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

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

black dressage horse wearing a double bridle 

After Wellington: Navigating the New US Equestrian Open Landscape

Only four horses are entered in this week&rsquo;s qualifier, but don&rsquo;t let the numbers fool you. &ldquo;Small field&rdquo; does not equal &ldquo;small story.&rdquo; From a US Equestrian Open of Dressage leaderboard perspective, this show won&rsquo;t be the most consequential event of the season. But it will, however, feature one of the most celebrated horses in the entire Series: Fiontini.
<h2 dir="ltr">A Living Legend</h2>
The 15-year-old Danish Warmblood mare has one of the most consistent records in the sport. In 15 Grand Prix starts, she&rsquo;s dipped below 69% just twice. In the freestyle, she consistently scores in the mid-70s to 80s, no matter the rider. A Triple World Young Horse Champion (2015&ndash;2017), Fiontini isn&rsquo;t just good; she&rsquo;s reliably brilliant.
Over the course of her career, she&rsquo;s been ridden by some of Europe&rsquo;s top male riders: Severo Jurado L&oacute;pez, Andreas Helgstrand, and Patrik Kittel. Now, she&rsquo;s owned and ridden by 30-year-old US team rider Anna Buffini&mdash;one of the youngest athletes to represent the US at a World Championship in recent years. After purchasing the mare, Buffini joked that it was time to turn Fiontini into a &ldquo;lady&rsquo;s ride.&rdquo;
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-Bh1Wn" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Fiontini's Grand Prix Freestyle Scores" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Bh1Wn/1/" height="646" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Interactive line chart" data-external="1"></iframe>
<h2 dir="ltr">A New Chapter</h2>
Buffini first saw Fiontini competing with Kittel at Aachen. It only took one test ride for her to fall in love with the mare&rsquo;s big heart and immense talent. But transitioning Fiontini to Buffini&rsquo;s lighter riding style became a project of patience and tact. She was used to stronger leg aids and, at first, would shake her sides like she had flies on them when Buffini applied pressure.
So began the process of teaching her to respond to subtler cues&mdash;a new language for horse and rider. With the help of her longtime coach G&uuml;nter Seidel (also entered in this weekend's class), they opted for a long runway: two full years out of the spotlight, focused on trust, softness, and feel.
Buffini, who has a large social media following, chose to keep Fiontini&rsquo;s training private. Fans were eager to see the mare return to competition, but Buffini stayed steady in her approach.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;When she&rsquo;s ready, we&rsquo;ll come out.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Measured Return</h2>
That moment came 11 months ago&mdash;at this very venue. They scored 72% in the Grand Prix and 72.447% in the Grand Prix Special, a notoriously difficult test. In both, they placed second to decorated U.S. Olympian Steffen Peters and Suppenkasper. The Special was particularly close: four of the five judges placed Buffini ahead of Peters, who won by a razor-thin 72.766%.
Buffini and Fiontini debuted their freestyle the following month, again in Del Mar, earning a 76.210%. Judges rewarded the mare&rsquo;s expressive, expansive gaits with 8s for extended walk, trot, and canter. Their floor plan earned a 9.16 average degree of difficulty. The question now: in the year since we&rsquo;ve seen them perform this freestyle, have they dialed that difficulty up even further?
<h2 dir="ltr">A Delicate Dance</h2>
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With only four riders in Sunday&rsquo;s freestyle class, Buffini and Fiontini are the clear favorites. This is a chance to polish the freestyle, push the degree of difficulty, and test Fiontini&rsquo;s firepower. Seidel is the only one who could realistically challenge her. Equirelle&rsquo;s personal best&mdash;76.615%&mdash;actually edges out Buffini&rsquo;s PB on Fiontini (76.210%), but Seidel&rsquo;s last outing suggests they&rsquo;re still shaking off some freestyle rust.
Still, Seidel is a veteran, and you can never fully count him out.
Under Buffini, Fiontini is no longer just a powerhouse. She&rsquo;s expressive, responsive, and joyful in the ring. &ldquo;She&rsquo;s really become my horse,&rdquo; Buffini said after their debut. This weekend, Del Mar gets to see that magic in action.
For the West Coast, it&rsquo;s a reminder that top sport lives here too&mdash;even with smaller fields. Fiontini&rsquo;s presence brings eyes and gravitas to the Series. And for fans, it&rsquo;s a rare chance to see one of the most celebrated dressage mares of the modern era compete on home turf.
Fiontini might not be &ldquo;on the comeback&rdquo;&mdash;she never really left. But Del Mar might be where we see her new era begin.
Watch Buffini and Fiontini&rsquo;s return to the freestyle arena this Sunday&ndash;stream it live on the USEF Network. <a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew">Sign up for free</a> as a fan to catch the action.

