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.

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Saturday night&rsquo;s Grand Prix Freestyle will decide the US Equestrian Open of Dressage Final, and if <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/whos-on-form-for-the-final" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Friday&rsquo;s Grand Prix</a> was any indication, the field is more than ready. All three podium finishers landed within 0.304 percentage points of one another, with Anna Marek taking the win on 70.804%. Nine riders scored above their season average. And Laura DeCesari delivered a personal best that outpaced her norm by more than three full points.
In short: the field is in form, and they came to play.
With the Freestyle&rsquo;s added score multipliers and $200,000 on the line, we&rsquo;re likely to see bold riding, tight scoring, and more than a few new personal bests. And at the end of it, we will crown an inaugural champion.
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-E2Jw7" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Grand Prix Freestyle Stats" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/E2Jw7/2/" height="887" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Usual Suspects&nbsp;</h2>
You know who the statistical favorites are, and it's anyone's game. Anna Marek, Felicitas Hendricks, and Ben Ebeling all average above 75% in the freestyle across the season, and all three landed on the Grand Prix podium last night. Even Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn, who finished in sixth, has the technical skill to knock any one of them off the podium tonight. She and Gino just need to clean up some communication, and if they can achieve that, the top three need to watch their backs.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">The Not-So-Usual Suspects</h2>
Outside the top four, the field doesn&rsquo;t get much more predictable. Which, let&rsquo;s be honest, just makes it all the more fun.
Kristina Harrison-Antell came fourth last night with a strong 68.978% in the Grand Prix&mdash;two full points above her average and just 0.3 percent off a new personal best. Often playing second fiddle to Ge&ntilde;ay and Gino on the California circuit, Harrison-Antell proved that the queen of the West Coast isn&rsquo;t untouchable. With the small matter of riding in a ring that Finley knows well, she&rsquo;s the kind of steady hand who could capitalize if others falter. She and Finley have the longest partnership in the field, and a podium tonight would be a full-circle moment in a strong season.
Jan Ebeling and Jubi&rsquo;s Tenacity bring that same veteran feel. Their name rarely tops headlines, but their 75.720% freestyle personal best is no small number, and it trails Vaughn's by just a tenth of a point. If Jubi's relaxed and Jan&rsquo;s riding sharp, they could absolutely disrupt the expected order.
Charlotte Jorst and Karen Lipp both have wide scoring spreads. Their personal bests sit in the 72&ndash;74% range, but either could break out with a clean ride and technical finesse. Lipp, in particular, has climbed the leaderboard all season by riding clean, artistic tests in tough fields.&nbsp;
Then there&rsquo;s DeCesari, who broke through with a personal best in Friday&rsquo;s Grand Prix that clocked in over three percentage points above her average. Their partnership has been trending upward all year, and a repeat performance tonight could launch them into the upper half of the leaderboard.&nbsp;
Laine Ashker and Zeppelin tied for 11th last night with Nadine Schwartsman. As only the second pair to go, there was a little tension, probably nerves in both horse and rider. While Ashker isn&rsquo;t new to the top of horse sport (she's an accomplished five-star eventer), she is new to the top of this horse sport. This is her first dressage five-star. Even still, one look at her social media tells you how much fun she&rsquo;s having just being here. If she can tap into that joy tonight, her 73% ceiling could come tumbling down with a new career-best.&nbsp;
Schwartsman hasn&rsquo;t cracked 70% yet, but she&rsquo;s getting close. Her personal best of 69.935% came earlier this spring, and her Grand Prix last night was nearly a full point above her average. If she can bring that same composure to the freestyle, a new PB&mdash;and a place inside the top 10&mdash;is absolutely within reach.
And then there&rsquo;s Brittney Simpson and Kartsevo Goldfinch. With a Grand Prix performance that outpaced her average by 1.572 points, she&rsquo;s quietly positioned herself to surprise. While her average freestyle sits near 67%, she&rsquo;s hit 72% before. If she does it again tonight, she&rsquo;ll be in the mix with the likes of Jorst, Lipp, and Harrison-Antell.
<h2 dir="ltr">X Halt, Salute</h2>
Not every rider will win tonight, but nearly all are chasing something meaningful. A personal best. A top-ten finish. A ride that reflects the work it took to get here.
That&rsquo;s what the Open has offered all season: a chance to show up, to break through, and to build something. Each qualifier brought new faces, new milestones, and new horses to fall in love with.
But this is the one that counts.
The math is simple now. Whoever wins tonight, wins the Final. And while the numbers will crown a champion, it&rsquo;ll take more than that to earn the title. Trust, timing, and maybe even a little luck.
All that&rsquo;s left now&hellip; is to ride.
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Don&rsquo;t miss a moment of the US Equestrian Open Final. Watch live on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usef.org/network" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USEF Network</a>, dive deeper with the complete&nbsp;<a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/dressagefinal2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fan Guide</a>, and follow along on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/instagram.com/usequestrianopen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> for updates, results, and behind-the-scenes coverage.

Anna Marek smiles and pats Fayvel after completing a freestyle test under the lights. The US Equestrian Open of Dressage logo and patriotic graphic elements frame the image.

