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

In a final qualifier class of just three, Tryon proved that a small field can still have Series-altering impact. Both Julio Mendoza Loor and Laine Ashker entered the weekend outside the qualification cutoff&mdash;and both left with invitations to the Final.
Mendoza Loor and his Paris mount, Jewel&rsquo;s Goldstrike, claimed victory on a 76.190%, while Ashker and Zeppelin followed with 72.955%. Their one-two finish vaulted both riders up the leaderboard: Mendoza Loor now sits in 18th, the last automatic qualifying position, and Ashker moves to 20th but has already received and accepted her invitation to the Final.
Entries for the US Equestrian Open of Dressage Final will be confirmed later this week, but several riders inside the top 18&mdash;Eline Eckroth, Evelyn Eger, and Kevin Kohmann&mdash;have already declined their spots, which created an opening for Ashker. Eckroth plans to stay in Florida to prepare for the winter circuit, while Eger and Kohmann are entered in the $350,000 World Cup event in Mexico the week before the Final. As for Mendoza Loor, we&rsquo;ll have to wait and see whether he joins the field in Thermal when entries are confirmed.&nbsp;
With the standings now set, Anna Marek officially tops the season leaderboard on 105 points, closing out the inaugural season with a $12,500 payout. Later this week, we&rsquo;ll take a closer look at her journey and how she got here. In the meantime, as we wait with bated breath for official entry announcements, one question lingers: <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/reliability-or-flash-which-will-marek-choose" target="_blank" rel="noopener">which horse will she bring to the Final</a>? With Kohmann out of the picture and Ebeling on an upward trajectory, it&rsquo;s a decision that promises to be anything but simple.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ec351ddc-39ae-4bbb-8c20-23407423ff89.png?width=497&amp;height=684" alt="Screenshot of the final US Equestrian Open of Dressage leaderboard showing Anna Marek in first with 105 points, followed by Benjamin Ebeling with 94, and Kristina Harrison-Antell, Eline Eckroth, and Kevin Kohmann tied at 86. The top 20 riders are listed through Laine Ashker in 20th with 52 points.">

A dressage rider in formal competition attire raises his fist in celebration while riding a chestnut horse adorned with a ribboned bridle and the Ecuadorian flag on its saddle pad. The US Equestrian Open Dressage logo appears in the top right corner

Tryon Delivers the Final Twist in the US Equestrian Open Qualifiers

If you rode the highs of the 2025 Series and that Morven Park finale two weeks ago, we hope you&rsquo;ve caught your breath because the 2026 US Equestrian Open Eventing Series kicks off this Friday at Bouckaert CCI4*-S in Fairburn, Georgia.
<h2 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">New to the US Equestrian Open?</h2>
Perhaps you caught wind of the thrilling finale at Morven Park, saw buzz on social media about the series battle, or you're gearing up for the dressage final and accidentally found yourself reading about eventing. Whatever brought you here, welcome! And don&rsquo;t worry, you&rsquo;re not late. We&rsquo;re just about to kick off the second-ever series, and you&rsquo;ve joined us at the perfect time. The US Equestrian Open of Eventing is a year-long competition that brings together the nation's top eventers in a points race culminating in a high-stakes final with a massive prize purse.
Here's how it works: Riders compete in a series of 4*-S qualifier events throughout the season, earning points based on their final placings. The bigger the field (25+ starters), the more points are up for grabs. Your best six qualifier results count toward your series standing, and whoever accumulates the most points wins $25,000, with second and third place earning $15,000 and $10,000 respectively.
But that's just the series prize money. Complete at least one qualifier with a Minimum Eligibility Requirement (MER), or buy in for $5,000, and you're eligible for the October 2026 Series Final at Morven Park - a CCI4*-L with a staggering $200,000 prize pot.&nbsp;
<h2 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">Reflecting on Year One: Boyd Martin's Historic Victory</h2>
Last year's inaugural series delivered everything we could have hoped for - fierce rivalry, fantastic competition, and a champion who made history while honoring a dear friend. <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/badf2c98-95f3-43cd-a3ba-4eb03c050b04.png?width=1600&amp;height=2000" alt="Eventing Winner Boydfinal (1)">
Boyd Martin and Miks Master C claimed the 2025 US Equestrian Open Eventing Championship title at Morven Park in spectacular fashion. The victory was particularly meaningful as Boyd dedicated the win to Liz Halliday, who produced 'Mikki' into the champion he is.&nbsp;Will Coleman demonstrated his consistency by securing both second and third place in the final aboard Off the Record and Very Dignified, respectively.
When the series standings were tallied after all qualifiers, Boyd Martin topped the leaderboard with 260 points, followed by Phillip Dutton with 235 points and Caroline Pamukcu with 215 points.
<h2 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">This Weekend: Let the Games Begin</h2>
The 2025-2026 season launches this Friday at Bouckaert - the first of two 4*-S qualifiers happening before the year ends (TerraNova follows shortly after.) With multiple venues scheduled throughout 2026 - from Carolina and Galway Downs to Tryon, Maryland Int., The Fork, and beyond - riders will have plenty of opportunities to rack up points and position themselves for that coveted spot at the 2026 Final at Morven Park.
Get excited! Whether you're going to be ringside, watching online, or following through the US Equestrian Open Podcast this season promises the same excitement, world-class sport, and dramatic storylines that made year one so memorable.
The gallop to glory begins now. This is the first chance to score points and begin the long run toward lifting that Morven Park trophy in October 2026.
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Listen to the Bouckaert Preview Show now on the US Equestrian Open Podcast - available on all podcast platforms.
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/38735600/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/4c414c/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> 
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
Check out the full Series calendar below and stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Instagram.&nbsp;</a>Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.
Also follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ac73ddee-59a5-410b-a07f-0ac96cdbf934.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="2025 Blog Social Promos">
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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>.