Anna Buffini riding Fiontini in the extended trot

A Quiet Stage, A Legendary Mare

In their first competition since last summer&rsquo;s European circuit, Anna Buffini and Fiontini clinched the Grand Prix Freestyle win at the Del Mar Dressage Affaire with a score of 73.235%. A narrow margin separated Buffini from her longtime coach, G&uuml;nter Seidel&mdash;just 0.155%.
<h2 dir="ltr">A Smooth Return for Dressage&rsquo;s Favorite &lsquo;-inis&rsquo;</h2>
It was a quiet class in sunny Southern California, with only four combinations entered in the freestyle. While eight riders completed the Grand Prix this weekend, the field split between Special and Freestyle divisions. This marks Buffini&rsquo;s first appearance in a US Equestrian Open of Dressage qualifier, and her win earns her 20 points&mdash;putting her alongside three other riders tied in the standings. With only two West Coast qualifiers remaining, Buffini could still climb the leaderboard&mdash;but unless she plans to head East for additional shows, her path to the Finals may be limited.
Their final score of 73.235% this weekend marked a steady, if not spectacular, return. Although Fiontini boasts one of the highest personal bests in the field&mdash;an 83.410% earned earlier in her career under a previous rider&mdash;Buffini is still forging her own path with the 15-year-old Danish Warmblood mare.
Buffini acquired Fiontini in late 2021 but kept the mare largely out of the spotlight for the first two years of their partnership, focusing instead on building trust and fine-tuning the basics. It wasn&rsquo;t until February 2024 that the pair made their international debut at the CDI3* in Del Mar, where they finished second in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special . The mare, a triple World Young Horse Champion, has passed through the hands of some of Europe&rsquo;s most prolific male riders. In Buffini&rsquo;s program, she&rsquo;s found a quieter cadence&mdash;one that prioritizes partnership over pressure.
Sunday&rsquo;s result gives them a strong foundation to build from this season. The test wasn&rsquo;t without its quirks&mdash;most notably, a wide spread in the scoring for their extended canter. One judge awarded an 8, while others gave 5s and even 4s, suggesting a possible miscommunication or moment of misinterpretation. Still, the performance was enough for the win.
<h2 dir="ltr">Seidel Shows His Hand</h2>
G&uuml;nter Seidel and Equirelle posted a 73.080%, a marked improvement from their last US Equestrian Open outing, where they earned a 68.695%. This time, two judges&mdash;at H and C&mdash;actually placed Seidel in first, awarding him 74.200% and 75.175%, respectively. Those were the highest individual scores given in the class.
Their test was clean and cohesive, with no major weak spots. The 16-year-old KWPN mare looked relaxed and rideable, and the pair&rsquo;s degree of difficulty averaged 9.16&mdash;just edging out Buffini&rsquo;s 9.12&mdash;making a strong case that Seidel delivered the more technically ambitious ride of the day.
<h2 dir="ltr">Standings Update</h2>
Canada&rsquo;s Brittney Simpson and her mount Kartsevo Goldfinch placed third on a 72.010%, while Kristina Harrison-Antell and Finley rounded out the field with a 68.140%. The result brings both Simpson and Harrison-Antell to a tie for ninth place in the overall US Equestrian Open of Dressage standings, each sitting on 49 points.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/bfa610aa-0a22-4f19-8ee2-f7bed19800bc.png?width=491&amp;height=609" alt="Screenshot of the leaderboard as of march 24, 2025">
<h2 dir="ltr">What&rsquo;s Next</h2>
While this weekend didn&rsquo;t dramatically shake up the leaderboard, Seidel&rsquo;s upward trajectory is one to watch. With only two more West Coast qualifiers remaining, his path to the Finals may require a few cross-country miles&mdash;but if he wins another qualifier and picks up additional points out East, he could position himself for a return trip to Thermal this fall.
Qualifier 13 takes place this Friday in Wellington, Florida, during the final week of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Tune in live to the USEF Network to watch the action unfold.
<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">

