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

Kent Farrington has done what only Kent Farrington has ever done before. With victory in the $340,000 CSI5* Grand Prix of Greenwich aboard Toulayna, the world no. 1 secured his eighth five-star Grand Prix/World Cup triumph of 2025, matching the unprecedented tally he first set in 2017.
<h2>History Repeats Itself, With a Twist</h2>
In the modern era of show jumping, consistency at the very top is one of the sport&rsquo;s hardest currencies. Since 2010, no rider other than Farrington has managed to amass eight five-star Grand Prix or World Cup wins in a single calendar year. Martin Fuchs (2019) and McLain Ward (2010) came close, but only Farrington has scaled the summit. Twice.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ea454955-bc3b-41c8-b0b3-aed61501a437.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Usef Jumping Graphics 2025 (21)">
This latest victory in Greenwich, achieved by just three-hundredths of a second over Daniel Bluman and Corbie V.V., was the perfect snapshot of what makes Farrington unstoppable: speed, precision, and the nerve to execute under pressure.
&nbsp;
<h2>Greya Joins the Legends</h2>
It isn&rsquo;t just Farrington rewriting history this year, his superstar mare Greya is doing the same. With her latest Grand Prix win in Williamsburg, the 11-year-old Oldenburg (Colestus x Contender) captured her sixth five-star victory of 2025, matching the legendary record set by Gazelle in 2017. Remarkably, both mares have been guided to these milestone seasons by Farrington, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest championship managers of horses in modern show jumping. With history still unfolding, Greya&rsquo;s campaign could yet surpass Gazelle&rsquo;s benchmark and stand alone at the very top.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/204b935d-44bc-4581-ad1c-99937e60f2a6.png?width=1200&amp;height=600" alt="1">
<h2>Rivalries and Records</h2>
Farrington and Bluman have been locked in a season-long battle across Major League Show Jumping and beyond, trading blows in Toronto, Traverse City, and now Greenwich. While Bluman once again pushed him to the limit, Farrington&rsquo;s composure in the jump-off brought his season tally to an extraordinary eight wins.
Behind the stats lies a remarkable storyline: Farrington&rsquo;s triumphs have come aboard multiple horses, led by Greya, with whom he has taken 6 of those wins and Toulayna, the 11-year-old Zangersheide mare co-owned with Rabbit Root Stables. The mares&rsquo; blend of scope and speed has been the cornerstone of Farrington&rsquo;s dominance in 2025.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/2f5016af-b017-4a7f-92b4-8eb6707474d8.png?width=1200&amp;height=600" alt="2">
<h2>The Making of a Modern Legend</h2>
What sets Farrington apart isn&rsquo;t just his ability to win, it&rsquo;s his ability to do it again, and again, across different arenas, continents, and lineups of the world&rsquo;s best. From Wellington to Traverse City, from Toronto to Greenwich, 2025 has been a masterclass in sustained brilliance.
Eight five-star Grand Prix victories in one year is a number most riders can scarcely imagine. For Kent Farrington, it is not just a record, it is a signature.

Eight and Great: Kent Farrington Rewrites the Record Books

Since Week One, US riders have been attempting to reclaim the top spot on the US Open of Dressage leaderboard. Now, Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn, who won the season&rsquo;s opening qualifier, is back at the top, though this time she shares first place in a three-way tie with Canada&rsquo;s Denielle Gallagher and Germany&rsquo;s Evelyn Eger.
This weekend marks the first time in series history that a rider has won two qualifiers, and remarkably, it happened twice. Vaughn took the victory on the West Coast at the HITS Del Mar Dressage Opener, while Gallagher did the same in Florida at the WEC-Ocala CDI3*.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0523ea96-9b13-4bf7-b8ce-aa3f8824a3af?width=490&amp;height=767" alt="The US Open of Dressage leaderboard as of Feb 16, 2025 showing Denielle, Evelyn and Genay at the top, tied for first place.">
<h2 dir="ltr">West Coast Triumph: Vaughn Secures Repeat Victory</h2>
Vaughn continued her reign on the West Coast, delivering a dominant performance and securing the win with a score of 74.370%. Her Grand Prix test the day before set the tone for the weekend with a solid 70.739%, far outpacing the rest of the field.
This marks Vaughn&rsquo;s sixth consecutive victory with Gino, establishing her as an undeniable force in the region. Vaughn had posted personal bests in her last three outings, and though a few minor mistakes in her tempi changes may have kept her from another PB this weekend, the rest of her test was strong and well-executed. Her growing consistency is a testament to her partnership with Gino, a 14-year-old KWPN gelding. Purchased by Vaughn&rsquo;s mother when he was six, Gino showed raw potential from the start.
<blockquote>
"She knew right away; even though he wasn&rsquo;t like he is now, she could see the potential that he had," Vaughn told Chronicle of the Horse last year.
</blockquote>
With this result, Vaughn is now officially qualified for the World Cup Final in Basel, Switzerland, where she will join fellow American Adrienne Lyle and Helix in representing the US.
Kristina Harrison-Antell (USA) and 15-year-old KWPN gelding Finley delivered a strong performance to finish second with a score of 70.910%. This marks her second runner-up finish of the season, having also placed second at the Thermal opener. Harrison-Antell&rsquo;s test featured standout moments, particularly in the extended trot, which was fluid and expressive. The halt work was another highlight, earning 8s from four out of five judges for its precision and balance.
<h2 dir="ltr">East Coast Brilliance: Gallagher Joins the Double-Win Club</h2>
On the East Coast, Denielle Gallagher claimed victory with a personal best score of 72.940%, besting her previous high, which was also set at this venue just weeks ago. She also won the Grand Prix the day before, further cementing her partnership with 13-year-old Lusitano gelding, Come Back de Massa.
The pair&rsquo;s freestyle is an ode to horse lovers worldwide. Set to the nostalgic soundtrack from Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, the instantly recognizable melodies from Bryan Adams and Hans Zimmer deeply resonated with the audience.
<blockquote>
"The &lsquo;Spirit&rsquo; soundtrack is emotional," Gallagher said. "I heard people in the crowd talking about crying when I started out. I either want people dancing in their seats or crying. I want to hit them emotionally."
</blockquote>
With this win, Gallagher extends her international win streak to four and now finds herself in a three-way tie for first in the US Open of Dressage standings.
Gallagher wasn't the only rider celebrating a personal best this weekend. Eline Eckroth also continued her upward trajectory with a first-ever score in the 70s. Her 71.055% was enough for second place&mdash;an impressive achievement considering she and her 14-year-old Oldenburg mare, Daphne, moved up to Grand Prix just three months ago. The pair also posted a personal best in the Grand Prix the day before.
<h2 dir="ltr">What&rsquo;s Next?</h2>
The qualifiers continue in Wellington next weekend for Adequan&reg; Global Dressage Festival 7, where two key contenders in the US Open of Dressage standings will be in action&mdash;Evelyn Eger (GER), who currently shares the lead, and Felicitas Hendricks (GER), winner of Week Two&rsquo;s qualifier. With standings this competitive, next weekend's results could once again reshape the leaderboard.
<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.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/b0ba4a7e-31a4-4a11-a147-7faa41ac9f1d.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Competition calendar for the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage">
<hr>
For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;

