entered for the Final</a>.&nbsp;</div>
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<div><strong>Boyd Martin's</strong> eight sub-35.0 scores came from just nine US 4*-L starts since 2021, and one was at Tryon this spring with <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"><strong>Barney Rubble </strong>who he has entered for the Final</a>.&nbsp;</div>
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<div><strong>Caroline Pamukcu</strong> earned three of her sub-35s with <strong>King's Especiale</strong>, <strong>HSH Double Sixteen</strong>, and<strong> HSH Blake</strong> - all three of whom are entered for the Final.</div>
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<div><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/87378dd5-acf6-495e-93ee-cc0ff04539d8.jpg?width=5728&amp;height=5345" alt="Hsh Blake Kentucky 2024 Er Caroline Pamukcu 3856_photo by Tilly Berendt"></div>
<div><em style="font-size: 90%; color: #999999;">HSH Blake &amp; Caroline Pamukcu. Photo by Tilly Berendt.</em></div>
<h1>Who's scored a sub-35 <strong>finishing</strong> score at US 4* longs?</h1>
<div>
<p>Just 10 of the 76 Final-qualified riders have <em>finished</em> sub-35.0 at recent <strong>US 4*-L events</strong> (2021 onward).</p>
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/15c9516c-94c8-4e59-8f31-a04381f7bc9c.png?width=1096&amp;height=1230" alt="Hv5r4 Final Qualified Riders With Sub 35 0 Finishing Scores at Recent Us 4 L Events"></div>
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<div>With <strong>Commando 3</strong>,<strong> Boyd Martin</strong> won the 2023 Morven Park 4*-L on a sub-35.0 finishing score. In fact, of his five 4*-L sub-35s since 2021, he won four of them and placed third in the other. He hasn't yet won a 4*-L with any of his current Final entries, but&nbsp;<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">he is a dominant rider at the level</a>.&nbsp;</div>
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<div><strong>Mia Farley</strong> earned her sub-35 at the 2022 Morven Park 4*-L with <strong>Phelps</strong>, finishing third. For the Final, Mia so far has <strong>Invictus </strong>entered. The Final will be Invictus' second 4*-L after finishing eighth in the 2024 TerraNova 4*-L. Invictus produced his international dressage PB at that 4*-L, a 27.9. A cross-country 20 and jumping penalties saw he and Mia finishing with a high score on the weekend but he hasn't had any cross-country jumping faults in any of his four 4*-S runs since then.</div>
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<div>Ultimately, when we look at the top and tail of a US 4*-L - first phase and final score - <strong>sub-35.0 is a good number to keep in mind</strong>. Certainly, some of our early entries have already shown they can do it.&nbsp;</div>
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<h1>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h1>
<p>The Final in a snapshot. For full Series details, <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">head to our quick guide</a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/6e95e199-0e64-4508-aaa5-7039e5d08293.png?width=2160&amp;height=2700" alt="Final Snapshot for Open Eventing Blogs"></p>
<h3><strong>Current Series Standings (Sep 5, 2025):</strong></h3>
<p><span style="color: rgb(109, 114, 114);"><em>See the full, updated series standings and how the leaders got to the top, <a href="https://usef.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</em></span></p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/6322a623-cee0-440a-a66e-d0734fc72db4.png?width=722&amp;height=562" alt="Leaderboard After Rebecca Farm"></p>
<p dir="ltr">Check out the full <strong>Series calendar </strong>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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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"></p>
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<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>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;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
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Image of Tamie Smith waving and smiling as she leaves the dressage arena on the bay horse Kynan.

