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The opening day of dressage at the series final delivered a few surprises, with the overall field performing slightly worse than expected. The average difference versus the average scores came in at +1.4. We saw Phillip take the lead while also setting the tone for what we can expect tomorrow on his other ride Possante.
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">Top Three Lead the Way</h3>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ed7f40b4-1110-45d7-b48f-37fa0adc61d6.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Morven Park Graphics (41)">
1. Phillip Dutton and Denim topped the leaderboard with an impressive 27.5, marking Dutton's best 4*-L test on US soil since Mystery Whisper at Jersey Fresh in 2012. This score came in 3.1 points better than expected to be the standout performance of the day. It's a spectacular start to the final for the man who led the series for so long but didn't manage to take the win.
2. Elisa Wallace and Lissavorra Quality sit in second place on 33.3 - coming in 1.6 points better than expected. Wallace delivered her second-best 4*-L score and the horse's second-best test at the level in their 12th 4* start.&nbsp;
3. Ryan Wood and Cooley Flight round out the top three on 33.4, also scoring 2.5 points better than expectations. Wood saw this one coming, having spoken to our team a few weeks ago about his prepaations :
<blockquote>
"He has had a great preparation with his last two events and having his lowest FEI dressage score. We are hoping that we can continue with that trend and impress the Australian selectors. We are lucky now to have a selector - Clayton Fredericks - based in the US so he can keep close tabs on what is going on here and report back to the homeland."&nbsp;
</blockquote>
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<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">Looking Ahead to Friday</h3>
All eyes will be on tomorrow's session, where three of the lowest predicted scores will take center stage. Due to the running order going from the lowest to highest placed in the series, we have a stacked Friday filled with some of the biggest names in the field.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d383d957-1513-44a9-8325-dbafd1ee14a0.jpeg?width=797&amp;height=1600" alt="Whats App Image 2025 10 09 at 20.54.30">
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1. Miks Master C (Boyd Martin, 11:00 AM) brings the field's best 6RA of 25.9. This new partnership has only completed two tests together, scoring 27 and 27.9, but the horse went as low as 20.1 with previous rider Liz Halliday-Sharp in 2023. Can Boyd unlock that potential or will it take more time to gel?
2. Possante (Phillip Dutton, 1:42 PM) comes in with a 28.8 6RA. Possante has gone sub-25 in two of his last three four-star starts including his 24.5 just three weeks ago at Plantation Field. This 12-year-old could give Dutton a real shot at maintaining an overnight lead.&nbsp; 3. Off The Record (Will Coleman, 11:49 AM) arrives as a joint-favorite with a 30.3 6RA. Earlier this year, the Aachen winner demonstrated their class with a venue-record 21.8 at Kentucky, though followed that with a 35.6 at Aachen. Expect something between those extremes. Coleman will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing test with Very Dignified today, who scored 5.3 marks worse than expected. While this is an educational run for the relatively new combination, it has likely put 'Dora' out of contention for the weekend.
With Friday's dressage featuring the field's strongest predicted performers, the leaderboard could look very different by tomorrow evening. 
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Dressage takes place Thursday and Friday at the Grand Prix arena, with CCI4*-S tests also interspersed throughout the schedule.
You can watch the live stream for free through the USEF network.&nbsp;Sign up for free here: <a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew&nbsp;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew&nbsp;</a>and watch live here: <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_EU/events/16790" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_EU/events/16790</a>
Check out the fan guide here: &nbsp;<a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/thefinal2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://usequestrianopen.info/thefinal2025/</a> 
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
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.
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<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">
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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&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>.
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Thursday Dressage Sets the Tone for Friday's Best

