Welcome to the EquiRatings Archive, a treasure trove of timeless tales that celebrate the unique bond between horse and rider, the thrill of competition, and the beauty of this age-old tradition. Here, you'll find an extensive collection of stories from the world of equestrian sports, covering everything in show jumping and eventing.

Main

In what Janet Foy described as an &ldquo;impressive start to the season,&rdquo; the Adequan&reg; Global Dressage Festival kicked off its first night of freestyles with technical brilliance, musical flair, and captivating performances in the first CDI-W of the season in Wellington, Florida.&nbsp;
Germany&rsquo;s Felicitas Hendricks and her own Drombusch OLD, riding last in the lineup, clinched the win with a remarkable score of 78.200%. It was the pair's fifth Freestyle to Music in Wellington and they've won all five.
Hendricks&rsquo; disco-inspired dance routine opened with &ldquo;Keep It Coming Love&rdquo; by KC and the Sunshine Band as she and Drombusch passaged into their opening halt. The vibrant music carried through to the finale with &ldquo;Need You Tonight&rdquo; by INXS. Though the pair had one small bobble early in the test, when Drombusch broke to canter for a few strides, they regained their rhythm and nailed the rest of the test. Their hallmark high degree of difficulty&mdash;a striking average of 9.46 across all judges for this performance&mdash;featured highlights like 20 one-tempi changes down the centerline.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;The main work we&rsquo;ve been doing at home is still the same and won&rsquo;t change. It&rsquo;s very basic work of improving self-carriage and gaining more strength behind. I think that is a process that won&rsquo;t ever stop, but I can tell that it&rsquo;s really benefiting both of us. We take all that basic work into the exercises like the pirouettes and changes,&rdquo; Hendricks explained.
</blockquote>
2024 Team USA rider Adrienne Lyle and Zen Elite Equestrian&rsquo;s Helix took second place with a score of 77.280%, their second-best score as a pair. Lyle and Helix, who have been partnered for just under a year, performed to a nostalgic mix featuring &ldquo;Stand by Me,&rdquo; &ldquo;The Way You Move,&rdquo; and &ldquo;Sweet Child O&rsquo; Mine.&rdquo; A technical glitch with the music interrupted their test, but once resolved, the Paris duo went on to deliver a strong test showcasing resilience, focus, and power.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Considering the unconventional start to the test, I was really happy with him. He got a little excited at the beginning, so it maybe wasn&rsquo;t our most polished ride, but he still didn&rsquo;t have any big mistakes. It&rsquo;s his first time under the lights anyway. So this is all a new experience for us,&rdquo; Lyle said.
</blockquote>
In third, Sweden&rsquo;s Tinne Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n rode longtime partner Devanto, a 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding, to a score of 75.515%. Their familiar &ldquo;Puttin&rsquo; on the Ritz&rdquo; freestyle included a particularly outstanding piaffe that earned a 9 from the judge at E. The duo&rsquo;s jazzy, Broadway-inspired performance was a crowd favorite, with spectators rating it the night&rsquo;s best freestyle.
While the top three performances drew much of the spotlight, another standout was Devon Kane, who piloted Vamos to a personal best score of 75.305%, finishing in fourth place.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/2f29fa00-e219-4225-bf89-691f8277bd78?width=1304&amp;height=1396" alt="Table Showing the Results of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 1">
The U.S. Open of Dressage qualifiers continue next weekend at Gold Coast Dressage Association&rsquo;s 2025 Opener at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Here are the current Series standings after the two completed qualifiers:
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/8bb433a7-c168-481c-b0b2-b175f55adf3c?width=495&amp;height=985" alt="Us Equestrian Open of Dressage Leaderboard After Qualifier 2">
Series standings are continually updated&nbsp;<a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<h2 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h2>
For the full calendar of events and standings updates, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">usequestrianopen.org</a>. Stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Instagram</a>, and follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9b903e21-2b8e-466a-8261-40a73f43ffd7?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Table of the show calendar for the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage series">
<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;

A close up image of a dressage rider in competition attire riding a dark back horse. The rider's & horse's face are not visible due to the close-up of the image. 