The Freestyle Finale: Your Usual Suspects

The first night of the US Equestrian Open of Dressage Final delivered exactly what it was supposed to. Clarity.&nbsp;
Anna Marek and Fayvel captured the Grand Prix win on a 70.804%, edging out Benjamin Ebeling and Bellena (70.522%) and Felicitas Hendricks and Drombusch OLD (70.500%) in a top three separated by just 0.304%.&nbsp;
Behind them, the rest of the field surged, too. Laura de Cesari led the field in improvement, scoring a personal best of 67.304%&mdash;a full 3.1 points above her average. Kristina Harrison-Antell followed suit with a 2.3-point gain, and Charlotte Jorst, Brittney Simpson, and Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn all clocked in at least 1.4 points above their norm. The result? A leaderboard where 12 of 15 combinations beat their own FEI average.
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-A55Bc" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Form Check: How Grand Prix Scores Stack Up After Night One" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/A55Bc/2/" height="1014" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe>
<h2 dir="ltr">Close Enough to Make You Nervous</h2>
None of the four heavy hitters rode a flawless test, but that&rsquo;s what makes live sport so exciting. It&rsquo;s the drama and the unexpected that makes it so fun to watch&hellip; and so hard to predict.&nbsp;
Although Fayvel broke into canter in the very first extended trot, Marek still beamed after her test. &ldquo;I did have a very excited Fayvel when I first started the test,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;But I love that. He knows that test so well. I said, &lsquo;okay, let&rsquo;s put a lid on it,&rsquo; and he did.&rdquo; Fayvel settled as the ride went on. Marek rode smartly but not cautiously, opting to push for expression in later extensions rather than back down. That balance of containment and boldness earned her the top score of the night. With the energy dialed in and Fayvel familiar with the arena, Marek will be free to ride boldly tomorrow.
Right on her heels, Ebeling and Bellena delivered one of the most technically sound tests of the evening. They led through most of the ride until a bobble in the one-tempis and a miscue in the final piaffe-passage line opened the door for a reshuffle. Still, they came second by just 0.282%. At this point in the season, there&rsquo;s no question of whether Ebeling can win. Based on how attentive the mare looked in the ring and how well they recovered from minor mistakes, they&rsquo;ve got everything they need to take the title.
Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn and Gino were nearly the surprise winners of the Grand Prix, but a few communication errors in coefficient movements kept them from catching Marek. Nevertheless, the test showed a combination that&rsquo;s in sync and hungry for more. The ride was confident, the horse looked sharp, and Vaughn now has a clear read on what&rsquo;s underneath her. If they&rsquo;ve managed to raise their degree of difficulty since the spring, this is a pair with podium potential and then some.
Felicitas Hendricks took a different approach: steady, thoughtful, and just a touch reserved. Drombusch OLD didn&rsquo;t quite have his usual fire, but Hendricks didn&rsquo;t ask for it either. &ldquo;He might have been a little tired tonight,&rdquo; she said after the ride, &ldquo;but that&rsquo;s good because it means he&rsquo;ll have more spirit tomorrow.&rdquo; With one of the most technically difficult freestyles in the field and a proven record over 79%, Hendricks remains very much in the hunt.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Ready or Not, Here Comes the Final</h2>
Statistically, the average freestyle score trends 3&ndash;5 percentage points higher than the Grand Prix, meaning tomorrow&rsquo;s results will likely crest well into the mid-70s, if not higher. That leaves the door wide open for comebacks, breakthroughs, and title-defining performances.
No one&rsquo;s walking away with this one. And that&rsquo;s exactly how the first Final should end.
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Don&rsquo;t miss a moment of the US Equestrian Open Final. Watch live on <a href="https://www.usef.org/network" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USEF Network</a>, dive deeper with the complete <a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/dressagefinal2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fan Guide</a>, and follow along on <a href="instagram.com/usequestrianopen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> for updates, results, and behind-the-scenes coverage.

Anna Marek and Fayvel stand in the rain under the lights at Desert International Horse Park after winning the Grand Prix at the US Equestrian Open Final. Fayvel wears a champion’s cooler and ribbon while Marek salutes during the national anthem.

Who's On Form for the Final?

The inaugural US Equestrian Open of Dressage Final opens Friday night in Thermal with the Grand Prix. It is the first of two tests that will decide this year's champion. The Grand Prix won't crown the winner outright (that's Saturday's freestyle), but it will tell us everything we need to know about who showed up ready.
Who's settled into the desert atmosphere? Who's scoring above their norm&hellip; or cracking under pressure? And which combinations look like they're about to have the weekend of their lives?
With Series leaders, World Cup finalists, rising stars, and West Coast heavyweights all converging at Desert International Horse Park&rsquo;s main arena, this is the most competitive field of the season.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">The Grand Prix: Your First Real Read</h2>
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The Grand Prix isn't a perfect predictor of the freestyle, but it's a clear signal for what&rsquo;s to come. Because it&rsquo;s a purely technical test, with no music, no degree of difficulty bonuses, and no choreography multipliers, it shows you exactly where each pair stands before artistry enters the equation. Plus, when a pair performs well on Friday, especially relative to their FEI averages, they almost always carry that confidence into Saturday. When a horse scores several points below its season norm, something's off: tension, travel fatigue, or the atmosphere itself.
The strongest GP performers this season are clear. <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/four-to-follow-at-the-us-equestrian-open-final-felicitas-hendricks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Felicitas Hendricks</a> and Drombusch OLD lead the field with a 74.256% personal best and the highest Grand Prix average (70.708%). <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/four-to-follow-at-the-us-equestrian-open-final-anna-marek" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anna Marek</a> and Fayvel follow closely with a 73.131% PB and a 70.148% average. They&rsquo;re the only Finalists who have cracked 73% in a Grand Prix.
The Grand Prix reveals the foundation riders must build on in the freestyle. Strong technical horses tend to remain strong once the music starts. And riders who struggle in the GP rarely find enough artistic points the next night to cover gaps in basic execution.&nbsp;
That&rsquo;s why Friday matters.
Still, some combinations reliably climb when the music turns on. Karen Lipp and Infinity often sit in the high-60s on Friday, then jump several points in the freestyle. Charlotte Jorst and Zhaplin Langholt show a similar pattern with solid technical work that blossoms once music, harmony, and choreography are factored in. These are the types of riders whose Grand Prix scores undersell their freestyle potential.
Friday will show us exactly what each pair has under the hood. Saturday tells us what they can build on top of it.
<h2 dir="ltr">The Gap Between the Tests</h2>
Across the season, the field trends three to five percentage points higher in Freestyles because the scoring system rewards more than execution: music, degree of difficulty, harmony, and choreography all carry 4x multipliers.
For some riders, that artistic boost is transformative. <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/four-to-follow-at-the-us-equestrian-open-final-ben-ebeling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Benjamin Ebeling</a> and Bellena average around 69% in the Grand Prix, but clear 75% in the freestyle. Bellena&rsquo;s musicality and the pair&rsquo;s overall harmony give them one of the biggest Grand Prix-to-Freestyle jumps of the field. G&uuml;nter Seidel and Equirelle tell a similar story. The freestyle&rsquo;s choreography lets Equirelle settle into a rhythm, so technical work like changes and passage smooth out, and the artistic multipliers lift the whole picture in a way the Grand Prix can&rsquo;t.
So while Friday can give you a preview of what's to come, it can also mislead you. A mid-60s Grand Prix can turn into a low- or mid-70s freestyle if the technical base is solid. Strong Grand Prix rides almost always lead to strong freestyles. And riders who struggle a bit on Friday can still earn back marks on Saturday, but only to a point.
The real red flag is when a pair finishes well below their usual Grand Prix average. Horses do sometimes settle overnight, but heading into a championship test, a shaky Grand Prix rarely inspires confidence.
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Don&rsquo;t miss a moment of the US Equestrian Open Final. Watch live on <a href="https://www.usef.org/network" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USEF Network</a>, dive deeper with the complete <a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/dressagefinal2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fan Guide</a>, and follow along on <a href="instagram.com/usequestrianopen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> for updates, results, and behind-the-scenes coverage.
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A rider wearing a white button-down dress and tall brown boots jogs a chestnut horse during the veterinary inspection at the US Equestrian Open of Dressage in Thermal. Palm trees and desert mountains blur in the background beneath the event’s logo.

