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

Main

<p dir="ltr">One of America&rsquo;s most decorated dressage mentors and his star student go head-to-head again this weekend in Del Mar. The last time <strong>Anna Buffini</strong> and <strong>G&uuml;nter Seidel</strong> met here, Buffini edged her longtime coach for the win. But on that day, it was Seidel&mdash;not Buffini&mdash;who received the highest individual judge score of the class. Now, just two California qualifiers remain before the series heads east, and both riders return to a familiar arena with different goals on the line.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Buffini returns with <strong>Fiontini</strong>, a <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/a-quiet-stage-a-legendary-mare">triple World Young Horse Champion</a> who once posted an 83.410% freestyle under Patrik Kittel. Buffini&rsquo;s best with the mare sits at 73.235%&mdash;a strong result, but still shy of Fiontini&rsquo;s proven potential. This season is about whether she can unlock the brilliance embedded in that record.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Seidel, meanwhile, isn&rsquo;t chasing redemption. With three Olympic appearances and a resume full of World Cup Finals, his return is about rhythm and refinement. After a three-year freestyle hiatus, he and Equirelle posted a shaky 68.695% at the Del Mar Opener in February before rebounding to 73.080% in March&mdash;just 0.155% behind Buffini at their last faceoff.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Test Decided by Tenths</h2>
<p dir="ltr">That March faceoff&mdash;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/buffini-returns-seidel-surges-a-tight-finish-at-the-del-mar-affaire">Qualifier 12</a>&mdash;was one of the closest finishes of the season. Buffini won the class on 73.235%, but Seidel earned the day&rsquo;s highest single judge score: a 75.175%. More than half of the movements were separated by less than a tenth of a point on average. It was, in every sense, a test decided by the slimmest margins.</p>
<p><iframe id="datawrapper-chart-0GzTl" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Movement-by-Movement: Buffini vs. Seidel in Del Mar" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0GzTl/4/" height="794" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Split Bars" data-external="1"></iframe></p>
<p dir="ltr">Buffini won more of the directly comparable movements, especially in trot work and artistry. Her final halt carried an average margin of +1.8. Her extended trot was another highlight, netting her a +0.9 edge. She also led the field in rhythm&mdash;a 0.28-point advantage that helped tilt the artistic panel in her favor.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But her weaknesses were just as pronounced. In extended canter, Buffini lost by an average of 1.8 points. Her half-pass left (&ndash;0.5) and canter pirouette right (&ndash;0.3) were additional soft spots. More telling than the averages, though, was the judging spread. Her extended canter was scored as low as a 4.0 and as high as an 8.0. One judge gave her an 8 in the half-pass right while another gave a 6. At position H, one judge consistently diverged&mdash;awarding an 8 where others gave 5s, and later handing out a 5 where most gave 7s.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Seidel, by contrast, was steady. Across all 25 matched movements, no score differed by more than 1.5 points between judges. His ride was measured and deliberate, and the panel stayed in agreement from start to finish. His extended canter remained his biggest win, and his musicality continued to shine.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Despite the difference in style, the two riders finished nearly tied in overall artistic averages. Buffini led in rhythm and choreography. Seidel edged ahead in degree of difficulty and music. Their totals were separated by just 0.02 points before coefficients were applied. It was, essentially, a draw&mdash;but one that revealed two very different strengths.</p>
<p><iframe id="datawrapper-chart-6OqPx" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Buffini vs. Seidel: The Artistic Edge" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/6OqPx/2/" height="455" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Grouped Bars" data-external="1"></iframe></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Leaderboard Picture</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Although the student-versus-mentor rematch headlines the weekend, it&rsquo;s Kristina Harrison-Antell who may have the most to gain. She sits 12th on 49 points. With just five riders in the field, she&rsquo;s guaranteed at least 15 points&mdash;likely enough to push her into the top ten.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Seidel, currently holding 32 points, would move to 52 with a win. And if he competes again at Galway Downs in a few weeks, a fourth result would likely secure his place in the Final.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Buffini is still on the outside looking in when it comes to the leaderboard. But two strong results&mdash;this weekend and at Galway&mdash;could change that. She&rsquo;ll need top-two finishes at both, and she&rsquo;ll need to deliver tests that show not just potential, but polish.</p>
<p><iframe id="datawrapper-chart-ksVwv" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Grand Prix Freestyle Stats: Del Mar National Horse Show" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ksVwv/1/" height="528" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe></p>
<p dir="ltr">Technically, the West Coast season wraps at the Ginny Rattner Memorial in Oregon at the end of May. But with Del Mar and Galway Downs marking the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/dressage-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide">last two California qualifiers</a>, the travel questions are real. Riders looking to avoid a 2,000-mile haul to the East Coast will need to make these final stops count.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Watch the freestyle Sunday at Del Mar Horse Park. The class starts at 10:30 a.m. Pacific on USEF Network. <a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew">Sign up for free</a> as a fan to stream the action.</p>

A dressage rider pats her bay horse after a test.