Hendricks & Drombusch OLD Remain Undefeated in Wellington Freestyles

The stage is set for an unforgettable evening of world-class show jumping under the lights at Wellington International! In an exciting development for the sport, US Equestrian has announced that the inaugural US Equestrian Open Jumping Final will take place during the highly anticipated Rolex Finale week of the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.
The centerpiece of this spectacular event? The $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix &ndash; a Rolex Series event that promises to deliver edge-of-your-seat excitement and showcase the incredible talent of both human and equine athletes.
<h2>What Makes This Event Special?</h2>
This isn't just another Grand Prix &ndash; it's a revolutionary step forward for the sport in North America. While the final CSI5* Grand Prix of WEF has long been a crown jewel of the U.S. jumping calendar, the US Equestrian Open concept is taking things to new heights. Through partnerships with Rolex and Wellington International, the event will feature:
<ul>
<li>An additional $250,000 in prize money, raising the stakes for competitors</li>
<li>A stunning custom-commissioned trophy that will become a coveted symbol of excellence</li>
<li>Major broadcast coverage, including a special premier broadcast on ESPN</li>
<li>An innovative "The Open Road" behind-the-scenes docuseries</li>
<li>A weekly podcast following the journey to the final</li>
<li>A dynamic microsite where fans can follow their favorite horse-and-rider combinations</li>
</ul>
"We're creating an enhanced championship atmosphere around one of the biggest five-star events in the U.S.," says Lizzy Chesson, Managing Director of Jumping at US Equestrian. "This final is a target for many of the top combinations in the world and an exciting event for fans around the globe.'
<h2> How to Qualify</h2>
The competition will feature 60 of the world's best riders, qualified through:
<ul>
<li>The top 40 athletes from the week's CSI5* competition, based on two qualifying events</li>
<li>The top 30 finishers in the WEF Challenge Cup (including pre-qualified athletes)</li>
<li>The top ten combinations from the 1.50m Speed event</li>
</ul>
<h2>When and Where to Watch</h2>
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m. ET, when the world's best will gather under the lights at Wellington International. Can't make it in person? You won't miss a moment of the action &ndash; the qualifying competitions and final will be broadcast live on:
<ul>
<li>USEF Network powered by ClipMyHorse.TV</li>
<li>WellingtonInternational.com</li>
<li>ESPN (special premier broadcast of the final)</li>
</ul>
<h2>A New Chapter for U.S. Show Jumping</h2>
This event represents more than just a competition &ndash; it's part of a broader vision for the future of equestrian sport in the United States. The US Equestrian Open Series, featuring all three Olympic disciplines, is leveraging cutting-edge technology and partnerships with industry leaders like EquiRatings and Black Horse One to revolutionize how fans experience the sport.
"The 2025 season at Wellington International is promising to be one filled with world-class talent and unforgettable sport," says Michael Stone, President of Wellington International. "We are thrilled to have the US Equestrian Open of Jumping and the Rolex Series come together to make our finale event the best we've ever seen and help us deliver it to the world."
Stay tuned to usequestrianopen.org for updated leaderboards, schedules, and all the latest news as we count down to this historic evening of show jumping excellence!

Kent Farrington & McLain Ward jumping under the Wellington International arch

The US Equestrian Open Jumping Final is Coming to Wellington!