What it takes to win a 4*-L on US soil

<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://evententries.com/#ShowCenterNy7IspNRvqnjxKn3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Early entries are already coming in</a></strong> for the $200,000 US Equestrian Open Final - October&rsquo;s Morven Park 4*-L. Catching our eye was <strong>Boyd Martin</strong>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Why? Well, not &ldquo;just&rdquo; because he is one of the USA&rsquo;s most successful eventers but also because he has a particular aptitude for four-star-longs; between 2008 and now, no one has tallied more wins at the level: 10. Australia&rsquo;s <strong>Shane Rose</strong> matches him but no one beats him. Here&rsquo;s the list:<br><br><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a74b275a-8597-409c-a6d8-c8fb2be8c43e.png?width=1268&amp;height=1444" alt="5 H Ih H Riders With the Most Cci4 L Wins Since 2008 (1)"></p>
<p dir="ltr">And one of Boyd&rsquo;s 4*-L wins was at Morven Park two years ago. A repeat effort this year would not only separate him from Shane on the win-count table, it would also earn Boyd a hefty portion of the $200,000 prize pot. I'm sure he wouldn't complain.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><br><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/73c5afb7-8871-496c-959c-b7df2f098c75.png?width=1198&amp;height=1166" alt="35t Qv Boyd Martin S Ten Cci4 L Wins Since 2008"></p>
<p dir="ltr">When it comes to Morven Park, Boyd has venue familiarity going for him - he of course won the 4*-L but he&rsquo;s also had nine total international runs at the venue dating back to 2014. Plus, as of now, he&rsquo;s entered on two strong horses:</p>
<h1 dir="ltr"><strong>1. Shanroe Cooley (10 YO)</strong></h1>
<p dir="ltr">Liz Halliday&rsquo;s mount Shanroe Cooley has only done one international with Boyd - a 3*-S which they won by adding just 3.6 XC time penalties to their dressage score. But, with Liz, Shanroe Cooley does have top-level experience. One of his best results was a <strong>4th place finish at Tryon 4*-L</strong> (May 2024).&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Shanroe Cooley has <strong>jumped clear in 20 of his 21 international XC runs</strong>, including six clears at the 4* levels (long &amp; short). And, of his 20 international SJ rounds, he&rsquo;s&nbsp;<strong>only knocked 3 rails</strong> (spread over three different courses).</p>
<h1 dir="ltr"><strong>2. Miks Master C (13 YO)</strong></h1>
<p><strong><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/26ca95fb-2a87-4c52-b171-0ab54ca5b3a9.jpg?width=null&amp;height=null" alt="Miks Master C &amp; Liz Halliday at Kentucky 2024. Photo by Tilly Berendt."></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em style="font-size: 90%; color: #999999;">Miks Master C &amp; Liz Halliday. Photo by Tilly Berendt.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr">Another of Liz Halliday&rsquo;s string being piloted by Boyd, Miks Master C has more top-level experience than Shanroe Cooley and is a four-time winner at the CCI4*-S level. He&nbsp;<strong>won the highly competitive Carolina 4*-S back-to-back, finishing on a 20.9 (2023) and a 22.5 (2024)</strong>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In 2023, on <strong>his very first 5* run (Kentucky), Miks Master C placed third </strong>by adding just 1.6 XC time penalties to his dressage score, finishing on a 28.5.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">With Boyd, Miks Master C has only done one international: a 3*-S at Bromont. There, he and Boyd jumped clear in both the XC and SJ phases to finish 9th. It will be exciting to watch this pair at Morven and <strong>their EquiRatings win chance is likely to be high </strong>once all entries are in.</p>
<h1><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h1>
<p>The Final in a snapshot. For full Series details, <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">head to our quick guide</a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/6e95e199-0e64-4508-aaa5-7039e5d08293.png?width=2160&amp;height=2700" alt="Final Snapshot for Open Eventing Blogs"></p>
<h3><strong>Current Series Standings (Aug 29, 2025):</strong></h3>
<p><span style="color: rgb(109, 114, 114);"><em>See the full, updated series standings and how the leaders got to the top, <a href="https://usef.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</em></span></p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/6322a623-cee0-440a-a66e-d0734fc72db4.png?width=722&amp;height=562" alt="Leaderboard After Rebecca Farm"></p>
<p dir="ltr">Check out the full <strong>Series calendar </strong>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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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"></p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>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;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>

Boyd Martin riding a bay horse over a cross country jump. Boyd has a determined look on his face.

Boyd Martin is one of the most successful 4*-L riders and he's entered for the Final