Horse and rider pictured from above entering a competition arena

Buffini Returns, Seidel Surges: A Tight Finish at the Del Mar Affaire 

Beezie Madden on her story, emerging talent on the US Equestrian Open

New Podcast: David O'Connor on Changing The Game for Horse Sports

As the only CDI5* in Wellington&rsquo;s winter circuit&mdash;and the only 5-star qualifier in the Series&mdash;Adequan Global Dressage Festival 10 promises a night of top-tier competition, featuring a star-studded cast of horses and riders. The staggering $150,000 prize pool has drawn competitors from around the globe, with nearly every entry boasting an international championship appearance on their r&eacute;sum&eacute;.
With a stacked field, we could see some of the highest scores and narrowest margins of the season so far.
<h2>The Midseason Leaderboard Battle</h2>
With four qualifiers behind her, Anna Marek holds a comfortable 11-point lead as the Series reaches its midway mark. She has a solid margin, but it&rsquo;s not untouchable. German riders Evelyn Eger and Felicitas Hendricks have a chance to overtake her this weekend, but everything would have to go right for them&mdash;and very wrong for Marek. If either of them wins the class and Marek finishes outside the top ten, they would overtake her lead&mdash;an unlikely but not impossible scenario. After all, Marek and Fayvel <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/qualifier-5-preview-a-wide-open-field" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retired from Qualifier 5</a> back in January.
Still, Marek has been the most consistent rider in the series, placing first or second in all four of her qualifier performances. Her lead is likely safe this weekend, but the gap could shrink dramatically if she finishes outside the top five.
<h2>Breaking 80%: The Riders on the Brink</h2>
Adrienne Lyle and Helix are the only pair to <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/lyle-marek-and-rizvi-deliver-a-thrilling-night-of-freestyle-dressage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">score above 80%</a> in a freestyle this year. That result came in Qualifier 6, when Lyle won with 80.325%. While Julio Mendoza Loor is the only other rider in this field who has hit that mark in the past, four more combinations are knocking on the door:
<ul>
<li>Kevin Kohmann (PB 79.240%)</li>
<li>Felicitas Hendricks (PB 79.105%)</li>
<li>Anna Marek (PB 78.995%)</li>
<li>Tinne Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n (PB 78.080%)</li>
</ul>
With so many riders on the cusp of 80%, expect at least one new PB this weekend.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d0eae42e-7469-4067-99d5-6832a5341b33.png?width=1372&amp;height=2104" alt="Table showing the personal best and average scores for all horses in the field this week.">
<h2>Momentum, Pressure, and the Fight for a Repeat Win</h2>
A win this weekend would make Mendoza Loor the first rider to claim back-to-back victories in the series&mdash;a feat no one has achieved in 11 qualifiers. His 84% personal best makes him the statistical frontrunner, and after outscoring Marek in Ocala last week, he has momentum on his side.
But Mendoza Loor isn&rsquo;t the only one peaking at the right time. Kevin Kohmann, fresh off securing his World Cup Final ticket, is another major contender. His win in AGDF 8 showcased his ability to deliver under pressure, and with a 79.240% PB, he has the scoring power to challenge for another podium.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Eger has been a Wellington fixture, competing in each qualifier at this venue. The Friday Night Stars atmosphere can be electric, with lights, music, and a high-energy crowd. Both she and Tabledance 3 are well-adjusted to these conditions, which could give her an advantage over series newcomer Pablo Gomez Molina.
So far, five riders have won here this season&mdash;proof that no single competitor dominates Wellington. That trend could continue, or we could see the season&rsquo;s first repeat winner.
<h2>Every Tenth Counts</h2>
One thing is certain&mdash;nothing at Wellington comes easy. Every win is earned. Nothing is guaranteed, and the fight for the top is relentless.
The data says Mendoza Loor is the frontrunner, but as we learned in <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/qualifier-8-recap-when-the-numbers-dont-tell-the-whole-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Week 8</a>, sometimes the numbers don&rsquo;t tell the whole story.
With 13 combinations in the Freestyle and so many clustered in the high 70s, every tenth of a percent is going to matter. Watch Friday Night Stars live at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on the USEF Network&mdash;<a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew">sign up for free</a> as a fan to stream the action.

