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<h2 dir="ltr">Show Jumping: A First 5* 160 Win Puts Mimi Gochman in the Open Spotlight</h2>
The US Equestrian Open Final: Wellington, Week 12 | Countdown: 5 Weeks
The $300,000 Longines FEI World Cup&trade; qualifier at the World Equestrian Center, Ocala saw the 21-year-old rising star Mimi Gochman out-jump a field of Olympic veterans. In a high-pressure jump-off, Gochman delivered the performance of her career aboard Iron Maiden, jumping the only double clear to win her first-ever 5* 160 Grand Prix/World Cup. The victory was a massive statement for the home nation, with Gochman beating Brazil&rsquo;s Eduardo Pereira de Menezes and Ireland&rsquo;s Cian O&rsquo;Connor.
Gochman&rsquo;s dominance in Ocala isn't a flash in the pan but rather the continuation of a red-hot 2026 run. Just nine days prior, she claimed the CSI5* WEF Challenge Cup with Inclen BH. With two horses in winning form and confidence clearly building, she has moved firmly into contention for the US Equestrian Open title. With just six weeks until the Rolex finale in Wellington, the question now is whether she can sustain that momentum against the likes of World Number One Scott Brash and home-turf hero Kent Farrington.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/jumping" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/93f7dc6e-604b-4d1d-913d-73eddaee42db.png?width=1080&amp;height=161" alt="Read More Jumping"></a>
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<h2 dir="ltr">Eventing: Heavy Hitters Headline Bouckaert</h2>
Next Qualifier: Bouckaert Equestrian | Countdown: 2 Weeks
The road to the 2026 Series heads to Georgia, with entries closing today for the first qualifier of the new year. Last week we looked at the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-first-wef-5-dressage-momentum-and-bouckaert-takes-shape" target="_blank" rel="noopener">early names on the list</a>, and since then the field has grown to 26 confirmed combinations in the CCI4*-S - meaning the winner will walk away with a full 50 points.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ec2bc08c-7c88-4dc3-a5e7-4fd9617950fd.png?width=3204&amp;height=2600" alt="Qualifiers With More Than 25 Starters (1) (1) (1)"> It&rsquo;s a serious field to open 2026 - the kind that sets the tone for the season ahead. Here are a few standout names on the list.
Lucienne Bellissimo: The current Series leader arrives for the first time&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/new-flag-for-the-frontrunner">officially flying the American flag</a>. Bellissimo brings a two horses to the 4* with Kitsch Couture HPK and Easter Star WM, who makes her move up to the level. Her October winner, Dyri, will contest the Open Intermediate alongside Qatar M as she builds her depth for the 2026 title race.
Waylon Roberts: Currently third in the series standings, the Canadian veteran brings forward Chevalier. The new ride for Roberts in 2025 (previously campaigned by Karl Slezak) finished in the top four in all four of their international starts. This streak includes a victory in the CCI3*-S at The Fork at Tryon last September.
Buck Davidson: Currently sitting in fifth place on the Series leaderboard, Buck returns with Cooley Candyman and Cerafino D. Cerafino D already has a podium finish at this venue from October&rsquo;s opening qualifier, making him a proven competitor on this track.
Caroline Pamukcu: A top-three finisher in last year&rsquo;s series, Pamukcu brings three contenders including the notoriously fast HSH Double Sixteen. The thoroughbred was one of only two horses to win multiple qualifiers during the 2025 series. As the defending champion of this exact event, he returns to the venue where he secured victory last March by recording the fastest cross country time of the day. Pamukcu also brings HSH Connor and King&rsquo;s Especiale.
Boyd Martin: The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/reigning-us-open-of-eventing-champion-boyd-martin-named-2025-usef-international-equestrian-of-the-year">2025 Series and Final winner</a> is leaving nothing to chance, arriving with four entries. His string includes 5* superstar and previous qualifier winner Commando 3, and Cooley Nutcracker, fresh off a 3rd place finish at Pau 5*. Keep an eye on his 4* debutants Fetiche Des Rouges and Kolbeinn; both horses jumped double clear at every international start last season, with Kolbeinn winning the 3*-L at Bromont.
With two weeks to go, Bouckaert is shaping up to be a pivotal qualifier. Lucienne Bellissimo arrives with the series lead but Caroline Pamukcu and Boyd Martin bring depth, experience, and serious firepower. If she wants to extend her advantage, she&rsquo;ll have to earn it.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c23492d7-840b-47ef-9003-9f9fdbe46459.png?width=1240&amp;height=714" alt="E Fens Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Eventing (1)">
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/eventing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/254e09dd-d92e-4194-986b-baf0dbd8460b.png?width=1080&amp;height=158" alt="Read More Eventing"></a>
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<h2 dir="ltr">Dressage: Davis Capitalizes as Mendoza Loor Withdraws</h2>
Next Qualifier: Adequan&reg; Global Dressage Festival 7 | The Final: Desert Dressage, Thermal CA (November)
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9d63989b-5f1c-4c8a-a6b8-f7d4d31a3eaa.png?width=697&amp;height=850" alt="Screenshot 2026 02 17 130211">
A four-horse Grand Prix Freestyle at World Equestrian Center&ndash;Ocala shifted before it even began when pre-show favorite Julio Mendoza Loor withdrew. No reason was given, though he is entered to compete in Wellington this week, suggesting a possible change in target. His absence left the door open, and Meagan Davis stepped through it.
Davis and Toronto Lightfoot won on a new personal best of 73.685%, narrowly ahead of Claire Darnell and Harrold S. Darnell improved nearly three percentage points from her previous outing at this venue&mdash;an unusually large gain at this level&mdash;and finished just 0.2 percentage points behind Davis. Two of the five judges had Darnell in first place.&nbsp;
For Davis, it was her first Series appearance since finishing third at Dressage at Devon last September. The progression with Toronto Lightfoot has been steady. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re just checking off goals left and right with Toronto,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;Getting the personal best up there on the screen&mdash;that&rsquo;s what I&rsquo;m looking for.&rdquo; She noted a mistake in the one-tempis but pointed to stronger second ones and twos on the line. The focus, she said, is continued improvement with an eye toward Europe later this year.
Charlotte Osborne, last month&rsquo;s WEC winner, finished fourth this time. Even so, her second appearance of the season moves her into fifth on the overall Series leaderboard with 21 points. Darnell now sits tied for seventh on 20.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a4c58000-e0fd-49b4-9d9d-af592ae7ed6c.png?width=1240&amp;height=806" alt="H Y6 Nq Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Dressage (1)">
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/dressage" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/df3afaab-1f25-4fab-a1dc-c46c608169fb.png?width=1080&amp;height=171" alt="Read More Dressage"></a>
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<h2 data-path-to-node="4">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-path-to-node="4">Stay in the Loop with The Open Weekly</h2>
Thanks for joining us for this week's edition! Don't forget: a fresh update of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/the-open-weekly" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Open Weekly</a> drops on the site&nbsp;every Tuesday.
<h3 data-path-to-node="9">Join the Conversation</h3>
Follow us for daily highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and live updates:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/useqopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>
<h3 data-path-to-node="6">Go Beyond the Article</h3>
Catch the latest insights and expert interviews on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sites.libsyn.com/559710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Equestrian Open Podcast</a>.
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40144145/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/28427a/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Open Weekly Graphic with Mimi Gochman jumping