As the start of the eventing season approaches, anticipation builds for the next generation of rising stars. Among them are horses who delivered standout performances in 2024 with the best CCI3* finishing scores on US soil. From seasoned campaigners to breakthrough talents, these horses are poised to make their mark in the 2025 US Equestrian Open.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Tamie Smith&rsquo;s Leading Contender: Kynan</h2>
Horse age: 10 | Owners: Kynan Syndicate LLC
Kynan delivered two CCI3* wins in 2024, including last season's best finishing score at the level on U.S. soil (27.4 at Woodside 3*-S). Finding form at the CCI4* level, Kynan is set to be a top contender for Tamie Smith if she targets the US Equestrian Open.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">A Rising Star in Tamie&rsquo;s String: Sumas Tina Turner</h2>
Horse age: 9 |&nbsp;Owner: Julianne Guariglia
The nine-year-old Sumas Tina Turner made a strong transition to US competition in 2024 under Tamie Smith's guidance, winning the Rebecca Farm 3*-S on her dressage score (27.9) and finishing third in the Stable View Oktoberfest 3*-S two months later. Previously produced in the UK by Kevin McNab and Isabel English, this talented mare is poised to make a significant impact in the coming season.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/261893f2-667a-4181-80c5-fa352ac2d342?width=4256&amp;height=2832" alt="Photo of Tamie Smith leaving the dressage arena after completing her test. She is smiling very broadly as she sits on her horse. Only Tamie is visible in the photo, from the waist up. ">
Tamie Smith. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">The Exciting Prospect: Lillet 3</h2>
Horse age: 9 | Owner: Molly Duda
With the highest EquiRatings Elo score (551) among Tamie Smith&rsquo;s young prospects, Lillet 3 turned heads in 2024 as one of the most exciting additions to her string. Of the mare's three international starts with Tamie last season, Lillet finished top three in all of them, including a win in October's Galway Downs 3*-L where she finished on her dressage score of 29.0.
Tamie is expected to rack up leaderboard points with the depth of young talent in her string, especially when the Open heads to the West Coast in April.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Will Coleman&rsquo;s Under-the-Radar Contender: Cold Red Rum</h2>
Horse age: 12 | Owners: Cold Red Rum Syndicate
Will Coleman&rsquo;s Cold Red Rum, a lightly campaigned 12-year-old, secured a CCI3* win in 2024 (The Fork 3*-S). Now qualified for the CCI4* level, this horse may make a splash in the early stages of the US Equestrian Open as Will bids to get some points on the board in his Open campaign.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7c74cec0-ee8d-4ce0-86ff-780d17d76a10?width=1080&amp;height=820" alt="Will Coleman looks at the camera while in the show jumping arena during competition. He looks focused.">
Will Coleman. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Lauren Nicholson&rsquo;s Show Jumping Star: Larcot Z</h2>
Horse age: 12 | Owner: Jacqueline B. Mars
Larcot Z impressed with a win at TerraNova 3*-S in spring 2024, finishing on a competitive score of 28.7. After stepping up to the CCI4* level later in the year, the horse remains a top prospect, bolstered by an incredible streak of 15 consecutive clear show jumping rounds at the international level (he hasn't knocked an international rail since October 2021).
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Sharon White&rsquo;s Breakthrough Talent: Jaguars Duende</h2>
Horse age: 9 | Owner: Sharon White
Jaguars Duende is the highest rated nine-year-old in the USA according to the EquiRatings Elo (603). Of the mare&rsquo;s nine international completions, she has been on the podium every&nbsp;time, including four wins (Virginia 2*-S 2022, Carolina 3*-S 2024, Tryon 3*-L 2024, Maryland 3*-L 2024). With those&nbsp;three 2024 victories at the CCI3* level, Jaguars Duende's transition to CCI4* is one of the most highly anticipated developments of the year and she's likely to earn Sharon points in any Open qualifier they enter together.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Alexandra Baugh's Breakthrough in the Making: Hubert des 3 Arbres</h2>
Horse age: 12 | Owner: Altorac Farm LLC&nbsp;
Despite a quiet end to the 2024 season, Hubert des 3 Arbres and Alexandra Baugh showed potential at CCI3* with two strong sub-30 finishes last year: they won the Stable View Spring 3*-S on a 29.3 after adding just 0.4 cross-country time penalties, and they placed second at Plantation 3*-S by finishing on their 29.6 dressage score. A breakthrough year at the CCI4* level could be on the horizon for this combination.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Consistent Performers: RF Redfern, Rock Phantom, and Landmark&rsquo;s Monaco</h2>
With&nbsp;Ema Klugman,&nbsp;RF Redfern (12 YO owned by Team Fern)&nbsp;made her mark in 2024 with a second-place finish in the US Equestrian Open qualifier at Morven Park, securing 35 <a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leaderboard</a> points heading into 2025 (sitting equal-fifth currently).
Rock Phantom (14 YO owned by Edith Rameika) partnered with Sara Kozumplik to claim victory at Bouckaert this past autumn, registering 40 points for Sara who now sits equal-third in the Series standings. Look for "Rocky" and Sara to reliably register Series points as 2025 unfolds.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/841c502f-47cc-4d0f-bce8-bf3aae9ffbf5?width=1274&amp;height=1488" alt="Table showing the current Series Leaderboard for the US Equestrian Open of Eventing (the top 10)">
See the full series standings, which are continually updated, <a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
Meanwhile, Landmark&rsquo;s Monaco (18 YO owned by Jacqueline B. Mars) and Kimmy Cecere produced three top-three placings at the CCI3* level last year, including a win in October's Bouckaert 3*-S to wrap up their season. A reliable campaigner with two sub-30 finishes at CCI3*, Landmark's Monaco is another to watch at the CCI4* level in the coming season.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Who Will Make Their Mark?</h2>
The 2025 US Equestrian Open is shaping up to be an unforgettable season. Will one of these rising stars seize the spotlight, or will an unexpected contender emerge to steal the show? Stay tuned for all the action and updates throughout the season.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/654d6124-e4cf-4c54-8879-23291c2d5334?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Table of the Event Calendar for the 2024-2025 Us Equestrian Open of Eventing Series">
For continual leaderboard updates, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">usequestrianopen.org</a>.
Stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Instagram</a>, and follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.
<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;

