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

Susan Dutta and Don Design DC have completed seven US Equestrian Open legs, but they haven't won one yet. That could change this weekend at TerraNova. On freestyle averages, which tend to be decent predictors of final scores, Dutta is the clear favorite. Trouble is, her Grand Prix scores have been eroding while her freestyle holds.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Dutta's Diverging Scores&nbsp;</h2>
Dutta's last three freestyles average 72%, which is strong, and she always improves upon whatever she puts down in the Grand Prix. The problem is that her Grand Prix scores have been drifting downward (64.650, 63.780, 62.800 in her last three), while the freestyle numbers have held. That's pushed her GP-to-freestyle lift to +8-9 points recently, roughly double her earlier career rate of +4-6. She's leaning on choreography to cover technical mistakes, and that bandaid is only sustainable for so long. Either the Grand Prix rebounds or the freestyle eventually follows it down.&nbsp;
With four qualifying rides completed, she needs a fourth-place finish or better to drop her lowest score and move up in the standings. But a long-awaited win puts her in the Series top 10.
<h2 dir="ltr">Kohmann's Proven Formula Faces a Debut Question</h2>
Kevin Kohmann is the reason Dutta&rsquo;s win chance deserves a second look. He and Famous are making their Grand Prix Freestyle debut together, (the horse's one freestyle on record was an amateur-level test with a different rider) and Kohmann's Grand Prix average on Famous sits around 66%.&nbsp;
That&rsquo;s not a lot to go on for a prediction, but although the horse is unknown, the rider is absolutely not. Kohmann has completed over 20 Grand Prix Freestyles with his World Cup mount, Duenensee. Together, they&rsquo;ve never scored below their Grand Prix score in the freestyle and consistently add six to eight points. It&rsquo;s unlikely that a brand new partnership would have the same results, but if we apply even two-thirds of that to Kohmann&rsquo;s baseline with Famous the projection lands around 70.3% &mdash; competitive for second and within range of Dutta on a day when her Grand Prix scores are trending the wrong direction. Apply the full amount and he's projecting around 72.3%, which puts him directly on par with the class favorite. That's an optimistic read for a debut freestyle on a horse he's ridden in just six FEI tests. But it's not a baseless one.
He currently sits 20th in the Series on two qualifying scores. Last place this weekend moves him to 16th. A win puts him in the top eight.
<h2 dir="ltr">The Rest of the Field</h2>
Charlotte Burssens is the hardest rider in this field to predict. Her freestyle scores span nearly nine points with Elfentanz &mdash; 63.4 on the low end, 72.4 at the top &mdash; and she has scored below her Grand Prix score in a freestyle twice. Her Grand Prix form has been trending down lately, but her results at higher-level shows tend to suffer while she rebounds at CDI3*, which is what this weekend is. If she's going to land in the upper part of her range, this is the class for it.
Micah Deligdish and Carpe Diem De Massa have one Grand Prix Freestyle together, and it came in nearly four points above their Grand Prix average. One data point is one data point, but a debut freestyle that lifts rather than drags suggests something is working.&nbsp;
Finally, Sahar Daniel Hirosh and Handsome C are a very new partnership having only been showing together since March. The horse carries a personal best of 71.155 under a prior rider, so the talent is there, even if the partnership hasn&rsquo;t yet accessed it yet.&nbsp;
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-sYeef" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Grand Prix Freestyle Stats: TerraNova Dressage 3 CDI3*" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/sYeef/1/" height="528" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe>
Stream TerraNova Dressage III live on the <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_US/events/18593/terranova-dressage-iii">USEF Network</a>. <a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew">Sign up for free</a> as a fan to watch the action. The Freestyle kicks off at 4 p.m. EST on May 2.&nbsp;

Susan Dutta and Don Design DC in extended trot in a grand prix competition

Dutta and Don Design DC Head to TerraNova Still Chasing Their First Series Win 

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Will Coleman and Off The Record maintained their lead after a tense cross-country phase at the US Equestrian Open Eventing Final CCI4*-L, but a late-night flag review tightened the competition heading into Sunday's show jumping finale.
Coleman became the first rider to make the optimum time twice at Morven Park's CCI4*-L - first finishing with his new ride Very Dignified and then finishing in 10:04 with Off The Record - five seconds inside Derek di Grazia's 10:09 time allowed. The performance keeps him on his dressage score of 25.1, but his cushion has shrunk considerably. Will Coleman spoke about his round with Off The Record:
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"It wasn't the smoothest round we've ever had. He got really worked up in the warm-up and was just like a freight train starting out. It took us a bit to find our rhythm, but it's a credit to him; on a day where we weren't totally in sync, he still hunts the flags and does whatever it takes to stay between them."
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&nbsp;Will Coleman and Very Dignified
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<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">The Flag Review That Changed Everything</h3>
Boyd Martin and Miks Master C initially sat in 13th place on 58.7 penalties with two flags under review. When officials removed both penalties late Saturday evening, Martin moved into second on 28.7&mdash;just 3.6 penalties behind Coleman.
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The flags being reviewed moved Sunday's show jumping from a near-certain Coleman victory into a genuine contest. Coleman now holds less than one rail's advantage over Martin, while Martin can afford one rail over third-placed Lucienne Bellissimo (33.5) but not two.
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Lucienne Bellissimo and Kitsch Couture HPK produced one of the standout rounds of the day, adding just 2.0 time penalties to climb from eighth after dressage into podium contention. Phillip Dutton and Denim hold fourth on 33.9, while Phillip was eliminated with his second horse Possante following a broken bridle on course. Caroline Pamukcu delivered the day's fastest round with HSH Double Sixteen, finishing inside the optimum time to rocket from 17th into fifth.
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<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">Win Chance Post Cross Country:</h3>
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The inaugural US Equestrian Open Eventing Champion will be crowned on Sunday. Showjumping starts at 1:30 p.m. EST over Christopher Barnard's show jumping track, with $200,000 in prize money on the line. What seemed like Coleman's race to lose has become a genuine battle - one rail could decide everything.
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
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For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
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Flag Drama Tightens the Race at Morven Park