The Open Weekly: Breakthrough Wins at WEC and a Stacked Bouckaert Field

<h3 dir="ltr">What is the US Equestrian Open of Eventing?</h3>
The US Equestrian Open of Eventing is a nation-wide Series that brings together top riders and horses across multiple qualifying events, all building toward a championship final at Morven Park.
Throughout the season, riders compete at Qualifiers at the CCI4*-S level to earn series points. Riders can also qualify for the US Equestrian Open Final which has a $200,000 prize pot.&nbsp;
The series is part of a broader US Equestrian Open initiative that also includes Dressage and Jumping disciplines, all designed to create a clear season-long storyline for fans to follow.
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<h3 dir="ltr">How does the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Series work?</h3>
The series runs across a set of official qualifiers during the 2025&ndash;2026 season.
At each qualifier:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Riders earn points based on their finishing position</li>
<li dir="ltr">The number of points available depends on how many starters are in the class (see image below)</li>
<li dir="ltr">Points accumulate across the season</li>
<li dir="ltr">A leaderboard tracks standings</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d17ad15d-f84f-403d-a977-f2f4b9c90d48.png?width=3204&amp;height=2600" alt="Qualifiers With More Than 25 Starters (1) (1)">
Whoever accumulates the most points by the end of the Series wins $25,000, with 2nd place getting $15,000 and receiving $10,000.
Check our this year&rsquo;s leaderboard here: <a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/2">https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/2</a>
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<h3 dir="ltr">When and where are the next US Equestrian Open eventing qualifiers?</h3>
At the time of writing, the next two qualifiers are:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Bouckaert International in Fairburn, Georgia will take place from March 5th&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr">Carolina International in Raeford, North Carolina on March 12th&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
A full list of 2025&ndash;2026 qualifiers is below.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/990e1192-6e1c-4f71-bd65-b0892eca1b8f.jpeg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="26 Open Eventing Qualifier Calendar">
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<h3 dir="ltr">What happens at a typical eventing qualifier?</h3>
Eventing is a three-phase competition, typically run over three days. All qualifiers are held at the CCI4*-S level, with most following this order: dressage first, then show jumping, and finally cross country. The final result combines penalties from all three phases with the lowest score winning.
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<h3 dir="ltr">How do riders qualify for the US Equestrian Open Final?</h3>
Riders qualify by completing at least one Series Qualifier with a MER. A MER is a Minimum Eligibility Requirement. It means the rider and horse must complete the competition within specific performance standards across all three phases.
To achieve a MER at four-star:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Dressage: Score no more than 45 penalty points (55% or better)</li>
<li dir="ltr">Show jumping: Finish with no more than 16 jumping penalties</li>
<li dir="ltr">Cross country: Jump clear at the obstacles (no more than one frangible device activation or one missing flag allowed) and finish no more than 75 seconds over the optimum time</li>
</ul>
In simple terms, a MER proves that a combination can complete the level safely and competitively across all three phases.
The Final is held at CCI4*-L level, which is a longer format competition and a true championship test at one of the best eventing venues in the country.
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<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">Where is the US Equestrian Open Final of Eventing held?</h3>
The US Equestrian Open Eventing Final takes place at Morven Park. The 2026 Final will be held on the 8th-11th of October, continuing its role as the championship destination for the Series.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f0ade7a4-b840-450b-a877-2cbe2e3fb60e.jpg?width=2704&amp;height=2134" alt="Img 5414 (2)">
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<h3 dir="ltr">How can I watch the US Equestrian Open live?</h3>
Fans can follow the US Equestrian Open in several ways:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">USEF Network: Many qualifiers and the Final are streamed live and for free on the <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_US/usef" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USEF Network.</a></li>
<li dir="ltr">Local Event Streaming: Some venues provide their own livestream coverage</li>
</ul>
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<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>What other resources are available to follow along?</h3>
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/magazines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Official Fan Guides:</a> Each qualifier has a dedicated US Equestrian Open Fan Guide available on the Open website. These guides highlight key storylines, leading contenders, and relevant numbers to help fans understand what&rsquo;s at stake.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/eventing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Weekly Articles:</a> A new article is published on this website every week, covering previews, reviews, leaderboard movement, and standout performances across the Series.
Social Media:&nbsp;Follow the US Equestrian Open<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Instagram</a> and<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a> page for event images, live updates, and season highlights.
<a href="https://podfollow.com/the-us-equestrian-open-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The US Equestrian Open Podcast</a> Stay up to date with preview and review episodes for every qualifier, plus interviews with leading contenders and top competitors throughout the Series.
This week's episode:
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40068020/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/28427a/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
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<h3 dir="ltr">Can I attend a qualifier or the final in person?</h3>
Yes! Attending in person gives you the opportunity to watch all three phases up close and experience the horses and riders at ground level.
Check the event&rsquo;s official website for daily schedules and ticket information. Most qualifiers do not require tickets, but it&rsquo;s always worth confirming in advance so you can plan ahead.
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<h3 dir="ltr">Do I need to understand all of eventing to follow the Open?</h3>
No. Even experienced equestrian fans may be new to the Open format. The series is designed to make the sport easier to follow by:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Tracking points</li>
<li dir="ltr">Creating a leaderboard</li>
<li dir="ltr">Highlighting contenders</li>
<li dir="ltr">Building toward a defined final</li>
</ul>
If you are new, start with the Fan Guide. If you are experienced, follow the podcast and deep dive articles.
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<h3 dir="ltr">Why should I follow the US Equestrian Open?</h3>
Because it turns standalone events into one season-long championship race.
You can follow who&rsquo;s climbing the leaderboard, who needs points, and who will qualify for the final at Morven Park. Real-time standings create clear storylines, and the $200,000 finale&mdash;broadcasted on ESPN and the USEF Network&mdash;brings added stakes and visibility.
It&rsquo;s elite competition, on home soil, with a narrative you can follow from start to finish.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-first-wef-5-dressage-momentum-and-bouckaert-takes-shape" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/797de4a4-a9fd-4ef8-8f83-7253791613fc.png?width=4048&amp;height=577" alt="Us Open Blog Inserts"></a>