Close up of a dressage rider in the saddle showing their legs, hands and part of the horse's neck. They're wearing a shadbelly coat and the horse has a white saddle pad with an American flag.

US Open of Dressage: A Three-Way Tie at the Top

With just 0.04 percentage points separating them, Week 10&rsquo;s qualifier was a tight battle for first place. Ultimately, Julio Mendoza Loor took the win aboard his Paris Games mount, Jewel&rsquo;s Goldstrike, despite a music error that forced them to restart their test. New to the US Equestrian Open of Dressage qualifiers&mdash;but not new to the sport&mdash;Mendoza Loor rode to an upbeat, bold soundtrack, earning a score of 75.860%. Finishing second was Anna Marek aboard Fayvel, a 14-year-old gelding. This finish puts Marek and the US flag back atop the leaderboard.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e9eaf549-50ba-4fec-995a-c082ff590f4c.png?width=491&amp;height=496" alt="Top 5 riders in the US Open of Dressage as of Feb 9, 2025. (1) Anna Marek (2) Evelyn Eger (2) Karen Lipp (4) Denielle Gallagher (5) Felicitas Hendricks">
Mendoza Loor&rsquo;s high-energy freestyle music particularly suited &ldquo;Goldie&rsquo;s&rdquo; trot work. The 13-year-old KWPN gelding scored exceptionally well in the piaffe and passage, earning 8.0s from most judges. A stumble during one of the flying changes cost them a few marks, likely making the final score even closer than it would have been otherwise. This marked their return to competition after placing 27th individually at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.
&ldquo;There were a lot of highlights tonight in the test,&rdquo; Mendoza Loor said. &ldquo;After the line of the one-tempis, he was really there in what I was asking him to do. His performance was amazing."
Marek, fresh off a second-place finish in Wellington last weekend on Fire Fly, delivered a strong test to a freestyle featuring the punchy, rhythmic &lsquo;BOOM&rsquo; by X Ambassadors and the playful, offbeat &lsquo;Coincidance&rsquo; by Handsome Driver. Her ride was remarkably consistent, with no movement receiving lower than a 7.0 from any judge.
The 0.04 percentage point margin between first and second place is the smallest in Series history, breaking the previous record of 0.210 percentage points, which was also set by Marek&mdash;though that time aboard Fire Fly&mdash;when she narrowly edged out Kevin Kohmann and D&uuml;nensee at Global Dressage Festival 3.
<iframe id="datawrapper-chart-LMZSy" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Winning MarginsUS Equestrian Open Dressage Qualifiers" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/LMZSy/1/" height="539" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Range Plot" data-external="1"></iframe>
This second-place finish earned Marek 17 points in the Series standings, cementing her position at the top of the leaderboard. With the Final in Thermal, CA, this November, her focus is now on maintaining that lead as the qualifiers near their halfway point.
<h2 dir="ltr">What&rsquo;s Next&nbsp;</h2>
The back-to-back qualifiers return to Wellington this weekend for Adequan Global Dressage Festival 10&rsquo;s CDI5*&mdash;a highly anticipated competition in Florida&rsquo;s winter circuit. The entry list is stacked, with top combinations poised to shake up the standings: Adrienne Lyle on Helix, Anna Marek on Fayvel, Evelyn Eger on Tabledance 3, Felicitas Hendricks on Drombusch OLD, Kevin Kohmann on D&uuml;nensee, Tinne Vilhelmson&nbsp;Silfv&eacute;n&nbsp;on Devanto, and Julio Mendoza Loor on Jewel&rsquo;s Goldstrike.&nbsp;
With Marek, Eger, and Hendricks separated by fewer than 20 points, the battle for the top spot is far from over.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/b0ba4a7e-31a4-4a11-a147-7faa41ac9f1d.jpg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Competition Calendar for the 2025 US Open of Dressage">

A bay horse in a double bridle walks out of the arena after a dressage test. 