The Final Begins: What Friday's Grand Prix Will Reveal — and What It Won't

TerraNova closed out the second and final qualifier of the year - and the last chance for riders to make a move before the winter break. With the 2026 Series already taking shape, this weekend carried extra weight: momentum to protect, gaps to close, and reputations to reinforce. What unfolded was a mix of big statements, breakout moments, and one serious return to form.
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<h2 data-start="936" data-end="978">1st place: Will Coleman &amp; Diabolo</h2>
Diabolo is back. His 26.1 dressage tied the second-best 4* test ever recorded at the venue, a mark beaten only by another of Will's horses -&nbsp;Chin Tonic HS.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/4b1380cd-6e7b-4a59-b0f6-13a416680818.png?width=1256&amp;height=1172" alt="P Et Ia B Top 10 Dressage Tests at Terranova Cci4 S B ">
A double clear maintained their lead from start to finish. TerraNova became Diabolo&rsquo;s&nbsp;third four-star win in a row, following victories in Kentucky and Plantation (albeit back in 2024).
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/26fca5a5-c2e6-43bd-89de-3c902ab30ecc.png?width=1322&amp;height=566" alt="D Yp I4 Will Diabolo S Three 4 Wins in a Row ">
<h2 data-start="2022" data-end="2073">2nd place: Lucienne Bellissimo &amp; Dyri</h2>
Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri finished second, strengthening Dyri&rsquo;s position as the most podiumed horse in the world this year. His seventh podium puts him clear of well known names like Dark Gambler, Debbi, and London 52. Their solid finish at TerraNova gives them a second strong four-star result after what has been a mixed year at the level, and Lucienne heads into the break as the US Equestrian Open leader.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a93b214c-a741-4b80-9ce2-79fc0b1f41b9.png?width=1160&amp;height=752" alt="Y3d9 H B Horses With the Most International Podiums in 2025 B Nbsp (3)">
<h2 data-start="2745" data-end="2798">3rd place: Waylon Roberts &amp; Fernhill Salt Lake </h2>
Waylon arrived at TerraNova with the fastest horse in the field based on EquiRatings TSP (Top Speed Percentage) and he backed it up. Fernhill Salt Lake delivered the fastest round of the weekend and was the only horse to make the time cross the country. It also marked a big step forward for the pair as this was their third CCI4* start but only their first completion at the level.
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<h2 data-start="3545" data-end="3574">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-start="3545" data-end="3574">Breakout Performer - Meg Pellegrini</h2>
Meg Pellegrini made an impressive mark on her four-star debut. Dondante jumped clear in both show jumping and cross-country to finish 7th, while Falcon Crown Z opened with a brilliant 26.9 dressage &mdash; the second-best test in the field &mdash; before slipping to 9th with poles and some time. Cooley Wish Upon a Star added another strong result to her growing record to finish 12th.&nbsp;
These three results all rank among the highest-rated U25 performances on US soil at the four-star level this year - three from three is a pretty impressive return.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/09cb8aa2-4227-4080-8fb8-ba66292531ab.png?width=1760&amp;height=978" alt="5pve6 Span Data Start 121 Data End 189 Span Data Start 122 Data End 142 Style Highest Rated Cci4 Span Performances by U25 Riders on Us Soil This Year 2025 Span (2)">
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/90588136-8a91-4d32-abf1-a3311056fe6c.jpg?width=1599&amp;height=1189" alt="Width 1600">
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<h2 data-start="4670" data-end="4699">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-start="4670" data-end="4699">The Leaderboard Picture</h2>
With two qualifiers now complete, Lucienne extends her lead in the 2026 Series. Will was expected to be a major player in last year&rsquo;s Open but finished 2025 on just 75 points. This season already looks different - 60 points on the board from the outset puts him in a far stronger position.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/8a16ba9e-7de4-4d4d-b57c-f45fec335ce0.png?width=406&amp;height=550" alt="Leaderboard">
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<h2 data-start="5404" data-end="5435">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-start="5404" data-end="5435">A Clear End to the Season</h2>
TerraNova wrapped the season with clarity: Diabolo is back in a big way, Dyri remains the benchmark for global consistency, and the leaderboard picture heading into winter is sharper than ever. The break may pause competition, but the storylines are already set for when the series kicks off again in the new year.
Listen to the TerraNova Review 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/39088115/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;
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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 Closes the Year: Big Wins, Breakout Rides, and a Clearer Road to 2026