The final of the US Equestrian Open Championship promises top-quality dressage, and based on EquiRatings' 6RA scores (the average of a horse's last six international dressage tests), here are the five horses most likely to lead after the first phase.
1. Miks Master C | Boyd Martin | 6RA: 25.9 Test Time: 11:00 AM Friday
This new ride for Boyd boasts the lowest 6RA in the field, though only two of these six tests have been with Martin - the horse was previously campaigned by Liz Halliday. In their partnership so far, they've scored 27 and 27.9, but this talented horse has gone as low as 20.1 with Liz back in 2023. Can Boyd unlock that potential again or will it take a bit more time to get to know eachother?
2. Possante | Phillip Dutton | 6RA: 28.8 Test Time: 1:42 PM Friday
One of Phillip's two rides here, Possante has a bit of a mixed record but finished on a strong note with a 24.5 just three weeks ago (September 18th). Earlier this year at Aachen, they scored 34.2, though the field was marked particularly harshly across the board. Expect Phillip to be extremely competitive this weekend as he was pipped last minute in the Series race.
3. Very Dignified | Wil Coleman | 6RA: 30.1 Test Time: 11:14 AM Thursday
A previous 4*-L winner, this horse has four of his last six tests with Will - the other two were with Robbie Kearns in Ireland. Coleman has been steadily improving the dressage with scores beginning to creep lower. Going early on Thursday morning, they're likely to set the standard as day one leaders.
4. Off The Record | Will Coleman | 6RA: 30.3 Test Time: 11:56 AM Friday
Joint-most likely winner according to the Prediction Centre (alongside Miks Master C), this Aachen winner has demonstrated that he can be extremely accurate and correct. They went as low as 21.8 when winning Kentucky - a new venue record and the horse's personal best. Their next outing saw a 35.6 (Aachen), so it's likely we can expect them somewhere in the middle of that spectrum.
5. Kynan | Tamra Smith | 6RA: 30.4 Test Time: 1:21 PM Friday
Tamie will be bringing her A game here as a previous Morven Park winner while also holding the lowest finishing score record on US soil at CCI4*-L level. Kynan is remarkably consistent, hovering around the 30 mark without much variation, so you can bank on them delivering right around their 6RA.
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Dressage takes place Thursday and Friday at the Grand Prix arena, with CCI4*-S tests also interspersed throughout the schedule. Check out the fan guide here: &nbsp;<a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/thefinal2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://usequestrianopen.info/thefinal2025/</a> 
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
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">
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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&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>.
&nbsp;

Top Five Dressage Horses to Watch at Morven Park CCI4*-L

This weekend's CCI4*-L at Morven Park is many things - one being the inaugural US Equestrian Open Final and one being a showcase of some of the most accomplished riders in&nbsp; US eventing history.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">The Numbers Don't Lie</h3>
The entry list reads like a who's who of American eventing royalty. Between just three riders&mdash;Boyd Martin, Buck Davidson, and Phillip Dutton&mdash;they have 274 combined completions at 4*-L and 5* level since 2008. This is testament not only to their talent and consistency, but to their horsemanship and management behind decades of keeping horses fit, sound, and competitive at the highest level.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ab768f5b-5f09-4b64-818e-a60230f18778.png?width=1088&amp;height=1132" alt="Zd K7 U Riders in the Morven Park Field With the Most Completions at 4 L Amp 5 ">
Boyd Martin leads the pack with 94 completions and arrives with two rides: Miks Master C and Shanroe Cooley. More significantly, Martin sits on 10 career wins at 4*-L level - tied for the most in the sport (since 2008). A win this weekend would make him the outright record holder with 11. He also has two wins at the CCI5* level - Adelaide 2003 and Maryland 2021.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0add9a8e-bfc7-4154-b11d-b25be337769f.png?width=1000&amp;height=962" alt="Pzbbo Riders in the Morven Park Field With the Most Wins at 4 L">
Phillip Dutton, US eventing icon, brings Denim and Possante to Morven Park. Since our records began in 2008, Dutton has racked up 89 completions, putting him on the verge of hitting the 90 mark this weekend. He has had 4 wins at CCI4*-L level and one win at the 5* level back in 2008 at Kentucky.
Buck Davidson continues the family legacy established by his father Bruce. The Davidson name is synonymous with American eventing excellence, and Buck has carved out his own legendary status with 91 completions and four wins at four-star. He arrives with Cooley Candyman, ready to add to that tally.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">Beyond the Big Three</h3>
The depth doesn't stop there. The field if filled with riders who bring impressive credentials and experience
<ul>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Jess Phoenix - 50 completions, 2 wins</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Will Coleman - 41 completions, 2 wins.&nbsp;</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Jennie Brannigan - 34 completions, 5 wins</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Tamra Smith - 33 completions, 3 wins at CCI4*L, including a 2022 Morven Park victory, and one at 5*</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Ryan Wood - 20 completions, 2 wins&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/06c9cb32-2061-4508-a108-e6210ba490f0.png?width=1264&amp;height=1298" alt="I Gxh a Horses in the Morven Park Field With the Most Completions at 4 L Amp 5 ">
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">Why It Matters</h3>
At a venue where the cross-country clear rate sits under 50% and only eight combinations have finished inside the optimum time across the last 80 starters, experience is a going to be a huge advantage.&nbsp;
Morven Park is to host one of the most experienced fields assembled at any 4*L event on US Soil since 2015. Legends will compete, milestones will be reached, history will be made. 
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
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">
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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&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>.