A photograph of Tamie Smith patting the bay horse Kyan on the neck after a dressage test in competition. Kynan's ears are pricked forward and Tamie looks content.

Rising Stars to Watch: Horses Ready to Shine in the 2025 US Equestrian Open

The inaugural US Equestrian Open Series is reaching its exciting conclusion with three prestigious finals events across the country. Here's your complete guide to the finals for each discipline, including qualification pathways and prize money details.
<h2>Jumping Final: WEF Rolex Finale Week</h2>
When: March 25-30, 2025 Where: Winter Equestrian Festival, Wellington, Florida Prize Money: $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix CSI5*
<h3>How to Qualify</h3>
The jumping final features two qualification pathways:
<ul>
<li>WEF Challenge Class: Top 30 athletes qualify for the Final</li>
<li>1.50 Speed Class: Top 10 athletes qualify for the Final</li>
</ul>
The Grand Prix will feature 40 athletes from the qualifiers plus pre-qualified combinations competing for the prestigious title and substantial prize purse.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a2b5dafc-f7ee-4d30-b144-389d4fabbcfa.png?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Listing of the Participating Classes for the 2025 Us Equestrian Open of Jumping">
<h2>Eventing Final: Morven Park</h2>
When: October 9-12, 2025 Where: Morven Park, Virginia Prize Money: $200,000 final prize money plus $50,000 series award
<h3>How to Qualify</h3>
Athletes can earn points at CCI4*-S level competitions throughout the year at designated qualifying events, including:
<ul>
<li>Notable venues: Tryon, Stable View, TerraNova, and Plantation Field</li>
<li>All qualifiers are at the CCI4*-S level</li>
<li>The final will be contested at the CCI4*-L level</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/01567dc0-9f76-44d3-94f1-89c6675657b5.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Eventin Gqualifinal">
<h2>Dressage Final: Desert International Horse Park</h2>
When: November 13-16, 2025 Where: Desert International Horse Park, California Prize Money: $200,000 final prize money plus $50,000 series award
<h3>How to Qualify</h3>
Qualification opportunities are available at numerous shows throughout 2025, including:
<ul>
<li>Global Dressage Festival series</li>
<li>WEC Dressage events</li>
<li>TerraNova competitions</li>
<li>Del Mar shows</li>
</ul>
The Grand Prix Freestyle to Music (3* or higher) serves as the Series class at each qualifying show.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/4d17c7b1-a53e-4de7-89f7-670b5abd23fa.jpeg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Img 0074">
<h2>Watching the Finals</h2>
Fans can catch all the action live on:
<ul>
<li>ESPN</li>
<li>USEF Network</li>
<li>Follow along on social media using #USEquestrianOpen</li>
</ul>
This groundbreaking series, featuring a combined prize purse of $1.25 million, represents a significant milestone in U.S. equestrian sport, providing unprecedented opportunities for athletes while bringing the sport to a broader audience.
For the latest updates, leaderboard standings, and more information about each final, visit the US Equestrian Open microsite or follow US Equestrian on social media platforms.
&nbsp;
<hr>
About the Series Born from a commitment by the US Equestrian Board in July 2023, the US Equestrian Open aims to grow the sport's awareness, exposure, and fan engagement. With $1 million in prize money and extensive media coverage on ESPN and the USEF Network, this series is designed to:
<ul>
<li>Provide a structured, prestigious championship format.</li>
<li>Attract a broader audience.</li>
<li>Enhance competition opportunities for athletes.</li>
</ul>
Stay connected with the US Equestrian Open on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and the USEF Network for live event updates, stories, and results. Use #USEquestrianOpen to share your own experiences and connect with fellow fans.
For sponsorship and media inquiries, please contact:
Carly Weilminster: cweilminster@usef.org Layson Griffin: lgriffin@usef.org