Horse and Rider Trotting Beside The US Equestrian Open Sign 

A First-Timers Guide to the US Equestrian Open of Eventing

<h3 dir="ltr">Show Jumping: Vogel Takes the First 5* of WEF 2026 as the World No. 1 Battle Shifts</h3>
The US Equestrian Open Final: Wellington, Week 12 | Countdown: 6 Weeks
The first of four CSI5* weeks at the Winter Equestrian Festival set a high-stakes tone for what to expect as the circuit builds toward the Rolex finale. Germany&rsquo;s Richard Vogel claimed the $500,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix (1.60m) with the 10-year-old stallion Gangster Montdesir. It was a clinical performance for the rising superstar, marking his fourth clear round from four 5* starts (100% clear rate at the level).
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/297524eb-1727-4b63-bc11-aa562354867f.jpeg?width=1600&amp;height=1424" alt="Img L8956 (1)">
Kent Farrington (USA) was the first to find the path to a clear round in the evening, leading a total of eight combinations into the jump-off. While Farrington and Greya ultimately finished 5th after a pole down, their time of 40.43 seconds was the fastest of the night. It was a solid showing for the home nation, with Lillie Keenan and Argan de Beliard finishing 4th and Spencer Smith taking 6th with Keeneland.
As we suspected in last week&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-freestyle-west-coast-momentum">Open Weekly</a>, the battle for the World No.1 spot was on. Great Britain's Scott Brash has now officially overtaken Kent Farrington to become the new Longines World Number One. This marks exactly 10 years since Brash last held the position. With Brash in fantastic form in Doha&mdash;winning five Grand Prix titles this January alone&mdash;the question remains whether he will make a rare trip to Florida for the ultimate head-to-head with Farrington for the US Equestrian Open title on American soil.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/jumping" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/93f7dc6e-604b-4d1d-913d-73eddaee42db.png?width=1080&amp;height=161" alt="Read More Jumping"></a>
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<h3 dir="ltr">Dressage: A Winning Debut for G&oacute;mez Molina and Servus Ymas&nbsp;</h3>
Next Qualifier: World Equestrian Centre (WEC) February Dressage - 2/11/26 | The Final: Desert Dressage, Thermal CA (November)
AGDF&rsquo;s Friday Night Stars was held on an unusually cold, blustery Wellington night, but the conditions did little to unsettle Pablo G&oacute;mez Molina (ESP) and Servus Ymas. The pair won the CDI4* Grand Prix Freestyle with a score of 74.490%, marking their first FEI freestyle together and G&oacute;mez Molina&rsquo;s first Big Tour victory.
A win on debut at this level is uncommon, particularly when it comes with a horse stepping into a CDI4* environment for the first time and a freestyle originally choreographed for a different partner. &ldquo;I think it&rsquo;s really special because we struggled a little bit to find our groove last year,&rdquo; G&oacute;mez Molina said. &ldquo;We already felt a progression, and I think this just confirmed that we keep growing.&rdquo;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/4f2d8584-ab2f-49fb-9781-346d6cd55eec.png?width=909&amp;height=1101" alt="Screenshot 2026 02 10 144916">
Devon Kane finished second on 74.235%, with Susan Dutta third on 72.985%. With a small field and early-season timing, points were modest but still meaningful. Dutta added eight points to her existing Open total, while G&oacute;mez Molina&rsquo;s first Series appearance put both riders on 15 points. That result slots them into a seven-way tie (yes, seven) for eighth place on the leaderboard, while the top seven positions remain unchanged for now.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d2b162d1-db95-4337-bb53-bae7adbf61ea.png?width=1240&amp;height=806" alt="S Ichi Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Dressage (1)">
For G&oacute;mez Molina, the result marked his first Open qualifier appearance since finishing tenth at AGDF 3 in 2025 aboard Ulises de Ymas - a horse who, fittingly, is also Servus Ymas&rsquo;s sole traveling companion. Servus Ymas, the 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding, has been produced by G&oacute;mez Molina since age five and is known for being powerful, sharp, and very much his own character. The freestyle, originally built for Ulises de Ymas, was used here as a test of how Servus might handle the demands of the level. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s no better place to try those things than here,&rdquo; G&oacute;mez Molina said.
If a mid-70s score is what the pair can produce with a borrowed program, future outings with a freestyle built specifically for Servus Ymas will be worth watching.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/dressage" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/df3afaab-1f25-4fab-a1dc-c46c608169fb.png?width=1080&amp;height=171" alt="Read More Dressage"></a>
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<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">Eventing: Early Bouckaert Entries Roll In</h3>
Next Qualifier: Bouckaert Farm - 3/5/26 | Countdown: 3 Weeks
The series returns to Georgia next month for the Bouckaert Equestrian International (March 5-8). Early entries are beginning to roll in, and we already have five pairs confirmed for the first qualifier of 2026.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Zach Brandt &amp; Direct Advance: Ocala-based Brandt contested three qualifiers last year with Direct Advance. The now fifteen-year-old jumped double-clear twice for two top-10 finishes.</li>
<li dir="ltr">Mia Farley &amp; Phelps: Last year, Farley used this event as a prep run for the Kentucky 5* with a slower cross-country round that added 22 time penalties. It is always a pleasure to see fan-favorite Phelps back out, particularly in the cross-country phase.</li>
<li dir="ltr">Olivia Dutton &amp; Jewelent: Jewelent will contest his first 4* with Olivia, having previously been campaigned at the level by her father, Phillip Dutton.</li>
<li dir="ltr">Ali Kuhn &amp; Little Hail: This 15.1hh OTTB captured hearts at last year&rsquo;s Kentucky 4* with a clear cross-country round and their signature pink cross-country colors. They will contest their second four-star at Bouckaert.</li>
<li dir="ltr">Jan Byyny &amp; Beautiful Storm: Having contested three qualifiers and the Final last season, this is a long-established combination, with Byyny producing the 11-year-old Thoroughbred since he was three</li>
</ul>
Keep a close eye on the entry list for Lucienne Bellissimo. As our current Series leader, she won the opening qualifier at Bouckaert last October with Dyri. As of last week, Bellissimo now officially <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/new-flag-for-the-frontrunner">represents the United States after changing her nationality from Great Britain.</a> Her decision to change nationality reflects a long-term personal commitment to the country she has called home for many years.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c23492d7-840b-47ef-9003-9f9fdbe46459.png?width=1240&amp;height=714" alt="E Fens Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Eventing (1)">
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/eventing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/254e09dd-d92e-4194-986b-baf0dbd8460b.png?width=1080&amp;height=158" alt="Read More Eventing"></a>
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<h2 data-path-to-node="4">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-path-to-node="4">Stay in the Loop with The Open Weekly</h2>
Thanks for joining us for this week's edition! Don't forget: a fresh update of&nbsp;The Open Weekly&nbsp;drops on the site&nbsp;every Tuesday.
<h3 data-path-to-node="9">Join the Conversation</h3>
Follow us for daily highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and live updates:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/useqopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>
<h3 data-path-to-node="6">Go Beyond the Article</h3>
Catch the latest insights and expert interviews on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sites.libsyn.com/559710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Equestrian Open Podcast</a>.
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40068020/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/28427a/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Open Weekly Promotion Poster with Lillie Keenan Jumping