Anna Marek in her show attire smiling during a dressage test

Clash of the Titans

<h3 data-start="433" data-end="462">&nbsp;</h3>
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<h3 data-start="433" data-end="462">The Riders to Watch</h3>
At the top of the prediction center sits Boyd Martin and Luke 140, a serious talent making a long-awaited return. While Boyd&rsquo;s horse is undeniably gifted, will he be at full throttle this early in the season?
Meanwhile, Phillip Dutton has a powerful hand with Jewelent and Quasi Cool, both well-placed to secure more crucial Open points. Dutton already holds the lead in the standings&mdash;could Bouckaert extend his advantage?
Another major contender is Lucienne Bellissimo&rsquo;s Dyri, a standout in the first phase with the lowest dressage average in the field. If she jumps clear in show jumping, she could find herself at the top heading into cross-country.
<h3 data-start="1141" data-end="1194">The Bouckaert Challenge: Time is Everything</h3>
Bouckaert&rsquo;s cross-country course is a true test of speed and endurance, with only four combinations in history finishing inside the time in this class. In an event where cross-country time penalties will likely decide the winner.
<h3 data-start="1479" data-end="1526">Dark Horse Alert: Who Could Surprise?</h3>
With fast horses and new riders riders in the mix, don&rsquo;t be surprised if a new name shakes up the leaderboard. Could this be the breakthrough event for someone like Ava Wehde and Bonaire? A strong show jumper with speed potential, Bonaire could benefit from the nature of this venue. Diarm picks them as his dark horse to follow here and in the series in general.&nbsp;
<h3 data-start="1827" data-end="1855">Who Takes the Win?</h3>
With it being so early in the season, and the influence of time so high, this is one of the hardest events to call. Expect&nbsp;Dutton, Martin, Bellissimo, and a few surprises to be in the mix for the podium.
Follow the action and check out the <a href="https://digital.equiratings.com/view/306031364/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">full Form Guide here</a> Stay tuned for our post-event breakdown, and get ready for the next stop: Carolina International!