<p dir="ltr">Last weekend at The Fork,&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DOoEwwLDYCw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boyd Martin soared to the top of the Open leaderboard</a></strong> after securing a 120-point haul. <strong>Phillip Dutton</strong>, on 215 points, is now sitting pretty in second place. But, while Boyd is fairly out of reach this late in the Series, Phillip&nbsp;<em>can </em>be caught and if he is, <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">it will cost him $5,000</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr"><em><strong>Prize money come Series end:</strong></em></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-style: italic;"><em>1st - $25,000</em></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-style: italic;"><em>2nd - $15,000</em></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-style: italic;"><em>3rd - $10,000</em></li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">One rider with a good shot at catching Phillip is&nbsp;<strong>James Alliston</strong>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>James is competing in this weekend's Qualifier 18 - Twin Rivers - and&nbsp;<strong>he&rsquo;s won the last five editions of the event.</strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9b4f52ba-a85f-4a2a-84c1-76355322fce3.png?width=1190&amp;height=1670" alt="Last 10 Winners of Twin Rivers Cci4 S">&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">This time, James brings forward a CCI4* first-timer,&nbsp;<strong>HMR Rolan</strong>. But looking at Rolan&rsquo;s results, so far he has handled everything in stride. James has taken Rolan around four internationals and, across all four, Rolan has added just 4 penalties to his dressage score, just a single rail. That&rsquo;s it.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5b88af88-2748-4fa6-9b81-40791d070065.png?width=1400&amp;height=736" alt="Cm Ob F Hmr Rolan S International Appearances (1)"></p>
<p dir="ltr">On their latest outing last month - a national event - James and Rolan were crowned <strong>USEA Open Intermediate Champions</strong> and before that, they finished second in the Rebecca Farm CCI3*-L.</p>
<p>Now, facing Rolan's first CCI4*, the pair compete against five other combinations and according to EquiRatings Predictive Analytics,<strong><a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/twinriverssep2025/predictions--records" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> they have a 35% chance of winning</a></strong>.</p>
<p>That&rsquo;s important because<strong> a win here would take James from 145 Series points to 185 points and equal third in the Series.</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Then, after Twin Rivers, there is one last qualifier on the West Coast - Qualifier 20: Woodside. The Woodside Fall International is an event James has started 24 times before, including two entries in the CCI2*-S last year. He hasn&rsquo;t contested the CCI4*-S there since 2020 but he may be incentivized to enter this year - given the horse power - if it gives him a chance to secure more Open winnings.&nbsp;</p>
<h1><strong>The Scenario</strong></h1>
<p dir="ltr">Say James wins Twin Rivers this weekend to sit on 185 points coming into Woodside. To then catch Phillip on 215, James would need to place third or higher at Woodside (30+ Series points) to meet or exceed Phillip. Now, from 2020 onward, the number of Woodside 4*-S starters has ranged from 2 (2024) to 15 (2020), so placing third this year may be more or less straightforward depending on the number of this year&rsquo;s entries.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h1><strong>Other Challengers</strong></h1>
<p>Another qualifier going on this weekend is the East Coast&rsquo;s Plantation Field. Of that field, <strong>Caroline Pamukcu</strong> and <strong>Jennie Brannigan</strong> are the two that could join James in a race for the Open podium.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/2e11d825-95cc-4c7c-8ac9-a0d18a33031a.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="West Side Story leaderboard notations"> </strong></p>
<p><em>All to say</em>, the Series ain't over. The checks aren&rsquo;t written. Stay tuned.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h1><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h1>
<p>The Final in a snapshot. For full Series details, <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">head to our quick guide</a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/6e95e199-0e64-4508-aaa5-7039e5d08293.png?width=2160&amp;height=2700" alt="Final Snapshot for Open Eventing Blogs"></p>
<h3><strong>Current Series Standings (Sep 18, 2025):</strong></h3>
<p><span style="color: rgb(109, 114, 114);"><em>See the full, updated series standings and how the leaders got to the top, <a href="https://usef.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</em></span></p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/dfc13b24-b6dc-4dab-ac88-91d5d46150e5.png?width=721&amp;height=557" alt="Eventing Leaderboard as of 18 Sep 2025"></p>
<p dir="ltr">Check out the full <strong>Series calendar </strong>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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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"></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>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;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>

Image of James Alliston jumping the dark bay horse Karma over a cross country fence during competition.