Legends Assemble at Morven Park

The Prediction Center has its favorites: Miks Master C, Off The Record, Shanroe Cooley, and Possante are the names most expected to fill the podium. But in a sport where winning is always the exception, not the rule, even the top picks aren&rsquo;t guaranteed.
At Morven Park, the numbers tell the story: fewer than half of starters have gone clear cross country and just eight combinations have made the time from the 80 to set out. A polished dressage test might earn attention, but it&rsquo;s cross country pace and precision that will land you on the podium.
So, who else should we be watching? Here are three under-the-radar combinations who tick the boxes this course demands. And yes - it&rsquo;s all girl power.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">Caroline Pamukcu &ndash; HSH Double Sixteen</h3>
Caroline Pamukcu might be sitting with less than a 1% win chance according to the numbers, but don't let that fool you. Her mount HSH Double Sixteen has something special: speed. With a Top Speed Percentage (TSP) of 94%, this combination is the second-fastest in the class.
Their recent form is what stands out. Just last week at Stable View 4*, they jumped double clear to finish on their dressage score of 33.4 to win. Even more impressive? Caroline became only the second rider in five years to make the optimum time.
Double Sixteen is just 10 years old, which means there's still room to improve. While the dressage scores have been slightly high (6RA of 37.4), if Caroline can reproduce that 33.4 from Stable View and the time proves decisive at Morven Park, this young horse could make a serious climb up the leaderboard.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">Tamie Smith &ndash; Kynan</h3>
With a 6% win chance, Tamie Smith and Kynan have more respect from the prediction models centre&nbsp; but are still an under-rated combination. Kynan's six-run average sits at 30.4, but this horse frequently scores in the 20s, which could put them right in contention after dressage.
The cross-country record is a bit mixed (50% XCJ10), but when this pair gets it right, they get it very right. At their last 4*L, they jumped double clear to finish just off the podium in fourth place. Tamie's show jumping record with Kynan is spotless over the last six outings.
Perhaps most importantly, Tamie knows how to win at Morven Park - she took the title here in 2022. That kind of course knowledge and experience is invaluable.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">Jennie Brannigan &ndash; Kismet</h3>
At less than 1% win chance, Jennie Brannigan and Kismet are a dark horse. But dig into the data, and you'll find a combination perfectly suited for Morven Park's demands.
Kismet boasts a perfect 100% XCJ10 record and a top speed percentage of 93% - one of the highest in the entire field. Yes, some of those metrics come from the level below, but the horse's second-ever 4* start in July saw them jump clear and inside the time, proving they can handle the step up.
For Brannigan, this marks her 30th 4*L start - an experienced pilot on a horse still finding his feet at the top level. The dressage scores at four-star suggest there's still some work to do, but if they can deliver a solid jumping performance across both phases, they could easily outperform expectations.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">The Verdict</h3>
Morven Park rewards horses that are brave, fast, and careful and riders who know when to push and when to play it safe. While the favorites will certainly be competitive, these three combinations have the profiles to thrive. 
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
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">
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&nbsp;
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&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>.

Dark Horses to Watch: Who Could Surprise at Morven Park

Morven Park's CCI4*-L has been running since 2021. Since then the venue has gained a fantastic reputation for being a strong competition which rewards excellence across all three phases. As we count down to this year's US Equestrian Open Final, here's how the last four winners claimed their place in the venue's hall of fame.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c4730ecf-d58b-47ed-872e-e849cc9ef902.png?width=511&amp;height=313" alt="Screenshot 2025 10 01 170446">
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<h2 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">&nbsp;</h2>
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">2021: Phillip Dutton &amp; Quasi Cool - The Triple Crown Year</h3>
For Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool, 2021 was the year. The pair had three wins together - their only three career wins as a combination: a CCI3*-S, a CC14*-S, ending with the pinnacle: their win at Morven Park&rsquo;s four-star long.
They sat joint-second after dressage on 29.8, behind Buck Davidson and Cooley Candyman, who also return this year. But with Dutton's masterful cross-country riding, he added less time than Buck edging them ahead to victory with a final score of 34.2.&nbsp;
Dutton returns with Denim and Possante, ready to add another chapter (and potentially even win) to his Morven Park story.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">2022: Tamra Smith &amp; Solaguayre California - The Seven Year Wait</h3>
The chestnut mare California was just 11 years old and tackling only her second CCI4*-L when she and Tamra Smith produced a near-perfect performance. Sitting second after dressage on 29.3, they added just 0.4 time penalties (one second) across the jumping phases to win on a score of 29.7.
The win was Smith's second at the four-star long level - a seven-year wait after her first, which came at Fair Hill with Mai Baum. The overnight leaders, Sharon White and Claus 63, were eliminated on cross-country, opening the door for California's triumph. Sharon White and Claus 63 are entered again this year.
Smith will returns to Morven Park this year with Kynan, a horse who has never finished outside the top 10 in his three runs at the CCI4*-L level.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">2023: Boyd Martin &amp; Commando 3 - Winning from the Front</h3>
In 2023, Boyd became the only winner of Morven to win from the front after dressage. Commando 3, one of Boyd's biggest stars, laid down a 26.2 dressage test and never looked back, adding just 3.2 cross-country time penalties to finish on final score of 29.4.
The win was Martin's 9th at the CCI4*-L level since 2008, adding his 10th earlier this year. <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/boyd-martin-is-one-of-the-most-successful-4-l-riders-and-hes-entered-for-the-final" target="_blank" rel="noopener">No rider in the world has tallied more wins at this level </a>- he shares the record of 10 with Australia's Shane Rose, but nobody beats him.
Commando 3 went on to finish 2nd at Kentucky CCI5* this year and returns to Maryland 5* in a few weeks. Boyd will return to Morven Park as the series winner and with two strong contenders: Miks Master C and Shanroe Cooley, both sitting high on the <a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/morvenpark_4l_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prediction center.</a>
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">2024: Julie Wolfert &amp; SSH Playboy - The Comeback Queen</h3>
Julie Wolfert pulled off the biggest winning climb of this competition, moving from 6th after dressage to claim victory by finishing on their dressage score - only the fifth combination to achieve this at the venue. Starting on 34.5, Wolfert and Ssh Playboy jumped double clear across both phases to move into the top spot.&nbsp;The victory marked Wolfert's third CCI4*-L start - all with SSH Playboy - and her first win at the level.&nbsp;
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In 10 days, we'll have another name to add to this prestigious list. Who will join Morven Park's hall of fame?
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<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
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">
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<hr>
&nbsp;
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&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>.