New Podcast: Eventing Series Returns; Bouckaert International Preview

Horses are a familiar creative muse for Susanne Ross Blackinton-Juaire, a sixth-generation silversmith and the heart of S.R. Blackinton. Founded in 2018 on principles of craftsmanship and design excellence, this family-run business based in Smithfield, R.I., has been a beacon in the silversmithing world for over 160 years. The United States Equestrian Federation headquarters in Lexington, Ky. is home to over 140 perpetual trophies that are awarded annually at the Pegasus and Horse of the Year Awards. When the US Equestrian Open series was ideated, the team at USEF knew that S.R. Blackinton was the team to call upon for a new addition.
S.R. Blackinton began in 1862 with Susanne&rsquo;s great-great-grandfather Roswell Blackinton and his company:&nbsp;R. Blackinton &amp; Co. His dedication to the craft laid the foundation for a lineage of artisans who have upheld the highest standards of silversmithing. For six generations, the Blackinton family has contributed unique talents to the trade, ensuring the spirit of their forebears lives on in every piece they create. Susanne&rsquo;s own path into the family business started in her teenage years. She spent her early days in the packing department of New England Sterling, founded in 1969 by Susanne&rsquo;s father Ross Blackinton, where she witnessed the magic of trophy-making. Being in the workshop with her father was a bonding experience.&nbsp; Her father helped craft many early editions of the revered Kentucky Derby gold cup trophy, which ignited a creative spark in Susanne. Through mentorship from legendary silversmith Walter Bigo, she nurtured her skills and committed to the craft. The partnership with her husband, Bill Juaire, has enriched the growth of the family business. Bill, known for his metal-spinning skills, founded New England Copperworks in the early 2000s and specialized in copper ornamentals. When Susanne joined him in 2006, their collaboration flourished, leading to the creation of fine silver works and jewelry. Together with their daughter, seventh generation silversmith Skyla Blackinton-Juaire, they have crafted awards for events like The BIG3 basketball championship and The Preakness Stakes. During her apprenticeship, Susanne made a promise to herself: &ldquo;Someday, I will make the Kentucky Derby trophy.&rdquo; That promise has come full circle as she and her team not only craft the trophy annually for the legendary horse race but are now adding a new equestrian sport series to their portfolio: The US Equestrian Open. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first trophy S.R. Blackinton has created for an equestrian sport outside of horse racing. &ldquo;Other trophies we&rsquo;ve made have been for dog shows, golf tournaments, and corporate awards. I love this opportunity because I&rsquo;ve always loved watching jumping and eventing,&rdquo; Susanne explained. The design process for the US Equestrian Open trophy began with a bold vision to step away from traditional cup designs. The result? A stunning three-sided tower that stands two feet high, adorned with three-dimensional horse and rider silhouettes. Susanne recalls, &ldquo;We were really limited in what we could take on for trophies and we had shut down many commissions. But, when we saw the inquiry from the US Equestrian team, we knew this one had us interested.&rdquo; Skyla, Susanne&rsquo;s daughter, added, &ldquo;There&rsquo;s so much to learn from this project. It was a little intimidating at first. It started with CAD models that got 3D printed. At one point, we had a whole herd of 3D-printed horses to consider for size and positioning.