Back in the Start Box: The 2026 US Equestrian Open Kicks Off

The Final is here! Whether you're tuning in from the stands in Thermal or following along from home, there&rsquo;s no shortage of ways to stay in the loop. As thirteen of the season&rsquo;s top Grand Prix combinations step into the Desert International Horse Park for the inaugural US Equestrian Open Final, here&rsquo;s how to keep up with every result, storyline, and standout moment.
<h2 dir="ltr">Where to Follow Along</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">1. Listen to the US Equestrian Open Preview Podcast</h3>
Get primed before Friday night with a full preview show breaking down matchups, form, and what&rsquo;s at stake. Ideal pre-Final listening.
▶ <a href="https://sites.libsyn.com/559710/dressage-us-equestrian-open-of-dressage-final-preview">Listen In</a>&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">2. Follow the US Equestrian Open on Instagram and Facebook</h3>
Catch real-time results, ride times, backstage moments, and quick-hit updates straight from Thermal. This is the fastest way to follow along as the action unfolds.
▶ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen">https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen</a> ▶ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen">https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen</a>&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">3. Read the Blog for in-depth coverage</h3>
From analytics to rider profiles to post-class recaps, the US Equestrian Open Blog houses every story shaping the Final field.
▶ <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org">Read Now</a>&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">4. Watch the Livestream on USEF Network</h3>
Every ride, every score, every moment&mdash;from the Grand Prix to the Freestyle&mdash;stream it all live on USEF Network. Fan memberships are free, making this the easiest way to watch the entire Final from home. ▶ <a href="https://www.usef.org/network">Watch Live</a>&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">5. Follow EquiRatings for stats, data, and metrics</h3>
If you want the numbers behind the performances&mdash;averages, trends, personal bests, matchup history&mdash;EquiRatings will be breaking it all down throughout the weekend. ▶ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/equiratings">Analyze the Data</a>&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">6. Dive into the Fan Guide</h3>
The central hub for everything you need to know: rules, scoring, format, rider bios, past results, and Series context all in one place. ▶ <a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/dressagefinal2025">Dive In</a>&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">7. BONUS: The 2025 Freestyle Playlist on Spotify</h3>
Every song you&rsquo;ll hear in Thermal, all in one playlist. Perfect for getting into the spirit before riders trot down centerline. ▶ <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5qg8w2tHudpgLYXNGSTVF3?si=0YFIVTmqQnqYYuZET-EYsQ&amp;pi=A8SMfyfIQO6Jj&amp;nd=1&amp;dlsi=025eadc3f2f44e63">Listen Now</a>
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A close-up of a braided dark bay dressage horse wearing a black bridle, photographed outdoors with palm trees and mountains softly blurred in the background. The US Equestrian Open Dressage logo appears in the top right corner.