Coach vs. Student, Round Two: The Del Mar Rematch

<p><br>As the eyes of the equestrian world turn to Lexington for the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, elite show jumping takes center stage alongside it with the Kentucky International CSI5*. A glittering lineup of top international combinations will take to the Rolex Stadium with serious form and firepower.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e00837c3-cd95-4ca6-a5db-9bc560024884.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Usef Jumping Graphics 2025 (5)"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h1>U.S. Contenders: Formidable and On Fire</h1>
<h3>Kent Farrington &amp; Greya</h3>
<p>Kent Farrington enters with a double threat, and Greya is the queenpin of the field. Ranked No. 1 in the field with an Elo of 770, she is currently the top-rated U.S. horse and boasts 5 clears from her last 9 rounds at five-star 160 level. With two five-star Grand Prix wins already under her belt in 2025, both in Wellington, Greya brings both class and momentum.</p>
<h3><br>Kent Farrington &amp; Toulayna</h3>
<p>Farrington's second ride, Toulayna, is no sidekick. Ranked second in the field this week with an Elo of 764, she also sits within the Top 20 globally-rated horses. Her recent stats show 6 clears in her last 10 rounds at the top level &mdash; evidence of a mare on a serious upward trajectory.</p>
<h3><br>Laura Kraut &amp; Bisquetta</h3>
<p>Another heavy-hitter in red, white, and blue: Bisquetta, partnered with Olympic Team Silver medallist Laura Kraut, comes in ranked 7th in the field with an Elo of 739. They arrive with a flawless 100% clear round record over their last 10 international rounds at CSI4* &amp; 5* at 150cm and above. They also stood proudly on the podium U.S. Equestrian Open Jumping Final, Rolex Grand Prix of Wellington and they&rsquo;ll be out to add another five-star clear here in Lexington.</p>
<h1>&nbsp;</h1>
<h1>International Challengers: Chasing U.S. Supremacy</h1>
<h3>Christian Kukuk &amp; Just Be Gentle (GER)</h3>
<p>The reigning Olympic Champion brings fire to Lexington with Just Be Gentle, ranked 5th in the field on an Elo of 747. This pair helped Germany to the podium in Ocala&rsquo;s Longines League of Nations and also took top honours the Grand Prix there, proving their synergy is lethal at the top level.</p>
<h3><br>Darragh Kenny &amp; Eddy Blue (IRL)</h3>
<p>Ireland&rsquo;s Eddy Blue holds the title of highest-rated Irish horsewith an Elo of 755 and comes in with a consistent record: clear over fences in four consecutive five-star Grand Prix or World Cup first rounds, including a podium finish in Wellington. Kenny and Eddy are riding a quiet storm of consistency, just the kind of form that breaks through under the Saturday Night Lights.</p>
<h3><br>Conor Swail &amp; Casturano (IRL)</h3>
<p>If you want a horse made for Kentucky, look no further. Casturano and Conor Swail are the defending champions of this Grand Prix. &nbsp;As a matter of fact, Conor has never jumped a Grand Prix on Kentucky Horse Trials weekend without producing a clear round. With past wins in 2022 and 2024, and a podium in 2018, the Irish rider enters on serious venue form.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h1>Ones to Watch</h1>
<p>The top 10 are stacked with familiar names, so watch out for stars like <strong>Shane Sweetnam &amp; James Kann Cruz</strong>, currently 6th in the field (Elo 745) with a 56% clear rate at five-star 160cm, and <strong>Lillie Keenan &amp; Argan De Beliard</strong>, coming off a high with their Top 3 finish in Wellington.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h1>Final Thoughts</h1>
<p>With over 10 horses rated over 700 Elo, the Kentucky International CSI5* field boasts a competitive field. Between Farrington&rsquo;s powerhouse pair, Kukuk&rsquo;s winning form, and Swail&rsquo;s unmatched Kentucky record, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown in the Rolex Stadium. Whether it's a rising star making their mark or a seasoned name reclaiming the spotlight, the Kentucky International promises edge-of-your-seat action from start to finish.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

 CSI5* Kentucky International: The Stars Align in Lexington

<p dir="ltr">With just one California qualifier left on the calendar, <strong>Kristina Harrison-Antell</strong> and her longtime partner <strong>Finley </strong>seized their moment in Del Mar. The pair topped Sunday&rsquo;s Grand Prix Freestyle with a score of 72.180%, earning Harrison-Antell her first career win in a CDI Grand Prix Freestyle&mdash;and her first Big Tour win of any kind in three years, following a Grand Prix victory the day before.</p>
<p dir="ltr">She and the 15-year-old KWPN gelding have been together from the start. Harrison-Antell purchased Finley as a coming three-year-old and has developed him up the levels herself. For the California native, earning her first freestyle victory at a venue like Del Mar&mdash;one she competed at often in her junior years&mdash;was a full-circle moment.</p>
<p dir="ltr">With this result, Harrison-Antell moves into sixth place on the US Equestrian Open leaderboard with 69 points, likely securing a ticket to the Final in Thermal, California this November.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Leaderboard Implications Beyond the Win</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The field in Del Mar was smaller than usual, but still yielded meaningful leaderboard movement. <strong>Nadine Schwartsman</strong> and <strong>Royal Flash R</strong> finished second with a personal best of 69.935%, a result that&mdash;while below the typical freestyle benchmark&mdash;adds valuable points to her season total. With consistent appearances across multiple qualifiers, Schwartsman is quietly building a strong case for a Finals berth.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Laura DeCesari</strong> and <strong>Rossi </strong>rounded out the podium in third with a score of 66.845%, just ahead of<strong> G&uuml;nter Seidel</strong> and <strong>Equirelle</strong>. While Seidel&rsquo;s freestyle didn&rsquo;t land as hoped, a fourth-place finish in the small field added enough to push him into 15th on the leaderboard with 47 points. That keeps him within the current Finals cutoff, but his position remains vulnerable. A fifth-place or better result at Galway Downs in May would help secure his spot as the leaderboard tightens.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, <strong>Anna Buffini</strong> and <strong>Fiontini</strong>&mdash;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/coach-vs-student-round-two-the-del-mar-rematch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">favorites heading into the weekend</a>&mdash;were eliminated during the Grand Prix and did not advance to the freestyle. Buffini later explained on Instagram that while she didn&rsquo;t feel anything wrong in the moment, &ldquo;after reviewing the video, it&rsquo;s clear the judges made the right call.&rdquo; The elimination likely ends her chances of climbing the leaderboard, especially as the remaining qualifiers begin to fan out across the country.</p>
<p dir="ltr">With 16 qualifiers down and <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/dressage-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">just seven remaining</a>, the leaderboard is tightening. The top names have begun to pull away, but the final slots for the $250,000 Final are still very much in play.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Series Continues</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The US Equestrian Open has its first break in qualifiers next week but returns with a dual-coast, double-header on May 1. West Coast riders like Seidel and Harrison-Antell will have a chance to reinforce their leaderboard standing in Temecula, California, at Pacific Coast Dressage, while East Coast contenders such as Karen Lipp, Anna Marek, and Denielle Gallagher head to TerraNova in Myakka City, Florida.</p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/dce51360-5371-41aa-a234-8d5afb25ac10.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Dressageopensched Final"></p>