Two qualifiers down, a winter break ahead, and a leaderboard that's begging for debate. Here are five storylines guaranteed to spark arguments more entertaining than anything happening on the TV in the other room.
<h3>1. Is the Leaderboard Safe&hellip; or Living on Borrowed Time?</h3>
Lucienne Bellissimo sits pretty at the top with 80 points. Will Coleman's right behind with 60. Waylon Roberts rounds out the podium at 55.&nbsp;
And here's the thing nobody at the table wants to hear: the top three finishers from last year's series haven't even competed yet. Boyd Martin, Phillip Dutton, and Caroline Pamukcu are all sitting at zero and they're not exactly short on firepower.
The numbers tell the story. Caroline Pamukcu logged 31 runs across 7 horses at the top level in 2025. Boyd Martin had 24 runs with 9 horses. Phillip Dutton? 17 runs, 5 horses. Compare that to Lucienne's 13 runs with 3 horses, or Will's 10 runs with 4.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/b2e8e0c4-80e3-43a7-81c1-174db526d651.png?width=916&amp;height=772" alt="J I Aob B 2025 Top Level Runs Last Year S Podium Vs. Current Leaders B Nbsp ">
More horses means more chances to place. More runs means more opportunities to stack points. And that's just their current strings - it is likely that there is horses waiting in the wings ready to step up.
So is Lucienne safe? Is Will? The honest answer: probably not yet. When riders with that kind of depth come out after the winter break, 80 points might start looking less like a cushion and more like a head start that's about to evaporate.
The debate: Does early momentum matter or does string depth win out in the end?
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<h3>2. Will Riders Change Their Tactics for Series Points in 2026?</h3>
Let's take a look at how Boyd Martin won it last year. He started the 2025 series at Bouckaert in March with modest points. Then came Stable View in the spring: +130 points. The Fork followed: +120 points. By the end of the season, he'd rocketed to 260 and the winner's check.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a67dc579-e760-432b-a8b2-7faf1fef17a1.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Series Podium (8)">
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Notice a pattern? Those big point gains came at events with larger fields. The scoring system rewards depth of competition - qualifiers with more than 25 starters offer 50 points for first place, while smaller fields cap out at 40.
So here's the question: will riders start targeting the bigger events specifically for points? If you know a qualifier is going to draw a deep field, does it make sense to aim your best horse there rather than a smaller competition where the math doesn't work as well in your favor?
The debate: Is strategic event selection the key to the series, or does it overcomplicate things?
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<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>3. Which Rider Has the Most Pressure Heading into 2026?</h3>
Let's run through some of the candidates.
Boyd Martin &ndash; The defending champion of both the series and the final. He's got a target on his back and everyone's coming for him.&nbsp;
Will Coleman &ndash; That pole. You know the one. The rail that handed Boyd the win. Does redemption fuel him or haunt him?
Phillip Dutton &ndash; Led the series right until the bitter end, then watched Boyd pip him at the post.&nbsp;
Lucienne Bellissimo &ndash; Currently leading the 2026 standings. She's put herself in the spotlight, can she handle it?
Tamie Smith &ndash; Mai Baum's retirement leaving a hole in Tamie's string and an aim to recreate those results with other horses.&nbsp;
The debate: Whose pressure is heaviest - the defending champ, the current leader, or another contender?
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<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>4. If You Could Buy Stock in One Rider for the Rest of the Season&hellip; Who Would It Be?</h3>
Time to put your money where your mouth is. With $25,000 on the line for the series winner and $200,000 for the final, your portfolio better be right.
The Blue Chip: Boyd Martin &ndash; Safe money, solid returns.
The Growth Stock: Caroline Pamukcu &ndash;&nbsp; Zero points so far but a huge string - very likely surge up the standings.
The Value Play: Waylon Roberts &ndash; Sitting third with 55 points, he's already on the board while the big guns are still on the sidelines.
The Speculative Buy: Lucienne Bellissimo &ndash; She's proven she can score points but with a smaller string than the Americans chasing her, there is no margin for error.
The debate: Who do you invest in and who do you short?
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<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>5. Who's the Next Breakout Star of the Series?</h3>
Last season gave us two young horses we couldn't stop talking about. Sharon White's Jaguars Duende, just nine years old, stepped up to the 4* level and looked like he belonged there from day one. Kim Severson's Cooley Corraghy Diamond did the same at eight.&nbsp;
So who's next?
The 2025 season saw some top-class performances from seven-year-olds at the 3* level on US soil. Sharon White tops the board with Arden Augustus, posting an HPR of 87 at The Fork at Tryon in May.&nbsp;Caroline Pamukcu's HSH Talbots Hill matched that mark at TerraNova.
One of these ten could be next years superstar.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0c630cac-f1ca-445b-b671-0b819614208b.png?width=1412&amp;height=986" alt="L Xrzj B Highest Rated Performances by 7 Year Old S at 3 on Us Soil in 2025 B ">
The debate: Which young horse do you think makes the biggest splash in 2026?
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<hr>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Pass the Pie, Keep the Debate Going</h3>
That's your Thanksgiving cheat sheet. Five storylines, endless arguments, and a winter break to let the anticipation build.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
Check out the full Series calendar below and stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Instagram.&nbsp;</a>Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.
Also follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<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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<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>.