6 Ways to Follow the US Equestrian Open Final

As in many sports, the US Equestrian Open of Dressage offers its own kind of home field advantage. This weekend, Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn will be riding on it. Based in Northern California, Thermal is a familiar stop on Vaughn&rsquo;s competition calendar. She opened her 2025 season with a win there. Now, she returns to finish the story.
<h2 dir="ltr">Built in California</h2>
Vaughn rides Gino, a 14-year-old KWPN gelding she&rsquo;s brought along since he was six. The two are inseparable. She is Gino&rsquo;s rider, groom, chef, travel companion, and emotional anchor.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;My world revolves around him. It&rsquo;s his world&mdash;I&rsquo;m just living in it.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
That bond has carried them from California&rsquo;s regional CDIs to the top tier of the US Equestrian Open. Vaughn is the only undefeated rider in Series qualifiers, going four-for-four with CDI wins at Thermal, Del Mar, and Devonwood. She finished the regular season ranked 7th on the leaderboard with 80 points, despite fewer starts than many of her rivals. Her Series average and personal best sit at 74.859% and 75.875%, respectively.
Her early-season winning streak earned her a ticket to the 2025 FEI World Cup Final in Basel, where she placed 14th with a 73.765%. Not bad when your lowest score of the year comes at your first major international championship. That kind of experience is exactly what prepares a rider for a grand final like the one in Thermal.
<h2 dir="ltr">Freestyle with Soul</h2>
Vaughn brings that technical know-how and a popular freestyle soundtrack to this weekend&rsquo;s event. Her test is a love letter to her roots, choreographed and set to music she selected herself. The soundtrack blends artists from her childhood: Barry White, Luther Vandross, and Earth, Wind &amp; Fire.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I picked songs that I grew up on&mdash;artists that were close to me, and music that I really liked and felt was part of my culture. I picked a lot of African-American artists.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
That music pairs beautifully with Gino&rsquo;s expressive confidence. &ldquo;He knows when it&rsquo;s showtime,&rdquo; Vaughn said.
Their freestyle averages in the mid-70s, but over the summer, Vaughn has been working to refine the floorplan and increase the degree of difficulty&mdash;a crucial scoring factor with a 4x multiplier. Top combinations like Hendricks and Drombusch or Ebeling and Bellena consistently earn degree of difficulty marks in the high 8s and low 9s. To challenge for the win, Vaughn will need to bring the same level of technical complexity.
<h2 dir="ltr">A Family Foundation</h2>
Vaughn&rsquo;s career is powered by her family. She trains daily with her mother, Michele, who has coached her from juniors to the international Grand Prix level. Together, they run Starr Vaughn Equestrian in Elk Grove, CA. The high-performance mindset also runs through her father, a former MLB player, whose mantra still guides her:
<blockquote>
&ldquo;If you want to be above average, then you can&rsquo;t just do the average things.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
In a sport often dominated by big names, grooms, and European bases, Vaughn has carved her own path. She rides without major sponsors, without a typical team behind her&mdash;and she wins anyway. Her work ethic, resourcefulness, and bond with Gino have made her one of the most authentic contenders in the Series.
<h2 dir="ltr">Thermal, Again</h2>
This weekend, Vaughn returns to where it all began&mdash;Thermal, the site of the very first US Equestrian Open qualifier and the first win of her undefeated season. A mid-70s performance is all but assured.
But if the summer went as she&rsquo;d planned, and she&rsquo;s managed to increase the degree of difficulty in the floor plan, then a fairytale finish isn&rsquo;t out of reach.
She&rsquo;s just one win away from a perfect season.
Catch every ride of the US Equestrian Open Final live on the <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_US/usef">USEF Network</a>. Sign up for a free fan membership at <a href="https://www.usef.org/network">usef.org</a> to access the full broadcast from Thermal.
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<hr>
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 <a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.

Geñay Vaughn smiles while riding Gino in Thermal after their January win, both dressed in a navy winner’s blanket with US Equestrian Open branding.