white horse trotting in a dressage arena and dressage gear

Kristina Harrison-Antell Clinches First Freestyle Victory in Del Mar

<p class="" data-start="467" data-end="820">In this week&rsquo;s episode, Annie Bishop is joined by <strong>Sally Spickard</strong> (Eventing Nation), <strong>Sinead Maynard</strong>, and EquiRatings' <strong>Diarm Byrne</strong> to break down the field for the Cosequin&reg; Lexington CCI4*-S. From bold predictions to heartfelt dark horse picks, it&rsquo;s your all-access pass to the names, numbers, and narratives that matter most.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<h3 class="" data-start="827" data-end="858">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="827" data-end="858">🔺 The Big Three at the Top</h3>
<p class="" data-start="860" data-end="1209"><strong>Caroline Pamukcu &amp; HSH Blake</strong>, <strong>Will Coleman &amp; Off The Record</strong>, and <strong>Alyssa Phillips &amp; Oskar </strong>currently dominate the top of the Prediction Centre &mdash; combining for nearly 70% of total win chance. But as Diarm reminds us, this doesn't mean everything. Past years have seen late lead changes, surprise poles, and big names fall short. This is not a field for safe bets.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1211" data-end="1423">Blake&rsquo;s star-making turn at Kentucky last year still lingers in Diarm&rsquo;s mind &mdash; not just the numbers, but the visual dominance across country. Can Caroline repeat with more pressure and more eyes this time around?</p>
<p class="" data-start="1211" data-end="1423">&nbsp;</p>
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<h3 class="" data-start="1430" data-end="1458">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="1430" data-end="1458">🐴 Dark Horses Lining Up</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1460" data-end="1720">Sure, the prediction models favor the big names &mdash; but the pundits are keeping close tabs on some serious spoilers. Sally flags <strong data-start="1587" data-end="1602">No May Moon</strong> as her one-to-watch: a gritty little mare with proven form and podium potential if she can stay close after dressage.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1722" data-end="1912">Annie&rsquo;s backing <strong data-start="1738" data-end="1751">Cute Girl</strong> to recapture form, while Sinead is excited to see <strong data-start="1802" data-end="1814">Invictus</strong>, <strong data-start="1816" data-end="1831">That&rsquo;s Me Z</strong>, and <strong data-start="1837" data-end="1848">Possante</strong> in action &mdash; all with solid backstories and momentum heading in.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1914" data-end="1997">And Diarm? He&rsquo;s still running spreadsheets, but even his data admits: it&rsquo;s wide open.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1914" data-end="1997">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="1999" data-end="2002">
<h3 class="" data-start="2004" data-end="2046">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="2004" data-end="2046">🌍 West Coast Energy, East Coast Stage</h3>
<p class="" data-start="2048" data-end="2365">There&rsquo;s a buzz around the West Coast riders making the trip: <strong data-start="2109" data-end="2142">Tommy Greengard </strong>and<strong data-start="2109" data-end="2142"> That&rsquo;s Me Z</strong>, <strong data-start="2144" data-end="2172">Taryn Hoffos </strong>and <strong data-start="2144" data-end="2172">Regalla</strong>, and <strong data-start="2178" data-end="2192">Molly Duda</strong> with <strong>Disco Traveler</strong> are among those crossing the country for a shot at this major 4*. With top-level experience overseas, these combos bring freshness &mdash; and fire &mdash; to a field full of veterans.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2367" data-end="2544">It&rsquo;s exactly what the US Equestrian Open is built for: mixing regions, highlighting talent, and giving fans a chance to see combinations they might not normally catch in person.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2367" data-end="2544">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="2546" data-end="2549">
<h3 class="" data-start="2551" data-end="2592">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="2551" data-end="2592">💻 Podium Picks &amp; Prediction Showdown</h3>
<p class="" data-start="2594" data-end="2931">As always, Annie and Diarm close out the episode with their podium predictions &mdash; and the scoring battle between them is heating up. Diarm&rsquo;s going for a head-heart hybrid: Blake to win, Off The Record second, and No May Moon sneaking into third. Annie&rsquo;s betting on Will and Timmy to get it done, with Cute Girl and Possante crashing the party.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2933" data-end="2994">Bonus drama? Caroline doesn&rsquo;t even make Annie&rsquo;s podium. Bold.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2933" data-end="2994">&nbsp;</p>
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<h3 class="" data-start="3001" data-end="3018">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="3001" data-end="3018">🎧 Listen Now</h3>
<p class="" data-start="3020" data-end="3157">It&rsquo;s all to play for in Kentucky. The Prediction Centre says one thing. The gut says another. And the horses? They&rsquo;ll have the final say.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3159" data-end="3225">This is where the leaderboard gets serious. This is why we follow.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3159" data-end="3225">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 class="" data-start="3988" data-end="4009">📣 Stay Connected</h3>
<p class="" data-start="4011" data-end="4252">Explore the latest&nbsp;<strong data-start="4030" data-end="4089"><a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/magazines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fan Guide</a></strong>, check the&nbsp;<strong data-start="4101" data-end="4168"><a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/?hsCtaTracking=907b4987-399b-4b9c-987d-14baa17bbf42%7Cc8942863-dac1-4a71-95b2-ee4f0be07dc6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prediction Center</a></strong>, and follow the series on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/">Instagram</a>.</p>
<p class="" data-start="4254" data-end="4294"><strong data-stringify-type="bold">Don&rsquo;t miss a second of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event &mdash; streaming live on the USEF Network. All USEF members, including free Fan account holders, can watch the action without any added costs.</strong>&nbsp;Join now at <a href="https://www.usef.org/events/kentucky-three-day/?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=slider&amp;utm_campaign=k3de" target="_blank" rel="noopener">usef.org</a>.</p>
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New Podcast: Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S Preview Show