Thanksgiving Table Talk: Five US Equestrian Open Storylines to Debate Over Dessert

As we near the end of 2025, it's time to reflect on the inaugural US Equestrian Open series - a journey that brought together the best of American eventing across the country. From coast to coast, riders and horses competed for points at 20 qualifiers, creating moments that will define this sport for years to come.
The numbers tell the story of an ambitious series that delivered on its promise:&nbsp;349 runs, 179 horses, and 115 athletes representing 8 nations. This wasn't just an American competition - it was an international stage that attracted riders from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, and Sweden alongside the United States. 
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/582fac01-b833-4b03-b5fb-1d59829a51ae.png?width=851&amp;height=156" alt="Us Equestrian Open Season Wrapped (1)">
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The Winners' Circle</h2>
Twenty qualifiers produced 20 winners and 60 podium finishes. But there was actually only 13 riders who took a win while Caroline Pamukcu and James Alliston emerged as the most prolific winners, each claiming victory three times throughout the season.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/8fe6ab04-40e3-441f-b7c9-6b9baf555002.png?width=916&amp;height=1100" alt="Xy Fz L Us Equestrian Open Qualifier Winners "> Eighteen horses recorded wins, with&nbsp;HSH Double Sixteen (Caroline Pamukcu) and HMR Rolan (James Alliston) leading the way as the only two-time winners.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The Venues</h2>
Fifteen venues across the United States hosted qualifiers, each bringing their own character and challenges to the series. The largest fields gathered at:
<ol>
<li>Kentucky - 53 starters (April 23, CCI4*-S)</li>
<li>Carolina- 36 starters (March 13, CCI4*-S)</li>
<li>The Fork at Tryon - 31 starters (September 11, CCI4*-S)</li>
</ol>
But size wasn't everything. When measured by the EquiRatings Elo Field Strength - the average rating of the top 20 horses in each field - the competition quality told a slightly different story:
<ol>
<li>Carolina&nbsp;- 536 field strength</li>
<li>The Fork at Tryon - 517 field strength</li>
<li>Kentucky&nbsp;- 513 field strength</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The Athletes</h2>
The average age of riders competing in qualifiers was 39, though the series showcased talent across generations. The youngest competitors&mdash;Lizzie Hannon, Molly Duda, and Cassie Sanger&mdash;all made their mark at just 20 years old, proving that youth and ambition could compete at the highest level. And while we won&rsquo;t call out the opposite end of the spectrum, let&rsquo;s just say experience was well represented too.
Caroline Pamukcu was the series' workhorse, recording 20 runs across the season.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/735b66a1-0186-4440-b176-66511df74ed3.png?width=832&amp;height=820" alt="J V0o P Riders With the Most Runs Nbsp ">
 
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The Horses</h2>
The equine athletes averaged 12 years of age, with experience clearly valued at this level. Six horses competed at just 8 years old:
<ul>
<li>Marvel - Monica Spencer</li>
<li>That's Me Z - Tommy Greengard</li>
<li>Cooley Corraghy Diamond - Kim Severson</li>
<li>Invictus - Mia Farley</li>
<li>BGS Calculated Chaos - Mia Farley</li>
<li>Monbeg Zebedee - Allison Springer</li>
</ul>
At the other end of the spectrum, three 19-year-old horses proved that age is just a number -Fly Me Courageous (Janelle Fleming) and&nbsp;Honor Me (Lisa Marie Fergusson) and the legendary Mai Baum, who retired on the ultimate high note with a win at the Rebecca Farm event.
<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>
The inaugural series set a benchmark for the US Equestrian Open - we can't wait to see how this series builds and how the numbers compare this time next year. 
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
Check out the full Series calendar below and stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Instagram.&nbsp;</a>Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.
Also follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<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">
&nbsp;
<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>.

2025 US Equestrian Open: A Year in Review

Last week, we looked at the big picture of the inaugural US Equestrian Open series - 349 runs, 179 horses, 115 athletes, and 8 nations. This week, we're going deeper into how some of the best performances unfolded across the three phases.
Because while knowing who won matters, understanding how they won tells the real story. 
<hr>
<h2> The Dressage Leaders</h2>
Of those 349 runs, the dressage phase set the tone for what was possible. Will Coleman and Off The Record delivered the series' best mark&mdash;21.8 at Kentucky&mdash;proving that an elite first phase is often the foundation for victory. They went on to win that qualifier and ultimately, finish second in the final at Morven Park.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/41905f3e-23f6-46f6-bc3d-e0ed5287ae3f.png?width=1312&amp;height=1202" alt="Jlej W Top Ten Dressage Scores of the 2025 Series Qualifiers (1)">
Tamie Smith and Mai Baum weren't far behind at 22.0 at Rebecca Farm, also converting that performance into a win. Phillip Dutton appeared three times in the top 10 dressage scores with two different horses -Possante and Denim.
The standout? Only six combinations scored sub-25 and 40 combinations scored sub-30 across all 349 runs of the series.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The Jumping Phases</h2>
Of 349 runs, only 83 show jumping rounds finished clear and inside time - less than 24% of the runs. The optimum time proved harder to achieve than many anticipated, even at this level.
Cross-country was even more selective. Just 9 combinations went clear inside the time - that's 2.6% of all starters. James Alliston is the only rider who did it twice (and with two different rides - HMR Rolan&nbsp;and Karma). When you're two of nine in a group of 349, you've done something exceptional.
And then there were the FODs (Finish on Dressage.) Only four combinations managed it.&nbsp;Four FODs from 349 runs. That's 1.1%.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0b6afe0a-ba95-4eba-9149-aeae4a1c25dd.png?width=1748&amp;height=614" alt="W A0 Jf the Four Fod S From the 2025 Series Qualifiers Nbsp ">
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>The Finishing Scores</h2>
The best finish of the series? Two combinations tied for first at 26.9 - Phillip Dutton and Possante at Plantation Field and Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF at Aspen Farms.&nbsp;Tamie Smith and Mai Baum's 27.6 at Rebecca Farm rounds out the top three finishing scores.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/aa517b9c-71a6-4b7c-bc4a-4ba123c7cb10.png?width=1312&amp;height=1202" alt="H3 Ya Q Top Ten Finishing Scores of the 2025 Series Qualifiers ">
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<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The Highest Rated Performances</h2>
EquiRatings' HPR system measures performance relative to variables such as field strength,&nbsp;difficulty, scoring etc. Phillip Dutton and Possante topped the list with an HPR of 99 at Plantation Field - the only performance to break into the upper 90s all season.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/174f4230-1f00-44c9-9419-6e5d25be819e.png?width=1368&amp;height=1202" alt="W4asl Top Ten Highest Rated Performances of the 2025 Series Qualifiers ">
Boyd Martin (Commando 3, 94 HPR at Plantation Field) and Caroline Pamukcu (HSH Blake, 94 HPR at Plantation Field) had the second and third best performances (separated by decimals!)
The variety in riders and venues reinforces what we saw throughout the year: excellence wasn't limited to one location or athlete. This was a true season-long series.
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<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>What It All Means</h2>
The US Equestrian Open isn't just about creating a new series, the prize money, or the trophy&mdash;it's about establishing a national standard. Being able to quantify and compare results across the season and across the country creates a benchmark that drives improvement. Better data means better preparation, sharper competition, and ultimately, a stronger Team USA.
This series is showcasing elite sport at its most demanding and 2025 set the bar for everything that comes next. 2026 and beyond!
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
Check out the full Series calendar below and stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Instagram.&nbsp;</a>Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.
Also follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<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">
&nbsp;
<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>.