<h2 dir="ltr">Dressage: Wandres Wins AGDF 10, Darcourt Holds On</h2>
Germany&rsquo;s Frederic Wandres and Verrenberg won Friday night's Grand Prix Freestyle at AGDF 10 with a new combination best of 76.240%. Verrenberg, the youngest horse in the field at ten years old, looked every bit the emerging force the data hinted at. Wandres rode to a freestyle soundtrack originally built for Bluetooth, his Olympic gold medal partner, and the fit was close enough.
"He's a really promising horse," Wandres said.
<blockquote>
"He's very consistent in the arena to bring these good results already at this young age, which is not so normal."
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d551e242-ce1a-4e66-a035-ffee1a411784.png?width=905&amp;height=1098" alt="Screenshot 2026 03 16 143401">
The win vaults Wandres from outside the top 25 into a tie for eighth at 29 points. With the AGDF season wrapping up next week, Wandres and Verrenberg will likely head back to Europe, which probably ends their Open Series run for now. But keep an eye on this horse regardless. He's shaping up to peak right in time for an LA 2028 appearance.
Kevin Kohmann and Duenensee took second with 75.715%. The high-70s rides are a possibility, but increasingly the exception. A 75 of some flavor is where this pair lives right now, and clearly it&rsquo;s working. The result secured Kohmann's place in April's FEI World Cup Final in Texas&mdash;the third consecutive Finals appearance for this combination.
"This horse made my career; he changed everything," Kohmann said.
<blockquote>
"If you'd told me four years ago that we'd make it to the World Cup Finals three times in a row, I'd have told you you were crazy."
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Pablo G&oacute;mez Molina and Ulises de Ymas took third with 73.715%, moving to 27 points and 13th overall. Ashley Holzer and Hawtins San Floriana finished fourth with 73.555%, and now sit in a crowded eighth on 29 points, alongside four other combinations. Caroline Darcourt and Lord Django finished fifth at 72.570%, leaving her in a tie with Christian Simonson for second on the season at 40 points.
<a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/dressage/708" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/18e9bb9f-0b3b-4d31-bf4c-a3c37f0f35b0.png?width=1240&amp;height=714" alt="Pk Xie Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Dressage "></a>
P.J. Rizvi and Vanilla Ice finished sixth on 72.325%, which frankly undersells the energy in the arena. Vanilla Ice is a piaffe machine when he locks in, and he locked in Friday. Rizvi left the arena smiling, still humming the music. By the metric of putting on a show, she wins every time.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/dressage" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/df3afaab-1f25-4fab-a1dc-c46c608169fb.png?width=1080&amp;height=171" alt="Read More Dressage"></a>
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<h2 dir="ltr">Eventing: Carolina International Approaches</h2>
Next Qualifier: Carolina International, North Carolina | The Final: Morven Park, Virginia (October)
With 41 entries confirmed in the CCI4*-S, Carolina International is the largest qualifier of the 2026 series to date and the points on offer reflect that. Cross the 25-starter threshold and the win is worth 50 points rather than 40. Boyd Martin built his 2025 Series title on weekends exactly like this one. The combinations who arrive in form and leave with a result could reshape the leaderboard significantly.
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The latest episode of the US Equestrian Open Podcast breaking down the entries is now live, with a full form guide and preview article coming later this week - but before that, here are some of the big names to watch.
<h3 dir="ltr">The Contenders</h3>
Phillip Dutton and Denim arrive in winning form after their victory at the Grand Prix Eventing Showcase in Aiken. They won outright, going inside the time on cross-country - one of only two combinations in the field to do so. Denim finished sixth at last year&rsquo;s US Equestrian Open Final and placed in the top ten in all three qualifiers he contested. They arrive at Carolina as serious contenders.
Will Coleman and Diabolo return carrying momentum of a different kind. Their last four-star outing was <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/terranova-closes-the-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a win at the TerraNova qualifier </a>in November, marking their return from a break. It was Diabolo&rsquo;s third four-star victory in a row, following earlier wins at Kentucky and Plantation in 2024. A 26.1 dressage and a double clear last time out is the kind of form that travels well into a new qualifier.
Kim Severson and Cooley Corraghy Diamond are back and that alone is worth talking about. Cooley Corraghy Diamond has not completed an event since May (withdrawing before cross-country on two occasion) when he placed second in a CCI4*-S in just his second start at the level. The talent has never been in question. With an EquiRatings Elo rating of 555, he is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/9-year-olds-on-track-for-the-us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">highest-rated nine-year-old in the US</a> and 13th in the world for his age. This weekend will offer an intriguing first look at where he is now.
<a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e5e51b2e-03a5-44a3-819a-0bba7cfa767c.png?width=1240&amp;height=714" alt="Vld71 Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Eventing "></a> 
Caroline Pamukcu arrives with three entries in the four-star short &mdash; HSH Blake, HSH Tolan King, and She&rsquo;s The One &mdash; giving her three separate shots at the expanded points on offer. She currently sits joint first in the Series on 80 points, level with Lucienne Bellissimo, who also makes the trip with Kitsch Couture HPK. Pamukcu earned all 80 of her points at Bouckaert a fortnight ago and Bellissimo will be looking to respond.&nbsp;
Boyd Martin returns with Miks Master C and Shanroe Cooley, the two horses he took to the Final last year, finishing first and fourth. As the reigning Series and Final winner, and currently sitting third on 65 points, a strong weekend here could put him straight into the lead.
The leaderboard is tight. The points are big. The field is the deepest of the 2026 Series so far. Carolina matters.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/eventing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/254e09dd-d92e-4194-986b-baf0dbd8460b.png?width=1080&amp;height=158" alt="Read More Eventing"></a>
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<h2 dir="ltr">Jumping: Eleven Days to Go</h2>
The US Equestrian Open Final: Wellington, Week 12 | Countdown: 11 Days
The <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/jumping-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix</a> is on March 28th. There is one more weekend of competition before the final, yet most of the serious contenders will be saving their horses for the Final. After weeks of tracking form, watching jump-offs, and reporting on five-big star results from Florida to Doha, the picture is nearly complete. $1,000,000 is on the line, and it is shaping up to be exactly the kind of US versus the rest contest the buildup has promised.
<h3 dir="ltr">Richard Vogel: Winning Elsewhere, Arriving Confident</h3>
The result worth noting from this weekend came not from Wellington but from 's-Hertogenbosch, where the Rolex Grand Prix at the Dutch Masters &mdash; the first Rolex Grand Slam event of 2026 &mdash; went to Richard Vogel and United Touch S. It was their seventh Grand Prix/World Cup win together and their second Rolex Major, following Geneva 2023. Eleven combinations made the jump-off. None came close to Vogel's time.
While Vogel has confirmed he will be there for the Final (likely riding <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/countdown-to-the-final-five-lessons-from-the-first-five-star-weekend-in-wellington" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WEF Weeks 5 Winner Gangster Montdesir)</a>, whether United Touch S&nbsp;makes the trip to Wellington remains to be seen. In many ways, that may be beside the point. Winning a class like this just two weeks before a $750,000 Rolex Grand Prix is the kind of form that travels with a rider.
<h3 dir="ltr">US Contenders on the Road</h3>
Two major US Open contenders made the trip to the Dutch Masters and both will take useful information back to Wellington. Lillie Keenan and Kick On jumped clear in Round 1 and posted the fastest four-fault jump-off round to finish sixth. Competitive, if not quite a podium.
Kent Farrington&nbsp;and Toulayna had the second-fastest jump-off time behind Vogel but had two fences down to finish tenth. Not their day but Farrington will arrive at Week 12 as one of the most dangerous riders in the field regardless. He will be hungry.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/jumping" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/eeee484b-ef16-4e10-9de3-6d72b0a7f0c7.png?width=1080&amp;height=161" alt="Read More Jumping"></a>
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<h2 data-path-to-node="4">Stay in the Loop with The Open Weekly</h2>
Thanks for joining us for this week's edition! Don't forget: a fresh update of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/the-open-weekly" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Open Weekly</a>&nbsp;drops on the site&nbsp;every Tuesday.
<h3 data-path-to-node="9">Join the Conversation</h3>
Follow us for daily highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and live updates:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/useqopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>
<h3 data-path-to-node="6">Go Beyond the Article</h3>
Catch the latest insights and expert interviews on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sites.libsyn.com/559710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Equestrian Open Podcast</a>.
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Frederic Wandres & Verrenberg on the Open Weekly Graphic 