<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><em><strong>As the Ocala International CCI4*-S kicks off, it&rsquo;s clear who&rsquo;s carrying the weight of expectation and who could shake things up. The EquiRatings Prediction Centre has crunched the data, and Caroline Pamukcu heads to Ocala with not one, but two top contenders. Riding HSH Tolan King and Redfield Dexter, she has a 67% chance of winning and subsequently, shaking up the US Equestrian Open Leaderboard.</strong></em></div>
<div><br><em><strong>But this is not just about podiums &mdash; it&rsquo;s about points. The US Equestrian Open Leaderboard is heating up, and Ocala could be the event that flips the whole script.</strong></em></div>
<div class="p-rich_text_section">&nbsp;</div>
<p><a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/ocala_4s_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0ed32f09-267a-4439-9605-39058351fccb.png?width=1029&amp;height=922" alt="Screenshot 2025 04 15 180755"></a></p>
<p class="" data-start="192" data-end="353">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="192" data-end="353">Caroline Pamukcu tops the Prediction Centre with her rides <strong>HSH Tolan King</strong> and<strong> Redfield Dexter</strong> combining for a 67% total win chance heading into Ocala.</p>
<p class="" data-start="192" data-end="353"><strong><a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/jaguars-duende-sharon-white-on-her-rising-star-of-us-eventing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sharon White </a></strong><a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/jaguars-duende-sharon-white-on-her-rising-star-of-us-eventing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">and</a><strong><a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/jaguars-duende-sharon-white-on-her-rising-star-of-us-eventing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Jaguars Duende</a></strong> are making their long awaited CCI4*-S and US Equestrian Open debut With 12 international starts and 9 podium finishes, she&rsquo;s already proved she belongs in elite company. A 21% win chance at this level, on debut! The Prediction Centre says she&rsquo;s one to take seriously.</p>
<p class="" data-start="192" data-end="353">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2>Double Podium = Double Points</h2>
<p><strong>Here&rsquo;s the kicker: points in the US Open are awarded per horse</strong>. So if Pamucku wins with one and finishes second or third with the other? She&rsquo;s not just taking home 40 points &mdash; she&rsquo;s banking up to 75.</p>
<p>Currently 8th on the leaderboard with 60 points, Pamukcu has a real chance to launch into the top 3 while closing in fast on <strong>Boyd Martin </strong>(135 points) and <strong>Phillip Dutton</strong> (175 points).</p>
<p>A double-pointed weekend at Ocala would also set Caroline up perfectly for the next event in the Series &mdash; the Kentucky CCI4*-S, where she&rsquo;s expected to line up with&nbsp;<strong>HSH Blake</strong>, a top contender and fan favourite. When we look back at the overall league standings before we head to the final at Morven, there is a good chance Ocala will be seen as a turning point for Caroline's challenge.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Other Movers to Watch</h2>
<p class="" data-start="2867" data-end="3097"><strong data-start="2867" data-end="2886">Jessica Phoenix</strong>, sitting 5th in the current standings with 75 points, is back with two rides. Her predicted win chances are lower (3% and 1%), but her consistent top finishes could still see her lock in key leaderboard points. Jess delivered a rare 1,2 in TerraNova in the last few weeks and another big finish here on one or both will see her pass the 100-point barrier.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="3099" data-end="3268">And don&rsquo;t count out <strong data-start="3119" data-end="3137">Zachary Brandt</strong>, either. With a 6% win chance and a 36% podium probability aboard <strong>Direct Advance</strong>, he&rsquo;s right on the edge of this.</p>
<p>We&rsquo;re excited to see how it all unfolds &mdash; from Caroline&rsquo;s double threat to Duende&rsquo;s big debut.<br data-start="173" data-end="176">Ocala is ready to deliver drama, and the leaderboard is ready to move.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div class="p-rich_text_section">
<h1 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Check out the full Series calendar below and stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Instagram.&nbsp;</a>Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Also follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/aee0755f-7ba0-4aaf-b197-8570742781c8.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Competition Calendar for the 2024-2025 US Equestrian Open of Eventing"></p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>
</div>