Quick Guide to the US Equestrian Open Finals: Everything You Need to Know

The US Equestrian Open of Dressage continues this weekend just seven miles down the road from Wellington International. The 2025 Gold Coast Opener takes place at the picturesque Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, a 111-acre public facility operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department.
Unlike the hustle and bustle of the Global Dressage Festival at Wellington, the Gold Coast Opener offers a more intimate setting, showcasing the lifeblood of equestrian sport&mdash;adult amateurs. As one of the country&rsquo;s highest-performing amateurs,&nbsp;Charlotte Jorst exemplifies this spirit and is certainly one to watch this weekend.
Jorst has two horses entered in the CDI3* Grand Prix this weekend&mdash;13-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding Atterupgaards Botticelli and 12-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding Zhaplin Langholt. She will compete in the freestyle aboard Zhaplin, aiming to earn valuable points on the US Equestrian Open leaderboard.
<h2 dir="ltr">An Unconventional Start</h2>
Jorst&rsquo;s path to upper-level dressage competitions was unconventional. She began riding at age 35 after selling her family-owned business, Skagen, a Danish watchmaking company. Despite her late start, she quickly became a leading adult amateur on the US dressage scene, racking up international appearances, team selections, and wins.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/78892f03-5807-4793-8793-de3d380677d5?width=1150&amp;height=1154" alt="Table Listing Charlotte Jorst's Career Highlights">
<h2 dir="ltr">Entrepreneurial Spirit</h2>
After selling her company, Jorst embraced a new chapter in her life. She began riding extensively, spending countless hours outside in the sun. However, just six months into her riding journey, Jorst was diagnosed with skin cancer and advised to stay indoors.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;There was no way I was staying inside after 25 years in an office..."
</blockquote>
Refusing to let this setback deter her, Jorst saw an opportunity to turn adversity into action.&nbsp;&ldquo;There was no way I was staying inside after 25 years in an office, so I decided to start a UV protection clothing brand,&rdquo; Jorst told Lauren Lynch in her&nbsp;Meet the Founder series. By 2014, Kastel Denmark was born, offering UV-protective apparel that blends practicality with elegance. The brand quickly gained popularity among equestrians and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Though Jorst may be classified as an amateur rider by USEF rules, her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to juggle riding a string of competition horses with managing a global business highlight her as a true professional in every sense of the word.
<h2 dir="ltr">Meet Zhaplin Langholt</h2>
Zhaplin Langholt, an 11-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Zonik N.o.p. x Sonia Langholt), joined Charlotte Jorst&rsquo;s string of competition horses in 2022. Since making his Grand Prix debut in 2024, Zhaplin has shown steady progress, earning an average Grand Prix Freestyle score of 71.41% and achieving a personal best of 74.38%.
Zhaplin scores well on his trot work, with extended trot often standing out as a highlight of his tests. In freestyle competitions, judges frequently reward the pair&rsquo;s innovative choreography and musicality. As one of the country&rsquo;s top amateurs, Jorst is always pushing the boundaries of what&rsquo;s possible. With Zhaplin Langholt, she has a new partner who could help her realize her goal of competing on the Olympic stage. Their growing partnership is one to watch, as every ride brings them closer to reaching their full potential.
Jorst and Zhaplin will strut their stuff <a href="https://www.gcdafl.org/2024/12/12/2025-gold-coast-opener/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this Sunday at 8:45 a.m. Eastern</a>.
<h2 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h2>
For the full calendar of events and standings updates, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">usequestrianopen.org</a>. Stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Instagram</a>, and follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9b903e21-2b8e-466a-8261-40a73f43ffd7?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Table of the show calendar for the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage series">
<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;

Close-up photograph from behind of a rider in dressage competition attire riding a shiny dark bay horse in competition. The horse's ears are pricked forward.

