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<h2>Jumping</h2>
The jumping series is a high-stakes competition taking place at the prestigious Wellington International during week 12 of the renowned Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in March 2025.&nbsp; Sixty of the world&rsquo;s top athletes are invited to compete, selected according to the FEI Invitation Rules, will take part in two intense qualifying events &mdash; the WEF challenge class and a 1.50m speed class &mdash; to determine the top 40 riders who will advance to the final grand prix. Athletes who have pre-qualified by competing in major international events like the Olympics or World Championships, will go head-to-head in the grand prix, vying for a substantial prize pool of $1 million.&nbsp;
<h2>Eventing</h2>
The US Equestrian Open eventing series features 15 qualifying competitions at the CCI4*-S level. Athletes accumulate points based on their performances across these qualifying events.
The top six results count toward their total score. To qualify for the series final, athletes must complete at least one qualifying event and achieve a minimum eligibility requirement (MER). The series final offers $50,000 in prize money, distributed among the top three finishers.
Open to all FEI athletes in the U.S. who meet eligibility requirements and have completed a series qualifier, the series final boasts a total prize pool of $200,000.
Dressage will be run in reverse order of the top series leaders, with cross-country and jumping following in reverse order based on previous phases.
<h2>Dressage</h2>
The US Equestrian Open dressage series features approximately 20 CDI3* or higher qualifying events, running from January 1, 2025 through to two weeks before the final.&nbsp; To be eligible, U.S. Organizing Committees must host a CDI3* or higher event, with points earned in the grand prix freestyle to music.
Athletes must compete in at least two U.S. FEI CDI events, and the six best results count toward standings. A minimum score of 67% in the grand prix freestyle is required for qualification. The final, a CDI5* event held in December alternating between the East and West coast, includes the grand prix test and grand prix freestyle to music.
The top 15 in the standings, or more if tied, will be invited to compete with one horse that has also scored at least 67% in the series. The final offers $200,000 in total prize money and travel stipends, with the series' top 15 sharing $50,000.
Stay Connected Stay up to date with news and standings of the US Equestrian Open Series on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/">Instagram</a>. 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?lang=en">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/USequestrian">Twitter</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen.
&nbsp;For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a> . For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at <a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org.</a>

US Equestrian Open: The Formats

<h3 class="MsoNormal">The Vision</h3>
The seeds of the US Equestrian Open Series were first planted in conversations among our leadership team, athletes, and stakeholders. There was a growing sense that US Equestrian sport was ready for a new level of competition and exposure - a platform that could showcase our incredible talent, engage new fans, and set the stage for success on the international stage.
At the same time, we recognized the need to create a more sustainable and cohesive structure for high-level competition in the United States. With so many different events and circuits, it could be challenging for athletes to plan their seasons and for fans to follow the action. The idea of a US Equestrian branded series, with a consistent format, top-class venues, and significant prize money, began to take shape. We envisioned a showcase for the very best of US Equestrian sport, a way to raise the bar and create new opportunities for growth and success.
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Preparation</h3>
Of course, turning that vision into reality was no small feat. It required months of planning, negotiation, and hard work from our dedicated team and partners. From selecting the host venues to securing sponsors, from developing the qualification criteria to promoting the series, every aspect of the US Equestrian Open Series has been carefully considered and crafted.
Throughout the process, we've been guided by a set of core values and goals, primary among them to create a world-class competition experience for athletes and fans alike, as well as: 
<ul>
<li>supporting and showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of US equestrians;&nbsp;</li>
<li>engaging new audiences and growing the fan base for equestrian sport in the United States;</li>
<li>setting a new standard for excellence and innovation in equestrian competition; and</li>
<li>creating a sustainable and cohesive structure for high-level competition in the United States. </li>
</ul>
As we prepare for the inaugural event of the series in October, we couldn't be more excited about the potential of this transformation.
We're grateful to everyone who has been a part of the journey so far - from our staff and board members to our athletes, owners, and sponsors. It's taken a true team effort to bring the US Equestrian Open Series to life, and we&rsquo;re only just beginning.
But we also know that the rewards will be immense. The US Equestrian Open Series represents a new era for our sport, a chance to come together as a community and celebrate the very best of what we have to offer.&nbsp;
The future of US Equestrian sport is bright, and we can't wait to see what unfolds!
Stay Connected Stay up to date with news and standings of the US Equestrian Open Series on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/">Instagram</a>. 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?lang=en">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/USequestrian">Twitter</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at <a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org.</a>