Phillip Dutton was the first-ever winner of this class.

Morven Park’s Champions: A Look at the Hall of Fame

Returning for the third year in a row for the CCI4*-L, Lucienne Bellissimo and&nbsp;the 13-year-old gelding Dyri have proven that they can perform at this venue. Last year, they led the CCI4*-L after dressage (30.7) only to drop to second with 4.8 cross-country time penalties. The year before, they finished 4th.
<blockquote>
"He's done the four-star long at Morven twice now. He sadly didn't win it last year. He finished up second... He deserved to win it. I found a gallop that suited him and I left him alone and it was the right choice by the horse. But I will definitely be aiming him for the four long there again."
</blockquote>
In fact, this will be their 5th year in a row at this venue and their track record speaks for itself. With results like this, Bellissimo and Dyri are a serious threat even though they may not instantly make the headlines or top the <a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/morvenpark_4l_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EquiRatings Prediction Center.</a>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/b5bfa8f1-8c65-473c-bd1e-c21cd72d7801.png?width=1880&amp;height=666" alt="Rrj Rz ">
<h3>Their 2025 Season</h3>
The season started brilliantly with two top-five finishes at CCI4*-S but then came challenges. At Kentucky, their first attempt at five-star, Bellissimo made a tough call:&nbsp;
<blockquote>
"I could feel him saying, I'm not enjoying this. So I put my hand up and did the walk of shame and brought him home, but it was the right choice because he doesn't deserve to get spooked."
</blockquote>
A few weeks later, what should have been a confidence-building run at Tryon's four-star long turned into an unlucky fall at a double of corners when Dyri hit the back rail after an open distance.&nbsp; "Horses, it's a humbling sport," Bellissimo admits. Two difficult outings in a row for a usually reliable partnership.
<h3>The Rebuild</h3>
Rather than push through, Bellissimo took the approach of stepping back a few levels and giving Dyri a spin around some smaller events. The strategy worked - winning their last two events, albeit at the CCI2*-S level. With two FODs, it seems the partnership is clicking again - just in time for Morven Park 2025.
<h3><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/04fc8630-3c6e-4d49-a0a3-542ecdc7ec5f.png?width=1676&amp;height=422" alt="Ff L77 "></h3>
<h3>The Morven Threat</h3>
Because of this inconsistent start to the season, Dyri doesn't feature high on the Prediction Center. But knowing the full story, the rebuild, and the track record - this combination could be a real threat. In the dressage, you can expect this pair to score around the 30 mark - which was enough to lead this exact competition last year. As long as their cross country stays back on track, they are in with a good chance. Dyri's showjumping record is excellent - having only had one pole across their last 8 international runs.
Bellissimo discussed how the US Equestrian Open adds extra pressure: "It does suddenly make you think, maybe I should go a bit quicker today," and with time penalties being the only thing that cost them victory at Morven last year? The pressure may benefit this pair this time around.
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<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Listen to&nbsp;Lucienne Bellissimo on the US Equestrian Open Podcast now.</h3>
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
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">
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<hr>
&nbsp;
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&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>.