The Open Weekly: The First WEF 5*, Dressage Momentum, and Bouckaert Takes Shape

Super Bowl week is a big one.
Even if you don&rsquo;t follow football all year, you still feel it. The build-up. The noise. The Half-time Show (Its Bad Bunny this year). The tribalism. The sense that this one game is bigger than the game. It&rsquo;s where we hope to get the Open to.&nbsp;
So this week, the US Equestrian Open podcast did something we don&rsquo;t normally do.&nbsp;We stepped outside equestrian sport.
Not because we want to become a football channel, but because the Super Bowl is one of the best examples on the planet of how to turn sport into a fan experience. <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/dec69256-85d0-4058-aa1b-d8d1fb507147.png?width=1449&amp;height=1108" alt="Superbowl 60">
We brought in four of the US Equestrian of Open of Eventing biggest voices to share their take:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Aspen Farms (Qualifier 13) organizer Jonathan Elliott&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr">Terranova (Qualifier 2 and 5), Carolina (Qualifier 4) organizer Max Corcoran&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr">Aiken's Joanie Morris</li>
<li dir="ltr">Course designer Morgan Rowsell</li>
</ul>
Listen to the full episode <a href="https://pod.fo/e/387c28" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.</a>
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<h2 dir="ltr">Lesson 1: Fans don&rsquo;t fall in love with sport. They fall in love with stories.</h2>
Sure, we all loved Joe Montana but Tom Brady is generally considered the GOAT. When the group starts talking about Tom Brady (and those Patriots fans love talking about Tom Brady) it&rsquo;s not the stats that make it interesting. It&rsquo;s the story.
<blockquote>
Joanie Morris puts it simply:&nbsp;&ldquo;The best thing for me about Tom Brady is where he came from, right?&rdquo;
</blockquote>
Joanie follows it with the part that matters most for fandom:&nbsp;&ldquo;He wasn&rsquo;t born a star, everyone thinking that he was gonna be this guy.&rdquo;
<blockquote>
Max Corcoran adds the part every sport needs more of:&nbsp;&ldquo;He was back up, running, riding the bench and just worked hard and just, and studied it and was ready to go when he was tapped.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
That&rsquo;s not just football. That&rsquo;s sport. We have seen plenty of people wait for their chance in the Open and go for it.&nbsp;
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<h2 dir="ltr">Lesson 2: Big sports don&rsquo;t create one storyline. They create 100.</h2>
Morgan Rowsell makes the point that the NFL is always doing the work for you. It never lets the story die.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;What a lot of these other larger, more well-funded sports do, especially in football, is that there&rsquo;s just a constant story and there&rsquo;s constant buildup. There&rsquo;s, you know,&nbsp;Drake Maye&rsquo;s shoulder. So let&rsquo;s talk about that for three news cycles.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
That&rsquo;s the machine. And it&rsquo;s a reminder: the NFL doesn&rsquo;t just have fans because it&rsquo;s big. It&rsquo;s big because it keeps giving fans something to follow. Our job with the Open is to keep creating the stories. Our sports aren&rsquo;t short on them.&nbsp;
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<h2 dir="ltr">Lesson 3: Access is everything</h2>
A big part of the Open is access. Joanie Morris raised something we have talked a lot about as part of our 2026 planning. Modern sports bring us fans even closer to the action - and not just to the sport.&nbsp;
<blockquote>
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s feeling like you&rsquo;re right there, right. It&rsquo;s the sideline mics. It&rsquo;s the guys mic&rsquo;d up. It&rsquo;s the cameras are so close to the players and the coaches and the emotions are, you know, so you&rsquo;re living the emotions in real time in those big games.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
That&rsquo;s something we will work on for the Open. We want to capture more behind the scenes action, more stable chat, more families and friends helping us shape the stories.&nbsp;
Access is what turns &ldquo;watching&rdquo; into &ldquo;caring.&rdquo;
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<hr>
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<h2 dir="ltr">Lesson 4: Jeopardy is what makes sport addictive</h2>
EquiRatings&rsquo; Diarmuid Byrne talks about the importance of sport mattering. Not every qualifier will be a Super Bowl of course but within each class there will be an angle. It matters to someone, in some way - you have to find it.&nbsp;
<blockquote>
&ldquo;It has to feel like every competition has to feel like it means something to somebody.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
That&rsquo;s the Open in one sentence.&nbsp;And it&rsquo;s also why Super Bowl week works.&nbsp;Because everyone knows the stakes.
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<hr>
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<h2 dir="ltr">Lesson 5: Tribalism is not a problem. It&rsquo;s the engine.</h2>
One of the most entertaining parts of the episode is that the trash talk starts immediately.
Joanie Morris, right out of the gate:&nbsp;&ldquo;I feel like we&rsquo;re in for a good game and Elliot&rsquo;s gonna be sad again.&rdquo;
Morgan Rowsell is even more direct:&nbsp;&ldquo;I like that he&rsquo;s gonna be sad.&rdquo;
Max Corcoran sums up what it feels like to be a Patriots fan:&nbsp;&ldquo;Everybody hates the Patriots.&rdquo;
And then the conversation turns into something genuinely useful.&nbsp;Joanie asks whether equestrian sport could build more local identity:
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Is there a way with some of these riders and horses and stories to tie them geographically a little bit more locally to build a more local fan base?&rdquo;
</blockquote>
We love this and we want to lean in more this year. We want to start referencing more where people come from and who they represent. Identity is so important and we want to lean in more to things which help fans connect.&nbsp;
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<hr>
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Lesson 6: Fans want to wear the sport</h2>
Max Corcoran gives the most practical example of something equestrian sport is missing.&nbsp;She talks about a sports fan parent who found it strange that equestrian fans can&rsquo;t buy anything that represents who they love.
Max says:&nbsp;&ldquo;It&rsquo;s really interesting, most of the time, if you go to a baseball game, a basketball game, anything, you can buy your favorite player&rsquo;s jersey or you can buy your favorite player&rsquo;s anything. But in the equestrian world, you can&rsquo;t do that because they don&rsquo;t have it.&rdquo;
Boyd Martin, last years Series and Final winner is an exception to this.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Boyd is the first person I think that I know of, in equestrian that has actually bridged that gap and you can buy his, his, you know, rugby shirts now.&rdquo;
It&rsquo;s not just &ldquo;merch.&rdquo; It&rsquo;s identity.
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<h2 dir="ltr">Lesson 7: Our sport is spectacular. We should be prouder.&nbsp;</h2>
This is where Diarm hits the most &ldquo;US Equestrian Open&rdquo; point of the entire episode.
He explains that equestrian sport already has all the raw ingredients. The stories, the personalities, the jeopardy, the partnership, the drama.
&ldquo;When you think of the depth of the backstories that are in our sport, we could do that.&rdquo;
And then he makes the bigger point: we should stop being shy about how special it is. We are one of the few sports in the world that can genuinely say we lead with care. We don&rsquo;t just talk about horse welfare, we champion it globally. We show it. We invest in it. We hold ourselves to it.
So instead of dialling things down, we should do the opposite.
We should be proud of the sport. Proud of the people in it. Proud of what it stands for.
Because when you look at how other sports present themselves, they never apologise for their spectacle.
&ldquo;And then you look at, say, college game day in the US&hellip; and then you feel like there&rsquo;s no need to calm down.&rdquo;
That&rsquo;s the Open&rsquo;s whole mission.
Make it feel like it matters. Make it feel like sport. Make it feel like entertainment.
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<h2 dir="ltr">Bonus: The Super Bowl 60 predictions (and the confidence levels)</h2>
We couldn&rsquo;t do a Super Bowl preview episode without forcing everyone to put their money where their mouth is.&nbsp;And the range of predictions is&hellip; wide.
Morgan Rowsell goes for a defensive grind:&nbsp;&ldquo;It&rsquo;s gonna be a low-scoring game. I think it&rsquo;s gonna be 17-14, the Patriots.&rdquo;
Max Corcoran is also on the Patriots, but sees a little more scoring:&nbsp;&ldquo;I was going 21-24 Patriots.&rdquo;
Joanie Morris sticks with her original gut call:&nbsp;&ldquo;I was going 17-13 Patriots&hellip; but that feels too close to Morgan. I&rsquo;m gonna go... no I&rsquo;m sticking with it.&rdquo;
And Jonathan Elliott, the lone Seahawks supporter on the panel, comes in with the boldest prediction of the entire episode:&nbsp;&ldquo;31-10 Hawks, they take it convincingly. Convincingly.&rdquo;
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<h2 dir="ltr">Final Thoughts (and a Super Bowl-sized disclaimer)</h2>
This episode is a Super Bowl preview.&nbsp;But it&rsquo;s also something more useful.
It&rsquo;s four of the Open&rsquo;s biggest voices, plus Diarm and Annie, describing the gap between equestrian sport and the biggest fan machine on earth, and spelling out what we can steal.
More story.&nbsp;More access.&nbsp;More repetition.&nbsp;More jeopardy.&nbsp;More identity.&nbsp;And definitely more enthusiasm.
Because if football has taught us anything, it&rsquo;s that people don&rsquo;t fall in love with &ldquo;results.&rdquo;&nbsp;They fall in love with what the results mean.
Listen to the full episode <a href="https://pod.fo/e/387c28" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>
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<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-freestyle-west-coast-momentum" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/797de4a4-a9fd-4ef8-8f83-7253791613fc.png?width=4048&amp;height=577" alt="Us Open Blog Inserts"></a>
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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;
&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c9dfe039-3b02-415d-b513-c5bd87d85dae.jpeg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="26 Open Eventing Qualifier Calendar">
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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>.