West Side Story

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<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><strong>Will Coleman</strong> and <strong>Off The Record </strong>have taken control of the Morven Park CCI4*-L leaderboard with a 25.1 dressage score - the lowest ever recorded at this venue's 4*L level and Coleman's personal best at this level. The performance puts them 1.1 penalties clear of <strong>Sharon White </strong>and <strong>Claus 63,</strong> with <strong>Boyd Martin</strong> sitting third on <strong>Miks Master C.</strong></p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/bd752d55-1ec4-4dca-9343-444fe7075e6f.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Morven Park Graphics (86)"></p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><strong>Will Coleman </strong>spoke about <strong>Off The Record</strong> after his dressage:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">"Timmy is as professional as they come. He's so laid back that sometimes it feels like he's half asleep going through his business in the arena, but he knows the job. He really was just excellent for me today. I'm so appreciative of him."</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">White delivered her third-best international dressage test since records began in 2008 (her top two scores came at the 2* level), posting 25.2 penalties with <strong>Claus 63</strong> and improving on their 6RA by over 9 penalties.</p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><strong>Boyd Martin</strong> and&nbsp;<strong>Miks Master C,</strong> who competed first on day two, sit third on 25.9. The score carries particular significance given<strong> Boyd Martin's </strong>remarkable record with sub-27 dressage tests at this level. Boyd has turned every previous sub-27 test at CCI4*-L into a victory - winning at Jersey Fresh in 2018 and 2021, Morven Park in 2023, Tryon in 2020, and Fair Hill in 2011 with scores ranging from 25.4 to 26.9.</p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/049611f6-51a0-48fd-b7c9-695de920fc4b.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Morven Park Graphics (88)"></p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 class="text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5">Win Chances After Dressage</h3>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">Based on the EquiRatings Prediction Centre,&nbsp;<strong>William Coleman holds a 38% chance to win</strong>, with a 63% probability of finishing in the top three. <strong>Sharon White sits at 17%&nbsp;</strong>and<strong> Boyd Martin sits on 14% to win.</strong></p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><strong><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/25d8251e-b119-470e-a7e3-768009f56176.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Morven Park Graphics (87)"></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words"><strong>Cross Country Preview</strong></h3>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">The cross country phase promises to shake up the standings significantly. Looking at recent CCI4* cross-country statistics for the top three combinations, the data reveals important insights:</p>
<ul class="[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7">
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words"><strong>Off The Record &amp; Will Coleman</strong>: 90% clear rate at this level, compared to a 60% course average, giving them +30% on other competitors. This is the fastest horse in the field with a 96% Top Speed Percentage (TSP)</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words"><strong>Claus 63 &amp; Sharon White</strong>: 80% clear rate with an 83% TSP&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Miks Master C &amp; Boyd Martin:</strong> Perfect 100% clear rate with an 86% TSP rating - but a new ride for Boyd and their first 4*L together</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e097a7a5-f775-455d-ae10-5e03ba8a763c.jpg?width=3024&amp;height=4032" alt="Img 5419 (1)"></p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><strong>Will Coleman</strong> acknowledged the challenge ahead:&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">"There are plenty of places where you have to be incredibly accurate and get your horse in the right canter to prepare for what Derek has set out there. Timmy's not the most gifted galloper, but he has a good engine, so if I'm hyper efficient, I'm hoping we can jump around clean and maybe get close to the time."</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">The cross-country phase will determine whether <strong>Will Coleman</strong> can maintain his historic advantage or if <strong>Boyd Martin's</strong> perfect record with sub-27 scores will continue.</p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">&nbsp;Don't miss it.</p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><em><strong>Listen to the dressage review pod on the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Podcast.</strong></em></p>
</div>
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/38545800/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></div>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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"></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>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;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Cross Country Eve at Morven Park