Down to the Decimal: Mendoza Loor Wins Closest Finish in Series History

Last weekend at The Fork,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DOoEwwLDYCw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boyd Martin soared to the top of the Open leaderboard</a> after securing a 120-point haul. Phillip Dutton, on 215 points, is now sitting pretty in second place. But, while Boyd is fairly out of reach this late in the Series, Phillip&nbsp;can be caught and if he is, <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">it will cost him $5,000</a>.
&nbsp;
<hr>
Prize money come Series end:
<ul>
<li style="font-style: italic;">1st - $25,000</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-style: italic;">2nd - $15,000</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-style: italic;">3rd - $10,000</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<hr>
One rider with a good shot at catching Phillip is&nbsp;James Alliston.&nbsp;
James is competing in this weekend's Qualifier 18 - Twin Rivers - and&nbsp;he&rsquo;s won the last five editions of the event.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9b4f52ba-a85f-4a2a-84c1-76355322fce3.png?width=1190&amp;height=1670" alt="Last 10 Winners of Twin Rivers Cci4 S">&nbsp;
This time, James brings forward a CCI4* first-timer,&nbsp;HMR Rolan. But looking at Rolan&rsquo;s results, so far he has handled everything in stride. James has taken Rolan around four internationals and, across all four, Rolan has added just 4 penalties to his dressage score, just a single rail. That&rsquo;s it.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5b88af88-2748-4fa6-9b81-40791d070065.png?width=1400&amp;height=736" alt="Cm Ob F Hmr Rolan S International Appearances (1)">
On their latest outing last month - a national event - James and Rolan were crowned USEA Open Intermediate Champions and before that, they finished second in the Rebecca Farm CCI3*-L.
Now, facing Rolan's first CCI4*, the pair compete against five other combinations and according to EquiRatings Predictive Analytics,<a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/twinriverssep2025/predictions--records" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> they have a 35% chance of winning</a>.
That&rsquo;s important because a win here would take James from 145 Series points to 185 points and equal third in the Series.
Then, after Twin Rivers, there is one last qualifier on the West Coast - Qualifier 20: Woodside. The Woodside Fall International is an event James has started 24 times before, including two entries in the CCI2*-S last year. He hasn&rsquo;t contested the CCI4*-S there since 2020 but he may be incentivized to enter this year - given the horse power - if it gives him a chance to secure more Open winnings.&nbsp;
<h1>The Scenario</h1>
Say James wins Twin Rivers this weekend to sit on 185 points coming into Woodside. To then catch Phillip on 215, James would need to place third or higher at Woodside (30+ Series points) to meet or exceed Phillip. Now, from 2020 onward, the number of Woodside 4*-S starters has ranged from 2 (2024) to 15 (2020), so placing third this year may be more or less straightforward depending on the number of this year&rsquo;s entries.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h1>Other Challengers</h1>
Another qualifier going on this weekend is the East Coast&rsquo;s Plantation Field. Of that field, Caroline Pamukcu and Jennie Brannigan are the two that could join James in a race for the Open podium.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/2e11d825-95cc-4c7c-8ac9-a0d18a33031a.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="West Side Story leaderboard notations"> 
All to say, the Series ain't over. The checks aren&rsquo;t written. Stay tuned.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h1>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h1>
The Final in a snapshot. For full Series details, <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">head to our quick guide</a>.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/6e95e199-0e64-4508-aaa5-7039e5d08293.png?width=2160&amp;height=2700" alt="Final Snapshot for Open Eventing Blogs">
<h3>Current Series Standings (Sep 18, 2025):</h3>
See the full, updated series standings and how the leaders got to the top, <a href="https://usef.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/dfc13b24-b6dc-4dab-ac88-91d5d46150e5.png?width=721&amp;height=557" alt="Eventing Leaderboard as of 18 Sep 2025">
Check out the full Series calendar below and stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Instagram.&nbsp;</a>Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.
Also follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>.&nbsp;
<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">
&nbsp;
<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&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.

Image of James Alliston jumping the dark bay horse Karma over a cross country fence during competition.