The Morven Specialists: Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri

With just days remaining until the US Open Final at Morven Park, course designer&nbsp;Derek di Grazia&nbsp;is putting the finishing touches on what promises to be another challenging test for the 38 horse-and-rider combinations entered in the competition.
For di Grazia, whose courses are consistently praised by riders for bringing out the best in their horses, the journey to Morven Park represents both a return to his roots and a showcase of one of America's most spectacular venues.
Listen to Derek di Grazia on the US Equestrian Open Podcast now.
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<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">Early Inspiration at Pebble Beach</h3>
Di Grazia's love affair with eventing began at the&nbsp;1969 US Open at Pebble Beach, California.&nbsp;
<blockquote>
"The biggest thing that really impressed me was just watching what these horses did because I had just never seen anything like it.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
That competition, featuring legendary names like&nbsp;the&nbsp;Woffords, the Plumbs,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kevin Freeman,&nbsp;showcased the sport at its highest level on the West Coast. The young di Grazia was hooked, drawn to the stories of how "rugged and difficult&rdquo; the sport was.
His early riding education was comprehensive, encompassing not just eventing but polo, fox hunting, and show jumping. The transition from West to East Coast came during his college years at Georgetown University, where he began training with the legendary&nbsp;Jimmy Wofford.&nbsp;His breakthrough moment came at&nbsp;Ledyard Farm in 1977,&nbsp;competing in poor conditions against top European riders.
<blockquote>
"It was pouring rain and very, very wet for the cross country, but we were one of the few that made it inside the time on the cross country and we ended up actually in fourth place at the end."
</blockquote>
That result gave him confidence that he could make it in this sport - setting the stage for a successful competitive career that would eventually inform his approach to course design.
<h3 dir="ltr">A Horse-First Philosophy</h3>
Going back to his years in the saddle, Di Grazia understands firsthand the immense work required to bring a horse to top-level competition and he's acutely aware of how vulnerable these horses are to injury. Because of this, horse welfare remains at the forefront of every decision he makes when designing his cross-country courses.&nbsp;This philosophy drives every decision he makes:&nbsp;
<blockquote>
"In the end for me, it's about making these courses so that they are fair for the horses and that as much as possible trying to make the ground conditions - the wear and tear on the horses - as minimal as possible."
</blockquote>
<h3 dir="ltr">The Art and Science of Design</h3>
Each venue presents unique challenges and opportunities, something that keeps di Grazia passionate about his craft.
<blockquote>
"Every venue is different. We all know that. And so they all sort of require different things. And to me, that's what makes course design actually exciting for me, because there's new things you can do in different places and just the way you use the ground."
</blockquote>
Derek also emphasizes that course design is far from a solo effort, highlighting the builders and decorators who bring his vision to life and ultimately make the course look its best.
<h3 dir="ltr">Discovering Morven Park's Potential</h3>
When di Grazia first visited Morven Park as a course designer, he was immediately struck by the venue's possibilities.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;It was so wonderful to be able to come and see this place and see the venue. But you know, I just start thinking about,&nbsp; four longs and, and, know, even five star, I mean, you start looking at this ground and you start drooling because it's just such an amazing place&rdquo;
</blockquote>
The venue's placement in the calendar had historically limited its exposure, often conflicting with other major competitions. But since the introduction of the CCI4*-L format in 2021, di Grazia has seen riders rediscover this historic venue and watched the quality of the entries improving year on year.
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<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">What to Expect at Morven Park</h3>
Derek has proven he can build tough time tests, most recently having only one rider making the time over his track at Burghley. Historically, Morven Park sees an average of&nbsp;10% of starters&nbsp;finish inside the optimum time. With a field of 38 competitors, we can expect&nbsp;3 to 4 riders&nbsp;inside the time. However, it has varied from year-to-year, with&nbsp;25%&nbsp;making the time last year.
With Morven Park hosting the inaugural US Equestrian Open of Eventing, we can expect that the challenge is set to be anything but easy - a true test across all three phases designed to ensure the strongest combination is crowned the champion.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Listen to Derek di Grazia on the US Equestrian Open Podcast now.</h3>
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&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
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>
&nbsp;
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&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>.