<p class="" data-start="448" data-end="767">In our latest podcast episode, Annie Bishop and Diarm Byrne unpack a wild few weeks of competition and look ahead to a fascinating Ocala field. From James Alliston&rsquo;s incredible 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th at Twin Rivers to the long-awaited CCI4*-S debut of Sharon White's Jaguar&rsquo;s Duende, this is the kind of stretch that transforms a season.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36206940/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/04328f/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p class="" data-start="448" data-end="767">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="769" data-end="772">
<h3 class="" data-start="774" data-end="808">💥 Alliston&rsquo;s Historic Weekend</h3>
<p class="" data-start="810" data-end="1183">We&rsquo;ve seen dominance, but not like this. James Alliston not only showed up at Twin Rivers &mdash; he swept the podium and then some. His four-horse haul (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th) is the kind of stat you rarely see, even at the international level. As Diarm notes, it&rsquo;s the first time in nearly a decade that one rider has had four horses in the top five at this level.</p>
<p class="" data-start="810" data-end="1183"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1dd4427c-fcb0-4841-a8a9-cd3e560ffd7a.png?width=738&amp;height=922" alt="Screenshot 2025 04 17 220023"></p>
<p class="" data-start="1185" data-end="1275">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="1185" data-end="1275">And those 125 points? They&rsquo;ve vaulted him into third place on the leaderboard &mdash; from zero.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1185" data-end="1275">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="1277" data-end="1280">
<h3 class="" data-start="1282" data-end="1315">🔄 Caroline Reloads for Ocala</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1317" data-end="1598">Caroline Pamukcu has two big bullets to fire this weekend: <strong data-start="1376" data-end="1395">Redfield Dexter</strong> and <strong>HSH</strong> <strong data-start="1400" data-end="1416">Tolland King</strong>. Sitting in eighth place with 60 points, a strong result at Ocala could launch her right into title contention &mdash; especially with HSH Blake poised to strike at Kentucky next week.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1600" data-end="1823">Prediction Center odds are stacked in her favor (this week and next) with Caroline holding both the first and second highest win chances. She&rsquo;s been here before &mdash; and after a few setbacks at TerraNova, you get the sense she&rsquo;s coming in sharp.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1600" data-end="1823">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="1825" data-end="1828">
<h3 class="" data-start="1830" data-end="1853">🐎 The Duende Debut</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1855" data-end="2090">Let&rsquo;s just say it: Jaguar&rsquo;s Duende <em data-start="1890" data-end="1897">feels</em> like <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/jaguars-duende-sharon-white-on-her-rising-star-of-us-eventing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the breakout moment we&rsquo;ve all been waiting for</a>. Sharon White&rsquo;s carefully-managed star mare makes her 4* debut at Ocala, and it&rsquo;s one of the most buzzed-about entries of the entire series.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2092" data-end="2417">Will she run fast? Will she challenge for a podium? Maybe. But as Annie reminds us (and Diarm tries to internalize), this is a long game &mdash; and Sharon&rsquo;s approach has always been horse-first. That said, this mare hasn&rsquo;t missed a podium yet at the lower levels, so don&rsquo;t be surprised if she forces her way into the conversation.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2092" data-end="2417">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="2877" data-end="2880">
<h3 class="" data-start="2882" data-end="2914">📊 The Leaderboard Gets Real</h3>
<p class="" data-start="2916" data-end="3202">With Ocala marking the halfway point in the series, we&rsquo;re finally starting to see the true shape of the leaderboard. Phillip Dutton&rsquo;s early-season lead is suddenly under pressure. Boyd Martin, James Alliston, and possibly Caroline could be right there by the time Kentucky rolls around.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3204" data-end="3325">And that&rsquo;s exactly what the Open was designed to do &mdash; create reasons to follow, stories to connect, and new fans to hook.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3204" data-end="3325">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="3327" data-end="3330">
<h3 class="" data-start="3332" data-end="3365">🥇 Predictions &amp; Podium Picks</h3>
<p class="" data-start="3367" data-end="3572">Want to know who Annie and Diarm are backing this week? They both expect big things from Caroline&rsquo;s entries, but Diarm also makes the case for <strong>Zachary Brandt</strong> and <strong>Direct Advance</strong> sneaking into the top three.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3574" data-end="3710">And while Annie <em data-start="3590" data-end="3597">won&rsquo;t</em> let herself put Jaguar&rsquo;s Duende on the podium (superstition!), she makes it clear her heart says otherwise.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3574" data-end="3710">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="3712" data-end="3715">
<h3 class="" data-start="3717" data-end="3734">🎧 Listen Now</h3>
<p class="" data-start="3736" data-end="3906">This is the weekend that could change everything. Will Caroline make her charge? Will Sharon&rsquo;s 'Jags' deliver a debut for the ages? And who else could shake up the table?</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36206940/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/04328f/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p class="" data-start="3908" data-end="3981">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="3983" data-end="3986">
<h3 class="" data-start="3988" data-end="4009">📣 Stay Connected</h3>
<p class="" data-start="4011" data-end="4252">Explore the latest <strong data-start="4030" data-end="4089"><a href="https://digital.equiratings.com/view/379819202/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fan Guide</a></strong>, check the <strong data-start="4101" data-end="4168"><a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/?hsCtaTracking=907b4987-399b-4b9c-987d-14baa17bbf42%7Cc8942863-dac1-4a71-95b2-ee4f0be07dc6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prediction Center</a></strong>, and follow the series on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/">Instagram</a>.</p>
<p class="" data-start="4254" data-end="4294">&nbsp;</p>