US Equestrian Open CrossOver with Superbowl

The Open X Super Bowl LX: 7 Lessons

Lucienne Bellissimo has spent much of her career flying the British flag. In 2026, she&rsquo;s doing something new - leading the U.S. Equestrian Open of Eventing Series as an American.
After officially becoming a United States citizen in late 2025, Bellissimo now represents the US as she sits atop the 2026 Open leaderboard following the first two qualifiers, both contested with Dyri and Kitsch Couture HPK at the tail end of last season.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c23492d7-840b-47ef-9003-9f9fdbe46459.png?width=1240&amp;height=714" alt="E Fens Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Eventing (1)">
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<h3 data-start="893" data-end="937">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="893" data-end="937">A Long-Term Commitment Comes Full Circle</h3>
Originally from England, Bellissimo has based her life, business, and competitive career in the United States for many years. Her decision to change nationality reflects a long-term personal and professional commitment to American eventing - one built gradually rather than overnight.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;It is such an honor to now be an American citizen. Becoming part of a culture that celebrates big dreams feels like the right&nbsp;home.&nbsp;The support of my husband and stepchildren through this chapter has been so inspiring, and I will&nbsp;give my all to make them and America proud in the next chapter of my eventing career."
</blockquote>
Becoming a US citizen allows Bellissimo to align her competitive ambitions with the country she has called home, including her long-term goal of representing Team USA at the highest level of the sport.&nbsp;
<h3 data-start="2019" data-end="2050">Experience at the Top Level</h3>
Bellissimo brings decades of top-level experience into this new chapter. She has competed internationally at CCI4* level since 2006 and has ranked as high as ninth in the US Eventing Rankings, alongside appearances inside the top 50 of the FEI world rankings.&nbsp;
Beyond competition, she is also the founder of Horse Scout Group and has spent more than 20 years developing and sourcing elite event horses - experience that continues to shape her depth and durability at the top of the sport.
<h3 data-start="2582" data-end="2615">A New Flag, the Same Ambition</h3>
Nationality may have changed, but Bellissimo&rsquo;s competitive direction remains clear. With her sights set on a CCI5* future and a strong start to the US Equestrian Open Series already in hand, she enters 2026 as both a proven campaigner and a new face for Team USA.
As the season unfolds, Bellissimo&rsquo;s Open campaign will be followed not just as a points race but as the beginning of a new era under a new flag.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-freestyle-west-coast-momentum" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/797de4a4-a9fd-4ef8-8f83-7253791613fc.png?width=4048&amp;height=577" alt="Us Open Blog Inserts"></a>
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&nbsp;
<h3 data-start="2884" data-end="3030">Listen to Lucienne Bellissimo on the US Equestrian Open Podcast last year.</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;
&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c9dfe039-3b02-415d-b513-c5bd87d85dae.jpeg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="26 Open Eventing Qualifier Calendar">
&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>.

