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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hendricks & Drombusch OLD Remain Undefeated in Wellington Freestyles

Week one of the twelve-week Adequan&reg; Global Dressage Festival (Global) kicks off today with a field of thirteen entered in the FEI World Cup Grand Prix. While the festival spans 12 shows, it isn&rsquo;t strictly consecutive&mdash;there are breaks from January 17&ndash;21 and January 29&ndash;February 2. From February onward, the schedule continues weekly until the finale at the end of March.
Global, which takes place in Wellington, Florida, is a prestigious circuit frequented by top dressage riders from around the world. Among this week&rsquo;s headliners are Germany&rsquo;s Felicitas Hendricks, the 2023 Under-25 European Champion, and Adrienne Lyle, a three-time U.S. Olympian and top-ranked American at the Paris Olympics.
<h2 dir="ltr">Felicitas Hendricks: The Rising Star</h2>
Hendricks will enter the ring on her 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Drombusch OLD. The pair has been together since the gelding was six, and they have progressed up the levels as a team. &ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t wish for a better dance partner,&rdquo; Hendricks said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s even more special because we&rsquo;ve gone all the way together.&rdquo;
The pair had a dominant showing in Wellington last year, winning seven of their eight starts, including a clean sweep of all freestyle tests. The pair boasts a personal best freestyle score of 79.11% and maintains an impressive average of 77.54%.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I feel like the sky really is the limit for this horse because he wants to do it, and I know he will,&rdquo; Hendricks said.
</blockquote>
Hendricks and Drombusch are known for their high degree of difficulty in freestyle tests&ndash; averaging a stunning 8.83 in their last 5 competitions. With last year&rsquo;s track record and consistently high scores, Hendricks and Drombusch are undoubtedly a pair to beat this weekend.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/6ea26cea-346c-4c80-9b7a-8aa26b3a42e2?width=1468&amp;height=896" alt="Table of Felicitas Hendricks &amp; Drombusch OLD's Scores at Global in 2024">
<h2 dir="ltr">Adrienne Lyle: The U.S. Olympian</h2>
Facing off against Hendricks is three-time Olympian Adrienne Lyle (2012, 2020, 2024) with her Paris partner, Helix, a 13-year-old KWPN chestnut gelding. Lyle took over the ride on Helix in early 2024 after her Tokyo mount, Salvino, retired in 2023. Despite having less than a year to prepare for the games, Lyle and Helix delivered a strong 72.593% in the Grand Prix at the Paris Olympics, making them the highest-ranked U.S. combination.
Lyle&rsquo;s first ride on Helix was just under a year ago, on January 21, 2024. Since then, the pair has averaged a freestyle score of 75.09%.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I always commend his character because there aren&rsquo;t many horses so game to handle so many changes. He&rsquo;s always willing to work and try something new,&rdquo; Lyle said.
</blockquote>
Known for his playful nature, Lyle describes Helix as a &ldquo;goofball&rdquo; and a &ldquo;people&rsquo;s horse.&rdquo; &ldquo;[If he were human] he would go to the spa and relax with cucumbers on his eyes. He loves having people&rsquo;s hands on him&mdash;massages and treats are his idea of heaven,&rdquo; she shared.
Helix&rsquo;s most recent outing also produced his personal best in the freestyle with a stellar 77.61% in December 2024 in Ocala, Florida. With this upward trajectory, Lyle and Helix are a formidable combination to watch.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7c049b67-fd06-44c3-b208-8b945de83d8f?width=1548&amp;height=1516" alt="Table of Adrienne Lyle &amp; Helix's Results Together in 2024">
<h2 dir="ltr">Depth of the Field</h2>
While Hendricks and Lyle are the marquee names for the second U.S. Open of Dressage qualifier, the competition features several other strong contenders. Below, rounding out the Top 5, are the other riders who have the best averages in their Grand Prix Freestyle tests:
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Tinne Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n (SWE): The seven-time Olympian and her 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Devanto, hold the second-highest freestyle average of 75.46% with a personal best of 78.08%.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Camille Carier Bergeron (CAN): The 25-year-old Olympian from Quebec and her 15-year-old mare, Finnlanderin, boast a freestyle average of 74.20% with a personal best of 77.28%.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Evelyn Eger (GER): Riding Tabledance 3, Eger helped Team Germany secure victory at the Nations Cup finale in Falsterbo last July. The pair averages 73.55%, with a personal best of 77.09%.</li>
</ul>
This depth of talent ensures the Grand Prix will be a fiercely competitive showcase.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f36328c5-1dd5-458d-b946-52d5cd272cde?width=1280&amp;height=2034" alt="Table of the Grand Prix Freestyle Stats for the Qualifier 2 Entries">
<h2 dir="ltr">Wellington&rsquo;s Legacy</h2>
Wellington has long been an equestrian mecca, drawing riders from around the globe to winter in Florida&rsquo;s warm climate. The Global Dressage Festival consistently attracts talent, making it no surprise that the Top 10 highest-scoring tests at the venue are in the 80s.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f0465fd3-fdc3-4b6b-aa00-347ce33a8d43?width=1280&amp;height=1648" alt="Top 10 International Grand Prix Freestyle Scores at the PBIEC venue">
While this week&rsquo;s horse and rider combinations have yet to hit the 80% mark, the potential is undoubtedly there.&nbsp;Will someone break into the 80s this weekend? Can Hendricks maintain her undefeated freestyle streak in Wellington? Or will one of the four Olympians (Lyle, Hendricks, Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n, and Kelly Layne) seize victory? Tune in live to <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_US/events/15331">USEF Network</a> to watch the freestyle action Friday night.
<h3 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h3>
Stay updated on news and standings for the U.S. Equestrian Open Series on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Instagram.</a> Follow U.S. Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/2ab3ac31-d66d-43fc-867d-b03a5d36b628?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="A graphic showing the entire calendar for the U.S. 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;
&nbsp;