New Podcast: Twin Rivers Review and a big debut coming in Ocala

<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The US Equestrian Open of Eventing is reshaping elite competition in the United States. Launched in 2024 by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), this season-long championship series offers a structured points race across 20 qualifying events, culminating in a $200,000 final.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">For new fans discovering the sport in 2026, here's everything you need to know about how the series works, why it matters, and what makes it one of the most significant developments in American eventing.</p>
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<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&nbsp;</h3>
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>What is the US Equestrian Open of Eventing?</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The US Equestrian Open of Eventing is a season-long championship series organized by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Think of it like a points race across multiple competitions, similar to NASCAR or professional golf tours, where athletes accumulate points throughout the season to qualify for a winner-takes-all finale.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The series is part of a broader US Equestrian Open initiative that also includes Dressage and Jumping disciplines, all designed to build momentum and mainstream excitement ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.</p>
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<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&nbsp;</h3>
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>How Does The US Equestrian Open of Eventing Work?</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The format is straightforward: there are 20 qualifying events which are held at venues all across the United States at the CCI4*-S level.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">At each qualifier, riders earn points based on their final placings. The more competitive the field (qualifiers with more than 25 starters award higher points), the more points are up for grabs. After the qualifying season concludes, the rider who accumulates the most points from their best six qualifier results wins the series and claims a $25,000 prize, with second and third place earning $15,000 and $10,000 respectively.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">But that's not all.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&nbsp;</p>
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<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/4d7a4cd4-8c72-44a6-8990-0fd99b9284be.jpg?width=2704&amp;height=2134" alt="Img 5414 (2)"></strong></h3>
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>The Big Finale</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Riders who complete at least one series qualifier with a Minimum Eligibility Result (MER) can qualify for the US Equestrian Open Final or they can buy into the final for $5,000, which gets added to the prize pot. The final is a CCI4*-L competition held each October at Morven Park International in Leesburg, Virginia, featuring a staggering $200,000 in prize money.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">That's right: $200,000 - the highest-ever prize pot offered at this level of eventing.</p>
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<h2><strong>Why Does The US Equestrian Open Matter?</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Historically, American riders seeking tough top-level competition often traveled to Europe. The US Equestrian Open creates a world-class alternative on home soil, keeping elite talent stateside while providing fans with a structured season they can follow from start to finish.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The series creates an opportunity for fans to create a deeper connection to equestrian sport by delivering a premier, unified championship series that engages a broader fanbase through top-level competition, storytelling, and dynamic entertainment. Real-time leaderboards track the season-long race, creating narratives fans can follow as riders climb the standings toward that $200,000 finale.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The series also marks eventing's push toward mainstream sports visibility. The finals are broadcast on ESPN and the USEF Network, bringing the sport to audiences who might never have watched eventing before.</p>
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<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7654c5c3-bc6e-4fb1-8053-85a096ae56ba.jpg?width=3328&amp;height=4160" alt="Boyd Martin With Us Open Trophy.. Credit Devyn Trethewey Us Equestrian. From Open Final 2025 (1)"></strong></p>
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>The Inaugural Champion of the US Equestrian Open</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The first-ever US Equestrian Open Final took place October 9th-12th 2025 at Morven Park. Four-time Olympian <strong>Boyd Martin</strong> rode <strong>Miks Master C t</strong>o victory, edging out <strong>Will Coleman </strong>and <strong>Off The Record </strong>after they had a single rail in the final show jumping phase. The dramatic finish showcased exactly the kind of high-stakes competition the series was designed to deliver.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Boyd Martin</strong> also won the overall series title, earning the $25,000 series prize in addition to his final victory.&nbsp;<strong>Phillip Dutton </strong>claimed second place in the series standings ($15,000), with <strong>Caroline Pamukcu</strong> rounding out the podium in third ($10,000).</p>
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<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&nbsp;</h3>
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Following the 2026 Series</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">With two qualifiers happening at the end of the 2025 season, this year's qualifying events will kick off again with Bouckaert International on March 5th and run through early October, culminating in the final at Morven Park October 8-11, 2026. Real-time leaderboards track point standings throughout the season, making it easy for new fans to follow the championship race as it unfolds.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Whether you're completely new to eventing or a longtime fan looking for elite competition, the US Equestrian Open offers an accessible entry point to one of equestrian sport's most demanding disciplines&mdash;with prize money, prestige, and the coverage to match.</p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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;</p>
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<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c9dfe039-3b02-415d-b513-c5bd87d85dae.jpeg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="26 Open Eventing Qualifier Calendar"></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>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;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>

New Year, New Fans: What Actually is the US Equestrian Open of Eventing?