The Open Weekly: Wandres and Vogel Win Big, Carolina International on Deck

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<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">1. The strongest field in Carolina history</h2>
This weekend's CCI4*-S carries an Elo Field Strength rating of 615 - the highest ever recorded at Carolina, and the sixth highest of any CCI4*-S on US soil in the last ten years.
Elo Field Strength is the average Elo rating of the top 20 horses in a competition. It&rsquo;s a way to measure the overall quality of both the field and the competitors. A rating of 615 doesn't happen because one or two world-class horses showed up. It happens because the whole field is elite. Whoever wins this weekend will have beaten some of the best combinations in the country to do it.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ff4d4ac5-5aa8-4a2f-b3ac-862b90e57f33.png?width=1572&amp;height=1600" alt="Sq U34 the Strongest Cci4 S Fields on Us Soil on Record ">
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">2. Multiple Carolina champions are back</h2>
Three of the last four horses that won Carolina are returning to defend their title.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle, winners here twelve months ago, are back to try and repeat.</li>
<li class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Liz Halliday's Miks Master C, this time with Boyd Martin, won here in 2024.</li>
<li class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Will Coleman and Dondante won in 2022, and Dondante is back, now with Meg Pellegrini.</li>
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On top of that, Phillip Dutton has two in the field while Caroline Pamukcu&nbsp;returns with three rides having won her first major CCI4*-S title at this very venue in 2017.
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<h2 class="font-claude-response relative leading-[1.65rem] [&amp;_pre&gt;div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&amp;_pre&gt;div]:border-0.5 [&amp;_pre&gt;div]:border-border-400 [&amp;_.ignore-pre-bg&gt;div]:bg-transparent [&amp;_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&amp;_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&amp;_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&amp;_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8">3. The competition is wide open</h2>
The podium conversation stretches across half the start list. Will Coleman (23%) arrives as a three-time winner (on three different horses) but Diabolo is still newly back to competition after an injury. How hard Will presses cross-country will be a major factor for his chances.&nbsp;
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Caroline Pamukcu sits in second on the <a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/carolina_4s_2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EquiRatings Prediction Centre </a>with&nbsp;her superstar HSH Blake (14%), and with something still to prove ahead of Aachen selection, she may push on when Will doesn't. Phillip Dutton brings two horses for a combined win chance of 12% while FEI World No.2 Boyd Martin's win chance totals 16%.
There is no clear race-away favorite, no obvious result. That's what happens when you put together the deepest Carolina field ever assembled.
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">4. The biggest points haul of the series so far</h2>
Carolina is the fourth qualifier in the US Equestrian Open of Eventing, and for the first time in the 2026 Series, the full points scale is in play. With more than 25 starters, first place is worth 50 points this weekend - compared to a maximum of 40 at the previous qualifiers. That's a significant jump. A 50-point weekend changes things fast.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ec2bc08c-7c88-4dc3-a5e7-4fd9617950fd.png?width=3204&amp;height=2600" alt="Qualifiers With More Than 25 Starters (1) (1) (1)">
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<div class="group relative relative pb-3" data-is-streaming="false">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="group relative relative pb-3" data-is-streaming="false">5. The whole Series leaderboard is on the line 
After three qualifiers, Lucienne Bellissimo and Caroline Pamukcu are tied at the top of the Open Series leaderboard. Boyd Martin sits third, Will Coleman fourth. And three of these four are competing this weekend.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1708749e-a16c-47cb-9cbb-1e1fc14a457e.png?width=628&amp;height=952" alt="Screenshot 2026 03 18 200431">
Caroline has three entries at Carolina, Boyd has two, and Will has one, meaning this single event could reshape the entire standings in one afternoon.
Whoever performs best this weekend has a real chance to break clear at the top. Whoever doesn't could find themselves looking up. The leaderboard that greets us on Monday morning will look very different to the one we have now.
&nbsp;
Want to dive deeper into Carolina this weekend?&nbsp;Check out the full&nbsp;<a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/carolina2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Form Guide</a> or tune in to this week's episode of the US Equestrian Open Podcast <a href="https://pod.fo/e/3af826" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.</a>
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40519610/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/28427a/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.
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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>.
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Five Reasons You Can't Miss the Carolina Qualifier This Weekend