The Making of a New Tradition: The Story Behind the Series

<h2>A New Era for Equestrian Sport in the U.S.</h2>
The US Equestrian Open marks a bold step forward in elevating equestrian sports across the United States. Born from a commitment by the US Equestrian Board in July 2023 to grow the sport's awareness, exposure, and engagement, this series is designed to create a commercially significant and identifiable championship model for the three Olympic disciplines: eventing, dressage, and jumping.
After a year of planning, the series received FEI Board approval in June 2024 for dressage and eventing, with the first qualifying event in eventing set to kick off in at Morven Park in fall of 2024. Jumping&rsquo;s inaugural Final, which will take place during Week 12 at the Winter Equestrian Festival, will be hosted in March 2025. The series will bring together world-class athletes and top-performing horses in a unique and exciting format that boosts participation, drives fan engagement, and ensures high-level competition across the country.
<h2>Why the US Equestrian Open?</h2>
The US Equestrian Open was launched to meet the need for a more structured and prestigious championship series within the U.S., similar to innovations in other sports like tennis and golf. The series introduces a new championship model with significant prize money, aiming to engage a broader audience while providing elite-level competition for athletes.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/bd068cfd-41d9-4a84-a889-de5ed789e9b8?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Microsite Images6">
<h2>What to Expect: Exciting Competition and Global Reach&nbsp; </h2>
The US Equestrian Open will feature multiple opportunities for athletes and horses across eventing, dressage, and jumping to compete for substantial prize money, enhanced media visibility, and global recognition. With $1.5 million in prize money across all disciplines, the series is a true celebration of the best the sport has to offer.
Fans can look forward to extensive live coverage on major platforms like ESPN and the USEF Network, along with dedicated leaderboards, microsites, and enhanced horse and rider profiles. These features are designed to make equestrian sports more accessible to new fans while providing comprehensive coverage for seasoned enthusiasts.
<h3>Eventing: A Legacy of Excellence</h3>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f577a82f-b440-4b64-84e4-1d7855a8c149?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Will Coleman">
The US Equestrian Open eventing series will feature multiple qualifying events in 2024, culminating in the US Equestrian Open eventing final at Morven Park in 2025. With $200,000 in prize money and an additional $50,000 series award, the competition is designed to bring the best eventing athletes together from across the country.
"Morven Park is thrilled to welcome the US Equestrian Open to our grounds," said Stacey Metcalfe, CEO of Morven Park.
<h3>Dressage: A Showcase of Precision and Elegance</h3>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/44af0f21-8548-41eb-90df-5ac20dbcb202?width=5772&amp;height=4808" alt="Endel Ots Bohemian 7">
The US Equestrian Open dressage series will take place in 2025, with qualifying events across the country leading to the final at the Desert International Horse Park in California. The dressage series will reward athletes with $200,000 in prize money and a $50,000 series incentive for high-point scorers.
"We are excited to support this initiative that elevates dressage on the West Coast," said Steve Hankin, CEO of Desert International Horse Park.
<h3>Jumping: A Global Stage for Elite Talent</h3>
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In 2025, the US Equestrian Open jumping series will culminate with a $750,000 Rolex Grand Prix event at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. This prestigious event, part of the Rolex Series, will provide an additional $250,000 in prize money through qualifying rounds.
"We are proud to showcase Olympic-level talent in this groundbreaking initiative," said Michael Stone, President of Wellington International.
<h3>Fan Engagement, Growth, and Athlete Pathways</h3>
The success of the US Equestrian Open will be measured through several key performance indicators (KPIs), focusing on growth in fans and followers, increased viewership across ESPN and the USEF Network, and meeting sponsorship and revenue targets. Additionally, the series will track the progress of athletes competing in eventing and dressage, ensuring these disciplines contribute to high-level competition opportunities in the U.S. while building pathways for future success.
Stay connected with the US Equestrian Open on Facebook, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, TikTok, and the USEF Network for live event updates, stories, and results. Use #USEquestrianOpen to share your own experiences and connect with fellow fans.
For sponsorship and media inquiries, please contact:
<ul>
<li>Carly Weilminster: <a rel="noopener">cweilminster@usef.org</a></li>
<li>Layson Griffin: <a rel="noopener">lgriffin@usef.org</a></li>
</ul>

Dressage

US Equestrian Open: The Formats

The Making of a New Tradition: The Story Behind the Series

About the US Equestrian Open

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