<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">The opening day of dressage at the series final delivered a few surprises, with the overall field performing slightly worse than expected. The average difference versus the average scores came in at +1.4. We saw Phillip take the lead while also setting the tone for what we can expect tomorrow on his other ride Possante.</p>
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words"><strong>Top Three Lead the Way</strong></h3>
<p><strong><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ed7f40b4-1110-45d7-b48f-37fa0adc61d6.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Morven Park Graphics (41)"></strong></p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><strong>1. Phillip Dutton and Denim</strong> topped the leaderboard with an impressive 27.5, marking Dutton's best 4*-L test on US soil since Mystery Whisper at Jersey Fresh in 2012. This score came in 3.1 points better than expected to be the standout performance of the day. It's a spectacular start to the final for the man who led the series for so long but didn't manage to take the win.</p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><strong>2. Elisa Wallace and Lissavorra Quality</strong> sit in second place on 33.3 - coming in 1.6 points better than expected. Wallace delivered her second-best 4*-L score and the horse's second-best test at the level in their 12th 4* start.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><strong>3. Ryan Wood and Cooley Flight</strong> round out the top three on 33.4, also scoring 2.5 points better than expectations. Wood saw this one coming, having spoken to our team a few weeks ago about his prepaations :</p>
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<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">"He has had a great preparation with his last two events and having his lowest FEI dressage score. We are hoping that we can continue with that trend and impress the Australian selectors. We are lucky now to have a selector - Clayton Fredericks - based in the US so he can keep close tabs on what is going on here and report back to the homeland."&nbsp;</p>
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<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words"><strong>Looking Ahead to Friday</strong></h3>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">All eyes will be on tomorrow's session, where three of the lowest predicted scores will take center stage. Due to the running order going from the lowest to highest placed in the series, we have a stacked Friday filled with some of the biggest names in the field.</p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d383d957-1513-44a9-8325-dbafd1ee14a0.jpeg?width=797&amp;height=1600" alt="Whats App Image 2025 10 09 at 20.54.30"></p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><strong>1. Miks Master C</strong> (Boyd Martin, 11:00 AM) brings the field's best 6RA of 25.9. This new partnership has only completed two tests together, scoring 27 and 27.9, but the horse went as low as 20.1 with previous rider Liz Halliday-Sharp in 2023. Can Boyd unlock that potential or will it take more time to gel?</p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><strong>2. Possante</strong> (Phillip Dutton, 1:42 PM) comes in with a 28.8 6RA. Possante has gone sub-25 in two of his last three four-star starts including his 24.5 just three weeks ago at Plantation Field. This 12-year-old could give Dutton a real shot at maintaining an overnight lead.&nbsp;<br><br><strong>3. Off The Record</strong> (Will Coleman, 11:49 AM) arrives as a joint-favorite with a 30.3 6RA. Earlier this year, the Aachen winner demonstrated their class with a venue-record 21.8 at Kentucky, though followed that with a 35.6 at Aachen. Expect something between those extremes. Coleman will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing test with Very Dignified today, who scored 5.3 marks worse than expected. While this is an educational run for the relatively new combination, it has likely put 'Dora' out of contention for the weekend.</p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">With Friday's dressage featuring the field's strongest predicted performers, the leaderboard could look very different by tomorrow evening.<br><br></p>
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<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><em>Dressage takes place Thursday and Friday at the Grand Prix arena, with CCI4*-S tests also interspersed throughout the schedule.</em></p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><em>You can watch the live stream for free through the USEF network.&nbsp;</em><em>Sign up for free here: <a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew&nbsp;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew&nbsp;</a>and watch live here: <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_EU/events/16790" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_EU/events/16790</a></em></p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><em>Check out the fan guide here: &nbsp;<a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/thefinal2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://usequestrianopen.info/thefinal2025/</a><br></em></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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"></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>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;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
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Thursday Dressage Sets the Tone for Friday's Best