From Competitor to Course Designer: Derek di Grazia's Journey to Morven Park

Morven Park 2025 is poised to become the second-strongest CCI4*-L ever held on US soil since records began in 2015, boasting an Elo field strength of 596. Only The Fork at Tryon in 2020 (605) has assembled a stronger lineup.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5758f9e2-f2be-4f0b-bace-9cbf8f0fc71d.png?width=1008&amp;height=1140" alt="138t N Cci4 L Field Strengths on Us Soil Since 2015">
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<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">Rising to the Top</h3>
This marks a significant milestone for American eventing and the US Equestrian Open. Of the 46 CCI4*-L competitions held in the US over the past decade, this competition has established itself as a premier destination for the sport's elite. This will be the venue's fifth consecutive year holding a CCI4*-L and each edition has grown stronger. The 2025 field represents a massive leap in both depth and quality - a jump of 130 Elo points from last year.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/12fd79bb-5dc0-4b16-b869-5dd9f2621e81.png?width=1008&amp;height=700" alt="E8ppa Morven Park Field Strength">
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<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">Understanding Field Strength</h3>
Field strength measures the average Elo rating of the top 20 horses in a competition, providing a clear indicator of both quality and depth. The Elo rating system tracks performance over time, rewarding consistency and results in competitive fields while accounting for the difficulty of each achievement.
The depth throughout the top 20 is remarkable. While Off The Record and Miks Master C headline the field, riders like Phillip Dutton (with both Denim and Possante), Caroline Pamukcu (three horses in the top 15), and Boyd Martin (two in the top four) have brought multiple top-tier mounts, creating a field where any number of combinations could claim victory.
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/826ea0f0-85e7-4bc7-b6b7-2d1754c1eee1.png?width=1328&amp;height=2010" alt="Std1h Top 20 Elo Rated Horses in the Morven Field">
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<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">What Makes This Year Different</h3>
Several factors have come together to create this historic field. Most notably, this is the inaugural US Equestrian Open Final, the culmination of a year-long series of qualifiers and boasting the largest prize purse ever at this level - $200,000. That combination of prestige, financial incentive, and Morven Park&rsquo;s growing reputation for world-class footing and course design has drawn many of the nation&rsquo;s very best to Leesburg.
The US Equestrian Open Final is going to be an exciting chapter of world class competition on home soil as the sport and US Eventing look ahead to LA 2028. With history on the line and $200,000 up for grabs, next weekend promises to deliver drama worthy of the field assembled.
The stage is set and the best have answered the call. Now it's time to see who rises to the occasion.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
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>
&nbsp;
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&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>.

Growing Depth: Morven Park 2025 Raises the Bar

The US Equestrian Open Final at Morven Park is about to brings together some of the best horses in the US but also globally to compete for the largest prize pot at the CCI4*-L level in history. While traditional rankings focus on who finished on the podium, the EquiRatings Elo digs deeper - rewarding horses who've consistently tackled tough competition and delivered when it mattered most.
Elo is a rating system that tracks how strong a horse's results are over time &mdash; kind of like a world ranking, but based on performance quality, not just placings. Big results in tough fields send your Elo up faster. Smaller wins or mistakes in easier company might hold you steady or even knock you down. It's how we measure long-term class.
From veterans to 10-year-olds already posting world-class numbers, the field at Morven is stacked with depth. Here are the 10 horses with the highest Elo ratings heading into Morven Park.
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/58d4c0a6-f0eb-4e33-9e1e-955696610f4e.png?width=851&amp;height=1289" alt="Morven Park Graphics (15)">
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<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">1. Off The Record | Elo: 779 | 16 years old | William Coleman</h3>
Off The Record sits atop not just this field but the entire American eventing landscape. With an Elo of 779, this 16-year-old is the highest-rated horse in the US currently and the second-highest rated US horse&nbsp;on record, trailing only the legendary Mai Baum. Currently ranked 13th in the world, Off The Record has built his Elo through his ultimate consistency at the highest level.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">2. Miks Master C | Elo: 742 | 13 years old | Boyd Martin</h3>
The 13-year-old Miks Master C earned his 742 Elo rating while partnered with Liz Halliday before joining Boyd Martin's string. He's currently the third-highest rated horse in the US, sitting behind only Off The Record and 'Mikki's' stablemate, Commando 3. Miks Master C is currently ranked 25th globally.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">3. HSH Blake | Elo: 662 | 10 years old | Caroline Pamukcu</h3>
At just 10 years old, HSH Blake has established himself as the second-highest rated 10-year-old in the world, behind only Clarke Johnston's Rocketman. With an Elo of 662, this young horse may represent the future of American eventing.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">4. Shanroe Cooley | Elo: 661 | 10 years old | Boyd Martin</h3>
Shanroe Cooley ranks as the third-highest rated 10-year-old, coming in a mere 1 point behind HSH Blake Also produced by Liz Halliday, 'Dallas'' steep Elo ascent is a credit to his almost perfect cross-country record: 21 clear rounds out of 22 starts (one elimination).
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">5. Denim | Elo: 649 | 10 years old | Phillip Dutton</h3>
Denim ranks fifth worldwide among 10-year-olds. Since 2023, this horse has only&nbsp;gained Elo points through nearly always finishing in the top 10. Remarkably, Denim has never won an event, proving you don't need victories to build an elite rating.&nbsp;
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">6. Larcot Z | Elo: 649 | 12 years old | Lauren Nicholson</h3>
The 12-year-old Larcot Z has quickly moved up the rankings with his recent form. In Lauren's last three international starts with Larcot Z, they've won two: an 18-point gain at Bromont CCI4*-L, followed by a withdrawal at Hartpury (which doesn't affect Elo), and then a massive 26-point gain from winning a competitive CCI4*-S section at Arville.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">7. QC Diamantaire | Elo: 649 | 15 years old | Sydney Elliott</h3>
At 15 years old, QC Diamantaire has had more time than some younger horses to build an impressive resume. This partnership has competed in 46 international events together dating back to 2016. Standout performances include a podium finish at Kentucky CCI4*-S in 2023 and another top-10 result at Kentucky in 2024, cementing their place on this list.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">8. Possante | Elo: 648 | 12 years old | Phillip Dutton</h3>
Denim's stablemate, the 12-year-old Possante, benefits from Phillip Dutton's masterful cross-country riding. Dutton has never incurred a cross-country penalty with this horse, allowing for consistent Elo increases built on reliability and clean rounds.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">9. Freedom GS | Elo: 636 | 13 years old | Jessica Phoenix</h3>
Freedom GS, the only mare on the list, carries Canadian hopes into Morven Park as the third-highest rated Canadian horse currently and the fifth-highest rated Canadian horse of all time. With an Elo of 636, Freedom GS sits just seven points behind the highest-rated Candian horse - Kilcandra OceanPower (643 Elo with Nicolas Helayel). A strong performance at Morven could see Freedom GS claim the title of the highest-rated Canadian horse.
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">10. Dyri | Elo: 581 | 13 years old | Lucienne Bellissimo</h3>
The 13-year-old Dyri has recently experienced the volatility of the Elo rating. Previously eared as high as 614, an unlucky start to the season, including an elimination and a retirement, has dropped the rating. But before this rough patch, Dyri had won a CCI4*-S and earned three additional four-star podiums. The class is clearly there, and Morven Park offers a chance to rebuild that elite rating.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
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>
&nbsp;
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&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>.