West Side Story

This week on the US Equestrian Open podcast,&nbsp;show jumping legend&nbsp;Laura Kraut shared her thoughts on its significance, challenges, and the future of US show jumping. The podcast is hosted by Kim Prince and is available <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-us-equestrian-open-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on all podcast platforms</a>.&nbsp; You can download the Laura episode<a href="https://pod.fo/e/2ac788" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> here.</a>&nbsp;
<h2><video controls="controls" width="600" height="300"><source src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/935048b8-7bb6-490e-8115-35826269f024" type="video/mp4"></video> Laura Kraut: A Legacy in Show Jumping</h2>
Laura Kraut has been a dominant force in the equestrian world for decades. A two-time Olympic medalist and veteran of international competition, she has been a cornerstone of Team USA&rsquo;s&nbsp;success. Her career began with&nbsp;catch riding, an old-school way of gaining experience by riding multiple horses at competitions without formal ownership.
Kraut&rsquo;s breakthrough moment came in 1992, when she was named reserve rider for the&nbsp;Barcelona Olympics &mdash; despite never having left the US before. From there, she steadily built an elite career, competing in the 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2021 Olympics. Her gold medal win at the&nbsp;2008 Beijing Olympics&nbsp;with&nbsp;Cedric remains one of her most celebrated achievements.
Now, with one of the strongest strings of horses in her career, she remains a formidable competitor on the world stage.
<h2>The Toughest Era of Show Jumping?</h2>
<blockquote>
"I think it doesn&rsquo;t get much harder than this year."
</blockquote>
The level of competition has never been higher. The US circuit&nbsp;now attracts the&nbsp;world&rsquo;s best riders, including Olympic champions, World Cup winners, and top-ranked athletes.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Yeah, I think it doesn&rsquo;t get much harder than this year. I think when you&rsquo;ve got, yeah, the reigning Olympic champion, the number one in the world and reigning world champion, then you have the last Olympic champion, Ben Maher.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
She noted that on any given Saturday night, there are at least 20 to 25 riders capable of winning&nbsp;a top-level class. With show jumping becoming increasingly global, the competition is fiercer than ever.
<h2>Why Storytelling Will Shape the Open&rsquo;s Success</h2>
<blockquote>
"She [Serena Williams] came to me and she said, &lsquo;This was the most exciting thing I have ever seen.&rsquo;"
</blockquote>
One of the biggest challenges for show jumping as a spectator sport is its complexity. Unlike mainstream sports, where fans follow clear teams and leagues, equestrian competition requires&nbsp;context &mdash; stories that bring riders and horses to life.
Kraut believes storytelling will be key in engaging fans. &ldquo;Most people that want to come to this love horses in some way. Maybe they've never been around one, they want to be around one, or maybe they've, yeah, they just want to be up close to an animal. So I think that these stories are what make the sport popular because it's just, yeah, it's exciting.&rdquo;
Even outside of traditional equestrian audiences, people can be drawn in when they understand the stakes. Kraut recalled a powerful moment from the Olympics: &ldquo;And I know that with the Olympics, the last two Olympics, I've had people who've watched who were not horse people at all and Serena Williams being one, she came to me and she said, &lsquo;This was the most exciting thing I have ever seen.&rsquo; She said she'd gone to volleyball the day before and she said, &lsquo;I didn't think anything would beat that. And this just blew it out of the water.&rsquo;&rdquo;
This kind of mainstream appeal&nbsp;is something the US Equestrian Open can harness by creating narratives around&nbsp;rivalries, young rising stars, and legendary horses.
<h2>What to Expect in Wellington</h2>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I have the best string of horses I&rsquo;ve ever had in my career.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</blockquote>
The first edition of the US Equestrian Open&nbsp;will take place in&nbsp;Wellington, Florida, known for hosting some of the most competitive winter circuits in the world. Many of the top US riders, including&nbsp;McLain Ward, Kent Farrington, and Kraut herself, will be vying for victory.
For Kraut, the competition is personal. &ldquo;I have the best string of horses I&rsquo;ve ever had in my career,&rdquo;&nbsp;she shared. With her talented mare&nbsp;Bisquetta, she is aiming for a top finish. &ldquo;She loves jumping at night, and she&rsquo;s fast &mdash; two things you need for this kind of event.&rdquo;
<h2>The Future of US Show Jumping</h2>
<blockquote>
"We have great competitors at every age."
</blockquote>
Beyond this event, there&rsquo;s a wave of young American talent&nbsp;emerging, giving the US a bright future in the sport. Kraut praised riders like&nbsp;Mimi Gochman and Natalie Dean, who are proving they can compete at the five-star level.&nbsp;&ldquo;For a while, it felt like we had a gap in top young riders, but now we have great competitors at every age. That&rsquo;s exactly what the sport needs.&rdquo; <video controls="controls" width="600" height="300"><source src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9af166a8-327a-43a8-8ba8-6d19ff5eccdc" type="video/mp4"></video>
As the US Equestrian Open build up gets underway, it feels like something big is happening&mdash; it&rsquo;s a&nbsp;new era for American show jumping. With&nbsp;elite competition, big prize money, and growing fan engagement, this championship has the potential to become a premier event on the international calendar. One thing is certain: the world will be watching.
<h2>Tune in &amp; Join the Journey</h2>
Catch the US Equestrian Open Podcast&nbsp;wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow along as we count down to&nbsp;one of the most exciting events in US show jumping!
<h3><a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/about-the-us-equestrian-open-series" target="_blank" rel="noopener">About the Series</a>:</h3>
Born from a commitment by the US Equestrian Board in July 2023, the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/about-the-us-equestrian-open-series" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Equestrian Open</a> aims to grow the sport's awareness, exposure, and fan engagement. With $1 million in prize money and extensive media coverage on ESPN and the USEF Network, this series is designed to:
<ul>
<li>Provide a structured, prestigious championship format.</li>
<li>Attract a broader audience.</li>
<li>Enhance competition opportunities for athletes.</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/26e65d0f-a32f-4632-a9b6-debbb809300c?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="List of the Participating Classes for the 2025 U.s. Equestrian Open of Jumping (3)">
<h2 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h2>
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.
&nbsp;
<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;

Profile image of Laura Kraut in her competition attire as she stands ringside watching the competition. She leans forward onto the arena wall with her hand to her chin & a concentrated expression.

Laura Kraut and the US Equestrian Open: "It doesn’t get much harder than this year."