All Eyes on Ocala

<h2 dir="ltr">The Numbers Game - Why He Might Be An Outside Contender</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In the US Equestrian Open of Eventing, riders count their best six scores toward the final total. So far, Greengard has posted just two:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">40 points for his wire-to-wire win at Aspen Farms with <strong>Joshuay MBF</strong></li>
<li dir="ltr">35 points for second place at Galway Downs with <strong>That's Me Z</strong></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Current leader Phillip Dutton, who has already used all six of his qualifying results totaling 215 points. Dutton can only improve by replacing his lowest score (30 points). Tommy has everything still to play for. Phillip goes to Maryland International next weekend with Denim before a trip to Aachen.&nbsp;<br><br><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5757a6f2-ebab-429b-a442-00a7dd1b9c1c.png?width=1240&amp;height=602" alt="Unmm U Tommy Greengard S Us Equestrian Open Results Nbsp "></p>
<p dir="ltr">That leaves four scores still to be added, and with at least two horses who are at the level, and three West Coast events on the calendar (including Twin Rivers which he has a good record at) we expect his final total to look very different to what we see now.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">The West Coast Advantage</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Of the seven remaining qualifiers, three are West Coast events that play directly into Greengard's hands:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">The Event at Rebecca Farm (Aug. 16)</li>
<li dir="ltr">Twin Rivers Fall International (Sept. 19)</li>
<li dir="ltr">Woodside Fall International (Oct. 3)</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Yes, they are geographically convenient but Tommy Greengard is also able to travel if needed (<em>2024 saw runs at Cornbury and Bicton in the UK in addition to the Young Horse World Championships in Le Lion d'Angers</em>)&mdash;they're venues where Greengard has proven form. He took <strong>That's Me Z</strong> to Rebecca last year and finished 6th in the CCI3*-S. He won the CCI4*-S at Woodside with <strong>Joshuay MBF</strong> in 2023 and has earned multiple podium finishes at Twin Rivers in recent years. Also importantly, West Coast events have smaller but competitive fields, making (the required) top placings both achievable and valuable.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Conservative math:</strong> Three podium finishes could net 90-120 additional points. But Greengard has shown he's willing to bring multiple horses to big events. If he doubles up&mdash;as Jessica Phoenix did earlier this year at TerraNova&mdash;a single weekend could yield 70+ points. If <strong>Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad, </strong>winner of the CCI3*-S was to move up to CCI4*-S before the end of the season, it gets more possible still.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/299230cb-b2f1-4eb7-8559-996678ae9c7e.png?width=654&amp;height=702" alt="Image (14)"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">From Malibu to the Top</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Born in Malibu and raised in the sport by his mother Liddy Morrin, Greengard took an unconventional path to this moment. After graduating UC Berkeley with a degree in environmental science in 2021, he made the decision to go all-in on horses, basing himself at Andrea Pfeiffer's Chocolate Horse Farm in Petaluma.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The investment is paying off. He's been part of the US Equestrian Emerging Athlete Program, received the prestigious Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant in 2024, and represented the United States at the FEI Young Horse World Championships in France. His philosophy is simple but effective: "Horses have good and bad days, and you have to love who they are every day."</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">What It Would Take</h2>
<p dir="ltr">To catch Dutton's 215 points, Greengard would need roughly 140 more points from four scores. It's ambitious but not impossible: two wins (80 points), one second (35 points), and one third (30 points) would put him at 220 points and in the driver's seat heading to the $200,000 Final at Morven Park.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Even a more conservative run&mdash;consistent podium finishes without needing to win&mdash;could land him in the top three and serious prize money: $25,000 for first, $15,000 for second, $10,000 for third.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><br><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d0550508-fefe-4f51-ab55-342daf2233d6.png?width=424&amp;height=492" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 19 103914"></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Bigger Picture</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The US Equestrian Open Series was designed to connect the CCI4*-S classes across the country and provide a platform to tell stories about horses and riders, east coast and west.&nbsp; We are still learning about the best way to win the thing, early points, volume or maybe strategic, well-timed runs. Tommy Greengard embodies so much about the Open is there to achieve. He's playing the timing game&mdash;picking his spots, bringing the right horses, and executing when it matters most.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So far, it's working. And with three West Coast events still to come, the 25-year-old from Malibu just might pull off the upset of the year.<br><br></p>
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">Check out the full Series calendar below and stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Instagram.&nbsp;</a>Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Also follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/aee0755f-7ba0-4aaf-b197-8570742781c8.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Competition Calendar for the 2024-2025 US Equestrian Open of Eventing"></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>