US Equestrian Open Welcomes One of the Country’s Top Amateur Riders

The Adequan&reg; Global Dressage Festival is back this week, bringing familiar faces like Felicitas Hendricks and Tinne Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n to the arena. For the first time in the series, we&rsquo;re seeing repeat competitors, meaning the leaderboard could shift significantly as riders battle to move ahead in the standings.&nbsp;
 Global is bound to deliver excitement no matter how you slice it, but the real intrigue centers on who will lead the U.S. Open of Dressage after Friday night. A clear frontrunner could emerge, or we could see a four-way tie at the top of the leaderboard. With an undefeated freestyle competitor in Hendricks, a seven-time Olympian in Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n, and two formidable Americans in Anna Marek and Kevin Kohmann, the stage is set for an unforgettable competition.
 The Contenders
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/8af71112-78a2-4398-82d1-b88bcb778045?width=1364&amp;height=2186" alt="Z0f Jz Grand Prix Freestyle Stats for the Qualifier 4 Entries">
<h2> Felicitas Hendricks &amp; Drombusch OLD</h2>
Undefeated in freestyle at Wellington, Florida&rsquo;s Felicitas Hendricks leads the field with an impressive average score of 77.60% and a personal best of 79.11%. Known for her high degree of difficulty and consistent technical execution, Hendricks has proven to be a clear favorite. Another win this weekend would further solidify her as the one to beat.
<h2>Anna Marek &amp; Fire Fly</h2>
Anna Marek and her Dutch Warmblood gelding, Fire Fly, have demonstrated remarkable growth, averaging 75.11% with a high score of 78.31%. The pair&rsquo;s partnership helped the U.S. earn Pan American team gold. Marek, shortlisted for the Paris Olympics, could keep the U.S. Open leaderboard wide open by forcing a tie with a victory on Friday night.
<h2>Kevin Kohmann &amp; D&uuml;nensee</h2>
Kevin Kohmann has steadily climbed the ranks with his Hanoverian gelding, D&uuml;nensee. The pair averages 74.65% in the freestyle, with a career-best score of 77.72% earned during their first freestyle victory in 2023 at the World Equestrian Center. Kohmann&rsquo;s adaptability and D&uuml;nensee&rsquo;s continued development make them strong contenders for a podium finish&mdash;and possibly a spot at the top of the leaderboard with a win.
<h2>Tinne Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n &amp; Devanto</h2>
The seven-time Olympian from Sweden brings a wealth of experience to the competition with her 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Devanto. Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n averages 75.47% with a personal best of 78.08%, putting her among the top scorers in the competition. If she wins and Hendricks places second, their scores would tie at the top of the U.S. Open leaderboard, showcasing the unique dynamics of the series&rsquo; scoring system.
<h2>Charlotte Jorst &amp; Zhaplin Langholt</h2>
While perhaps unlikely to win, Charlotte Jorst could still play a spoiler role in the leaderboard race. A surprise victory would catapult her into the lead on the U.S. Open of Dressage leaderboard, making her a wildcard to watch in Friday&rsquo;s freestyle.
<h2>Scenarios and Stakes</h2>
<h3>The Series Standings after Qualifier 3 at the Gold Coast Opener:</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/f9c9653c-66ec-450c-8cb2-02cc98a2f746?width=496&amp;height=788" alt="Table Showing the Current Leaderboard (after the Gold Coast Opener) of the Us Equestrian Open of Dressage 2025">
Currently, three riders share the lead on a congested leaderboard with 20 points each: Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn, Felicitas Hendricks, and Charlotte Jorst. Of the three riders tied at the top, Vaughn is the only one not competing this weekend.
The U.S. Open of Dressage awards 20 points for first place, 17 for second and third, 15 for fourth and fifth, and 10 for places six through ten. This scoring system allows for several intriguing scenarios.
The most likely outcome is that Hendricks&rsquo; pulls ahead with an undefeated freestyle record at Wellington. Another victory would establish her as the definitive frontrunner. If Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n wins and Hendricks places second or third, the two would tie for the top spot.&nbsp;Marek and Kohmann are the main US contenders aiming to challenge at the top of the leaderboard this Friday, looking to join Vaughn on 20 points.
So, who will rise to the top of the U.S. Open leaderboard after Friday night? Can Hendricks maintain her undefeated streak? Could Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n play spoiler?
Tune in to the USEF Network on Friday night to watch the Grand Prix Freestyle unfold live and see who emerges victorious.
<h2 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h2>
For the full calendar of events and standings updates, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">usequestrianopen.org</a>. 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</a>, and 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>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d35d5aa9-5dcf-4eb2-b1fa-746c463761a5?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Table of the Show Calendar for the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage Series">
<hr>
For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.