Wellington&rsquo;s winter circuit drew to a close this weekend, marking a turning point in the US Equestrian Open of Dressage. While the Series standings held mostly steady, the podium featured fresh faces and standout performances. Kasey Perry-Glass led an all-female top three with power and poise&mdash;each rider showcasing a partnership built on feel, finesse, and growing trust.
2016 Rio Olympian Kasey Perry-Glass sat atop the podium on Heartbeat W.P.&mdash;a mount she debuted at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival a year ago. Although their final score of 75.915% was not a PB, it was three points above their average, showing that the pair is starting to figure one another out. She and the 13-year-old KWPN gelding rode to a cinematic soundtrack featuring a heartbeat motif that nodded to the horse&rsquo;s name. The heroic music fit Heartbeat&rsquo;s powerful movement. At 17.1hh, he is a large horse for any rider, but especially for 5&rsquo;4&rdquo; Perry-Glass.
&ldquo;To be able to make him a small woman&rsquo;s ride has been a journey. There was a lot of power and a lot to contain, but I&rsquo;m starting to be able to manage it,&rdquo; explained Perry-Glass. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s about figuring out what works for him, but once I get in the ring, he&rsquo;s a true showman.&rdquo;
The idea of learning to speak a horse&rsquo;s language&mdash;and figuring out what works for them&mdash;was a thread that connected all three riders on this week&rsquo;s podium.
&ldquo;[Hawtins San Floriana] is really the first trained horse I&rsquo;ve taken over the ride on, and I found that a bit tricky,&rdquo; said Ashley Holzer, a four-time Canadian Olympian who now rides for the United States. Despite riding to freestyle music they received just three days before the class, they earned on a combination-best score of 74.840%. Although Holzer initially struggled to find a bond with the mare, she felt they started to find their groove in recent weeks.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve started to feel that she&rsquo;s speaking my language,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;She really tries so hard, and it&rsquo;s special when you feel a horse start to become your teammate.&rdquo;
Camille Carier Bergeron and 15-year-old mare Finnl&auml;nderin&rsquo;s strengthening partnership came third on a score of 73.370%. The 25-year-old rider explained last month that after the Paris Olympics, this year has been all about fine-tuning the freestyles and having fun in the process. She&rsquo;s been a steady presence in Wellington this season, consistently scoring well. She currently sits seventh on the US Equestrian Open of Dressage leaderboard with 54 points from four out of six possible qualifying results.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5f272c11-abe5-4d5a-b837-ccd222a08c3f.png?width=496&amp;height=522" alt="Screenshot of the leaderboard for spots 1 thru 10.">
<h2 dir="ltr">What&rsquo;s Next</h2>
April kicks off its weekly qualifiers at TerraNova, an equestrian facility in Myakka City, Florida. The CDI3* follows last weekend&rsquo;s US Equestrian Open of Eventing qualifier, also held at the venue.
With just three combinations entered in the freestyle, it&rsquo;s a smaller field&mdash;but not an irrelevant one. A strong result could vault a lesser-known rider into the top five of the overall Series standings. And with Wellington now behind us, the second half of the season begins under a new set of conditions&mdash;shaped less by winter circuit regulars and more by who keeps showing up throughout the rest of the season.

Dressage horse and rider riding an extended trot

Perry-Glass Closes AGDF with a Win on Heartbeat

As the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) gears up for its third five-star Grand Prix of the season, anticipation is at an all-time high. Saturday night&rsquo;s $500,000 CSI5* Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix will see some of the world&rsquo;s best combinations battle it out under the lights in the International Arena. With just one more CSI5* Grand Prix left before the $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Final during WEF 12, this is a crucial moment for riders to make their mark.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/611386ef-bae7-4dee-913f-2a2f1bc45a39.png?width=1484&amp;height=1862" alt="Uyi Hw Top 10 Elo Rated Horses for the Wef 9 500 000 Csi5 Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix (1)">
<h1>Reigning Champions in the Field</h1>
Two of the biggest names in the sport will enter the ring as the highest-rated horses in the competition: Henrik von Eckermann &amp; King Edward and Christian Kukuk &amp; Checker 47. These two reigning champions&mdash;King Edward as the current World Champion and Checker 47 as the reigning Olympic Champion&mdash;have already proven themselves at WEF this season.
King Edward, the highest-rated horse on record with an Elo rating of 810, finished fifth in the WEF 5 CSI5* Grand Prix after delivering a solid double clear. Meanwhile, Checker 47 has been nothing short of dominant, claiming a CSI4* Grand Prix victory during WEF 3, finishing as the runner-up in WEF 7&rsquo;s five-star Grand Prix, and are of course the defending champions of the WEF 12 Grand Prix.
Both horses arrive in top form and will be the combinations to beat when the competition heats up under the Saturday night lights.
<h1>The Hometown Heroes</h1>
<h3>McLain Ward &amp; Ilex &ndash; The USA&rsquo;s Best Shot?</h3>
If the American crowd is looking for a home victory, their hopes may rest on McLain Ward &amp; Ilex. This combination played a key role in securing Team USA&rsquo;s Olympic silver medal in Paris last summer, and Ilex will be making his five-star Grand Prix season debut here at WEF 9.
Ward&rsquo;s track record at the Winter Equestrian Festival speaks for itself. Since 2010, he has amassed an impressive 60 international wins at this venue. He is also one of just two riders in history to win multiple five-star Grands Prix in the same WEF season&mdash;a feat that only one other rider has ever achieved.
<h3>Kent Farrington &amp; Myla &ndash; Making History?</h3>
That rider? Kent Farrington&mdash;who has already won both five-star Grands Prix of the WEF 2025 season aboard Greya. No rider has ever managed to win more than two five-star Grand Prix classes in a single WEF season, but with Myla in strong form, Farrington could be on the verge of rewriting history.
Though Myla sits just outside the Top 10 Elo-rated horses in the field (Elo: 720), she is ranked among the Top 5 highest-rated 10-year-old horses in the world. Farrington&rsquo;s record speaks for itself, and if anyone can pull off the impossible, it&rsquo;s him.
<h3>Lillie Keenan &amp; Argan de Beliard &ndash; A Veteran of the International Arena</h3>
For Lillie Keenan &amp; Argan de Beliard, experience will be key. The 13-year-old gelding will be jumping his 40th five-star 160cm round in this Grand Prix, with 12 of those rounds already taking place in this very arena at WEF.
Most recently, the pair delivered a strong podium finish, taking third place in the WEF 7 CSI5* Grand Prix. With familiarity and form on their side, they will be looking to improve upon that result as they take on another stacked field this weekend.
<h1>The Challengers</h1>
<h3>Darragh Kenny &amp; Zero K &ndash; The Momentum Factor</h3>
Ireland has always had a strong presence in Wellington, and this year is no exception. Leading the charge will be Darragh Kenny &amp; Zero K, who will enter the ring last in the draw after their WEF 9 Challenge Cup victory last Thursday. Kenny has a history of success under the lights, and with momentum on his side, he could be a serious contender for the win.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;These classes are so competitive. There are so many brilliant riders. One day it&rsquo;s me, next day it&rsquo;s Kent [Farrington], next day it&rsquo;s Richard Vogel, Henrik Von Eckermann, Mclain Ward. That&rsquo;s just how competitive this circuit is here.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<h3>Shane Sweetnam &amp; James Kann Cruz &ndash; Ireland&rsquo;s Top-Rated Horse</h3>
Another top Irish combination to watch will be Shane Sweetnam &amp; James Kann Cruz, currently the highest-rated Irish horse with an Elo of 760. Coming off a runner-up finish in the Ocala World Cup last month, James Kann Cruz is in top form and could be one of the biggest threats to the championship favorites.
<h1>The Stage is Set</h1>
With elite talent from around the world converging on Wellington, this promises to be one of the most thrilling nights of the WEF 2025 season. Can King Edward solidify his reign? Will Checker 47 add another WEF Grand Prix title to his record? Or will a US rider rise to the occasion on home soil? One thing is certain&mdash;Saturday night is set to deliver a world-class showdown.
&nbsp;
<hr>
About the Series Born from a commitment by the US Equestrian Board in July 2023, the US Equestrian Open aims to grow the sport's awareness, exposure, and fan engagement. With $1 million in prize money and extensive media coverage on ESPN and the USEF Network, this series is designed to:
<ul>
<li>Provide a structured, prestigious championship format.</li>
<li>Attract a broader audience.</li>
<li>Enhance competition opportunities for athletes.</li>
</ul>
Stay connected with the US Equestrian Open on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and the USEF Network for live event updates, stories, and results. Use #USEquestrianOpen to share your own experiences and connect with fellow fans.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1ba79d22-0b13-4687-b1e5-5dc0cd708aee?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="P. 4 Jumping">
For sponsorship and media inquiries, please contact:
Carly Weilminster: cweilminster@usef.org Layson Griffin: lgriffin@usef.org