Tommy Greengard on the Podium at Aspen Farms

Tommy Greengard: The West Coast Contender Who Could Win It All 

<p class="" data-start="120" data-end="499">From new personal bests to leaderboard shakeups, the<strong> Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S</strong> delivered a weekend packed with momentum shifts and standout moments. <strong>Will Coleman</strong> and <strong>Off the Record</strong> led from the very first phase, but there were big moves happening just behind them as<strong> Phillip Dutton, Jessica Phoenix,</strong> and <strong>Allison Springer</strong> made major statements in the US Equestrian Open Series.</p>
<p class="" data-start="501" data-end="674">The full breakdown is now live on the US Equestrian Open Podcast&mdash;but here&rsquo;s your snapshot of everything that went down in Kentucky, and what it means for the road ahead.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36353425/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/1744d4/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3 data-start="686" data-end="1136">Coleman and Off the Record Lead from Start to Finish</h3>
<p class="" data-start="686" data-end="1136"><strong>Will Coleman </strong>and&nbsp;<strong>Off the Record</strong> were the stars of the show. They came out swinging with a 21.8 in the first phase&mdash;Timmy&rsquo;s best ever score at any level&mdash;and never gave up the lead. They added only 7.2 time penalties on cross-country (the fastest of the day) and just added four faults on Sunday in the showjumping, to defend Will's title at the Kentucky 4*-S. From start to finish, it was smooth, stylish, and a perfect example of what this partnership can do when they&rsquo;re on song.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1138" data-end="1217">This win wasn&rsquo;t just another notch on the belt&mdash;it was a record-defining moment:</p>
<p class="" data-start="1138" data-end="1217">🏆 Will's 16th career CCI4*-S win (15 of them on U.S. soil, plus CHIO Aachen)</p>
<p class="" data-start="1138" data-end="1217">🏆<em> </em>Off The Record&rsquo;s 6th CCI4*-S win</p>
<p class="" data-start="1340" data-end="1398">🏆 Will&rsquo;s second win in five runnings of the Kentucky 4*-S</p>
<p class="" data-start="1401" data-end="1474">🏆 Enough to move Will into the global top 10 for CCI4*-S wins since 2008</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="1476" data-end="1937">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="1476" data-end="1937">Dutton and Phoenix Secure Key Podium Finishes</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1476" data-end="1937">And while Coleman took the win,<strong> Phillip Dutton</strong> stole the spotlight when it came to the series storyline. He came into Kentucky on top of the US Equestrian Open standings with 175 points&mdash;and both of his rides delivered.&nbsp;<strong>Possante</strong> finished second,<em> </em><strong>Denim </strong>took fourth, and together they helped push his season total to 215 points. That makes Dutton the first rider this year to break the 200-point barrier, and he now sits 30 points clear at the top of the table.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1939" data-end="2306">There was some speculation about whether Phillip&rsquo;s horses had the speed to challenge this field&mdash;and while both picked up time penalties, context matters. <strong>Off the Record</strong> was the fastest with 7.2; Phillip&rsquo;s horses weren&rsquo;t far behind.<strong> Possante </strong>and <strong>Denim</strong> both posted top-six cross-country times, proving that when it counts, they can absolutely turn up the heat.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2308" data-end="2707">Just behind them, <strong>Jessica Phoenix</strong> quietly climbed the podium into third place with<em> </em><strong>Freedom GS,</strong> adding 40 points and bumping her series total to 185. That makes her the closest challenger to Dutton&rsquo;s lead, and with a few more key results, she&rsquo;s well within striking distance. Her Ocala performance, her podium here&mdash;Jess is on a tear this season and proving she&rsquo;s got the firepower for a serious series run.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2308" data-end="2707">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="2308" data-end="2707">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="2308" data-end="2707">No May Moon Shines in Kentucky</h3>
<p class="" data-start="2709" data-end="3240">But the biggest mover of the weekend?<strong><em> </em>No May Moon. Allison Springer</strong> and her crowd-favorite mare delivered one of the standout performances of the competition. They started in 25th after dressage, then rocketed up to finish fifth. It was one of the fastest cross-country rounds on the day, followed by a clear jumping round. This wasn&rsquo;t a fluke&mdash;this was a star stepping fully into the spotlight. With a string of strong recent performances,<strong> No May Moon</strong> could be the sleeper pick for the finale.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2709" data-end="3240">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="3242" data-end="3639">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="3242" data-end="3639">Leaderboard Update: It&rsquo;s Still All to Play For</h3>
<p class="" data-start="3242" data-end="3639">The <a href="https://usef.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leaderboard</a> looks different now, and it&rsquo;s shaping into a real race. <strong>Phillip</strong> leads on 215,<strong> Jess</strong> follows with 185, and<strong> James Alliston</strong> holds third with 145. Riders like C<strong>aroline Pamukcu, Ema Klugman</strong>, and <strong>Allison Springer </strong>are still in the hunt, especially as we head into the second half of the series. The full top ten is here&mdash;and it&rsquo;s tight enough to expect fireworks over the coming qualifiers:</p>
<p><a href="https://usef.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/bd3f74f7-7a71-401e-939c-d2d10ce477ce.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Kentucky  Recap"></a></p>
<p class="" data-start="3732" data-end="4026">So what&rsquo;s next? More qualifiers, more movement, and all eyes on Morven Park, where the $200K showdown will bring the best back together. With<strong> Off the Record</strong> in this kind of form, <strong>Phillip</strong> pushing the pace, and <strong>Jess </strong>quietly stacking points, it&rsquo;s anyone&rsquo;s game.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3732" data-end="4026">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p class="" data-start="3732" data-end="4026">&nbsp;</p>
<h3 data-start="3732" data-end="4026">🎙️<strong> Listen Now: </strong><strong data-start="455" data-end="501">The Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S Review&nbsp;</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="3732" data-end="4026">Dive deeper into the wins, surprises, and leaderboard drama on the latest&nbsp;<strong data-start="578" data-end="608">US Equestrian Open Podcast</strong>.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36353425/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/1744d4/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h1 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h1>
<hr>
<h1 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h1>
<h1 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Check out the full Series calendar below and stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Instagram.&nbsp;</a>Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Also follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/aee0755f-7ba0-4aaf-b197-8570742781c8.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Competition Calendar for the 2024-2025 US Equestrian Open of Eventing"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>