Four to Follow at the US Equestrian Open Final: Geñay Vaughn

Benjamin Ebeling is emerging as one of the most exciting young dressage talents in the United States. A former youth champion, Ebeling has spent 2025 redefining himself as a serious senior international contender. He rides Bellena, a 15-year-old Hanoverian mare formerly campaigned by his father, 2012 Olympian Jan Ebeling.
Their entire international career together has unfolded within the US Equestrian Open of Dressage. Since debuting their freestyle in April, Ebeling and Bellena have finished second in the overall standings with 94 points, posted the third-highest average score in the Finals field (76.325%), and climbed steadily through the leaderboard with personal bests that just keep rising.
<h2 dir="ltr">Brick by Brick</h2>
Nearly every start this season has brought a new career high for Ebeling and Bellena. Their first freestyle win came in April at WEC&rsquo;s CDI4*, where they debuted their freestyle with a 75.740%. The next month, they returned to Ocala and upped that mark to 76.190%, besting Series leader Anna Marek.
That win secured Ebeling a spot on the U.S. team for CHIO Aachen, where he made his senior team debut. While their freestyle in Aachen didn&rsquo;t meet expectations, Ebeling rebounded quickly. He stayed in Europe to compete at the Achleiten CDI4* in Austria, where he and Bellena set back-to-back personal bests&mdash;winning the Grand Prix and scoring 76.615% in the Freestyle.
By September, they were peaking. At Dressage at Devon, they posted a 77.665% in the largest qualifying field of the season. One month later, they capped off the regular season with a new combination-best of 78.055% at TerraNova. That mark is the third-highest score of any pair entered in the Final, behind only Drombusch OLD and Fayvel.
In just seven months, Ebeling and Bellena have built a career to rival riders who&rsquo;ve spent decades in the senior division.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Style Points</h2>
Their rise has come with a soundtrack. Set to confident, crowd-pleasing hits like Femininomenon, Rich Girl, and Maneater, the pair&rsquo;s freestyle has become one of the Series&rsquo; most recognizable.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I think in the Grand Prix, it&rsquo;s very difficult for the average fan to really connect with that,&rdquo; Ebeling said. &ldquo;But the freestyle, people really understand. Horses dancing is so exciting.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
The choreography is upbeat, punchy, and highlights Bellena&rsquo;s athleticism and responsiveness. The fiery mare, known for her expressiveness and energy, has matched Ebeling&rsquo;s confident style with patented chestnut-mare flair.
&ldquo;The mare is such a powerhouse,&rdquo; Ebeling said after their Ocala debut.&nbsp;
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I think this girl really loves to dance.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Turning Point</h2>
Ebeling didn&rsquo;t plan on a career in dressage. He began in the jumper ring, competing in his first Grand Prix over fences before ever stepping into a CDI arena. The pivot started when he asked his father to teach him a pirouette, not to win a dressage test, but to help him turn tighter in his jump-offs.
He didn&rsquo;t realize it then, but that moment marked the beginning of a new chapter. His ability to handle sensitive, high-powered horses has shaped the rider he&rsquo;s become.
At shows, Ben and Jan still carry one shared ritual: whoever finishes higher buys dinner; the other buys ice cream. After years of picking up the dessert tab, Ben finally got to pay for dinner.
<h2 dir="ltr">Poised for More</h2>
Ebeling is the highest-ranked rider in the Finals field based on FEI World Rankings (No. 34), and he&rsquo;s hit a new personal best with Bellena in each of their last three starts. If he can make it four in a row at the Final, a podium is easily within reach, but a title is on the table.&nbsp;
Catch every ride of the US Equestrian Open Final live on the <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_US/usef">USEF Network</a>. Sign up for a free fan membership at <a href="https://www.usef.org/network">usef.org</a> to access the full broadcast from Thermal.
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<hr>
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 <a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.

Ben Ebeling points in celebration aboard Bellena after a freestyle ride, both in full competition turnout with the US Equestrian Open of Dressage logo in the corner.