Adrienne Lyle entering the dressage arena of the Paris 2024 Olympics riding the liver chestnut horse Helix. The image is taken from directly in front of them with the Palace of Versailles in the background. Adrienne smiles. Helix has pleasant expression.

Champions Collide: Hendricks vs. Lyle at U.S. Open of Dressage Qualifier

Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn and her 14-year-old KWPN gelding, Gino, danced to victory at Saturday&rsquo;s Grand Prix Freestyle in Thermal, CA, with a personal best score of 75.15%. Her win follows an impressive 71.283% score in Friday&rsquo;s World Cup Grand Prix test, where she also took first place.
This freestyle win not only positions Ge&ntilde;ay well to kick off the year on the U.S. Open leaderboards, but it also adds valuable qualifying points for the World Cup Final in Basel, Switzerland, this April. Currently, she is tied for 6th place with Paris Olympian Adrienne Lyle, who will undoubtedly rack up qualifying scores when Florida&rsquo;s winter circuit kicks off next week in Wellington, FL.
The year-long <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/a-season-long-spectacle-of-grand-prix-freestyles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$250,000 U.S. Open Dressage Series spans 23 qualifying events, with the top 18 advancing to the final</a> in Thermal, CA, from November 13&ndash;16, 2025.
Ge&ntilde;ay said ahead of her freestyle that she was &ldquo;looking forward to having fun with Gino, enjoying the journey, and showing my freestyle.&rdquo; What better way to enjoy the journey than with a personal best?
Fellow competitors Kristina Harrison-Antell and her 15-year-old KWPN gelding Finley posted a very respectable 72.715%. Kristina now starts the year in second place on the U.S. Open of Dressage leaderboards.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a3548467-6b76-4efe-bced-ef60941f01f8?width=903&amp;height=816" alt="Table showing the Open of Dressage Leaderboard after Qualifier 1">
The U.S. Open of Dressage continues next weekend at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, where four of the top 10 North American-ranked FEI riders will be competing.

Photo of rider Geñay Vaughn riding the dark bay horse Gino in a victory canter inside of a competition arena. Geñay is smiling broadly while Gino wears a blue ribbon around his neck and the winner's cooler over his body. 