2025 US Equestrian Open: The Performance Numbers

The 2026 US Equestrian Open of Dressage arrives with a ruleset that&rsquo;s familiar in shape but slightly different in how it functions. Most of the changes revolve around how points are earned and what it now takes to build a competitive season. The goal is simple: reward riders for showing up where the depth is real, and make the pathway to the Finals more reflective of performance than pure mileage.
Below is a breakdown of what&rsquo;s changed, and why it matters as the new season gets underway.
<h2 dir="ltr">A Points System That Reflects the Field</h2>
The biggest shift for 2026 is the complete overhaul of the points structure. The old system assigned fixed points regardless of how many riders showed up. A four-horse qualifier gave the same points as a ten-horse qualifier.
The new version changes that. Points now adjust to field size: small fields include 1&ndash;5 starters, medium 6&ndash;10, and large 11&ndash;15. The top end of each range mirrors the intent of the old system, but the spacing and values change dramatically.
- Small fields (1-5) now top out at 15 points for a win and drop quickly.
- Medium fields (6-10) match the former standard&mdash;20 for the win&mdash;but smooth out the distribution through the top 10.
- Large fields (11-15) receive the biggest boost, offering 25 points to the winner and a strong payout down the order.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/36c066b5-1738-479c-8c34-d724390cf5fe.png?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Points chart showing how riders earn points based on field size at US Equestrian Open qualifiers, with separate tables for large, medium, and small classes.">
This new system, which follows the same principles used in the Eventing Open, rewards depth and showing up in competitive fields. Second place in a large field (20 points) is now equal to what winning used to earn across the board. In a large field, sixth place still earns 10 points, but unlike before, 7th&ndash;10th now receive fewer points&mdash;so finishing one place higher actually changes your season total. In large fields, points now extend through 15th place&mdash;five places deeper than before&mdash;allowing more riders to accumulate meaningful totals.
This system does two things. It rewards riders who step into deep, competitive environments. And it pressures those aiming for the Finals to choose their venues carefully. A small field still counts, but it no longer holds the same weight.&nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Fewer Results Count&mdash;So Each One Matters More</h2>
Another fundamental change is the shift from counting a rider&rsquo;s top six results to counting their top four.&nbsp;
Under the old structure, consistency across a long schedule was rewarded, and riders based on the East Coast naturally benefited from having more Big Tour opportunities within easy reach. With only four results now counting, each ride carries more weight, but riders who compete more than four times still have the flexibility to replace low scores as the season progresses.
This setup also softens the impact of an off weekend, but it also sharpens the value of every strong performance. Four mid-range scores won&rsquo;t do the work that four competitive ones can, especially under a points system that rewards depth.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Clarifications, Cleanups, and Codified Scenarios</h2>
The remaining changes are small adjustments that refine rather than overhaul.
<h3 dir="ltr">Multi-Star Weekends.</h3>
When a venue offers multiple Grand Prix Freestyles in a single weekend, riders can now earn points only in the highest-star class offered. The exception: if there&rsquo;s a CDIO3* (or higher), riders may also earn points in the highest non-CDIO class. Previously, the rule existed in spirit but not in precise language. Now, it&rsquo;s spelled out.
<h3 dir="ltr">Tie-breaking language.</h3>
The underlying approach remains unchanged&mdash;ties occupy consecutive places, and the next rider&rsquo;s placing is adjusted accordingly&mdash;but the rulebook now gives a clearer example. It&rsquo;s administrative clarity, not structural change.
<h3 dir="ltr">Season dates.</h3>
The Series now officially begins December 1 instead of January 1. The end-of-season timing remains the same: at least two weeks before the Finals. Practically speaking, this mostly aligns the paperwork with how the season already operated.
<h3 dir="ltr">What Hasn't Changed.</h3>
While the points system and season structure have evolved, the foundation of the Series remains the same. The $50K season prize pool and $200K Finals purse are unchanged, as are the qualifications that shape the competitive field: the top 18 advance to the Finals, riders must earn a 67% Certificate of Capability, each athlete may bring only one horse to the Final, and a 60% Grand Prix score is still required to ride the Freestyle Final.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Looking Ahead to Ocala</h2>
The heart of these updates is simple: the 2026 Open rewards strong performances in strong company. Riders won&rsquo;t need as many big weekends to qualify, but the big weekends they choose will matter more than ever.
The first chance to see this new landscape in action is next weekend in Ocala, where the season officially begins. Tune in and watch the new points era take shape from the very first judge&rsquo;s bell.

A decorated archway marking the entrance to the US Equestrian Open of Dressage, framed by tall palm trees and flower arrangements on a sunny day.