Four to Follow at the US Equestrian Open Final: Ben Ebeling

As the 2025 season winds down, we wondered who might have a breakthrough season at CCI4*-S next year? We turned to the EquiRatings High Performance rating to give us some clues, looking at who had measurably good results at CCI3*-L this year as a precursor to a 2026 step-up.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c5f0a2eb-5ab4-4bd5-81fb-5ecc953fe639.png?width=1540&amp;height=1672" alt="Ux Hjx Top 10 Cci3 L Hprs on Us Soil This Year ">
<h1 dir="ltr">What&rsquo;s the HPR?</h1>
The High Performance Rating (HPR) measures the strength of a single performance. For every result, the HPR assesses factors such as quality of opponents beaten, winning margin, course difficulty and scoring conditions. Because these factors vary from one competition to another, not all wins are equal and not all scores exactly reflect the true level of performance. By acknowledging and capturing these variables, the HPR objectively compares performances and placings across different classes.
HPRs in the 90s are exceptional - the kind of complete performance that signals a horse is ready to climb the levels.
The following five combinations earned the highest HPRs among all CCI3*-L results on US soil this year.
<h1 dir="ltr">1. Isabelle Bosley &amp; Conner &mdash; HPR 96 | 24.8 (1st)</h1>
Best 3*-L result of 2025: 24.8 to win the 3*-L at Maryland 5 Star
Why it matters: Just eight years old, Conner produced one of the most complete 3*-L wins of 2025. On his first run at the level, Conner finished on his sub-25 dressage score to top the 53-strong field. The performance gave Isabelle her first CCI3*-L victory and one of the highest HPRs recorded all season.
<h1 dir="ltr">2. Alyssa Phillips &amp; Rockett 19 &mdash; HPR 95 | 25.5 (2nd)</h1>
Best 3*-L result of 2025: 25.5 for 2nd place in the Maryland 5 Star 3*-L
Why it matters: Having just acquired the ride on Rockett 19 this year, Alyssa and the 10-year-old have already produced two wins at the 3*-S level (Bouckaert &amp; Plantation). Finishing on their dressage score at Maryland 3*-L earned them a statement second place in the deep field.
<h1 dir="ltr">3. Rebecca Brown &amp; Fernhill Quite Frankly &mdash; HPR 88 | 29.3 (1st)</h1>
Best 3*-L result of 2025: 29.3 to win the Ocala 3*-L.
Why it matters: On Fernhill Quite Frankly&rsquo;s first ever run at the level, he and Rebecca earned the win. They were second after the first phase on a sub-30 score and, of 27 starters, Rebecca and the 10-year-old &ldquo;Frank&rdquo; were one of only two pairs to finish on their dressage score, winning on 29.3.
Of our top five list, Frank and Jewelent are the only horses who&rsquo;ve already contested a four-star. Frank&rsquo;s came a few months after his 3*-L win but the pair didn&rsquo;t complete cross-country on that first attempt, choosing to retire. A step down to 2*-S afterward proved a confidence-boosting run (jumped double clear) so it will be interesting to see how Frank carries his few months of extra experience into the four-star level next season.&nbsp;
<h1 dir="ltr">4. Olivia Dutton &amp; Jewelent &mdash; HPR 88 | 32.9 (3rd)</h1>
Best 3*-L result of 2025: 32.9 for 3rd in the Maryland 5 Star 3*-L
Why it matters: Jewelent is one of the more-familiar names on our list as the 13-year-old has already contested 20 four-stars and even jumped clear around Badminton 2022. But this was his first year with Olivia and the pair got to know each other with two three-star runs, including their 3rd place in the Maryland 3*-L.&nbsp;
With Sea Of Clouds, Olivia has 11 four-star runs under her belt so - with both Jewelent and Olivia knowing the four-star ropes - this will definitely be an exciting pair for 2026.&nbsp;
<h1 dir="ltr">5. Margaret Pellegrini &amp; Falcon Crown Z &mdash; HPR 85 | 27.7 (1st)</h1>
Best 3*-L result of 2025: 27.7 to win the CCI3*-L at Rebecca Farm
Why it matters: When Meg and Falcon Crown Z step up to four-star, it will be a level debut for both horse and rider. The pair took the Rebecca Farm 3*-L win by finishing on their dressage score. It was their first and only 3*-L as a pair (to date) and while they&rsquo;ve shown mixed cross-country form at the 3*-S level they did produce a second place result at Tryon 3*-S this past May and added just 0.8 time faults over the Plantation 3*-S course last year. They&rsquo;ve demonstrated ability at three-star and now it&rsquo;s just a matter of consistency and strategy for the step up to four-star.
<h1 dir="ltr">Why These Five Matter</h1>
Each combination delivered a complete three-phase performance: low dressage, efficient cross-country, and clean show-jumping. These are precisely the indicators of readiness that the US Equestrian Open of Eventing was created to celebrate; rewarding development, not just destination.
<h1 dir="ltr">The Open Continues</h1>
The 2026 US Equestrian Open of Eventing is already underway. <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/bellissimo-and-dyri-make-it-five-in-a-row-at-bouckaert" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bouckaert opened the season</a> and TerraNova is next on the calendar. Stay tuned as new stars emerge and established names climb higher.
Follow the Open:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-weight: bold;" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">usequestrianopen.org</a></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-weight: bold;" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/magazines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Latest Fan Guide </a></li>
<li style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@usequestrianopen on Instagram</a></li>
</ul>
<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">