New Flag for the Frontrunner

The US Equestrian Open of Eventing was designed to connect the country's top CCI4*-S competitions into a year-long championship. But there's an inherent tension in the format: American eventing is split down the middle, with the sport's traditional power centers&mdash;Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania&mdash;clustered on the East Coast, while the West operates almost as its own circuit.
It's not just geography. It's logistics, it's culture, and increasingly, it's strategy.
This raises a compelling question heading into the 2026 series: Can a West Coast-based rider actually win it all?
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&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">The West Coast Disadvantage (Or Is It?)</h2>
There are five West Coast venues in the Open series&mdash;Twin Rivers, Galway Downs, Rebecca Farm, Aspen Farms, and Woodside&mdash;hosting six total qualifiers. Yes, that's fewer events than the East Coast offers. And yes, West Coast fields tend to be smaller. In fact, none in 2025 exceeded 12 starters.
But here's what the numbers actually show: it's absolutely winnable from the West.
Under the Open's points structure, wins at qualifiers with fewer than 25 starters earn 40 points instead of 50. Six West Coast wins? That's 240 points. Last year, Boyd Martin won the series with 260 points - just 20 more. Phillip Dutton's second-place finish came in at 235 points.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0c791596-b15d-4a2b-8862-2e998a744a81.png?width=3204&amp;height=2600" alt="Qualifiers With More Than 25 Starters (1)">
The gap isn't insurmountable. In fact, it's small enough that one strategic East Coast trip&mdash;say, Kentucky with two horses&mdash;can close it entirely.
And we've already seen it work. Tamie Smith and James Alliston both finished high on the 2025 leaderboard despite being West Coast based. They didn't need to dominate the East Coast circuit - they just needed to dominate their circuit, then supplement strategically.
That's not a disadvantage. That's a blueprint.
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&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">The Kentucky Factor</h2>
The great equalizer? The Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S at Kentucky Horse Park, which consistently draws huge entries. It's the one East Coast event where West Coast riders routinely make the trip and now with the US Open in the mix it's for good reason. A strong result will guarantee you high points, and if you bring multiple horses, it's a chance to bank serious totals in a single weekend.
In 2025, Tamie Smith, James Alliston, Molly Duda, and Tommy Greengard all made the pilgrimage east for Kentucky.
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<h2 dir="ltr">The Contenders</h2>
If a West Coast rider is going to break through in 2026, it'll likely be one of these four. Each brings a different approach, but all have the horsepower to compete.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5054259c-98f2-4311-b0ee-621211562860.jpeg?width=1600&amp;height=1242" alt="K3de 539">
<h3 dir="ltr">Tamie Smith: The Rebecca Farm Specialist</h3>
Tamie Smith doesn't just compete at Rebecca Farm in Montana - she owns it. Across 13 CCI4*-S starts there, she's posted 11 top-three finishes, including multiple wins. Her record there is nothing short of dominant, and in a series where consistency matters, that's a built-in advantage.
This year, Smith brings three confirmed 4* horses: Lillet 3, Kynan, and Danito. But the wildcard is D'Luxe Steel, a rising star who's won both his CCI3* attempts. If he steps up to 4*, Smith has a serious string.
The strategic play? Rack up points at Rebecca Farm and Woodside, make a calculated Kentucky run with multiple horses, and let the numbers stack up.
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c0635902-1735-4dd1-b2f4-de2ad532e3a4.jpeg?width=1600&amp;height=1174" alt="K3de 548">
<h3 dir="ltr">James Alliston: The Volume Shooter</h3>
James Alliston's 2025 campaign was a masterclass in sheer volume. He competed six different horses at CCI4*-S level, including three wins. His breakout star was HMR Rolan, who won back-to-back 4* events on his four-star debut - a breakthrough that immediately marked him as a serious contender for 2026.
Alliston also has proven commodities in Paper Jam, Nemesis, Cora, and Karma, and Irish Pop. That depth gives him flexibility: he can double-up at West Coast events, absorb an off day with one horse, and still stay competitive.
Twin Rivers has been particularly kind to Alliston. He won<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/west-side-story"> six consecutive editions</a> between 2021 and 2025, and with the venue hosting two Open legs, Alliston has a serious chance to rack up points.
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c56ba19f-73a9-4a5f-8cf8-4933666e11d2.jpeg?width=1600&amp;height=1067" alt="Web 25 Bicton Usa Duda 8412">
<h3 dir="ltr">Molly Duda: The Rising Threat</h3>
Molly Duda campaigned two horses at 4* in 2025&mdash;Disco Traveler and Carlingford&rsquo;s He&rsquo;s A Clover&mdash;but her string is building. Jutopia impressed at the three-star level with Duda, including a one-off second-place finish at Rebecca Farm&rsquo;s CCI4*-S with Tamie Smith.
If 21-year-old Duda steps up with Jutopia and continues developing her other prospects, she could quietly accumulate enough points to challenge for a podium spot. She won't win on volume, but she doesn't need to - she just needs clean, consistent performances.
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/2f20b1e6-fa98-4a8e-bd75-b47d1eb70e6b.jpeg?width=1600&amp;height=1222" alt="K3de 540">
<h3 dir="ltr">Tommy Greengard: The Commitment Question</h3>
Tommy Greengard was on track to have a stellar 2025 series before his campaign stalled mid-season. In fact, at the time we thought<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/tommy-greengard-the-west-coast-contender-who-could-win-it-all"> he could win the whole thing.</a> With Joshuay MBF and That's Me Z, he showed he had the horses and the talent but not the sustained commitment across enough qualifiers.
In 2026, the question is simple: will he go all-in?
If Greengard commits to the full calendar, doubles up strategically, and makes a Kentucky appearance, he's got a legitimate shot. But as we saw last year, potential and execution are two different things.
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<h3 dir="ltr">The Dark Horse: Kaylawna Smith-Cook</h3>
Don't sleep on Kaylawna Smith-Cook, Tamie's daughter. She competed at CCI4*-S level from 2021-2023 and currently has three horses campaigning successfully at CCI3* level: Piccadilly's Pride ME, Dealas, and Coco Chanel.
If even one of those horses steps up to 4* this season, Kaylawna becomes a contender - especially if she mirrors her mother's approach of picking her spots carefully and executing when it counts.
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<hr>
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">The Path to Victory</h2>
So can a West Coast rider win the 2026 US Equestrian Open? The blueprint exists:
<ol>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Dominate at home.&nbsp;Win or podium at all six West Coast qualifiers. Even at 40 points per win, that's 240 points.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Double up strategically.&nbsp;Bring multiple horses to high-point qualifiers like Kentucky. Two horses in the top five at a single event can net 85+ points in one weekend.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Play the volume game.&nbsp;You need depth. No single horse will win the series; it's always going to be a string effort.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Don't overthink the East Coast. You don&rsquo;t need to bounce around states like Pennsylvania and Virginia. One or two well-timed trips east can be enough if your West Coast foundation is solid.</li>
</ol>
Tamie Smith, James Alliston, Molly Duda, and Tommy Greengard all have the tools. The question is whether they'll commit to the strategy and whether 2026 will be the year a West Coast rider takes it all.
Stay tuned. The series starts in less than two months, and the West has something to prove.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-freestyle-west-coast-momentum" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/797de4a4-a9fd-4ef8-8f83-7253791613fc.png?width=4048&amp;height=577" alt="Us Open Blog Inserts"></a>
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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;
&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c9dfe039-3b02-415d-b513-c5bd87d85dae.jpeg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="26 Open Eventing Qualifier Calendar">
&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>.

Is the US Equestrian Open Winnable from the West Coast?