New Podcast: Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S Review Show

<p dir="ltr">Since January, the US Equestrian Open of Dressage has crisscrossed the country with 16 qualifiers scheduled&mdash;including two doubleheader weekends. That leaves <strong>six qualifiers and seven freestyle classes to go</strong> before we reach the Final in Thermal, California. Only the <strong>top 18</strong> combinations will qualify&mdash;and only their <strong>top six scores</strong> count.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Right now, <strong>Anna</strong> <strong>Marek</strong> leads with 88 points, but <strong>Evelyn Eger</strong> is close behind at 85. <strong>Karen Lipp</strong> has quietly climbed into third, and <strong>Eline Eckroth</strong> is following closely on fourth. The cutoff line is crowded, and one strong ride could still change everything.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">7 Moments That Shaped the Series So Far</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">1. The 80% Club</h3>
<p><em>Adrienne Lyle and Helix</em>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/lyle-helix-soar-to-five-star-victory">delivered a masterclass</a> under the lights at the CDI5* in Wellington, earning a career best of <strong>80.600%</strong>. It&rsquo;s one of only two scores to break the 80 barrier so far. The other one? Also earned by Lyle and Helix at AGDF Week 5.</p>
<h3>2. Double Trouble</h3>
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Week 7&rsquo;s East/West <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/us-open-of-dressage-a-three-way-tie-at-the-top">doubleheader made history</a>: <em>Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn</em> and <em>Denielle Gallagher</em> became the series&rsquo; first two-time winners on opposite coasts, both securing top spots on the leaderboard in the same weekend.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">3. Comeback Queen</h3>
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><em>P.J. Rizvi</em>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/lyle-marek-and-rizvi-deliver-a-thrilling-night-of-freestyle-dressage">returned to the CDI arena after a six-year break</a>, piloting <em>Vanilla Ice</em> to a <strong>76.585%</strong> in their first freestyle&mdash;complete with a cameo by the real Vanilla Ice.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">4. The Heartstopper</h3>
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">At WEC March, <em>Julio Mendoza Loor</em>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/down-to-the-decimal-mendoza-loor-wins-closest-finish-in-series-history">edged out</a> <em>Anna Marek</em> by just <strong>0.04%</strong>&mdash;the narrowest margin of the series. Mendoza scored 75.860%, Marek 75.820%. That&rsquo;s the definition of a photo finish.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">5. The Consistency Climber</h3>
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Without a win to her name, <em>Karen Lipp</em> has used&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/unpredictable-but-pivotal-why-wec-could-reshape-the-leaderboard">a string of steady top-10s</a> to earn 77 points and climb to third overall. Call it the long game, and she&rsquo;s playing it well.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">6. The Spoiler Threat</h3>
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><em>Kevin Kohmann</em> and <em>D&uuml;nensee</em>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/a-cool-breeze-a-fiery-freestyle-kohmann-and-dnee-shine-in-wellington">delivered a show-stopping 79.240%</a> to win AGDF 9&mdash;and punch their ticket to Basel for the World Cup Final. They&rsquo;ve only shown twice, but both rides were class.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">7. Breakout Pair</h3>
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><em>Eline Eckroth</em> and <em>Daphne</em> only debuted at Grand Prix in November. Fast forward five months, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/nichols-claims-first-senior-freestyle-victory-at-terranova">they&rsquo;re sitting fourth</a> on the leaderboard with three podium finishes and a new personal best of 71.055%.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">On the Edge: Who&rsquo;s Climbing, Who&rsquo;s Slipping</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The riders between 15th and 25th are in precarious territory. Some have just enough to squeak into Thermal. Others need one more shot to qualify&mdash;or risk missing the cut. Here&rsquo;s where things stand:</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">In (for now)</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Devon Kane</strong> (42 pts, 17th) &ndash; Three starts, solid scores, and Florida-based. She&rsquo;s likely to show again&mdash;and just one more decent result could lock her in.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Tinne Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n</strong> (42 pts, 17th) &ndash; Also on three starts, but now back in Europe. Unless she makes a return stateside (unlikely), she&rsquo;s at serious risk of being overtaken.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Out (but not far)</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn</strong> (40 pts, 19th) &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/genay-vaughn-gino-clinch-grand-prix-freestyle-win-with-new-personal-best">One of only three riders with two wins</a>. But she hasn&rsquo;t been seen since February Del Mar, and the leaderboard&rsquo;s catching up fast.</li>
<li><strong>Julio Mendoza Loor</strong> (37 pts, 20th) &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/marek-takes-aim-at-series-lead-in-ocala-showdown">A consistent contender</a>, but reportedly off to Europe for the summer. If he&rsquo;s gone, he&rsquo;s likely done with the series.</li>
<li><strong>Charlotte Jorst</strong> (35 pts, 21st) &ndash; <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/us-equestrian-open-welcomes-one-of-the-countrys-top-amateur-riders">Winner at Gold Coast Opener</a> and fourth in Ocala. A top 5 finish at any of the remaining qualifiers could sneak her back into the top 18.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Kasey Perry-Glass</strong> (30 pts, 24th) &ndash; Two starts. Two huge scores (76.290% and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/perry-glass-closes-agdf-with-a-win-on-heartbeat">75.915%</a>). If she rides again and lands even a modest third score, she&rsquo;ll be a real Finals threat.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Benjamin Ebeling</strong> (20 pts, 30th) &ndash; He&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/bellena-dances-to-victory-but-the-leaderboard-holds-its-breath">won his debut Grand Prix Freestyle</a>. But he&rsquo;s only got one score. He likely needs two more starts&mdash;and strong ones&mdash;to qualify. If he shows up, he could really shake things up. He&rsquo;s got the talent and horsepower to make a Finals podium play.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>On the Horizon</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Competition resumes this weekend for the series' second dual-coast doubleheader. In Florida, Benjamin Ebeling, Kasey Perry-Glass, and Charlotte Jorst all have a chance to add a much-needed twenty points to their overall score. In the West, Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn returns to competition fresh off the World Cup Finals.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Stay connected with the latest news and standings on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen">Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen"> Instagram</a>, and follow US Equestrian on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian">X (Twitter)</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/dce51360-5371-41aa-a234-8d5afb25ac10.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Dressageopensched Final"></p>

Kevin Kohmann and Dünensee walk out of the dressage arena in Wellington

The Final Stretch: Seven Classes Remain in the US Equestrian Open of Dressage

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Charlotte Jorst</strong> and <strong>Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn</strong> each claimed victory in this week&rsquo;s doubleheader at Qualifier 17. Both riders, who began the week outside the top 18 cutoff for a Finals berth, are now comfortably inside the qualifying cutoff. With the final spring qualifiers approaching, every point now carries weight.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">TerraNova: A Nail-Biter Finish</h2>
<p dir="ltr">At TerraNova, Jorst and <strong>Zhaplin Langholt</strong> topped the Grand Prix Freestyle with a 74.085%&mdash;just shy of their personal best and nearly three percentage points above their season average. The polished, confident ride earned the highest individual judge&rsquo;s mark of the day from the judge at B. <strong>Benjamin Ebeling</strong> and <strong>Bellena</strong> narrowly missed the win with a 73.985%, making this one of the closest finishes in series history. <strong>Devon Kane</strong> and <strong>Vamos</strong> secured third place with a 72.705%.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Pacific Coast: Vaughn Makes History</h2>
<p dir="ltr">On the West Coast at Pacific Coast Dressage, Vaughn and Gino returned from their World Cup Finals debut to win with a 74.040%. The pair has now won all three of their series starts&mdash;the first rider in the series to win three legs&mdash;and extended their California winning streak to eight. <strong>G&uuml;nter Seidel</strong> and <strong>Jack</strong> took second with a combination-best 73.510%, and <strong>Kristina Harrison-Antell</strong> and <strong>Finley</strong> placed third on 72.715%.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Leaderboard Shifts as Vaughn Climbs Ten Places</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Kristina Harrison-Antell climbed from sixth to second overall with 86 points after another consistent top-three finish. She displaced Germany&rsquo;s <strong>Evelyn Eger</strong>, who had held onto second place for weeks. However, the biggest positional jump this week belongs to Vaughn, who rose ten places&mdash;from 19th to ninth&mdash;after her Pacific Coast win.</p>
<p dir="ltr">G&uuml;nter Seidel moved into a tie for seventh with 64 points, rising eight places. His combination-best performance with Jack helped secure his Finals position within the top 18.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Vaughn&rsquo;s jump into ninth (60 points) now puts her solidly inside the Finals cutoff after beginning the week outside the qualifying zone. Devon Kane also moved up, now sitting 10th with 59 points following her TerraNova podium finish. Charlotte Jorst advanced from outside the cutoff to 12th place with 55 points, creating a comfortable margin above the line that should hold through the season.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Benjamin Ebeling remains just outside the cutoff but could clinch a Finals berth with another podium finish at WEC in two weeks.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Road Ahead</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Only two qualifiers remain this spring: the Mid Atlantic Dressage Festival in Lexington, Kentucky (May 15), and the Ginny Rattner Memorial Dressage in Oregon (May 29). After that, the series pauses until late September. The remaining schedule favors East Coast riders, especially those based in Florida, offering more scoring opportunities for competitors like Ebeling, Kane, and Jorst. Riders near the cutoff&mdash;or those aiming to improve their prize money standings&mdash;will need to capitalize on the final spring starts before the Finals in November.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Stay connected with the latest news and standings on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen">Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen"> Instagram</a>, and follow US Equestrian on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian">X (Twitter)</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/dce51360-5371-41aa-a234-8d5afb25ac10.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Dressageopensched Final"></p>