Five Combinations Primed to Make Their Mark in the 2026 US Equestrian Open

This weekend, TerraNova will the final FEI eventing competition in the US in 2025 and the second qualifier of the 2026 US Equestrian Open series. The headline?&nbsp;Diabolo is back.
<h2>Diabolo is Back</h2>
Will Coleman's superstar returns to the 4* level after an injury, having missed Paris 2024 and most of the 2025 season. The context matters: none of Coleman's string&mdash;Chin Tonic, Diabolo, or Off The Record&mdash;made it to the start box in Paris. Coleman is the only US winner of Aachen, and while he won't say it out loud, the World Games in Aachen next year, will be the target. To get there, he will need Diabolo, Very Dignified, and Off The Record all in top form.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/92c75eff-cff4-4237-88ba-98afd8e715b3.jpg?width=null&amp;height=null" alt="Diabolo Kentucky 2024 Will Coleman Diabolo 8342">
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Diabolo winning the CCI4*-S at Kentucky in 2024
Diabolo's journey back started with a CCI2* at Morven Park. This four-star outing is the next step and while he tops the <a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/terranova_4s_nov2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EquiRatings Prediction Centre</a>, don't expect Coleman to chase time cross-country to try and win this. This run will likely be strategic and test the thirteen-year-old's fitness.
Coleman also brings Fahrenheit Addict who was 2nd at Rebecca Farm's CCI4*-L. At only ten, this is one to watch.
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<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h2>The Competition</h2>
Lucienne Bellissimo brings a powerful double threat with Dyri and Kitsch Couture HPK. Dyri has been in exceptional form, winning the first qualifier of the 2026 series, and sits as the primary challenger.&nbsp;Kitsch Couture HPK is also on top form, having finished 5th at the inaugural series final at Morven Park back in October.
With two more chances to add points to her already 40-point tally, Bellissimo is giving herself a good chance to sit firmly in front heading into the winter break.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/da0879e8-0a9d-4325-8fe5-87886741e79e.jpg?width=null&amp;height=null" alt="Dyri Kentucky 2024 Le Mieux Friday 4 S Lucienne Bellissimo 3083 (2)">
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri
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<h2>Debutant to Watch</h2>
Meg Pellegrini makes her 4* debut with a strong trio: Dondante (8% win chance), Falcon Crown Z (7% win chance), and Cooley Wish Upon A Star (1% win chance).&nbsp;
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<ul>
<li>Dondante, previously ridden by Will Coleman to two top 10 finishes at the CCI5* level, arrives fresh off a podium at Bouckaert's CCI3*-S.</li>
<li>Falcon Crown Z, who won the CCI3*-L at Rebecca Farm, certainly has the class but has something to prove this weekend after 60 penalties led to a retirement at Morven Park.</li>
<li>The ten-year-old&nbsp;Cooley Wish Upon A Star has been Mr. Consistent for Meg, finishing inside the top 10 in their last six runs. They&rsquo;ll be aiming for more of the same this weekend.</li>
</ul>
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<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>Horses Stepping Up</h2>
This late-season event also captures horses who are stepping up to the four-star level for the first time.
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<ul>
<li>Falcon Crown Z (Meg Pellegrini)</li>
<li>Cooley Wish Upon A Star&nbsp;(Meg Pellegrini)</li>
<li>Fernhill Esmerelda&nbsp;(Jon Holling)</li>
<li>Legionnaire (Sara Beth Anton)</li>
<li>Total Access (Nicolette Adams)&nbsp;</li>
<li class="sc-Rmtcm cYMCPj">Shanaclough Quality Clover (Moriah Orms)</li>
</ul>
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<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h2>TerraNova's Time Test</h2>
Since this venue started hosting a CCI4*-S back in 2021, it has proven itself as a tough time test. Of the 134 starters, only four have jumped clear inside-the-time cross-country. However, three of these came in the venues 2025 spring edition.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/4f552efc-56fa-4f78-945e-1b89aa5139ce.png?width=1820&amp;height=860" alt="K S Gq E Xc Stats for Terranova S Cci4 S ">
With that in mind, Waylon Roberts is most likely to climb this weekend, with his rides Fernhill Salt Lake and Chevalier topping the field on their speed metrics.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a16bb030-c1fb-41b4-b79f-d93f26c3c6ce.png?width=1036&amp;height=1680" alt="U Mqlo Fastest Horses in the Field Based on Equiratings Tsp (1)">
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<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The EquiRatings Prediction Centre</h2>
Diabolo leads the <a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/terranova_4s_nov2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EquiRatings Prediction Centre</a> with a 34% win chance, Lucienne Bellissimo's Dyri sits second at 18%, with her second ride Kitsch Couture HPK at 8%.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/b7462207-3668-43a7-a4fb-e3785e20eacc.png?width=859&amp;height=811" alt="Screenshot 2025 11 13 113229">
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With a four-month break until the series resumes in March, TerraNova serves as both ending and beginning. It's the last competitive run before winter training and for many, the first glimpse of 2026 potential. For horses moving from three-star to four-star, the off-season work ahead will be transformative.
The season ends, but the stories are just beginning. Can Diabolo make the perfect comeback? Will Dyri maintain his dominance? Which combinations will announce themselves as 2026 series contender?&nbsp;
Listen to the TerraNova Preview Podcast now on the US Equestrian Open Podcast - available on all podcast platforms.
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/38986300/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/0a317e/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
Check out the full Series calendar below and stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Instagram.&nbsp;</a>Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.
Also follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>.&nbsp;
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<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">
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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>.