The Top 10 Elo-Rated Horses at the US Equestrian Open Final

The stage is set for the US Equestrian Open of Eventing at Morven Park (9th to 12th of October 2025). With a $200k prize fund, the biggest ever at CCI4*-L level, up for grabs, we ran our predictive model on the early entries. The <a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/morvenpark_4l_2025">EquiRatings Prediction Center</a> is updated as every entry and every score happens - giving fans a near real time view on the predicted winners on paper.
<h3 dir="ltr">What is the Prediction Center?</h3>
The Eventing Prediction Center, developed by EquiRatings over a number of years, applies advanced predictive analytics to years of international eventing results. Trained on millions of rows of data, the model simulates each competition ten thousand times - breaking performance down by each phase. Each combination is given a probability distribution of likely outcomes, from dressage scores to cross-country clear rates, which are then aggregated to calculate finishing scores and win chances. While no model can perfectly foresee the future, testing against past competitions shows its accuracy: combinations given a 25% chance of winning really do win about one in four times. For fans, media, and athletes alike, it provides an accessible, data-driven way to understand who is most likely to succeed on the day. For us, it helps us turn an entry list into stories and angles.&nbsp; Here's a look at the top five contenders as decided by the model:
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/4b4bf190-7850-408b-b6a8-dc6ad3f65150.png?width=1600&amp;height=400" alt="Miks Master C (1)">
Boyd Martin sits at the top of the<a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/morvenpark_4l_2025"> Prediction Cent</a>er with Miks Master C with a 19% win chance. Miks Master C, nicknamed&nbsp;Mikki, is a 13-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding by Mighty Magic out of Qui Luma CBF. He's owned by Ocala Horse Properties LLC and Debby Palmer. Mikki, previously ridden by Liz Halliday, brings an impressive resume including four CCI4*-S victories and a 3rd place finish at Kentucky CCI5* back in 2023 (it was their CCI5* debut). He is rated 742 on EquiRatings Elo, the third-highest rated US horse.&nbsp;
This marks only Boyd's third outing with the horse but their partnership is already showing promise. After a 9th place finish at Bromont CCI3*-S (double clear with time penalties) and a 4th at The Fork at Tryon CCI4*-S (again double clear with time), the question is: will they push for maximum speed at Morven Park? Given the stakes, I would expect so.
<h3 dir="ltr">What to expect:</h3>
Likely dressage score between 25-27. Excellent Cross Country Jumping with proven speed around Aachen, Kentucky and here at Morven (with Maya Black, CCI4*-S). One rail down in the show jumping across the last four internationals and clear on both occasions with Boyd. They have a huge chance and are a deserved joint favorite.&nbsp;
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/4c43aac4-f22a-4ac6-9a4a-fd4b29e5b050.png?width=1600&amp;height=400" alt="Off the Record (1)">
Sharing the top prediction percentage is William Coleman aboard Off The Record, a horse that needs no introduction. &lsquo;Timmy&rsquo; is owned by the Off The Record Syndicate LLC<a href="https://www.usef.org/team-usa/athletes/will_coleman"> </a>having been sourced through Richard Sheane (Cooley Farms) as a four-year-old.
In 2021, this pair became the first US combination to ever win the prestigious CCIO4*-S at CHIO Aachen, Germany and they were part of the U.S. team that won silver at the 2022 FEI Eventing World Championships in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy, where Coleman finished 7th individually.
Only two runs this year, a fourth place finish at Aachen and a win at the Kentucky CCI4*-S with a dressage score of 21.8 - their best test together as a combination and the best test that competition has ever seen.
Timmy is the highest-rated US horse currently in the sport based on the EquiRatings Elo (779) and ranks as the second-highest rated US horse of all time, trailing only the legendary Mai Baum. This combination brings both proven championship experience and current top form to Morven Park.
<h3>What to expect:</h3>