HSH Double Sixteen entered the Fair Hill International CCI4*-S with the highest Top Speed Percentage (TSP) in the field, a 94%. This means he had outpaced 94% of opponents across his three fastest runs. That number was being used as a prediction. Today, it became a result.
The pair moved from seventh after dressage to first place by showjumping clear and catching the cross-country time (the only one's to do so) to finish on their dressage score (FOD) of 37.7. It was just the second FOD of the 2026 Series so far, following <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/fast-flawless-and-the-first-of-the-2026-series-lucienne-bellissimo-dyri-deliver-at-stable-view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri at Stable View</a> two weeks ago.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/3196d3d4-0dec-47c3-a9cc-fd3add53009d.jpg?width=4539&amp;height=3026" alt="Caroline Pamukcu and Hsh Double Sixteen">
Across the full 2025 Series, only four FODs were recorded from 349 runs (1%) - and impressively, this combination was responsible for one of them.&nbsp;The 2026 Series is now tracking at a similar rate, with two FODs already in the first nine of 20 qualifiers.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/48889016-252b-410a-8a02-3b4cc420d538.png?width=1748&amp;height=614" alt="W A0 Jf the Four Fod S From the 2025 Series Qualifiers Nbsp (1) (1)">
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">How rare is a finish like this at Fair Hill?</h2>
Fair Hill returned to the CCI4*-S format for the first time since 2022, and the history of the class tells you exactly how hard the cross-country time is to catch. Across 143 starters (including this weekend), just two combinations have ever made it inside the time. Kurt Agardy Martin &amp; Anna Bella in 2014 were the first and they also finished on their dressage score that day. HSH Double Sixteen is now the second to do both.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/02c29ba0-3449-46fa-a72c-77b461ee8db2.png?width=1288&amp;height=1862" alt="A Oycz All Previous Winners of the Cci4 S at Fair Hill Nbsp ">
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">What it means for the Series leaderboard</h2>
Caroline Pamukcu extends her lead at the top of the standings. Boyd Martin added further points with Miks Master C in second and Shanroe Cooley in third, moving to second in the Series. These results mean Tamie Smith arrives at Ocala with serious pressure. Read more on that <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/six-horses-two-weekends-why-tamie-smith-is-the-series-favorite" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.</a>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f1d5f9d9-ce89-4cbe-abe5-5beab3b9412a.png?width=1240&amp;height=814" alt="W1 N Zj Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Eventing Nbsp ">
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-world-cup-glory-for-farrington-historic-podium-for-simonson" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/797de4a4-a9fd-4ef8-8f83-7253791613fc.png?width=4048&amp;height=577" alt="Us Open Blog Inserts"></a>
<h3 data-path-to-node="9">Join the Conversation</h3>
Follow us for daily highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and live updates:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/useqopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>
<h3 data-path-to-node="6">Go Beyond the Article</h3>
Catch the latest insights and expert interviews on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sites.libsyn.com/559710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Equestrian Open Podcast.</a>&nbsp;
The Mission of the Open The US Equestrian Open was born from a strategic Board of Directors decision in 2023 to build a permanent legacy for US Equestrian sport.&nbsp;Its mission is to grow and foster a deeper connection to equestrianism by delivering a premier, unified championship series in the Olympic disciplines.&nbsp;
With top-level competition, storytelling, and a dynamic, entertaining experience, the vision is to transform disparate events into a cohesive, narrative-driven season. The Series is anchored by core values which include fan-first accessibility, competitive integrity, storytelling, and a dynamic entertaining experience onsite.