<h3 dir="ltr">Dressage: Osborne Claims Ocala Freestyle</h3>
Next Qualifier: Adequan&reg; Global Dressage Festival 5 - CDI4* | The Final: Desert Dressage, Thermal CA (November)
The Grand Prix Freestyle at World Equestrian Center&ndash;Ocala drew a three-horse field, limiting the points on offer. The weekend&rsquo;s most notable result came from Charlotte Osborne (GBR) and Fruhlingszauber, who produced the highest score of the class.
Osborne and Fruhlingszauber won on 70.775 percent, setting a new personal best in just the pair&rsquo;s second FEI Grand Prix Freestyle together. They finished narrowly ahead of pre-show favorites Claire Darnell and Harrold S on 70.560 percent. Darnell and Harrold S entered the weekend with the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/claire-darnell-enters-as-favorite-at-wec-ocala-cdi3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">strongest statistical profile in the field</a>, averaging 73.569 percent across four freestyle starts with a personal best of 77.015.
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUQxBKYEbuS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c6dea697-f831-41d8-95f9-2a6f9f2343df.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="100+ Club Season Openers Graphics"></a>
Sylvia Gugler and Vulkano 14 completed the podium on 66.600 percent. While the small field capped points, Gugler&rsquo;s second Open appearance of the season was enough to move her from within the top 20 to seventh on the Series leaderboard following her earlier start at Gold Coast.
Next week brings the return of Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn and Gino, who will have an opportunity to challenge for the top leaderboard spot with Christian Simonson and Indian Rock not contesting the freestyle.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/68dc7bad-b3e7-4798-a77d-6aeab3c0ada6.png?width=1240&amp;height=806" alt="S Ichi Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Dressage ">
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/dressage" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/df3afaab-1f25-4fab-a1dc-c46c608169fb.png?width=1080&amp;height=171" alt="Read More Dressage"></a>
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<h2 dir="ltr">Eventing: The West Coast Awakens at Galway Downs</h2>
Next Qualifier: Bouckaert Farm | Countdown: 4 Weeks
We are now just one month away from the action returning! While the national season kicked off in Florida two weeks ago, the West Coast officially joined the fray this weekend at Galway Downs. The Temecula tracks provided the first real opportunity of 2026 for California-based Open contenders to shake off the cobwebs and put their off-season homework to the test.
Tamie Smith made an emphatic statement to start her year, campaigning a massive string of seven horses. Of particular interest for the Open is Lillet 3. The 10-year-old mare, who successfully stepped up to the four-star level last year, currently sits as the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-crystal-ball-how-data-predicts-the-next-generation-of-us-superstars">second-highest rated US ten-year-old.</a> Only the recently returned Jaguars Duende (Sharon White) sits higher in that age bracket. Smith and Lillet 3 secured a win in the Open Intermediate division, finishing on a score of 32.4. With six Open Qualifiers on the West Coast in 2026, Lillet 3 is very likely a horse that will secure big points for Smith this season.&nbsp;
Another pair lining up for a big 2026 is Galway Downs-based Erin Kellerhouse and Bon Vivant GWF. After an impressive 2025 campaign that included four podium finishes in five international starts at the 3* level, this pair look primed for a four-star step-up. They won the Intermediate/Preliminary division, finishing on their dressage score of 33.1.
While these results set a high bar for form and fitness, West Coast riders must remain patient until Galway Downs International at the end of March to officially put points on the board when the US Equestrian Open of Eventing finally arrives on the West Coast.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a8c33f23-f4e4-48f0-b943-54753a1eec22.png?width=1240&amp;height=714" alt="E Fens Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Eventing ">
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/eventing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/254e09dd-d92e-4194-986b-baf0dbd8460b.png?width=1080&amp;height=158" alt="Read More Eventing"></a>
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<h2 dir="ltr">Show Jumping: A big weekend in Desert and a British challenger emerges</h2>
The US Equestrian Open Final: Wellington, Week 12&nbsp; | Countdown: 7 Weeks
At the Desert International Horse Park, the CSI5*-W $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup&trade; Thermal turned into a masterclass for the home nation. In a seven-horse jump-off, American riders locked out the podium. Kyle King claimed the top spot aboard Kayenne Z, followed closely by Karl Cook on the ever-consistent Foxy de la Roque in 2nd. Kaitlin Campbell rounded out the top three with Karius.
Irish riders were again the ones to beat at Wellington International and the leaderboard featured some familiar faces from last year&rsquo;s Open Final. The MARS Equestrian CSI4* Grand Prix win went to Shane Sweetnam (IRL) with a first big win for Coriaan van Klapscheut Z.&nbsp; Bertram Allen (IRL) finished second with Qonquest de Rigo - a combination which finished fifth in last year&rsquo;s final.&nbsp;
Scott Brash (GBR) doesn&rsquo;t often go to Wellington. In fact, it has been over 10 years since we saw him and Hello Sanctos win a 160 Grand Prix there in 2014 during Week 12. All eyes will be on the Kent Farrington v Scott Brash story if we do see an entry emerge. Brash is in remarkable form. He extended his Doha run with victory in Sunday&rsquo;s CSI5* 1.60m Grand Prix aboard Hello Jefferson, marking his fifth Grand Prix win of the 2026 season (three at 5* level) and capping a January that simply does not happen in modern show jumping. Backed by a string that includes Hello Jefferson, Hello Folie, Hello Mango and Hello Chadora Lady, Scott Brash sits world number two with real momentum in the rankings race. If he does choose to return to Wellington, it will set up a huge battle to keep the trophy on home soil.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/jumping" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/93f7dc6e-604b-4d1d-913d-73eddaee42db.png?width=1080&amp;height=161" alt="Read More Jumping"></a>
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<h2 data-path-to-node="4">Stay in the Loop with The Open Weekly</h2>
Thanks for joining us for this week's edition! Don't forget: a fresh update of&nbsp;The Open Weekly&nbsp;drops on the site&nbsp;every Tuesday.
<h3 data-path-to-node="9">Join the Conversation</h3>
Follow us for daily highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and live updates:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/useqopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>
<h3 data-path-to-node="6">Go Beyond the Article</h3>
Catch the latest insights and expert interviews on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sites.libsyn.com/559710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Equestrian Open Podcast</a>.
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The Open Weekly: Freestyle Wins, West Coast Returns, and Momentum Builds