Week Four Brings Potential Shake-Up to the U.S. Equestrian Open Leaderboard

In the high-stakes world of international show jumping, consistency at the highest level is the ultimate measure of excellence. Since 2010, McLain Ward has not just competed at Wellington's Winter Equestrian Festival - he has dominated it with an astounding 60 international wins. Perhaps even more impressive is that nearly a quarter of these victories have come in Grand Prix events, with 14 Grand Prix wins including 10 at the prestigious five-star level.
<h2>Grand Prix Glory and Five-Star Success</h2>
Ward's command of Wellington's biggest classes sets him apart from his peers. With 14 Grand Prix victories since 2010, including 10 at the elite five-star level, he has proven himself particularly adept at rising to the biggest occasions. His ability to produce winning performances when the stakes are highest has become a hallmark of his Wellington career.
<h2>Partnerships That Define Success</h2>
Throughout this remarkable run, Ward has piloted an impressive string of top horses to victory. The legendary HH Azur contributed multiple five-star Grand Prix wins, while HH Carlos Z particularly dominated in 2015 and 2016. More recently, consistent performers like Catoki and Contagious have maintained Ward's winning form, with Catoki alone securing an impressive 13 international wins in the period between 2020 and 2023.
This season, McLain has already proven he means business. Just three weeks into the new year, he has already claimed a win at WEF in last Saturday&rsquo;s 1.50m Hermes Classic riding the promising 10-year-old Princess Dalou H.
<h2>Looking Ahead to the US Equestrian Open</h2>
As the inaugural US Equestrian Open approaches, Ward's exceptional record in Wellington's International Arena makes him a natural favorite for the Rolex Grand Prix. His ability to produce winning performances across different horses, different years, and varying conditions speaks to a deep understanding of what it takes to win in this venue. With 60 international victories already secured here, few would bet against him adding this prestigious new title to his remarkable Wellington record.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/019ea69c-1da0-4a64-b2de-dabe600b4610?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="2">
&nbsp;
<hr>
About the Series Born from a commitment by the US Equestrian Board in July 2023, the US Equestrian Open aims to grow the sport's awareness, exposure, and fan engagement. With $1 million in prize money and extensive media coverage on ESPN and the USEF Network, this series is designed to:
<ul>
<li>Provide a structured, prestigious championship format.</li>
<li>Attract a broader audience.</li>
<li>Enhance competition opportunities for athletes.</li>
</ul>
Stay connected with the US Equestrian Open on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and the USEF Network for live event updates, stories, and results. Use #USEquestrianOpen to share your own experiences and connect with fellow fans.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1ba79d22-0b13-4687-b1e5-5dc0cd708aee?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="P. 4 Jumping">
For sponsorship and media inquiries, please contact:
Carly Weilminster: cweilminster@usef.org Layson Griffin: lgriffin@usef.org