Caroline Pamukcu & HSH Double Sixteen at a trot up

Caroline Pamukcu & HSH Double Sixteen speed to the top at Fair Hill

<h2 dir="ltr">1. This Has Never Happened Before</h2>
The US Equestrian Open of Dressage has run doubleheaders, but this weekend will be the very first triple header. Three Grand Prix Freestyle classes will award Series points simultaneously: the CDI3* Nations Cup and CDI3* in Wellington, and the CDI3* at HITS Del Mar Dressage Affaire in California. Ten of the 18 horses entered have already completed an Open leg this season. The leaderboard is about to see a lot of movement at once.
<h2 dir="ltr">2. Tinne Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n Is the Clearest Favorite in Any of the Three Fields</h2>
In the Wellington CDI3*, Tinne Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n and Hyatt average 76%&mdash;more than three points above the next best average in the field. Hyatt's personal best of 79.070% towers over the rest of the combinations.&nbsp;
Jennifer Williams and Joppe K hold the clearest claim on second: a roughly one-point edge in average over the next tier, with a 75.680% PB that puts them in range of Silfv&eacute;n. P.J. Rizvi and Vanilla Ice, fresh off a crowd-pleasing ride at AGDF 10, and Devon Kane and Vamos&mdash;11 starts deep, 72.375% average&mdash;should be close behind, especially if Vanilla Ice continues to settle into the Wellington atmosphere this week.
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-7srns" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Grand Prix Freestyle Stats: AGDF 11 CDI3*" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/7srns/1/" height="650" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe>
<h2 dir="ltr">3. Wandres Enters the Nation's Cup as the Favorite and This May Be His Last Open Leg</h2>
Frederic Wandres and Verrenberg are a safe bet for first in the Nation's Cup field. The horse averages 75% with a new personal best of 76.240% set just last weekend at AGDF 10. Beyond that, the pair have climbed in scores at every outing since their first Grand Prix Freestyle together last June.&nbsp;
Ashley Holzer and Hawtins San Floriana (73.449% average, 75.290% PB) are the strongest challengers, while the remaining field clusters in the low-73s and below. With the AGDF season wrapping up, Wandres and Verrenberg are likely headed back to Europe after this, which would make this their final Open Series appearance of 2026.
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-YGfei" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Grand Prix Freestyle Stats: AGDF 11 Nation's Cup CDIO3*" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/YGfei/1/" height="583" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe>
<h2 dir="ltr">4. Del Mar's Favorite Has a Complicated Case</h2>
By the stats, G&uuml;nter Seidel and Equirelle lead at Del Mar with a 72.86% average and a 76.615% personal best, both the highest in the field. But those numbers don't reflect recent form as the pair has struggled to find their footing in their most recent outings. This dilemma could leave the door open for Kristina Harrison-Antell and Finley. They average 72% across eight starts, but their last freestyle was at the US Equestrian Open Final, where they earned that 75.470% PB. They've won their last four classes. The momentum is Harrison-Antell's, and a new combination best wouldn't be surprising.
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-9KoP4" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Grand Prix Freestyle Stats: Del Mar Dressage Affaire" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/9KoP4/1/" height="515" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe>
<h2 dir="ltr">5. The Leaderboard Is About to Rearrange Itself</h2>
Wandres and Holzer are the headline movers this week. Both tied for eighth at 29 points and both likely to jump significantly depending on how the Nation's Cup shakes out. A Wandres win puts him at 49 and into first overall. Holzer in second lands at 44 and second overall. If she wins instead, those numbers simply flip. Either way, expect new names in first and second.
But they're not the only ones moving. Ten riders competing this weekend already have Series points on the board. Silfv&eacute;n sits at 25th with 15 points&mdash;a win in the CDI3* is worth 20, which vaults her into the top ten overnight. Kane is 19th on 18 points; a podium finish puts her squarely in that conversation too. At Del Mar, a win is also worth 20 points. That takes Seidel from 8 points to 28 and into the top 15. Meanwhile a win for Harrison-Antell puts her at 20 points and straight into the top 20 on her first result.
<h2 dir="ltr">6. Nearly the Whole Field Has 2026 Form</h2>
All 18 horses entered have competed at least once in 2026, and 10 have already completed an Open Series leg this season. These combinations aren't knocking off cobwebs. They've been showing, and the scores on the board reflect it.
<h2 dir="ltr">Tune In</h2>
Both the CDI3* and the Nation&rsquo;s Cup will be held during AGDF&rsquo;s Friday Night Stars. Catch the action starting at 7 p.m. ET on the <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_US/events/19310/adequan-global-dressage-festival-xi-fei-dressage-nations-cuptm-2026">USEF Network</a>. Del Mar&rsquo;s Dressage Affaire kicks off Saturday, also on the <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_US/events/18459/del-mar-dressage-affaire-cdi-3">USEF Network</a>.
<a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew">Sign up for free</a> as a fan to stream the action.

Frederic Wandres waves to the crowd on horse back after leaving the arena

6 Things You Need to Know About Dressage's First-Ever Triple Header

Five editions in and the <a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/kentucky4s2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cosequin&reg; Lexington CCI4*-S&nbsp;</a>has established itself as one of the most competitive CCI4*-S classes in the US. Over the past five years, the field has grown in size, strength, and prestige. This weekend, two of those winners return looking to add their names to the list again.
<div style="text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;"><a style="display: inline-block; background-color: #1a5fa8; color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; padding: 14px 28px; border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://usequestrianopen.info/kentucky4s2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about Kentucky in the Fan Guide</a></div>
 <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1a9dcdb9-cadf-4136-b1df-fcab4615adef.png?width=1196&amp;height=972" alt="Dqe Gz Who S Won Before (1)">
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The back-to-back champion: Will Coleman</h2>
Will Coleman has won this class more than anyone having had back-to-back victories on two different horses, Diabolo in 2024 and Off The Record in 2025. He also finished third in 2024 with Off The Record, meaning he held first and third on the podium that year. Diabolo is in the five-star this week, and Off The Record has yet to compete internationally this season, likely being managed carefully on the road to World Championship selection.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/835ef1d4-cbe6-453a-a463-9be6c866f0bf.jpeg?width=2500&amp;height=2014" alt="Copy of C Y6 A0108">Will Coleman &amp; Diabolo winning the 2024 edition of the Cosequin&reg; Lexington CCI4*-S
Coleman brings two other rides this year: Fahrenheit Addict and Very Dignified. Fahrenheit Addict is relatively inexperienced at the level, with just four previous CCI4* runs, and this will certainly be a step up in both atmosphere and intensity for the 11-year-old.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/mikki-dora-and-six-boyd-will-and-caroline-three-exciting-partnerships-from-the-us-equestrian-open-eventing-final" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Very Dignified&nbsp;or &lsquo;Dora&rsquo;</a> did something no other combination managed at last year&rsquo;s US Equestrian Open Final: she finished on her dressage score (FOD) to take third place. The ability to FOD stands out given the history of this class. It has only happened twice before&mdash;Hot Bobo in 2023 and Diabolo in 2024&mdash;and on both occasions, it led to the win.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/13cdffba-f4af-41c8-b81a-16c17c83c94a.jpg?width=4160&amp;height=2775" alt="Very Dignified Will Coleman. Credit Devyn Trethewey &amp; Us Equestrian. From Open Final 2025 (2)">Will Coleman &amp; Very Dignified at the 2025 US Equestrian Open Final
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<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The inaugural winner: Alyssa Phillips</h2>
Alyssa Phillips is back for the first time since she took the first-ever edition of this class aboard&nbsp;Oskar in 2021. She returns this time with Rockett 19 - a horse <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-crystal-ball-how-data-predicts-the-next-generation-of-us-superstars" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EquiRatings has flagged as one to watch</a> for some time. He made his four-star debut at TerraNova earlier this season, scoring a 27 in dressage and jumping clear before picking up time penalties on cross-country, though he was held on course so that figure may not tell the full story. Together they have scored as low as 22.3 (albeit at three-star) and they have never finished outside the top ten in an international start.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9d7c80a1-bcec-4a69-92e8-89663bb6e1ba.jpg?width=null&amp;height=null" alt="C E5 A8517">Alyssa Phillips &amp; Oskar competing at Aachen in 2024
<h2 data-path-to-node="9">Check out the Fan Guide</h2>
An <a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/kentucky4s2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EquiRatings fan guide</a> does more than list who's entered: it tells you who's actually favoured and why, using win percentages, Elo ratings, and form data you won't find anywhere else in one place.
It gives context to every phase: who to watch on the dressage leaderboard, who's built for cross-country, and where the competition could turn.
Read it in a few minutes and you'll follow the weekend like someone who knows the sport inside out.
<div style="text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;"><a style="display: inline-block; background-color: #1a5fa8; color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; padding: 14px 28px; border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://usequestrianopen.info/kentucky4s2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about Kentucky in the Fan Guide</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;">&nbsp;</div>
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Quick Access Links:</h2>
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<ul>
<li>Results: <a href="https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/results" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Results Link</a></li>
<li>Start Times: <a href="https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/entries-and-ride-times" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Start Time Link</a></li>
<li>Live Stream: <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_EU/events/18573/2026-defender-kentucky-three-day-event-the-kentucky-international-csi5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Live Stream Link</a></li>
<li>Watch Kentucky for free with a USEF memberships: <a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get a free Fan membership</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/797de4a4-a9fd-4ef8-8f83-7253791613fc.png?width=4048&amp;height=577" alt="Us Open Blog Inserts">
<h3 data-path-to-node="9">Join the Conversation</h3>
Follow us for daily highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and live updates:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/useqopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>
<h3 data-path-to-node="6">Go Beyond the Article</h3>
Catch the latest insights and expert interviews on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sites.libsyn.com/559710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Equestrian Open Podcast.</a>&nbsp;
The Mission of the Open The US Equestrian Open was born from a strategic Board of Directors decision in 2023 to build a permanent legacy for US Equestrian sport.
Its mission is to grow and foster a deeper connection to equestrianism by delivering a premier, unified championship series in the Olympic disciplines.&nbsp;
With top-level competition, storytelling, and a dynamic, entertaining experience, the vision is to transform disparate events into a cohesive, narrative-driven season. The Series is anchored by core values which include fan-first accessibility, competitive integrity, storytelling, and a dynamic entertaining experience onsite.