What’s New for 2026: A Clearer, Sharper US Equestrian Open of Dressage

Personal bests, high scores, and a celebrity cameo made for an electric night at the Adequan&reg; Global Dressage Festival&rsquo;s Friday Night Stars. Under the warm Florida evening sky, Adrienne Lyle and Helix delivered a stunning performance, earning a career-best 80.325% to claim victory. Anna Marek and Fayvel followed closely in second, while P.J. Rizvi rounded out the podium in an inspiring comeback ride aboard her non-warmblood mount, Vanilla Ice.
<h2 dir="ltr">Adrienne Lyle &amp; Helix &mdash; A Combination-Best Performance</h2>
Lyle and Zen Elite Equestrian Center&rsquo;s Helix put on a masterclass under the lights. Their winning score of 80.325% &mdash; a combination best &mdash; marked a three-point improvement from <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/Hendricks-Drombusch-OLD-Remain-Undefeated-in-Wellington-Freestyles">their last outing at this same venue</a>, where they scored 77.280%. The Paris 2024 pair looked more composed than ever, with their freestyle victory coming on the heels of a strong Grand Prix win the day before.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I am just so thrilled with him. That is hands down the best feeling he&rsquo;s ever given me,&rdquo; Lyle said. &ldquo;He just felt so effortless. I felt like I didn&rsquo;t have to push for anything.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_US/ondemand/event/15333/competition/320656/adequan-global-dressage-festival-5/fei-world-cup-grand-prix-freestyle?start_at=12936977&amp;utm_source=clipmyhorse&amp;utm_medium=cmh_content_lane&amp;utm_campaign=event_highlights&amp;utm_term=Adrienne%2BLyle%2B%252B%2BHelix%2BON%2BTOP%2521&amp;utm_content=f65e779cf2cf3ccfeb2ff9611372132e">Performing to a nostalgic mix</a> featuring &ldquo;Stand By Me,&rdquo; &ldquo;The Way You Move,&rdquo; and &ldquo;Sweet Child O&rsquo; Mine&rdquo;, Lyle and Helix delivered a freestyle packed with technical and artistic brilliance. Their degree of difficulty averaged 9.18, and their piaffe-passage transitions&mdash;an area of focus this season&mdash;earned a 9 from one judge.
It&rsquo;s not often you see a perfect 10 in dressage, but Lyle did just that, with the Judge at B awarding a 10 for music and interpretation.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Anna Marek &amp; Fayvel&mdash;A Strong Second Place</h2>
After withdrawing from competition just a week ago in Ocala, Marek and Cynthia Davila&rsquo;s Fayvel returned in top form, earning a 78.785%&mdash;just shy of their personal best (78.995%). Their freestyle was electric, set to a soundtrack featuring &ldquo;BOOM&rdquo; by X Ambassadors and &ldquo;Coincidance&rdquo; by Handsome Driver.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I can take risks, and we made this freestyle with so many combinations in a row. As difficult as it is, he&rsquo;s still so easy to ride,&rdquo;
</blockquote>
Marek, a Paris Olympic shortlist rider, took risks with a challenging floor plan, including a half-circle of two-time changes straight into one-time changes. Fayvel&rsquo;s power surged in the final extended trot, leading to a slight bobble that cost them a few marks, but it didn&rsquo;t overshadow an otherwise stellar performance.
&ldquo;I can take risks, and we made this freestyle with so many combinations in a row. As difficult as it is, he&rsquo;s still so easy to ride,&rdquo; Marek explained. &ldquo;I ride the brake a little bit and say, &lsquo;Not so much, buddy!&rsquo;&rdquo;
With this performance, both Marek and Lyle remain firmly in contention for a US team spot at the World Cup Final in April.
<h2 dir="ltr">P.J. Rizvi &amp; Vanilla Ice &mdash; A Comeback Story for the Books</h2>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;My goal was to prove to myself that I could get back on a horse..."
</blockquote>
In perhaps the most wholesome moment of the night, P.J. Rizvi and Vanilla Ice finished third in their first-ever CDI together, scoring 76.585%. The result was emotional in more ways than one &mdash; this was Rizvi&rsquo;s first CDI in six years after a life-altering accident, one that left her being told she&rsquo;d never ride, walk, or drive again. Simply getting back in the saddle was the goal &mdash; third place was just the cherry on top.
&ldquo;My goal was to prove to myself that I could get back on a horse, and he&rsquo;s a complete confidence builder,&rdquo; Rizvi said. &ldquo;I really pushed hard for this, and I honestly did it for pure fun. It was our first CDI and my personal best score. I&rsquo;m in shock. I heard a lot of clapping and screaming; this was so much fun.&rdquo;
Their icy freestyle music featured &ldquo;Cold as Ice&rdquo; by Foreigner and &ldquo;Ice Ice Baby&rdquo; by Vanilla Ice (Robert van Winkle)&mdash;who was <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFy82_budDv/?hl=en">in attendance</a> as a personal friend of Rizvi&rsquo;s and also helped to present awards.
As the final ride of the night, the crowd was already buzzing, but their energy only intensified for Rizvi. Her freestyle had spectators on their feet, clapping and cheering &mdash; a rare sight in the traditionally reserved sport of dressage.
<a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_US/ondemand/event/15333/competition/320656/adequan-global-dressage-festival-5/fei-world-cup-grand-prix-freestyle?start_at=12937046" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch their full performance here.</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Night to Remember</h2>
<blockquote>
"Tonight was awesome.&rdquo; - Judge Debbie Rodriguez
</blockquote>
Qualifier Six delivered everything fans could hope for &mdash; career-best performances, emotional comebacks, and leaderboard drama. With US riders sweeping the top four spots, the competition has never been tighter. But in a major leaderboard shakeup, Germany&rsquo;s Evelyn Edger now leads with 40 points, while Marek, Lyle, and Felicitas Hendricks sit in a three-way tie for second.
<h3>Top 10 Placings on the Series Leaderboard after Qualifier 6:</h3>
See the full series standings, updated after each qualifier,&nbsp;<a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/8306e922-979c-4e5d-a345-fa15c958e3d4?width=493&amp;height=962" alt="The Top 10 Placings on the US Equestrian Open Dressage Leaderboard After Qualifier 6 (AGDF 5)">
"I couldn&rsquo;t have asked for a better class,&rdquo; said Judge at C, Debbie Rodriguez. &ldquo;Seeing Helix relax as he walked by me before the test was awesome. You knew the test was going to be good, and it didn&rsquo;t disappoint. Watching Anna come in and have that confident partnership with her horse, that was a treat, too. Then P.J. came in to finish the night and it was sheer fun; whether you&rsquo;re a dressage person or not, it made everyone clap. Tonight was awesome.&rdquo;
<h2 dir="ltr">What&rsquo;s Next?</h2>
The leaderboard battle continues as the US Equestrian Open shifts to the West Coast for the Del Mar Opener in historic Del Mar, California. This is a critical opportunity for West Coast riders to shake up the standings and make their mark.
<a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Become a USEF Network Fan for free</a>&nbsp;to stream the upcoming legs live!
For the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/dressage-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide">most up-to-date series calendar</a> and <a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open">latest standings</a>, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/">usequestrianopen.org</a>.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/fcad386e-3e1c-4ac0-8c47-efcc188f58bd?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Table of the Show Calendar for the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage Series">
<h2 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h2>
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For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;