&rdquo; The journey to the trophy completion hasn&rsquo;t been without its challenges. &ldquo;All the days and months meshed together,&rdquo; Skyla shares, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s been a busy year. The conversation started in the summer, and we got going pretty quickly. Brian, our head silversmith, put together some CAD images, and the horses came in as an afterthought. Initially, we thought adding the three horses would be easy, but it became one of the biggest tasks to get right.&rdquo; Susanne reflected on the intricate design process, &ldquo;I was focused on the horse&rsquo;s muscle tone and positioning,&rdquo; she explained. The marketing team at US Equestrian provided many photos of horse-and-athlete combinations from various events to help the Blackinton-Juaires with this process, and they&rsquo;ve left no detail untouched. Susanne continued, &ldquo;We realized that when a rider is jumping, their posture matters! One of the things we&rsquo;ve homed in on is applying the reins, so I&rsquo;ve been studying photos to see how they drape.&rdquo; Despite the design hurdles, the S.R. Blackinton team remained committed to excellence. The trophy features silver plating and intricate details, including the double bridle specifically designed for the dressage horse and athlete. At the top of the trophy, a US Equestrian tulip horse is plated in gold. A special feature of the design is that the tulip horse can rotate, making the trophy ready to be photographed from every angle at all three discipline finals. In addition to the trophy, S.R. Blackinton plans to introduce a line of fine jewelry inspired by the trophy design, which will be unveiled at the Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix Final at Wellington International in Wellington, Fla. on March 29. This extension of their artistry ensures that the spirit of the US Equestrian Open resonates with fans and participants alike. The Blackinton-Juaires are hopeful that the trophy will make a lasting impression on the athletes throughout the year. &ldquo;I hope they love it,&rdquo; Susanne shared. Athletes who win the discipline specific finals will take home special keeper trophies.&nbsp; She added, &ldquo;Each keeper will have elements of the perpetual trophy, and we&rsquo;ve made sure each horse&rsquo;s details are just right &ndash; from their tails to their hooves.&rdquo; In a world where many artisanal crafts have been lost to time, S.R. Blackinton serves as a reminder that true artistry is timeless. As they etch their mark on the US Equestrian Open, Susanne and her family honor their past while embracing a bright future that will see many equestrian athletes and horses hoisting their trophy in the air in victory at the US Equestrian Open jumping, eventing, and dressage finals for years to come.&nbsp; About the US Equestrian Open&nbsp; The US Equestrian Open Series is proudly supported by industry-leading technology, utilizing data-driven insights and real-time results to enhance the fan experience. In collaboration with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.equiratings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EquiRatings</a>, the premier data and analytics firm in the industry, and&nbsp;<a href="https://blackhorse-one.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black Horse One</a>,&nbsp;one&nbsp;of the pre-eminent technology and scoring providers across the equestrian disciplines, the US Equestrian Open is revolutionizing the way audiences view, interact with, and follow equestrian sport.&nbsp;&nbsp; Connect With the US Equestrian Open&nbsp; Stay up to date with news and standings of the US Equestrian Open on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>. Follow US Equestrian on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/USequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>. Use&nbsp;#USEquestrianOpen.&nbsp;