Will Coleman & Off The Record winning at Kentucky in 2025

Cosequin® Lexington: Who's won and who's back?

The Kentucky Horse Park needs no introduction. One of the most storied venues in eventing, it has hosted some of the sport's most iconic moments and this weekend, the Cosequin&reg; Lexington CCI4*-S returns for its sixth consecutive year.
<div style="text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;"><a style="display: inline-block; background-color: #1a5fa8; color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; padding: 14px 28px; border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://usequestrianopen.info/kentucky4s2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about Kentucky in the Fan Guide</a></div>
If last year is anything to go by, it will be one of the standout events of the entire series. In 2025, it drew the largest field of any qualifier and ranked in the top three for overall field strength. The 11th qualifier of 2026 is shaping up to match it.
And the timing matters. The leaderboard has been shifting constantly through the opening ten qualifiers, and two of the biggest names in the title race arrive here with serious skin in the game. Tamie Smith, with three entries,&nbsp;and Lucienne Bellissimo, with Kitsch Couture HPK, sit third and fourth in the standings and both still have one open scoring slot. With space for six counting scores each, this could be one of the last chances for either to add a fresh result rather than trying to improve on an existing one.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/87e9abcf-8db2-4446-8f96-373fbcec5349.png?width=712&amp;height=417" alt="Screenshot 2026 04 20 173003">
The points at stake here are also significant. With Kentucky operating on the large qualifier scale, a win is worth 50 points, enough to move either combination sharply up a tight leaderboard.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f4c60395-4300-4ffc-a11d-a722b69c73c4.png?width=717&amp;height=397" alt="Points Scale for Blog Inserts">
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The favorite: Tamie Smith &amp; Lillet 3</h2>
Tamie Smith &amp; Lillet 3 lead The<a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/kentucky_4s_2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> EquiRatings Prediction Centre</a> on an 18% Win Chance. The ten-year-old produced the highest High Performance Rating (HPR) recorded at a US Equestrian Open qualifier this season&mdash;a 99 at Carolina&mdash;to win a big, competitive class.
<a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/kentucky4s2026/who-wins--top-scores" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9fdbd7e8-08a3-4ca0-b77d-7c194ce11292.png?width=1174&amp;height=1678" alt="N4 Ocg Who Wins the Cosequin Lexington Cci4 S "></a>
Tamie arrives with six international wins already this season and serious momentum behind her. She&rsquo;s in form, in rhythm, and riding one of the strongest strings in the country right now. Tamie also brings her experience campaigner Danito (10% Win Chance) and Kynan (3% Win Chance) who finished in the top 10 in this class last year.
Read more about Tamie's 2026 campaign&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/six-horses-two-weekends-why-tamie-smith-is-the-series-favorite" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.</a>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5b0cb64b-8068-48b4-999a-c15a2fc2b2c2.jpg?width=4000&amp;height=2667" alt="Tamie Smith Lillet 3 05449">Tamie Smith &amp; Lillet 3 on the way to winning Carolina CCI4*-S. Photo: Liz Crawley Photography
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Course experience: Sydney Elliott and Dan Kreitl</h2>
The two horses below Lillet 3 on the prediction centre bring something the favorite can't claim: a proven track record in this specific class.
Sydney Elliott &amp; QC Diamantaire arrive with a 12% win chance having competed at the Kentucky Horse Park four times with two of those appearances being in the CCI4*-S. They finished third in 2023 and eighth in 2024 with a double clear on both occasions. That kind of consistency over a course of Kentucky's standard is not something to overlook.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/447bcae5-293e-488e-b18f-1d3cb098a595.png?width=1536&amp;height=748" alt="M6 Hq I Qc Diamantaire S Record at Kentucky Horse Park ">
On a 11% win chance, Dan Kreitl and Carmango have a strong record at this venue, finishing fourth in 2022 and fifth in 2023. In 2022, they led the class after cross-country before an unlucky show jumping phase dropped them out of the medals but they came back the following year and jumped clear, proof that this course holds no demons for them.
After missing the entire 2025 international season, they returned at the TerraNova qualifier with a convincing third-place finish, starting on a 21 in the dressage. That mark is the lowest four-star dressage score recorded globally in 2026 so far.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/3ed71fed-7af3-4d79-85e0-aa3e0fcc4ed0.png?width=1536&amp;height=536" alt="S Jyyv Carmango S Record at Kentucky Horse Park ">
These two combinations account for the only horses in this field with a top-five finish at this competition. That track record earns its place in any preview, win chance aside.
&nbsp;
<div style="text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;"><a style="display: inline-block; background-color: #1a5fa8; color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; padding: 14px 28px; border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://usequestrianopen.info/kentucky4s2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about Kentucky in the Fan Guide</a></div>
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Quick Access Links:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Results: <a href="https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/results" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Results Link</a></li>
<li>Start Times: <a href="https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/entries-and-ride-times" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Start Time Link</a></li>
<li>Live Stream: <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_EU/events/18573/2026-defender-kentucky-three-day-event-the-kentucky-international-csi5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Live Stream Link</a></li>
<li>Watch Kentucky for free with a USEF memberships: <a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get a free Fan membership</a></li>
</ul>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/797de4a4-a9fd-4ef8-8f83-7253791613fc.png?width=4048&amp;height=577" alt="Us Open Blog Inserts">
<h3 data-path-to-node="9">Join the Conversation</h3>
Follow us for daily highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and live updates:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/useqopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>
<h3 data-path-to-node="6">Go Beyond the Article</h3>
Catch the latest insights and expert interviews on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sites.libsyn.com/559710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Equestrian Open Podcast.</a>&nbsp;
The Mission of the Open The US Equestrian Open was born from a strategic Board of Directors decision in 2023 to build a permanent legacy for US Equestrian sport.
Its mission is to grow and foster a deeper connection to equestrianism by delivering a premier, unified championship series in the Olympic disciplines.&nbsp;
With top-level competition, storytelling, and a dynamic, entertaining experience, the vision is to transform disparate events into a cohesive, narrative-driven season. The Series is anchored by core values which include fan-first accessibility, competitive integrity, storytelling, and a dynamic entertaining experience onsite.