For more than a decade, EquiRatings metrics have been flagging future 5* and championship horses while they were still competing at 3*. And the latest numbers suggest the biggest future players in the US Equestrian Open aren&rsquo;t coming from nowhere, they&rsquo;ve been hiding in plain sight all along.
<h3>1. HPR</h3>
Think of the High Performance Rating (HPR) as the metric that measures individual brilliance. It answers one specific question: &ldquo;How impressive was that particular ride?&rdquo; Traditional scoring only tells you who finished first, but the HPR strips away the "noise" to reveal the true quality of a performance.&nbsp;
Unlike a standard penalty score, HPR accounts for variables that raw results miss. It weighs field strength, course difficulty, winning margins, and even the judging. Because of this, a horse finishing fifth in an Olympic-caliber class can earn a higher HPR than a win at a weak local event.
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">2. Elo</h3>
If HPR is the stopwatch that catches a spike in brilliance, Elo is the market. It measures long-term consistency over a horse's entire career.
The system is self-correcting and works like a points exchange. You gain significant points for beating a high-rated opponent and you lose more for underperforming against a weaker field. Over time, the rating converges on the horse's true competitive level and long-term consistency.
While HPR isolates a single moment of greatness, Elo reveals who is consistent, world-class competitor.
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To test whether the data really does spot greatness early, we analyzed HPR and Elo scores from US horses aged 7-10 competing at the three-star level across three snapshots in time: roughly 10 years ago, five years ago, and today.
<h2>The Proof: 2014-2016</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">The "Time Machine" View</h3>
RF Scandalous recorded a 92 HPR in the CCI3*-L at Ocala in 2015 while still an emerging name. That performance with Marilyn Little foreshadowed both team and individual gold at the Pan American Games later the same year, followed by top-five finishes at Luhm&uuml;hlen 5* (2017) and Kentucky 5* (2018).
Matching that number was Mai Baum (Tamie Smith), who logged a 92 HPR at Jersey Fresh&rsquo;s CCI3*-S. Long before his landmark Kentucky 5* victory, the data already marked him as exceptional. He would go on to become the first US winner of Kentucky in 15 years and the highest-rated US horse ever recorded on the EquiRatings Elo.
Fernhill Fugitive, ridden by Phillip Dutton, recorded one of the highest Elo ratings in this cohort during the period - a level of consistency that later translated into two top-ten finishes at the Kentucky 5*. Copper Beach also stood out on Elo at just nine years old under Buck Davidson. After a series of top-level wins, he went on to partner rising star Cosby Green through her first five-star appearances.
Even beyond the headline names, the pattern holds. Elite 3* HPRs (90+) and high Elo&rsquo;s correlate strongly with big 5* performances, championship appearances, and Hall of Fame careers.&nbsp;
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<h2 dir="ltr">The Validation: 2018-2021</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">The Current Titans</h3>
Fast-forward five years and the picture sharpens. The data highlights many familiar names&mdash; Chin Tonic HS, FE Lifestyle, Jump Jet, Cooley Quicksilver&mdash;two recent contenders at the US Equestrian Open Final stood out.
As a 3* horse, Miks Master C&nbsp; topped the list with the highest-rated performance of this group with a 97 HPR at Maryland's CCI3*-S. At the time, he was piloted by Maya Black, then being produced by Liz Halliday all the way to a 3rd place at Kentucky 5* before Boyd Martin took the ride and won the inaugural US Equestrian Open Final.
The Elo also identified&nbsp;Off The Record early. He sat near the top of this cohort&rsquo;s Elo table thanks to a string of high‑placing runs for Will Coleman. This combination then went on to a string of impressive results but most notable an Aachen victory, a World Championship team silver medal and most recently, a 2nd place finish at the US Equestrian Open&nbsp;
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<h2 dir="ltr">The Prediction: 2024-2025</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">The Future of the US Equestrian Open</h3>
Turn to the present.
<h3 dir="ltr">Highest Rated Performances (HPR)</h3>
Conner, ridden by Isabelle Bosley, leads the pack with a massive 96 HPR at the 2025 Maryland CCI3*-L. This performance line puts the 8-year-old in the same rarified air as past legends at this level.
The &ldquo;90+ Club&rdquo; also includes performances from names like Rockett 19 and Alyssa Phillips, Shanroe Cooley with Boyd Martin, and Jaguars Duende ridden by Sharon White.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/4374c84f-c313-4f65-a387-b03a7ff8462a.png?width=1704&amp;height=1234" alt="S Bt3 O the Highest Rated Performances From 7 to 10 Year Olds at Cci3 2024 Amp 2025 ">
<h3 dir="ltr">Highest Elo Ratings</h3>
While HPR measures single-event brilliance, the EquiRatings Elo tracks cumulative strength, which of course favours older horses rather than younger. Jaguars Duende (Sharon White) currently tops the leaderboard for 7 to 10-year-olds, followed closely by Tamie Smith&rsquo;s Lillet 3.&nbsp;
Fernhill Bertus is the only 8-year-old to feature - an impressive achievement given he has to rank ahead of older horses who&rsquo;ve had far more opportunities to build Elo points. He&rsquo;s been remarkably consistent, never recording an international jumping penalty in either show jumping or cross-country, and capped his season with a top-10 finish at Maryland&rsquo;s CCI3*-L. It&rsquo;s a combination firmly worth watching as the years progress.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/51801cb1-ea73-4cd6-800d-d70f601edb9a.png?width=1520&amp;height=890" alt="Jbrad the Highest Rated Us 7 to 10 Year Olds Based on the Equiratings Elo ">
Looking across a decade of data, the pattern is consistent: when US 7- to 10-year-olds post HPRs in the 90+ range or carry high Elo ratings, they go on to the sport&rsquo;s biggest stages. On that basis, the future US Equestrian Open winners could come from any of the horses listed above.
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For more on the future stars of the US Equestrian Open, listen to the latest podcast episode!
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Read this week's Open Weekly article <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-results-and-early-signals-from-the-winter-circuits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.</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;
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c9dfe039-3b02-415d-b513-c5bd87d85dae.jpeg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="26 Open Eventing Qualifier Calendar">
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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>.

The Crystal Ball: How Data Predicts the Next Generation of US Superstars

The Open Weekly: Results and Early Signals from the Winter Circuits

The achievement acknowledges a year in which Martin demonstrated remarkable consistency across the sport's biggest stages. Among his seven international wins throughout 2025, Martin <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/mikki-dora-and-six-boyd-will-and-caroline-three-exciting-partnerships-from-the-us-equestrian-open-eventing-final" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claimed victory in the inaugural US Equestrian Eventing Open Final</a> at Morven Park aboard Miks Master C.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/dafa659e-8368-4605-9714-ddddb542436a.jpg?width=1016&amp;height=1366" alt="Boyd Martin League 290">
Martin recorded a total of 24 top-five FEI finishes with 11 different horses during the season. This included three podium places at five-star. Cooley Nutcracker was third at Pau. Commando 3 was second at Kentucky and third at Maryland. Commando 3 proved to be a very reliable player throughout the year, clocking multiple podium finishes. These results include a win at an early US Open qualifier at Stable View, contributing points to the series leaderboard, ultimately concluding with Martin <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPjJS4kDKxX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">winning the overall series,</a> as well as the final event.
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPjJS4kDKxX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/64afa3c8-e29a-466b-a9c7-301d62573412.png?width=1022&amp;height=926" alt="Blog Cover Boyd Martin (1)"></a>
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Boyd Martin grew up in Australia to an Australian father and an American mother. In his acceptance speech at the Pegasus Awards on Thursday night, he recalled when his parents brought him to get his American passport as a child: &ldquo;At the time I thought, &lsquo;why the heck would I ever need an American passport&rsquo;... little did I know that that decision would ultimately change my life&rdquo;.
As a young rider, Martin made the move across the world from Australia to America. He said in his speech: &ldquo;I always wondered how I'd compare to the best in the world&rdquo;. 
This year, he proved that he&nbsp;is the best in the world. A defining moment of Boyd Martin&rsquo;s phenomenal 2025 season came at the beginning of May, when he became the first American eventing athlete to hold the No. 1 spot at the top of the FEI World Rankings in 21 years. He finished the year ranked globally as No. 2 with 537 points and will surely be fighting to get back on top in 2026.
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Martin has been an important member of the Defender US Eventing Team for many years. In 2025, he helped them to earn their third consecutive podium place at CHIO Aachen. Aachen is set to host the World Championships in 2026. Team USA will be eying up that gold medal, having taken home the silver at last World Championships in Pratoni in 2022.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f74880b9-1269-4a4f-a18c-2770ae816486.jpg?width=5518&amp;height=4059" alt="2026 Iw Annual Meeting 135">
Speaking on his representing America, Martin said, &ldquo;In 2010, I was faced with one of the hardest decisions of my life and it was to change my nationality to represent America. I soon realized when I got to America that this is my home. I also wanted to support the country that was supporting my career. I also felt it was wrong for the owners that had poured so much support into me, being a rider with a different flag. It was the greatest decision I ever made&rdquo;.
Boyd Martin is a proud representative of America and a worthy recipient of the International Equestrian of the Year award. We look forward to seeing him contest the US Equestrian Open Series in 2026.
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Hear from Boyd Martin on winning the 2025 Series of US Equestrian Open of Eventing on The US Equestrian Open Podcast.
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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;
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c9dfe039-3b02-415d-b513-c5bd87d85dae.jpeg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="26 Open Eventing Qualifier Calendar">
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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>.

Eventing