Horses and Heritage: The Craftsmanship of the US Equestrian Open Trophy

For the first time in four years, an American rider stood atop the podium at the only CDI5* dressage competition in the Western Hemisphere. Adrienne Lyle and Helix delivered a career-best 80.600% in the Grand Prix Freestyle at Adequan Global Dressage Festival 10, securing a decisive victory ahead of their upcoming World Cup Final appearance in Basel, Switzerland in April.
With a technically demanding freestyle that emphasized precision and harmony, Lyle and the 13-year-old KWPN gelding (by Apache x Jazz) rose to the occasion, besting a field that included some of the biggest names in the sport. Judge William Warren (USA), who presided over the competition from C, praised Lyle&rsquo;s ride for its harmony and effortless execution.
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&ldquo;It felt easy, which is exactly what I was hoping for,&rdquo; Lyle said.
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&ldquo;I wanted one more chance to get in an environment like this before we head to the World Cup. My main goal was to have a quiet, harmonious ride, and he felt like he did the whole thing effortlessly&mdash;didn&rsquo;t even break a sweat&mdash;and walked calmly back to his stall.&rdquo;
Despite their dominant performance, Lyle and Helix are still a relatively new partnership, having made their Big Tour debut just under a year ago before representing the United States at the Paris Olympics last summer.&nbsp;
<h2>Mendoza Loor Takes Second in Second Outing</h2>
Julio Mendoza Loor and Jewel&rsquo;s Goldstrike continued their strong return to competition, finishing second on 78.520%. The 12-year-old KWPN gelding (by Bretton Woods x Watermill Scandic), affectionately known as &ldquo;Goldie,&rdquo; is fresh off a win in Ocala last weekend, making this just his second show since the Paris Olympics last year.
Mendoza Loor, known for his infectious enthusiasm, was thrilled with the result.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m always happy. If I have to lose against somebody, I&rsquo;m happy to lose to Adrienne,&rdquo; he said.
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&ldquo;I&rsquo;m so grateful to be competing in the five-star with mega riders and horses.&rdquo;
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Goldie, once deemed too difficult to ride, was purchased by Mendoza Loor for just $20 as an eight-year-old. The key to unlocking his potential? 24/7 turnout, which has transformed him into the powerful, expressive competitor seen in the arena today.
<h2>Marek Podiums, Stays Atop the Leaderboard</h2>
Anna Marek and Fayvel claimed third place with a 77.135%, further solidifying Marek&rsquo;s dominance in the US Equestrian Open of Dressage Series. With 88 points, she remains firmly in first place, having now collected scores across six qualifiers.
While Marek is a regular at Friday Night Stars, this week still carried a different kind of pressure. &ldquo;I usually come in and I don&rsquo;t look at the crowd after doing so many Friday night freestyles, but this was exciting,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;The really great thing about Fayvel is that he&rsquo;s the same, and I can trust him to go in any atmosphere. I know that I can have a clean test on him now at the Grand Prix, but now that he is mature and strong, we&rsquo;re working on the details of making everything just a little bit better.&rdquo;
Marek, who has been splitting her scores across Fayvel and Fire Fly, is one of the busiest riders in the Series, having competed in half of the East Coast qualifiers so far.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a5c8894b-1fda-4afb-857a-692db83abe82.jpeg?width=990&amp;height=1102" alt="US Equestrian Open of Dressage Standings as of March 17, 2025">
<h2>Eger &amp; Kohmann Climb the Standings</h2>
With her fifth-place finish (76.755%), Evelyn Eger remains second in the Series standings with 75 points, keeping the pressure on Marek as the season progresses. Unlike Marek, Eger has relied solely on Tabledance 3 for her scores, making her one of the most consistent competitors in the series.
Felicitas Hendricks also remains in contention, finishing sixth on 76.435%, keeping her in third place overall (64 points).
Meanwhile, Kevin Kohmann delivered a crowd-favorite performance, finishing fourth on 76.965% with D&uuml;nensee. Spectators judged their test the highest of the night, showing just how popular their freestyle has become. With this performance, Kohmann continues to climb the US Equestrian Open standings, now sitting seventh with 52 points.
Lyle, despite competing in just three qualifiers, has already moved into a tie for fifth (57 points) alongside Denielle Gallagher&mdash;a testament to the strength of her performances.
<h2>Next Stop Del Mar</h2>
Next week, the US Equestrian Open of Dressage heads back to the West Coast for the Del Mar Dressage Affaire, marking the first qualifier on the West Coast since Week 7.
With the season now past its midway point, the pressure is on for riders looking to solidify their Series standings. Watch it all unfold as the Series shifts to Del Mar.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/4d17c7b1-a53e-4de7-89f7-670b5abd23fa.jpeg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Schedule of the US Equestrian Open of Dressage qualifiers">