Champions, Challengers & Hometown Heroes: Who Will Reign in WEF 9’s Five-Star Grand Prix?

Eventing has long been a sport where experience is king, but a handful of young American riders have proven age is just a number when it comes to delivering top performances at the highest level. Across all recorded competition data,&nbsp;only five sub-40 finishing scores have been achieved by US teens at the four-star level &mdash; a rare and remarkable feat.
The list includes some of the today's brightest names in US eventing:
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/378ac4bd-2135-4397-b534-75a2239be442?width=1032&amp;height=848" alt="US Teenagers Who've Finished Sub-40 at the Four-Star Level">
Among these elite performances, Cassie Sanger stands out &mdash; not only as the sole US teenager to achieve two sub-40 finishes, but also as the only rider to record one at age 18. This underscores her consistency and ability to compete at the highest levels across multiple seasons.
<h2 dir="ltr">America&rsquo;s Most Experienced Teenage Event Riders</h2>
Sanger&rsquo;s achievements don&rsquo;t stop at her finishing scores &mdash; she is also among the most prolific teenage riders at top level competition. Below is a look at the young athletes who have racked up the most four- or five-star international starts in their teenage years:
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f46622bd-f12c-4629-b3b9-9ddf6a99fcb2?width=1016&amp;height=1016" alt="Table Showing the Worldwide Eventers With the Most 4 or 5 Starts as Teenagers">
This list includes current Olympic and championship competitors, showing how crucial a strong start as a teenager can be in setting up an elite career. Alex Hua Tian, for example, is now a multiple-time Olympian, Cathal Daniels has won multiple championship medals for Ireland, and Caroline Pamukcu represented Team USA at the 2024 Olympics off the back of becoming the 2023 Pan-American gold medallist.
Great Britain&rsquo;s Emily King is not only leading the way as the most experienced teen rider to come through the sport since 2008, but she is also the only teenager to achieve a top 5 finish at five-star which she did aboard Brookleigh at Pau in 2015 when finishing fourth.
With US rising star Sanger racking up competitive starts and elite-level finishing scores, she is firmly on a path that could see her as one of the future leaders of US eventing.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d9d8a4df-7a48-4bf9-93c4-6195d85c3c4c?width=1339&amp;height=1200" alt="A front-on Image of Cassie Sanger &amp; the bay horse Fernhill Zoro clearing a Show Jumping Fence at the 2024 Bramham CCI4-L Under-25 Class. Image by Tilly Berendt.">
Cassie Sanger &amp; Fernhill Zoro in the 2024 Bramham CCI4*-L U25 class. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
<h2 dir="ltr">The Future Starts Now: US Equestrian Open 2025</h2>
With the US Equestrian Open underway, these bright young stars will have a new stage to showcase their talent. The series is set to revolutionize the sport in the US, bringing top-level eventing into the spotlight like never before.
Given their track records, expect to see names like Sanger, Pamukcu, Farley, and Duda featuring heavily in the new competition format. Their early results prove they are more than just future stars &mdash; they are already among the best young eventers in the world. The next generation of US eventing has arrived, and 2025 is just the beginning.
<h2 dir="ltr">What&rsquo;s Next in the Open?</h2>
Having kicked off in 2024, the US Equestrian Open qualifiers will pick back up in March when the leaderboard battle continues at Bouckaert.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/145ad0e6-6356-4cd4-98f7-394e78b6afdb?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Table of the Event Calendar for the 2024-2025 U.S. Equestrian Open of Eventing Series">
For the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/dressage-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide">most up-to-date series calendar</a> and <a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open">latest standings</a>, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/">usequestrianopen.org</a>.
<h3>Series Standings at the End of 2024:</h3>
See the full series standings, updated after each qualifier,&nbsp;<a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d85de2e9-4a7d-4cdc-9eb6-538d9de32553?width=1080&amp;height=1682" alt="Table Showing the Top 10 Athletes on the Us Open of Eventing Leaderboard as of the End of 2024">
<h2 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h2>
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.
&nbsp;
<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;