<p>As the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) gears up for its third five-star Grand Prix of the season, anticipation is at an all-time high. Saturday night&rsquo;s $500,000 CSI5* Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix will see some of the world&rsquo;s best combinations battle it out under the lights in the International Arena. With just one more CSI5* Grand Prix left before the $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Final during WEF 12, this is a crucial moment for riders to make their mark.</p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/611386ef-bae7-4dee-913f-2a2f1bc45a39.png?width=1484&amp;height=1862" alt="Uyi Hw Top 10 Elo Rated Horses for the Wef 9 500 000 Csi5 Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix (1)"></p>
<h1>Reigning Champions in the Field</h1>
<p>Two of the biggest names in the sport will enter the ring as the highest-rated horses in the competition: <strong>Henrik von Eckermann &amp; King Edward </strong>and <strong>Christian Kukuk &amp; Checker 47</strong>. These two reigning champions&mdash;King Edward as the current World Champion and Checker 47 as the reigning Olympic Champion&mdash;have already proven themselves at WEF this season.</p>
<p>King Edward, the highest-rated horse on record with an Elo rating of 810, finished fifth in the WEF 5 CSI5* Grand Prix after delivering a solid double clear. Meanwhile, Checker 47 has been nothing short of dominant, claiming a CSI4* Grand Prix victory during WEF 3, finishing as the runner-up in WEF 7&rsquo;s five-star Grand Prix, and are of course the defending champions of the WEF 12 Grand Prix.</p>
<p>Both horses arrive in top form and will be the combinations to beat when the competition heats up under the Saturday night lights.</p>
<h1>The Hometown Heroes</h1>
<h3>McLain Ward &amp; Ilex &ndash; The USA&rsquo;s Best Shot?</h3>
<p>If the American crowd is looking for a home victory, their hopes may rest on McLain Ward &amp; Ilex. This combination played a key role in securing Team USA&rsquo;s Olympic silver medal in Paris last summer, and Ilex will be making his five-star Grand Prix season debut here at WEF 9.</p>
<p>Ward&rsquo;s track record at the Winter Equestrian Festival speaks for itself. Since 2010, he has amassed an impressive 60 international wins at this venue. He is also one of just two riders in history to win multiple five-star Grands Prix in the same WEF season&mdash;a feat that only one other rider has ever achieved.</p>
<h3>Kent Farrington &amp; Myla &ndash; Making History?</h3>
<p>That rider? Kent Farrington&mdash;who has already won both five-star Grands Prix of the WEF 2025 season aboard Greya. No rider has ever managed to win more than two five-star Grand Prix classes in a single WEF season, but with Myla in strong form, Farrington could be on the verge of rewriting history.</p>
<p>Though Myla sits just outside the Top 10 Elo-rated horses in the field (Elo: 720), she is ranked among the Top 5 highest-rated 10-year-old horses in the world. Farrington&rsquo;s record speaks for itself, and if anyone can pull off the impossible, it&rsquo;s him.</p>
<h3>Lillie Keenan &amp; Argan de Beliard &ndash; A Veteran of the International Arena</h3>
<p>For Lillie Keenan &amp; Argan de Beliard, experience will be key. The 13-year-old gelding will be jumping his 40th five-star 160cm round in this Grand Prix, with 12 of those rounds already taking place in this very arena at WEF.</p>
<p>Most recently, the pair delivered a strong podium finish, taking third place in the WEF 7 CSI5* Grand Prix. With familiarity and form on their side, they will be looking to improve upon that result as they take on another stacked field this weekend.</p>
<h1>The Challengers</h1>
<h3>Darragh Kenny &amp; Zero K &ndash; The Momentum Factor</h3>
<p>Ireland has always had a strong presence in Wellington, and this year is no exception. Leading the charge will be Darragh Kenny &amp; Zero K, who will enter the ring last in the draw after their WEF 9 Challenge Cup victory last Thursday. Kenny has a history of success under the lights, and with momentum on his side, he could be a serious contender for the win.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>&ldquo;These classes are so competitive. There are so many brilliant riders. One day it&rsquo;s me, next day it&rsquo;s Kent [Farrington], next day it&rsquo;s Richard Vogel, Henrik Von Eckermann, Mclain Ward. That&rsquo;s just how competitive this circuit is here.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Shane Sweetnam &amp; James Kann Cruz &ndash; Ireland&rsquo;s Top-Rated Horse</h3>
<p>Another top Irish combination to watch will be Shane Sweetnam &amp; James Kann Cruz, currently the highest-rated Irish horse with an Elo of 760. Coming off a runner-up finish in the Ocala World Cup last month, James Kann Cruz is in top form and could be one of the biggest threats to the championship favorites.</p>
<h1>The Stage is Set</h1>
<p>With elite talent from around the world converging on Wellington, this promises to be one of the most thrilling nights of the WEF 2025 season. Can King Edward solidify his reign? Will Checker 47 add another WEF Grand Prix title to his record? Or will a US rider rise to the occasion on home soil? One thing is certain&mdash;Saturday night is set to deliver a world-class showdown.</p>
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<p><strong>About the Series</strong><br>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:</p>
<ul>
<li>Provide a structured, prestigious championship format.</li>
<li>Attract a broader audience.</li>
<li>Enhance competition opportunities for athletes.</li>
</ul>
<p>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.</p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1ba79d22-0b13-4687-b1e5-5dc0cd708aee?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="P. 4 Jumping"></p>
<p><strong>For sponsorship and media inquiries, please contact:</strong></p>
<p>Carly Weilminster: cweilminster@usef.org<br>Layson Griffin: lgriffin@usef.org</p>

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