TerraNova Preview: Diabolo Returns

Germany&rsquo;s Felicitas Hendricks is a staple on the Wellington podium, but for the first time in her already-storied career, she&rsquo;s heading west. She&rsquo;ll make her West Coast debut at the US Equestrian Open of Dressage Final in Thermal, CA.
In 15 career Grand Prix Freestyles together, Hendricks and Drombusch OLD (by Destano) have finished outside the top three only three times. In 2024, they went undefeated through their Wellington season. This year has been a quieter one, but even Hendricks&rsquo; so-called &ldquo;off day&rdquo; was a 75 &mdash; a score most riders would celebrate.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Always in Rhythm</h2>
Across their four qualifier appearances, Hendricks and Drombusch OLD averaged a freestyle score of 76.533%. Their best outing came in January, when they won the first Adequan Global Dressage Festival qualifier with a 78.200%, dazzling judges with 20 one-tempis and an average degree of difficulty of 9.46. In just three months, they amassed 64 Series points before returning to Germany for the summer season.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I feel like the sky really is the limit for this horse because he wants to do it, and I know he will," Hendricks said.
</blockquote>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Making of a Match</h2>
Trained by famed German coach Christoph Koschel, Hendricks has married classic schooling with contemporary flair. Her disco-inspired freestyle, set to music her mother danced to in the &rsquo;80s, is a crowd favorite. Drombusch himself lights up when the music comes over the loudspeakers.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;He&rsquo;s such a big personality,&rdquo; Hendricks laughed. &ldquo;I really believe he knows his music. When the crowd starts clapping, it&rsquo;s our favorite part.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
The pair has bonded over nearly a decade, and Hendricks says each competition season reveals new layers to his personality and ability. In addition to her recent senior success, she was the 2023 European Under-25 Grand Prix gold medalist and Freestyle silver medalist, helping Germany capture team gold at the U25 FEI European Championships. Now based in Hagen, Germany for the summer, she is making her first trip to the West Coast for the Final.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t wish for a better dance partner. Every day I think, I don&rsquo;t want him to get older. I just want to freeze him and have him forever," Hendricks explained.
</blockquote>
<h2 dir="ltr">West of Wellington&nbsp;</h2>
The Final in Thermal will be Hendricks&rsquo; first West Coast appearance and perhaps the biggest test of her career so far. Her record leaves little doubt about her ability, but this time she&rsquo;ll be outside the familiarity of Wellington. If she can channel the same precision, composure, and trust that have defined her partnership with Drombusch, the path to the title may well run straight through her centerline.
Catch every ride of the US Equestrian Open Final live on the <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_US/usef">USEF Network</a>. Sign up for a free fan membership at <a href="https://www.usef.org/network">usef.org</a> to access the full broadcast from Thermal.
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<hr>
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>.

Dressage rider Felicitas Hendricks smiles and celebrates while patting her horse after a ride, both wearing competition gear with the US Equestrian Open of Dressage logo in the corner.

Four to Follow at the US Equestrian Open Final: Felicitas Hendricks

On a night defined by personal bests, it was Benjamin Ebeling and Bellena who delivered the most meaningful one. Their final freestyle of the season scored 79.930%, a career high and more than enough to win the US Equestrian Open of Dressage Final. After building their entire Grand Prix career together within the Series, the pair capped their year with a test that had the crowd clapping along and judges reaching for 9s.
They weren&rsquo;t the only ones who saved their best for last. Three other riders posted personal bests in Saturday night&rsquo;s freestyle, and ten of the twelve riders in the field outscored their season averages.
<h2 dir="ltr">Bellena&rsquo;s Best Yet</h2>
From their freestyle debut in April to their crowning ride in November, Ebeling and Bellena have looked more confident with every outing. In just six months, they started their showing career together, came second in the Series, won three of their five qualifiers, broke their personal best four times in a row, and now, have won the inaugural Final.&nbsp;
Riding to a girl-power soundtrack of &ldquo;Maneater,&rdquo; &ldquo;Femininomenon,&rdquo; and &ldquo;Perfect,&rdquo; they closed their test with a soaring extended trot and a seamless halt, drawing cheers from the crowd and topping the field by more than a point. Two judges scored the ride above 80%, and Ebeling was the only rider to receive that distinction.
His final score&mdash;79.930%&mdash;was nearly two points above his previous best. He earned 8s across the board for harmony, 8s and 9s for choreography, and an average degree of difficulty of 9.0. It marked the fourth personal best in a row for the pair, whose trajectory has been steep and steady: from 76.190% in July, to 76.615%, then 77.655%, 78.055%, and now this.
On a night full of strong rides, Bellena was the belle of the ball.
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-3NPja" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Bellena's scores with Ben" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3NPja/1/" height="769" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Line chart" data-external="1"></iframe>
&ldquo;This Series has opened the sport to people who can appreciate horse dancing,&rdquo; Ebeling said afterward. &ldquo;I mean, who doesn&rsquo;t like that?&rdquo;
He also gave full credit to Bellena, a 15-year-old Hanoverian mare owned by Ann Romney.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;She means everything to me. Every time I&rsquo;ve asked her to come into the clutch, she&rsquo;s always come through for me. She&rsquo;s a special mare.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<h2 dir="ltr">Margin of Greatness</h2>
Germany&rsquo;s Felicitas Hendricks and Drombusch OLD finished second with a 78.260% in a technically ambitious freestyle that earned the highest degree of difficulty of the night (9.3). She also received a 9.0 for her final halt and scored consistently high for music and choreography. Hendricks, already a two-time U25 European Champion, is a world champion in the making. At just 25, she&rsquo;s already holding her own against senior riders despite still being young enough for the junior division.
&ldquo;The test felt incredible,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;My horse gave it his all."
<blockquote>
"He was on fire in the best way possible.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
Series champion Anna Marek returned to the arena with Fayvel. Their test was clean and assertive&mdash;though perhaps not as relaxed as their best outings&mdash;and included an extremely difficult line of one-tempi changes into twos, plus a final extension that closed the performance with strength. They finished third with their second-highest score of the season at 77.830%.&nbsp;
Kristina Harrison-Antell and Finley delivered a brilliant 75.470%&mdash;their first new personal best since 2022, and fittingly, at the very same show. It lifted her into fourth&nbsp;in the final standings and served as a fitting high point for the longest-running partnership in the Series.
Laura DeCesari and Nadine Schwartsman also notched career bests. DeCesari, riding in her first CDI5*, earned a 70.304%, while Schwartsman opened the evening with a 70.775%&mdash;her first time breaking the 70% barrier in freestyle. Both finished inside the Series top ten.
<h2 dir="ltr">The Final Page</h2>
Back in January, the US Equestrian Open was a budding series. We didn&rsquo;t know the cast of characters, and the possibilities were endless. By Saturday night, we&rsquo;d finished reading the last chapter.
We&rsquo;ll be reliving the highlights for weeks to come. The 2026 season starts soon, and when it does, a new volume of the US Equestrian Open gets underway.
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Benjamin Ebeling smiles and waves while riding Bellena in the winner’s presentation at the US Equestrian Open of Dressage Final. Bellena wears a champion’s cooler and sash with blue ribbons as palm trees and branding fill the night-lit arena backdrop.