Geñay Vaughn & Gino Clinch Grand Prix Freestyle Win With New Personal Best

Fittingly, the US Equestrian Open of Dressage begins its inaugural year in the same location where it will conclude: the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California.
For equestrians, Thermal is a premier destination on the West Coast for top-tier competition. Beyond the horse world, Coachella Valley is perhaps better known for its annual influx of festivalgoers decked out in bold outfits and grooving to upbeat, energetic music. This weekend at the horse park, however, the music will be more reserved&mdash; featuring instrumentals and the occasional popular melody designed to get the crowd invested in the dance between horse and rider.&nbsp;
Thermal has a history of attracting dressage&rsquo;s top talent, with U.S. superstars like Steffen Peters (known for his viral &ldquo;rave horse&rdquo; Suppenkasper) and Anna Buffini often making the trip. Between them, they hold seven of the top 10 best-scoring Grand Prix Freestyle rides ever performed at this venue.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c63e22a2-d29e-4a94-80dc-d4b68e4625cf?width=1280&amp;height=1602" alt="Table of the Top 10 International Grand Prix Freestyle Scores at Thermal">
<h3 dir="ltr">The Contenders&nbsp;</h3>
This first qualifier is unique, however, because neither Steffen nor Anna are entered, leaving the podium open for fresh faces and lesser-known stars to step into the spotlight. The U.S. Open series is designed to encourage exactly this kind of competition, welcoming rising talents, seasoned riders making a comeback, and skilled athletes looking to claim their place on the national stage.
Without these powerhouse riders, all eyes will be on other combinations poised to deliver standout performances. Kristina Harrison-Antell and her long-time partner Finley, with an average Grand Prix Freestyle score of 75%, will undoubtedly be ones to watch. Nadine Schwartsman and Royal Flash R, a relatively new pairing, bring strong credentials as well. The pair clinched their USDF Region 6 Championship title last year and hold an average freestyle score of 72%.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0edef052-a042-4a6d-b94e-0633a04c3ff7?width=1280&amp;height=782" alt="Table of the Grand Prix Freestyle Stats for the Qualifier 1 Entries">
With the field wide open, it&rsquo;s an exciting start to the 2025 U.S. Open qualifiers, offering a glimpse of the talent on display this year.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">What&rsquo;s the U.S. Open of Dressage?</h3>
The U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage Series highlights premier Grand Prix Freestyle talent across the nation. Spanning 23 qualifying events throughout the year, competitors earn points based on their performances, with the top 18 advancing to the prestigious Final in Thermal, California, from November 13-16, 2025.
The series offers enticing financial incentives, including a $12,500 prize for the highest point earner based on their top six qualifying scores, as well as a $200,000 prize pot for the Final event. Riders must complete at least two qualifiers and achieve a minimum freestyle score of 67% in one of the qualifiers to be eligible for the standings, ensuring only the sport&rsquo;s most skilled competitors progress.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a1cdb1ca-dcd6-44f5-b11e-263e9e231abb?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="List of the US Equestrian Open of Dressage 2025 Qualifiers and Final">
For the full calendar of events and standings updates, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">usequestrianopen.org</a>. Stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Instagram</a>, and follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.

Image of a dressage horse-and-rider competition doing an extended trot in competition. The photo is taken from behind the pair; a female rider on a liver chestnut horse.