It will possibly all be decided by their dressage test. When winning Kentucky CCI4*-S this year they hit a PB of 21.8 but next time out was 35.6 at Aachen. Somewhere in between is most likely but if they do take the lead after the dressage phase, the speed and jumping power means they will prove very difficult to get past.&nbsp;
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/07070c2e-0a52-418f-b42c-31fea369bf5b.png?width=1600&amp;height=400" alt="Hsh Blake">
HSH Blake - the well known 'young gun' of 2024. Caroline Pamukcu's Olympic Games&rsquo; partner comes into Morven Park with a 14% win chance and hot off a 3rd place finish at Plantation Field last weekend. Originally sourced in Ireland by Caroline's business partner Kelley Hutchinson of Hutchinson Sport Horses, Caroline and Blake won the individual gold medal and team silver medal at Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile back in 2023.
Their standout performance at the top level came at Tryon last year, when they finished on their dressage score to win the CCI4*-L . That victory earned them their highest-rated performance to date with a High Performance Rating (HPR) of 98. Blake is the highest-rated 10-year-old in the US with an Elo rating of 675. It hasn&rsquo;t been a perfect run since Paris but they are undoubtedly one of the global talents to look forward to between now and LA28.&nbsp;
<h3>What to expect:</h3>
Dressage is likely to be between 27 - 30. They have shown cross country speed at this level - winning Tryon last year with a clear inside time. It will be the first test on the hills of Morven Park. Excellent show jumper too - clear in 22 of their 27 career internationals. Huge contender and strong finisher. Likely decided by their time on Saturday.&nbsp;
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/fb133564-be3b-409e-bd0e-0335b678713c.png?width=1600&amp;height=400" alt="Shanroe Cooley">
Boyd Martin and Shanroe Cooley, also previously competed by Liz Halliday, arrive with a 13% win chance. &lsquo;Dallas'&nbsp;is an Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Ocala Horse Properties. Having spent the winter competing in the hunter and jumper rings with Peter Wylde and Eleanor Pieters in Florida, he has gone back to eventing, joining Boyd&rsquo;s string. Under Liz Halliday's guidance, Shanroe Cooley established himself with top-five finishes at both CCI4*-S and CCI4*-L. He is currently rated 661 on EquiRatings Elo - the second-highest rated 10-year-old in the US behind only HSH Blake.
With Boyd, the 10-year-old gelding has actually produced better placings than his stablemate in their limited outings together. Boyd and Shanroe Cooley won Bromont CCI3*-S and finished 3rd at Tryon CCI4*-S having accrued less time penalties than Miks Master C.
<h3>What to expect:</h3>
Shanoe Cooley has an excellent cross country record at international level with only one non-prefect jumping round from 22 international starts. They also have an exceptional show jumping record with one rail in the last 13 international competitions. It feels likely that they start around the 30 mark but with a time test promised at Morven Park, this horse is a likely podium finisher and could take the win.&nbsp;
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/2937cda3-64bf-46aa-bb40-29cdfd0c85d0.png?width=1600&amp;height=400" alt="Very Dignified">
Rounding out the top five is another 10-year-old Very Dignified. This is a newer partnership for Will Coleman, landing in his string from the Irish rider Robbie Kearns, who successfully produced the horse up to a win in the CCI4*-L at Kilguilkey, in Ireland. The mare is owned by Jerome Broussard, Gloria Callen, and Elizabeth Lendrum.
While they've completed only one four-star together - a 6th place at The Fork at Tryon with a pole down and 18.8 time penalties - the potential is clearly there. In classic Coleman style, he has already improved the horse's dressage phase, achieving the horse's best ever dressage score of 25.8 (3*S at Tryon in May).
<h3 dir="ltr">What to expect:</h3>
Will has improved the first phase meaning a sub 28 start is very possible. They finish strongly (only one rail in the last six internationals, including a clear with Robbie at Boekelo in this long format style). Will hasn't yet pushed for time on their rides to date but we expect it to be there given the record with Robbie. This one is under the radar but has lots to like and shouldn't be a surprise winner.
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Eventing