Front-on photo of Cassie Sanger & the bay horse Fernhill Zoro trotting up during a horse inspection at a competition. Cassie has a pleasant expression while wearing a navy turtleneck & blazer with amber-colored shorts. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Cassie Sanger Has Entered Her Twenties as One of the USA's Elite Young Eventers

<h3><a href="https://pod.fo/e/2afa9a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can listen to the interview here</a> The Early move to Florida</h3>
Anna&rsquo;s journey began in Michigan, where her childhood was filled with dreams of horses and riding. In the show, she talks about her parents sacrifice to get her and her brother access to great education - and of their unwavering support for a road less travelled when the opportunity to ride presented itself.&nbsp;
 <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/77982306-f0e9-490c-9f89-3ca2487fd584?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="&ldquo;i Had Been a Working Student for Belinda Nairn a Couple Summers When I Was in High School. and Then She Offered&hellip; She Had an Injury Where She Had to Stop Riding. and so She Offered Me a Job to Com"> A pivotal moment in her career came when she made the decision to move to Florida to work with Belinda Nairn, an opportunity that allowed her to ride a variety of horses and immerse herself in the sport at a high level. Though it meant stepping away from traditional education, it provided her with the experience that would later shape her into a top competitor.
Anna&rsquo;s father played a crucial role in her journey, serving as a mentor, supporter, and even a &ldquo;dressage dad&rdquo; who follows her results as closely as any dedicated sports fan. His background as a competitive athlete himself has given him an eye for detail and an understanding of the dedication it takes to succeed in sports. <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0b3717b6-75b1-4892-b19b-dde43853f6ee?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Anna 2">
<h3><a href="https://pod.fo/e/2afa9a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can listen to the interview here</a></h3>
<h3>Family Support and Balancing Parenthood</h3>
Beyond her personal ambition, Anna credits her success to the support system around her. As a mother, she faces the challenge of balancing her professional career with her deep attachment to her children. She acknowledges that her family&rsquo;s unwavering support allows her to focus on competing at the highest level without feeling the guilt of time spent away from home. It&rsquo;s this deep-rooted sense of family and connection that resonates with so many equestrian fans and makes her story relatable.
<h3>Fire Fly: A Teacher in Patience</h3>
One of Anna&rsquo;s standout horses, Firefly, and <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/us-riders-marek-and-kohmann-dominate-a-chilly-night-in-wellington" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the winner of a leg in this series already</a>, did not arrive in her barn as a finished Grand Prix competitor. He was talented but faced mental roadblocks, particularly in the piaffe. Rather than pushing too hard, Anna took a measured approach, allowing Fire Fly to progress at his own pace.
&ldquo;He has taught me more than any other horse about patience and when to slow down,&rdquo; she says. Her strategy involved treating him as though he was learning from scratch, allowing him to rebuild his confidence. That methodical patience paid off, as Firefly has since delivered some of the highest scores in the US Equestrian Open, earning over 80% from one of the judges this year.
<h3>Fayvel: A Rising Star</h3>
If Firefly represents a lesson in patience, then Fayvel is Anna&rsquo;s chance to be bold. Originally owned and competed by&nbsp;Cynthia Davila, Fayvel transitioned into Anna&rsquo;s competitive string when Cynthia&rsquo;s injury took her out of the saddle. Despite coming onto the international stage slightly later than intended, Fayvel is proving to be a powerhouse, taking Anna to the the World Cup&trade; Final in Riyadh in April 2024. His rideability allows Anna to take more risks, particularly in the freestyle where she can push for every point.
<h3>The Power of Freestyle and Music Selection</h3>
One of the most exciting elements of dressage for fans is the freestyle to music, where riders choreograph performances to music that enhances their horse&rsquo;s movements. For Fire Fly, Anna and his owner wanted something dramatic&mdash;the theme from Stranger Things became the perfect fit. Working with a top freestyle designer, Anna and her team built a routine that matches Fire Fly&rsquo;s strengths, adding an extra dimension to their performances.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e76d51e9-7df7-47ac-9463-a4cccef31e74?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Anna 3">
<h3>The US Equestrian Open and Building Fan Connection</h3>
One of the key goals of the US Equestrian Open is to make the sport more accessible and relatable to fans. For Anna, this initiative is helping to bridge the gap between riders and spectators.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;When you feel like you know someone, you&rsquo;re more likely to cheer for them. Our sport needs that&mdash;positivity and connection.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
With the Open currently in a run of week-to-week shows taking us through almost directly to late April, fans now have the opportunity to watch leaderboards shift and follow riders like Anna on their journey. Seeing their stories unfold week after week transforms names on a leaderboard into athletes with a narrative&mdash;one that fans can invest in, just like any other sport.
<h3>Looking to the Future</h3>
As Anna continues to compete at the highest level, she also has her eyes on the next generation of top horses. One name to watch is Lareau D.E. , or &ldquo;Larry&rdquo;, a young talent that she believes could be a future international star. With a natural ability for piaffe and passage, Larry&rsquo;s progress will be one to follow closely - Check out <a href="https://www.instagram.com/phylbot07/">@phylbot07 on Instagram.&nbsp;</a>
<h3>A Season of Excitement</h3>
The US Equestrian Open is providing a platform for our US superstars like Anna Marek to share their journey, bringing fans into the sport in a deeper way. As she continues to compete and inspire, one thing is clear&mdash;Anna&rsquo;s story is one of passion, patience, and perseverance, and she is just getting started. <a href="https://pod.fo/e/2afa9a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can listen to the interview here</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">What&rsquo;s Next?</h2>
The qualifiers continue in Wellington next weekend for Adequan&reg; Global Dressage Festival 7, where two key contenders in the US Open of Dressage standings will be in action&mdash;Evelyn Eger (GER), who currently shares the lead, and&nbsp;Felicitas Hendricks (GER), winner of Week Two&rsquo;s qualifier. With standings this competitive, next weekend's results could once again reshape the leaderboard. <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/6abfec54-c7a7-4701-b7d4-b6f08629db57?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Table of the Show Calendar for the 2025 Us Equestrian Open of Dressage Series">
<h2 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h2>
For the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/dressage-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most up-to-date series calendar</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<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">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen">&nbsp;Instagram</a>, and follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian">&nbsp;Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/usequestrian">X (Twitter)</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.