Jorst and Vaughn Vault Into Finals Contention with Coastal Wins

<p class="MsoNormal">Virginia&rsquo;s <strong>Mid-Atlantic Dressage Festival</strong> this weekend hosts Qualifier 18 of the US Equestrian Open of Dressage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Our entries for Saturday&rsquo;s Qualifier <span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-IE; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">&ndash;</span> the Grand Prix Freestyle <span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-IE; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">&ndash; </span>bring a few new faces to the Series and one key contender who could earn Final qualification this weekend.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/710aecfe-4503-4c40-bad4-30f3b625a885.png?width=1296&amp;height=1434" alt="Table showing the Grand Prix Freestyle Stats for entries in the 2025 Mid Atlantic Dressage Festival (Qualifier 18)"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Laine Ashker</strong> and <strong>Zeppelin</strong> made their Grand Prix (GP) Freestyle debut at last year&rsquo;s Dressage at Devon and have yet to contest another one&hellip;until now. Though among this field&rsquo;s least-experienced pairs, their sole GP Freestyle score (<strong>70.845%</strong>) is among this Qualifier&rsquo;s highest personal bests, showing potential for an impactful Series debut.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Though making her first Series appearance, a spot in the $200,000 Final <em>is</em> within reach for Ashker if she can produce three strong results. The current cutoff for the top 18 &ndash; who qualify for the Final &ndash; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>is 49 points. Getting to 49 is still a big ask for a Series debutant, but it&rsquo;s not impossible.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a62eb734-525e-474a-bfed-7fcd1d7ed159.png?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="How points are earned at the US Equestrian Open of Dressage Qualifiers"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile,<strong> Adriane Alvord</strong> and <strong>Selfmade</strong> are the most-experienced pair in the field <em>and</em> they come into the weekend with the <strong>best proven scoring potential</strong>,<strong> </strong>having scored a personal best GP Freestyle score of <strong>76.750%</strong> at Dressage at Rose Mount 2023. In their several GP Freestyles since that winning performance, most of Alvord and Selfmade&rsquo;s scores have been in the high 60s, leaving the door open for their&nbsp;<span style="font-family: 'Aptos Narrow',sans-serif;">#</span>MADFest2025 competitors. But, if Alvord &amp; Selfmade do secure the win on Saturday, Alvord will have 40 total series points and a Final qualification will be within touching distance.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Ticket to the Final?</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Of our entries for Qualifier 18,&nbsp;<strong>Micaela Mabraga&ntilde;a</strong> is the highest-placed rider in the series, sitting 24<sup>th</sup> with 32 Series points. This is key because if Mabraga&ntilde;a and <strong>Belatrix RH </strong>place 2<sup>nd</sup> or 3<sup>rd</sup> on Saturday (earning 17 points), they will be right on the bubble for Final qualification with the necessary 49 points. With five more qualifiers after MAD, they could be knocked out but, for now, 49 points earns a critical top-18 spot (P.S. <a href="https://inside.fei.org/sites/default/files/Dressage%20US%20Equestrian%20Open%20Series%20Effective%201%20January%202025%20Updated%2010%20November%202024.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">everyone tied for 18th at the end of the Series does qualify for the Final</a>). Of course, the 20 points earned for a <strong>win</strong> would place Mabraga&ntilde;a more-securely in the top 18 with a bit more wiggle room.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">How to Follow</h2>
<p>The Grand Prix Freestyle (Qualifier 18) is this Saturday at MADFest:</p>
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal">Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.midatlanticdressagefestival.com/">https://www.midatlanticdressagefestival.com/</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Live Scores: <a href="https://usef.equestrian-hub.com/show/254865/competition/dressage/7241700" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://usef.equestrian-hub.com/show/254865/competition/dressage/7241700</a></li>
</ul>
<p>And Friday's classes at MADFest can be livestreamed on the USEF Network powered by ClipMyHorse.TV. Watch for free with a <a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>free USEF Fan Membership</strong></a>.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Series Leaders Heading into Qualifier 18 at MADFest</strong></h2>
<p><em style="font-size: 93%; color: #999999;">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>.</em></p>
<p><em style="font-size: 96%; color: #999999;"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ee725d73-81e9-45b6-95f4-fdf5513b60a3.png?width=617&amp;height=828" alt="Us Equestrian Open of Dressage Leaderboard Before Qualifier 18"></em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stay updated on news and standings for the US Equestrian Open Series on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Instagram.</a>&nbsp;Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/22433326-f7d7-4286-930b-62c3a1ba80f2.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Show calendar for the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage"><br></span></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>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;</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;</em><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;"></p>

Image from overhead of a male dressage rider approaching the competition arena on a dark bay horse.

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