Tamie Smith & Lillet 3 cross-country at Carolina

Who wins the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S?

With 105 points, Anna Marek became the first rider in US Equestrian Open of Dressage history to cross the 100-point mark, sealing her place as the inaugural Series champion.
<h2 dir="ltr">The Art of Almost Winning</h2>
When the season opened in January, Marek sat mid-pack while European riders like Felicitas Hendricks and Evelyn Eger traded early wins. But by Week 10, after a string of podiums in Wellington and Ocala, she overtook the leaderboard. From that point on, no one caught her.
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-itjY6" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="The Points Race: Anna Marek, Ben Ebeling, Felicitas Hendricks" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/itjY6/2/" height="653" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Line chart" data-external="1"></iframe>
Across her six qualifying runs, Marek never finished lower than third and averaged over 75% in every freestyle. She also logged four second-place finishes, more than any other rider in the Series. It&rsquo;s the kind of stat that cuts both ways: a testament to her reliability, but also a question mark heading into the Final.
Can the sport&rsquo;s most consistent contender finally trade silver for gold when it matters most?
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-MMizW" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Anna Marek's Series Points" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/MMizW/1/" height="438" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Power of Two</h2>
Most riders only managed one horse through the Series. Marek managed two.
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-cOxSA" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Anna Marek's Grand Prix Stable: Fire Fly vs. Fayvel" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/cOxSA/2/" height="414" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe>
Fire Fly, the high-voltage Pan Am Games medalist, brings flair with an all-time best of 78.750%. But he&rsquo;s a sensitive horse. Electric, but unpredictable under pressure.
Fayvel, by contrast, is the dependable one. A 15-year-old KWPN gelding by Zizi Top, he&rsquo;s an accurate horse, rarely dropping below 75%. Marek herself calls him &ldquo;bold but honest,&rdquo; a horse who gives her confidence to take risks.
When she needed reliability, Fayvel delivered. When she needed brilliance, Fire Fly did. That dual approach kept her ahead of riders just fielding one mount.
<h2 dir="ltr">What the Numbers Say</h2>
Heading into the Final, Marek is the only rider in the field with two proven Grand Prix Freestyle horses, both capable of scoring in the high 70s. She&rsquo;s logged seven top-four finishes this season, more than any other competitor, and her 105 points make her the most consistently high-scoring American across the year.
On paper, that consistency makes her a statistical favorite for another podium&hellip; but not necessarily for the win. Four second-place finishes have shown she&rsquo;s reliably in the mix, but rarely untouchable.
The question now is whether she can ride for first in the palm-lined arenas of Thermal, California.

Anna Marek smiles while riding during a US Equestrian Open Dressage competition, wearing a navy coat with the U.S. team badge and helmet, set against a blurred green background with the event logo in the corner.