New Podcast: Anna Marek on Passion, Patience, and Performance

Anna Marek is poised to take over the top spot in the North American League standings. Sitting at 54 points, she needs only a ninth-place finish in this nine-horse field to secure the lead&mdash;an outcome that seems almost inevitable given her consistency this season.
<h2 dir="ltr">Marek on a Mission</h2>
For Marek, this weekend isn&rsquo;t just about climbing the standings. Last week, after missing out on the final FEI World Cup spot, she set her sights on a new goal: qualifying for the US Open. And she&rsquo;s bringing serious firepower to Ocala to make that happen.
She&rsquo;ll be aboard Fayvel, a horse that already boasts one of the top scores in Open qualification (78.995%). Marek herself holds three of the ten best Open scores this season&mdash;two with Fire Fly and one with Fayvel. If she and Fayvel can deliver a breakout performance this week, they could set a new series-best mark. To do that, they&rsquo;ll need to surpass 80.325%, which would also be a personal best for the pair.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1ba97d71-a270-4386-b902-55fe21146232.png?width=1496&amp;height=1666" alt="A table showing the top 10 scores in the US Open of Dressage so far this year. ">
Their partnership has been years in the making. Fayvel's owner, Cynthia Davila, originally planned to compete him herself and brought him to Marek for help with the upper-level movements. The pair made their Grand Prix debut in 2021, but a few years later, an accident sidelined Davila from riding. That twist of fate led to a pivotal conversation&mdash;one that would change Fayvel&rsquo;s career.
Over lunch, Davila turned to Anne Gribbons, Marek&rsquo;s coach, with a direct question: How good did she really think Fayvel was? And should Marek be the one to show him? Gribbons didn&rsquo;t hesitate. Soon after, she and Davila approached Marek with their answer: she should take the ride. The transition wasn&rsquo;t immediate&mdash;Marek had to adjust to riding a horse she had originally prepared for someone else&mdash;but she stepped into the partnership fully, entering Fayvel in a few CDIs to test the waters.
&ldquo;He&rsquo;s not as sensitive as Fire Fly, so I can ride him a little more boldly,&rdquo; Marek said. She is able to let go of all hesitation, taking every risk available. Fayvel&rsquo;s response? A willing and confident, "Yeah, sure! Whatever you want."
<h2 dir="ltr">The Challenge: Mendoza Loor and Jewel&rsquo;s Goldstrike</h2>
Marek and Julio Mendoza Loor met in 2023 at the Pan American Games, where they both stood on the podium. Marek, aboard Fire Fly, won individual bronze and team gold for the U.S., while Mendoza Loor and Jewel&rsquo;s Goldstrike claimed individual gold for Ecuador. Now, their rivalry continues in Ocala, where Mendoza Loor enters as one of the biggest threats to Marek&rsquo;s bid for victory.
The two have already gone <a href="https://equestrian-hub.com/show/193602/competition/dressage/2565973" target="_blank" rel="noopener">head-to-head</a>&nbsp;this week in the Grand Prix, the required qualifier for the Freestyle. Marek took the win with 70.522%, while Mendoza Loor finished second on 69.587%. The Grand Prix has historically been a lower-scoring event than the Freestyle, and it remains unclear how well results from one translate to the other. But if this first matchup is any indication, the battle in the Freestyle could be even closer than expected.
The Ecuadorian combination has a personal best of 84.230%&mdash;a number that eclipses the rest of the field. Over 12 performances, they&rsquo;ve averaged 77.823%, a level of consistency that makes them the clear favorites.&nbsp;
Denielle Gallagher and Come Back De Massa, winners of the last Ocala event, are back in the lineup, but a repeat victory seems unlikely against the likes of Marek and Mendoza Loor. Gallagher&rsquo;s best score with Come Back De Massa sits at 72.94%, well below the leading contenders.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/24cc954b-3dbb-487b-a06d-9299f3433fc1.png?width=1376&amp;height=1618" alt="Table showing the Grand Prix Freestyle Stats for the World Equestrian Center March Dressage entries">
While the depth of the field isn&rsquo;t as strong as previous qualifiers, the battle for top honors is a compelling one. Can Marek secure her series lead in style, or will Mendoza Loor prove unbeatable? And with Open qualification on the line, could we see another step forward for Fayvel? Tune in to the <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_US/events/16155" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USEF Network</a>&nbsp;on Friday to watch the Grand Prix Freestyle unfold live.
<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>.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/b0ba4a7e-31a4-4a11-a147-7faa41ac9f1d.jpg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Competition calendar for the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage">
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.
And stream the action live by becoming a <a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USEF Network Fan</a> for free.
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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;

A horse in extended trot across the diagonal 

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