Dancing in the Desert

Dressage: US Equestrian Open Quick Guide

The US Equestrian Open Dressage Series is a captivating season-long journey that showcases the pinnacle of equestrian dressage talent. Athletes from across the country and internationally compete in a series of Grand Prix Freestyle events, vying for the coveted title of Series champion.
At each of the 23 Qualifier events throughout the year, athletes earn points based on their final placements. With a clear-cut points system - 1st place earns 20 points, 2nd-3rd place earns 17 points, 4th-5th place earns 15 points, and so on down to 10 points for 6th-10th place, incentivizing consistent, top-level performances from the athletes. 
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/aa384a77-8a95-44c5-b2ba-928a0fff5f4e?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="How to Earn Points in the Dressage Series">
The athlete who accumulates the most points from their best 6 qualifier results over the series wins the $12,500 prize fund. Additional $50,000 prize money is allocated based on season-end standings and is awarded down to 18th place, ensuring that even those outside the top spots are richly rewarded for their efforts.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/224a8533-959a-4c7f-82bb-18d9957d485b?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Dressage Series Prize Money">
The top 18 riders in the season-end standings qualify to compete in the prestigious Final event, which takes place November 13-16, 2025. This Final event will determine the overall Series champion, who will take home a substantial $200,000 prize pot.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c2b4d7f4-7962-4f29-9b1d-4a58b531c084?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Series Final Dressage">
To be eligible for the Series standings, riders must complete at least 2 Qualifier events throughout the year. However, to truly be in contention for the championship, they must also earn at least 67% in the Grand Prix Freestyle to Music at one of the qualifiers. This threshold ensures that only the true masters of the discipline are rewarded.
The Series calendar is jam-packed with world-class dressage competitions, including the Desert Dressage, Global Dressage Festival, Gold Coast Opener, WEC Dressage, Del Mar, Palm Beach Derby, Terra Nova and more. Each event offers athletes the chance to showcase their horses' power, elegance, and precision.
<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">
Whether you're a lifelong dressage enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, the US Equestrian Open Series of Dressage promises an unforgettable season of equestrian excellence. With the top athletes from around the world battling it out for the championship with breathtaking performances, and a thrilling Final event, this series is a must-see for any fan of equestrianism.
You can follow all the action and keep up to date with the latest news, live scores, standings and leaderboard of the US Equestrian Open Series of Dressage on the official series hub at <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/">usequestrianopen.org</a>. Stay informed on upcoming qualifier events, results and details on the Final competition, and follow the stories of the top athletes vying for the championship title. 
Don't miss a moment of this prestigious season-long dressage competition. Mark your calendars and get ready to be swept away by the magic of the US Equestrian Open Dressage Series!
Stay Connected Stay up to date with news and standings of the&nbsp;US Equestrian Open Series&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/">Instagram</a>. Follow&nbsp;US Equestrian&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian/">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/USequestrian/">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian?lang=en">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/USequestrian">Twitter</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen.
 For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>&nbsp; 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;.&nbsp;For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.

US Equestrian Open Series Dressage format prize money

A Season-Long Spectacle of Grand Prix Freestyles

US Equestrian has just announced the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage, a dynamic series that promises to elevate the sport and provide exciting opportunities for athletes across the country.
The series will feature 23 qualifying events spanning from January to October, culminating into the final at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California, from November 13-16. This inaugural competition is open to all FEI registered athletes and horses, both from the United States and internationally.
Extraordinary Prize Money Ignites Competitive Fire
Dressage athletes, take note and prepare yourselves for a game-changing opportunity! The 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage isn't just another competition&mdash;it's a high-stakes arena of opportunity. With a staggering total prize pool of $200,000 waiting to be claimed at the final in 2025, this series will transform the artistic performance of Dressage from a passion to a thrilling high-stakes pursuit.
Riders won't just be competing for prestige&mdash;they'll be competing for a remarkable $50,000 series incentive specifically earmarked for high-point scorers. This groundbreaking prize structure transforms the series into a must-enter event for the world&rsquo;s best dressage athletes and rising talents alike, promising to elevate competition to electrifying new heights. Athletes will have the chance to not just showcase their skills, but to be handsomely rewarded for their excellence.
A Nationwide Showcase of Dressage Talent
Laura Roberts, Managing Director of Dressage at US Equestrian, highlighted the significance of this series, emphasizing its role in showcasing top dressage talent across the United States. With an eye toward the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the series aims to provide a platform for athletes to demonstrate their skills and compete at the highest level.
"This is a great opportunity to showcase top Dressage sport from coast to coast of the United States, but particularly out west in the buildup to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games" she said. 
"The US Equestrian Open of Dressage Series and Final are open to all FEI registered athletes and horses, both from the U.S. and abroad. Each competition gives the athletes a platform to showcase their talents and compete with their peers across the country. With unprecedented prize money on the line, we look forward to witnessing exceptional performances and crowning the inaugural US Equestrian Open of Dressage champion.&rdquo;
2025 competitions
The series includes competitions at prestigious venues across the country:
<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">
The US Equestrian Open of Dressage FINAL
The series will conclude with the US Equestrian Open of Dressage Final at Desert Dressage II CDI5* in Thermal, California, from November 13-16, where the inaugural champion will be crowned.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/108ff114-52e0-4b5f-9fc9-3d8f8f4b1173?width=1600&amp;height=2000" alt="Us Equestrian Open Series of Dressage Annouce Qualifiers">
For more detailed information about the US Equestrian Open of Dressage specifications and qualifying requirements, click <a href="https://www.usef.org/compete/disciplines/dressage/us-equestrian-open-series-final#:~:text=The%20US%20Equestrian%20Open%20of,qualifying%20events%20taking%20place%20throughout">here</a>.
Stay Connected Stay up to date with news and standings of the&nbsp;US Equestrian Open Series&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/">Instagram</a>. Follow&nbsp;US Equestrian&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian/">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/USequestrian/">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian?lang=en">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/USequestrian">Twitter</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen.
For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a> For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at <a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a> For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, contact Carly Weilminster at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>