Master of Wellington: McLain Ward's Remarkable 60-Win Legacy

Eventing: US Equestrian Open Quick Guide

Charlotte Jorst and Zhaplin Langholt added another win to their record this weekend at the 2025 Gold Coast Opener, securing the top spot in the Grand Prix Freestyle with a score of 73.985%. The performance earned Jorst 20 points on the US Open of Dressage leaderboard, which is now split in a three-way tie with Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn (USA) and Felicitas Hendricks (GER).&nbsp;
<h3>The Series Standings after Qualifier 3 at the Gold Coast Opener:</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/f9c9653c-66ec-450c-8cb2-02cc98a2f746?width=496&amp;height=788" alt="Table Showing the Current Leaderboard (after the Gold Coast Opener) of the Us Equestrian Open of Dressage 2025">
The freestyle class had just two entries this weekend, with second place going to Argentina&rsquo;s Micaela Mabraga&ntilde;a and her horse, Belatrix RH, who scored 67.665%. Earlier in the weekend, Mabraga&ntilde;a edged out Jorst in the Grand Prix test with a score of 64.587%, compared to Jorst&rsquo;s 64.022% on her other mount, 13-year-old Danish Warmblood, Atterupgaards Botticelli.&nbsp;
For Jorst, this victory comes full circle&mdash;she and Zhaplin debuted at the Big Tour at this very venue just one year ago.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">The Road Ahead in the U.S. Open</h2>
Next week&rsquo;s Adequan Global Dressage Festival 3 should break the tie at the top of the leaderboard. Both Jorst and Hendricks are entered in the Grand Prix Freestyle, and a win by either rider would crown a new leader. However, Sweden&rsquo;s Tinne Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n could join the race for the top spot. If Tinne delivers a performance similar to her test two weeks ago and claims first place (20 points), she could reach 37 points&mdash;tying for first, assuming Charlotte or Felicitas finish second or third (17 points each). With a field of 15, compelling stories are bound to unfold at Wellington International.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h2>
For the full calendar of events and standings updates, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">usequestrianopen.org</a>. Stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Instagram</a>, and follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d35d5aa9-5dcf-4eb2-b1fa-746c463761a5?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Table of the Show Calendar for the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage Series">
<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;

A front-on image of Jennifer Williams performing a dressage salute during competition on the chestnut horse Joppe K. Jennifer smiles and Joppe K's ears are pricked forward in a pleasant expression. Elements of US Open branding decorate the color photo.

US Open Leaderboard in Three-Way Tie After Gold Coast Opener

In a sport where experience often dictates success, Lillie Keenan's Kick On has defied convention. The American stallion's journey from his first four-star competition to conquering five-star Grand Prix events showcases a remarkable story of raw talent meeting perfect timing. Starting the 2024 season with a modest Elo rating of 520, Kick On would finish the year having achieved a peak rating of 742 - a testament to his extraordinary development under Keenan's careful guidance.
Lillie Keenan&rsquo;s Kick On has had a big year in 2024. Only 11 months ago did the stallion compete in his first four-star international and only made his five-star 160 debut last August. Kick on took this step up to the highest level with utmost ease.
It was the middle of August when Lillie Keenan steered Kick On around his first-ever five-star Grand Prix at the Major League of Show Jumping in Rockwood. The pair jumped a superb clear round and entered a jump-off of seven. Expertly ridden by Keenan, Kick On produced a lightning-fast clear to take the victory in his five-star 160 debut.
Just two weeks later the pair travelled to Greenwich for another Major League of Showjumping. In the five-star Grand Prix, Keenan and Kick On produced yet another foot-perfect clear to a jump-off of 10. With another fast clear in the jump-off but were narrowly pipped to the victory by Abdulrahman Alrajhi and Ventago.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/adb40353-f3c7-48cd-87fb-6d514e9cc65a?width=1370&amp;height=1476" alt="Kick on S Rise up the Ratings in 2024">
With this successful run of results, Kick On was establishing himself as one of the highest-rated 10-year-old horses in the world. Now at 11 years old, Kick On has only competed in 3 five-star 160 classes in his career, but with 2 of those ending in podium places, he is a definite horse to watch for the upcoming US Equestrian Open to be held at the Winter Equestrian Festival at the Wellington International in March.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<hr>
About the Series Born from a commitment by the US Equestrian Board in July 2023, the US Equestrian Open aims to grow the sport's awareness, exposure, and fan engagement. With $1 million in prize money and extensive media coverage on ESPN and the USEF Network, this series is designed to:
<ul>
<li>Provide a structured, prestigious championship format.</li>
<li>Attract a broader audience.</li>
<li>Enhance competition opportunities for athletes.</li>
</ul>
Stay connected with the US Equestrian Open on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and the USEF Network for live event updates, stories, and results. Use #USEquestrianOpen to share your own experiences and connect with fellow fans.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1ba79d22-0b13-4687-b1e5-5dc0cd708aee?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="P. 4 Jumping">
For sponsorship and media inquiries, please contact:
Carly Weilminster: cweilminster@usef.org Layson Griffin: lgriffin@usef.org

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