How Anna Marek Won the Series

The sport's stars facing off, leaderboard shuffles, and a champion who made history while honoring a friend; come Sunday evening, we not only had an inaugural winner of this trailblazing event but we also got to witness exciting horse-and-rider partnerships come to the fore.
<h1 dir="ltr">The Champions</h1>
If you haven&rsquo;t yet heard, Boyd Martin and Miks Master C are our 2025 US Equestrian Open Eventing Champions. The Open was just their third international appearance together. They went from ninth at Bromont 3*-S in August, to fourth at The Fork 4*-S in September and now to first in this 4*-L, an event Boyd called, &ldquo;the greatest 4*-L in the world.&rdquo;
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Lastly, I&rsquo;d like to give a big shout out to Liz who did all the work on this magnificent horse. I hope you&rsquo;re watching Liz, and this is for you.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f9a8cdf8-f297-4152-a875-2f45b2d3fee8.jpeg?width=4160&amp;height=2775" alt="Boyd Martin &amp; Miks Master C just after their dressage. Boyd smiles brightly &amp; Miks Master C's ears are pricked forward. Credit Devyn Trethewey and Us Equestrian">Miks Master C &amp; Boyd Martin (&copy;Devyn Trethewey/US Equestrian)
Will Coleman and Off The Record were leading after cross country, less than a rail ahead of Boyd and &ldquo;Mikki&rdquo; who added just 2.8 cross country time penalties to their dressage score. But <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPtiRl5Ash1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==">we knew if anyone could put the pressure on Will and &ldquo;Timmy&rdquo; it was our winning pair</a>. True to form, Mikki delivered a clear show jumping round for a perfect four-from-four record of keeping all the rails up at 4*-L and 5* events. Off The Record followed with a late rail (which broke a few hearts) and we crowned our first-ever Open Champion (!) on a score of 28.7
The win earned Boyd the solo lead on the EquiRatings 4*-L winning records. Boyd is now the most successful 4*-L rider in the world looking at the years 2008 to now.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/2070871b-a9e6-4cf3-bd48-21d5a862cd61.png?width=1264&amp;height=1440" alt="5 H Ih H Riders With the Most Cci4 L Wins Since 2008 (3)">
Boyd took over the ride on Mikki &ndash; a class act in all three phases &ndash; this season after Liz Halliday&rsquo;s accident last year. In his post-win interview, Boyd dedicated the moment to Liz; after a quick pause to maintain composure and with the threat of trembling in his voice, Boyd stated, "Lastly, I&rsquo;d like to give a big shout out to Liz who did all the work on this magnificent horse. I hope you&rsquo;re watching Liz, and this is for you.&rdquo; It was a genuine, poignant moment.&nbsp;
<h1 dir="ltr">Mikki was not the only head-turner</h1>
<h2>Off The Record</h2>
Timmy is a fan favorite. His cross country work ethic and longevity at the top level makes him hard not to root for. In his entire international career, Timmy has jumped clear in 34 of his 38 XC rounds (all with Will), including a perfect five-from-five at five-star. He entered as the fastest horse in the field and finished on a clear inside the time.
The team World silver medalist from Pratoni 2022 is currently the USA's highest rated horse with an EquiRatings Elo Rating of 789, which &ndash; all time for the US &ndash; is second only to Mai Baum (2008 onward).
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/2b053ba0-1de2-469d-b6a9-bf55240e9b9b.jpg?width=819&amp;height=1024" alt="Off The Record and WIll Coleman clear a cross country obstacle. Credit Devyn Trethewey &amp; US Equestrian.">Off The Record &amp; Will Coleman (&copy;Devyn Trethewey/US Equestrian)
Timmy and Will were in in fact neck and neck with Miks Master C at the very top of the <a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/morvenpark_4l_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pre-event win chances</a>. They led after cross country on their dressage score of 25.1 but &ndash; and it's hard to admit because he is such a stalwart &ndash; Timmy does have a weakness at 4*-L and 5* and that weakness it show jumping. Only once has he knocked more the one rail but he almost always has one down (6 of 7 times).
So, with a heartbreaker rail, Will and Timmy earned second. But man, they were impressive all weekend.
<h2>Very Dignified</h2>
While Boyd earned top spot on the podium, Will took up second and third. Off The Record, in second, came in with a reputation that preceded him &ndash; a very good reputation, mind you. But Very Dignified was a lesser known entry for Will and, as Will said in his post-cross-country interview, this was the first time he really let &ldquo;Dora&rdquo; go across the country. And what she showed for it was a clear-inside-the-time round. Viewers could tell it meant a lot to Will and his team as the camera followed them to the cool down area where there were high fives and plenty of smiles.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/60f0c7f9-2db5-4f4a-beb0-1fd1d1608740.jpg?width=4160&amp;height=2775" alt="Very Dignified and Will Coleman clearing a cross country obstacle. Photo by Devyn Trethewey &amp; US Equestrian">Very Dignified &amp; Will Coleman (&copy;Devyn Trethewey/US Equestrian)
Dora followed with a clear show jumping round the next day, making her the only horse to finish on her dressage score.&nbsp;
Frankly, Will &amp; Dora weren&rsquo;t in the conversation too much after dressage, when they sat 18th on a 35.4. But then, after cross country, sixth. And then, after Sunday, the podium. They&rsquo;re exciting, this pair.&nbsp;
So the clears inside the time on Saturday were (1) Off The Record (no surprises there), (2) Very Dignified (a breakout moment), and (3) HSH Double Sixteen, which brings us to another head-turner this weekend.
<h2>HSH Double Sixteen</h2>
Caroline Pamukcu was all fist pumps and smiles as she crossed the Saturday finish line; so thrilled with HSH Double Sixteen&rsquo;s clear-inside-the-time round. The round was bold and forward and it looked like "Six" would be game for anything ("What, like it's hard?").
The pair started their weekend in 17th after dressage (on a 35.2) but, thanks to their XC round, moved up to fifth overnight. On the last day, a late, costly line &ndash; and an uncharacteristic three rails down &ndash; moved them to ninth when all was said and done.
This pair were also the only clear-inside-the time at Stable View 4*-S last month &ndash; only the second pair in the last six seasons to make the 4*-S time at that venue. Now, unlike Boyd and Miks Master C and Will with Very Dignified, which are both new partnerships this year, Caroline and Six have been together since 2022. But Six is only 10-years-old. With their XC edge and some dressage polish, it will be exciting to watch this pair in the coming seasons.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/805afe6d-124a-454b-b610-2abd76592a72.jpeg?width=3328&amp;height=4160" alt="Caroline Pamukcu &amp; HSH Double Sixteen clear a cross country obstacle. Credit Devyn Trethewey and US Equestrian">HSH Double Sixteen &amp; Caroline Pamukcu (&copy;Devyn Trethewey/US Equestrian)
<h1>Ready to go again?</h1>
Here's the lineup of events for the 2025-2026 Open. Starting soon! Just make sure to check back on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">homepage for any updates</a>.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d537f534-cc65-4b3e-aa20-078e62a749b0.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Schedule Subject to Change Usequestrianopen.org for the Latest">
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.
<hr>
&nbsp;
For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.
&nbsp;

A graphic featuring Boyd Martin holding the US Equestrian Open trophy up high while smiling broadly

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