Ben and Bellena Save Their Best for Last 

Perhaps the most anticipated freestyle of the weekend belongs to Series leader Anna Marek and her partner Fayvel, a 15-year-old KWPN gelding by Zizi Top. The pair have been one of the most consistent duos of the season, always scoring in the upper 70s, always placing in the top three. This weekend, they trade lush Florida palms for California desert palms as they step into a US Equestrian Open arena, one more time.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">The Journey to Now</h2>
Fayvel wasn&rsquo;t originally meant to be Marek&rsquo;s mount. He came into her program as an amateur&rsquo;s horse, owned and ridden by Cynthia Davila. But when Davila was sidelined by injury, Marek took over the ride. The fit wasn&rsquo;t immediate. Fayvel had been brought along with someone else in mind, but over time, the partnership clicked into place.
Today, they&rsquo;ve become reliably dominant, only finishing outside the top three once in their last 10 FEI freestyles. That one exception? The 2024 World Cup Final, where they finished 8th, the highest-ranked US pair at the championship.&nbsp;
For the 2025 US Equestrian Open season, Marek split her Series campaign between Fayvel and Fire Fly. That strategy worked. She finished the regular season with 105 points, topping the leaderboard and becoming the only rider to break the 100-point mark. But it also forced a tough decision. Which horse would travel to the Final?
Fire Fly delivered Marek&rsquo;s only qualifier win of the season. But Fayvel brought more consistency and higher marks. Ultimately, she chose Fayvel.
Now the question is: did she choose right?
<h2 dir="ltr">The Season of Almost</h2>
On paper, Fayvel looks strong. Among the horses entered in the Final, he has both the highest Series average (76.840%) and the highest Series score (78.765%). When you expand the lens to broader FEI results, he still ranks near the top, second only to Drombusch OLD in career personal best and career average among Final entries.&nbsp;
And yet, for all his scoring power, he hasn&rsquo;t won a single qualifier. Marek&rsquo;s only Series victory came aboard Fire Fly, the horse she ultimately chose not to bring. Fayvel has come close again and again. At WEC, he missed the win by just 0.040%, the narrowest margin in Series history.
He hasn&rsquo;t won an FEI freestyle since February 2024, just before the World Cup Final. That&rsquo;s not a knock&mdash; it&rsquo;s a testament to how consistently, albeit heartbreakingly, close they&rsquo;ve been. Marek has more second-place finishes than any other rider this season.
Statistically, he&rsquo;s one of the best horses in the Series. But this weekend, metrics won&rsquo;t win the class. Can Fayvel finally turn second into first?
<h2 dir="ltr">The Final Wait</h2>
Marek is one of the most experienced riders in the field. She&rsquo;s brought with her a horse peaking in power, expression, and precision. One who is capable of breaking the 80% barrier.&nbsp;
She tops the leaderboard, and in nearly every metric, the data is on her side. She just hasn&rsquo;t had a win on this horse in over a year.&nbsp;
On Saturday night, as she exits the arena and the judges calculate the final score, we&rsquo;ll hold our breath with her, because it might be the moment she finally breaks free of second place.&nbsp;
Catch every ride of the US Equestrian Open Final live on the <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_US/usef">USEF Network</a>. Sign up for a free fan membership at <a href="https://www.usef.org/network">usef.org</a> to access the full broadcast from Thermal.
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<hr>
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 <a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.

Anna Marek smiles and waves to the crowd aboard Fayvel after completing their freestyle at the 2024 FEI World Cup Final.

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