Adrienne Lyle entering the dressage arena of the Paris 2024 Olympics riding the liver chestnut horse Helix. The image is taken from directly in front of them with the Palace of Versailles in the background. Adrienne smiles. Helix has pleasant expression.

Lyle, Marek, and Rizvi Deliver a Thrilling Night of Freestyle Dressage

With the Adequan&reg; Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) behind us, the US Equestrian Open of Dressage shifts into a new phase. Riders now face geographically dispersed events, a significant mid-year break, and tough decisions around international competition.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c5764cda-d700-4051-93da-8bca9f1c478d.jpg?width=3157&amp;height=2128" alt="Sketch of riders at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival">
From the sketchbook of artist Cheri Isgreen.&nbsp;
<h3>The Geography Game: Moving Beyond the Palm Beach Bubble</h3>
The power of Wellington is hard to overstate. Of the 29 riders who have completed at least two qualifiers&mdash;the minimum needed to be eligible for the Finals&mdash;21 of them have competed in at least one AGDF qualifier. If the series ended today, a large percentage of qualified riders would trace their points directly back to Wellington. That density of opportunity gave early-season competitors a meaningful head start.
Now, with just five of the remaining eleven qualifiers taking place in Florida, the series shifts into a more decentralized phase.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/dce51360-5371-41aa-a234-8d5afb25ac10.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Dressageopensched Final">
Current series leader Anna Marek is perfectly poised to capitalize on this. Sitting at 88 points after five qualifiers, Ocala-based Marek is shifting her full focus to the series after missing a World Cup Finals berth. With one more high-performing qualifier, she could become the first rider to surpass 100 points, likely securing her spot as series leader heading into the Finals.
In contrast, Germany&rsquo;s Evelyn Eger (85 points) may see her second-place standing slip as she heads back to Europe. Her points total is now fixed, leaving her vulnerable to riders who remain active domestically.
<h3>The International Gamble: Risks vs. Rewards</h3>
Several prominent contenders&mdash;including Adrienne Lyle (5th in the standings), Kevin Kohmann (8th), and Ge&ntilde;ay&nbsp;Vaughn (16th)&mdash;are currently in Basel for the World Cup Final, kicking off Europe's outdoor dressage season. For riders with aspirations beyond the US Equestrian Open, international competitions in Europe offer prestige and national team opportunities for events like the Pan American Games and the Olympics.
Yet, these benefits come at a cost. Series points can only be earned domestically, placing riders who choose extended European campaigns at significant risk. Vaughn, particularly, faces a pivotal decision: return to the limited West Coast events or potentially miss out on critical qualifying points.
<h3>On the Bubble: Who's Safe and Who's Not?</h3>
The Series Finals in Thermal, California, boasts a significant $200,000 prize pool, reserved for the top 18 riders after qualifying events. While riders like Marek, Eger, and Karen Lipp (70 points) seem securely qualified, several top-scoring riders face uncertainty.
Lyle, despite holding the series' highest freestyle score (80.600%), sits precariously at 57 points with only three qualifiers completed. Similarly, Kohmann (79.240% PB, 52 points) and Vaughn (75.150% PB, 40 points) should comfortably qualify based on their performances so far&mdash;but only if they return home to actively compete in series qualifiers. Without prioritizing stateside events, their impressive resumes alone won't guarantee a spot in the Finals.
Also at risk are Ecuador&rsquo;s Julio Mendoza Loor (78.520% PB, 37 points) and Sweden&rsquo;s Tinne Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n (75.515% PB, 42 points), both heading to Europe for the summer season.
<h3>Quiet Weekends, Big Implications</h3>
Qualifier 14 might not feature a star-studded lineup, but its outcome could significantly impact the standings. Eline Eckroth, currently tied 11th with 49 points, can vault into fifth place with a win. Such weekends, quieter on paper, often profoundly influence the final leaderboard.
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-aZawz" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Grand Prix Freestyle Stats: TerraNova Dressage I" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/aZawz/1/" height="390" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe>
As the US Equestrian Open moves forward, adaptability, strategic insight, and careful planning will distinguish those who thrive from those who falter.
Tune in to Qualifier 14 this weekend&mdash;every point matters as riders navigate this new landscape. Catch all the action Saturday night on the USEF Network.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew">Sign up for free</a>!
<hr>
For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;

black dressage horse wearing a double bridle 

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