US Equestrian Open Series Dressage Qualifiers

US Equestrian Launches Dynamic Dressage Series to Showcase Sport's Rising Excellence

<h2>Quick Links</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Where are the finals?</li>
<li>How does points scoring work?</li>
<li>Where are the qualifiers? <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/dressage-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[Dressage]</a> <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[Eventing]</a> <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/jumping-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[Jumping]</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>About the Series</h2>
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:
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Provide a structured, prestigious championship format.</li>
<li>Attract a broader audience.</li>
<li>Enhance competition opportunities for athletes.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>Finals</h2>
Where and when are the finals?
<ul>
<li>Eventing Final: Morven Park, Virginia, Oct 9-12, 2025</li>
<li>Dressage Final: Desert International Horse Park, California, Nov 13-16, 2025</li>
<li>Jumping Final: Winter Equestrian Festival, Wellington, Florida, WEF Rolex Finale Week, March 25-30, 2025 </li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>Points Scoring</h2>
How does the points system work? In both eventing and dressage, athletes earn points based on their performance at qualifying events. Points contribute to leaderboard rankings which, in turn, determine prize money.
In dressage, season-end leaderboard rankings also determine eligibility for the final. In eventing, qualification for the final is achieved with MER at a qualifier.
Qualification for the jumping final in the Rolex Finale Week at Wellington will be based on FEI rules around pre-qualified athletes and qualifiers earlier in the week.
<h3>Learn more about points scoring here: <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/dressage-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[Dressage]</a> <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[Eventing]</a> <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/jumping-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[Jumping]</a></h3>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>Qualifiers</h2>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/01567dc0-9f76-44d3-94f1-89c6675657b5.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Eventin Gqualifinal">
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<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">
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a2b5dafc-f7ee-4d30-b144-389d4fabbcfa.png?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Listing of the Participating Classes for the 2025 Us Equestrian Open of Jumping">
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h3>Fan Engagement</h3>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Watch live on ESPN and the USEF Network.</li>
<li>Follow leaderboards, rider profiles, and event updates on our <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/">dedicated microsite</a>.</li>
<li>Join the conversation on social media using #USEquestrianOpen.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h3>Prize Money </h3>
The US Equestrian Open offers a total of $1.25 million in prize money:
<ul>
<li>Eventing: $200,000 in final prize money plus $50,000 series award.</li>
<li>Dressage: $200,000 in final prize money plus $50,000 series award.</li>
<li>Jumping: $750,000 Rolex Grand Prix, $750,000 in final (and additional $250,000 added by USEF to the original Prize Pot.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<hr>
Stay connected with the US Equestrian Open on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Instagram;</a>&nbsp;follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>; and follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usefnetwork/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USEF Network</a> for live event updates, stories, and results. Use #USEquestrianOpen to share your own experiences and connect with fellow fans.
For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <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;

Dressage