Adrienne Lyle and Helix entering the arena at the Paris Olympics

Lyle & Helix Soar to Five-Star Victory

Carolina CCI4*-S first ran in 2014 and every winner since 2015 (nine consecutive winners)&nbsp;has won from a dressage score in the 20s. This year, the pre-competition favorite on the <a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EquiRatings Prediction Centre</a> is the only combination in the field with a dressage 6RA (six-run average) in the 20s. They enter on a 23% win chance.
So will it be that simple? Can Boyd Martin and new partner Cooley Nutcracker lead Qualifier 5 of the US Equestrian Open from start to finish and continue the trend? It just might not be quite that simple.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5958a4ec-0ce3-4f95-a44b-05ab4a22e6fa.png?width=908&amp;height=1718" alt="Table showing the Best Dressage Horses in the Carolina Cci4 S Field According to the Equiratings 6ra">
<h2 dir="ltr">A &ldquo;True Honor&rdquo;</h2>
Boyd Martin sits in a familiar position as the highest ranked US eventer in the FEI World Rankings, currently ranked #10. But he&rsquo;s a rider that will sacrifice a short-term win for a longer-term plan and that may just be the case in this instance. They say eventing is the greatest test of horse and human partnership, but creating that partnership takes time. Boyd takes over the reins from a recovering Liz Halliday, and his sights are set on future targets:
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&ldquo;This will be my and Cooley Nutcracker's first FEI event together. My plan is to use it as a competition to build our partnership and gain a qualification towards Tryon 4L. In short, I will be coasting around not taking any chances.&rdquo;
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On taking over the reins from his Olympic teammate, Boyd couldn&rsquo;t have said a kinder word:
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&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a true honor and privilege to campaign Liz&rsquo;s top horses whilst she is working hard at her recovery.&rdquo;
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7bbdc92c-3e98-41f2-8ad9-f3adc8f2545e.jpg?width=5392&amp;height=3592" alt="Liz Halliday fist pumping toward the audience as she rides the dark bay horse Cooley Nutcracker after their dressage test at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Palace of Versaille looms large in the background as the pair are still in the arena.">
Cooley Nutcracker with Liz Halliday at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
<h2 dir="ltr">Wide Open</h2>
Top level eventing isn&rsquo;t always an open affair, but this edition looks to be exactly that. Those who shine in the first phase can often build a lead that is insurmountable. Five of the ten previous Carolina 4*-S winners have led the dressage phase. However, with the likely dressage leader (Boyd &amp; Cooley Nutcracker) taking their time on the cross-country, the obvious starting point for a likely winner is last week&rsquo;s Qualifier 4 victor, Caroline Pamukcu.&nbsp;
Pamukcu only needed 5 weeks to recover from the birth of her first child when winning Bouckaert on HSH Double Sixteen, so don&rsquo;t expect the five-day turnaround between series qualifiers to present any challenge to the winning-most international eventer of the past two seasons.
She is double-handed near the top of the EquiRatings Prediction Centre with both King&rsquo;s Especiale and She&rsquo;s The One likely to feature at the top of the final leaderboard.&nbsp;
<h2>US versus the rest&hellip;</h2>
For Pamukcu to make it back-to-back wins, we'd expect her to have to climb the leaderboard as she did last week. Her strongest challenger is most likely to come from outside the home nation, as US-based New Zealander Monica Spencer will start with a strong first phase aboard her long-term partner Artist.
Spencer has contested 18 four-star shorts, withdrawn from two, and finished in the top eight on every other occasion. That remarkable consistency spans four different horses and goes back as far as 2012. However, her only win came at Matamata on home soil back in 2022 with her partner for this weekend.&nbsp;
With Spencer likely to start strong and Pamukcu looking to chase her down, other notable combinations include Will Faudree aboard the experienced PFun. If this combination can jump clear through the cross-country obstacles, then we expect them to sit alongside, if not surpass, the main contenders of this wide open qualifier.&nbsp;
&nbsp;<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/470cec83-cf63-4c17-ae6e-7b618b2c3f4f.jpg?width=1600&amp;height=1068" alt="Photo of Will Faudree and the grey horse Pfun clearing a cross country obstacle. photo by Leslie Mintz">
Will Faudree and Pfun. Photo by Leslie Mintz.
<h2 dir="ltr">All the facts, stats and key contenders</h2>
The reality of this sport and this qualifier is that nothing will be easy or even simple when it comes to taking the top spot. For all the key insights, past trends, facts and stats around who wins and who looks strongest in each phase, <a href="https://digital.equiratings.com/view/1020318388/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">check out the official fan guide here</a>.&nbsp;
Guides for the Open series are always accessible in the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/magazines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fan Guide</a> section of this site.
<h2 dir="ltr">What's Next</h2>
After Carolina, the US Equestrian Open heads to The Event at TerraNova at the end of March.&nbsp;
<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">
<h2 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h2>
For the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/dressage-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most up-to-date series calendar</a> and <a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">latest standings</a>, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/">usequestrianopen.org</a>.
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.
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For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;
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Image of Monica Spencer and the bay horse Artist after their show jumping round in a competition. Monica smiles at the camera.

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