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<p>With just five qualifiers left in the US Equestrian Open Eventing series, all eyes are on Jessica Phoenix. Sitting 30 points behind Phillip in the standings, she has five of her six counting results on the board. One more strong result could turn the leaderboard on its head.</p>
<p>The equation is simple. In a qualifier with fewer than 25 starters, a win is worth 40 points, second place earns 35, and third place brings 30. Any podium finish would pull Jess level with Phillip&mdash;but the math just got more complicated.</p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/93c031f0-9df0-4f1d-8657-5faf25faabfb.png?width=874&amp;height=865" alt="Screenshot 2025 08 14 152111"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The Plantation Wild Card</h2>
<p>Phillip has his sights set on the Plantation qualifier as his final tune-up before Morven Park, and this strategic move could shift the entire championship calculus. If he can secure first or second place at Plantation, he will extend his points buffer when Jess needs it to shrink.</p>
<p>While Jess is hunting for her breakthrough result, Phillip has the opportunity to slam the door before she gets her chance. A win at Plantation (40 points) would put him 70 points clear, making any single result insufficient for Jess to catch him. Even a second-place finish (35 points) would stretch his lead to 65 points, requiring Jess to win her next outing just to pull within 25 points of the lead.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2><br>Limited Options, Rising Pressure</h2>
<p>September brings a packed run of qualified and Jess's potential path forward is narrowing by the week.&nbsp;</p>
<p>September</p>
<ul>
<li>The Fork &mdash; 11th&ndash;14th</li>
<li>Plantation Field &mdash; 18th&ndash;21st</li>
<li>Twin Rivers &mdash; 19th&ndash;21st</li>
<li>Stable View &mdash; 25th&ndash;27th</li>
</ul>
<p>October</p>
<ul>
<li>Woodside &mdash; 3rd&ndash;4th</li>
</ul>
<p>The west coast events Twin Rivers and Woodside are likely off her calendar, leaving just three venues where she can strike. But now she faces a ticking clock&mdash;every day Phillip gets closer to Plantation, her window of opportunity shrinks.</p>
<p>The historical numbers are not in her favor. Jess has not competed at any of the remaining venues since 2022, and the last time she stood on the podium at one of them was back in 2017. That's a long drought to break when the pressure is on.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The Competing Strings</h2>
<p>Both riders come into the finale with serious firepower. Jessica has four horses&mdash;Freedom GS, Wabbit, Aeronautics, and Fluorescent Adolescent&mdash;that have already competed in US Open qualifiers this season. Phillip brings Denim, Possante, and Quasi Cool to match her stable strength, having recently handed the reins of Jewelent over to his daughter Olivia Dutton. This shift in horse allocation could prove pivotal. Jessica now holds the advantage in numbers (4 vs 3), giving her more options and chances to gain points and for the finale.<br><br></p>
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>But who is actually better?</h2>
<p>The head-to-head battles this season between these combinations have been tight. At TerraNova in March, Jess took the win with Freedom GS and second place with Fluorescent Adolescent, while Phillip's Possante finished third and Denim back in sixth.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But the tables turned at the Kentucky CCI4*-S in April, where Phillip's Possante claimed second place, with Jessica and Freedom GS just behind in third, followed by Phillip's Denim in fourth&mdash;the perfect example of the razor-thin margins that separate these horses.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>More Than Just Points</h2>
<p>The battle between Phillip and Jess is not purely about bragging rights. The prize money for winning the series adds a tangible incentive. At this stage of the season, every second, every rail, and every point counts.</p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f698a19a-3030-4d6c-8ea4-7038546ee6e1.png?width=762&amp;height=757" alt="Screenshot 2025 08 14 152041"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2><br>The Final Question</h2>
<p>Will Jess take the fight to Phillip now, striking before Morven Park? Or will she hold her ace until the series finale, risking it all in one high-pressure showdown? The countdown is on &mdash; the next few weeks will decide if Jess rewrites the story or if Phillip can hold onto his lead.</p>
<p>One thing&rsquo;s certain: Jess has got her sights set on Morven.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>&ldquo;And the Morven four-star long &mdash; we will bring almost every horse we have, because not only is it part of the US Open, but we truly believe it&rsquo;s one of the best venues in North America to produce event horses.&rdquo;</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Listen to Jessica Phoenix on the US Equestrian Open podcast.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36737995/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/4c414c/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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"></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>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;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>

The Phoenix Factor: The Final Push in the US Equestrian Open

<p data-start="267" data-end="884">Sitting on 215 points, the Olympian holds a 30-point cushion over Canada&rsquo;s<strong> Jessica Phoenix.</strong> On paper, that margin looks comfortable, but there&rsquo;s a twist: <strong>Phillip Dutton </strong>has already posted all six of his counting scores, while Phoenix still has one to add.&nbsp;</p>
<p data-start="267" data-end="884">With $25,000, $15,000, and $10,000 on the line for the series podium &mdash; not to mention the $200,000 prize fund for the CCI4*-L finale at Morven Park &mdash; every single point between now and October matters.<br><br><em>Listen to the Phillip Dutton on the US Equestrian Open Podcast now.</em></p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/37694370/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/4c414c/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p data-start="267" data-end="884">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="886" data-end="909">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="886" data-end="909">Building the Lead</h3>
<p data-start="910" data-end="1261">Dutton&rsquo;s series campaign has been a masterclass in targeted performance. He took the lead after <strong>TerraNova in November 2024 </strong>and has never gave it up, combining smart scheduling with clinical execution. His six counting results include wins and podiums from East Coast majors, each carefully chosen for their fit in his horses&rsquo; seasonal build-up.</p>
<p data-start="1263" data-end="1331"><strong data-start="1263" data-end="1328">Phillip Dutton&rsquo;s 2024&ndash;2025 US Equestrian Open counting scores</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li data-start="1263" data-end="1331"><strong data-start="1334" data-end="1372">The Event at TerraNova &ndash; Nov 2024:</strong> 40 pts &amp; 35 pts</li>
<li data-start="1263" data-end="1331"><strong data-start="1393" data-end="1431">The Event at TerraNova &ndash; Mar 2025:</strong> 30 pts</li>
<li data-start="1263" data-end="1331"><strong data-start="1443" data-end="1482">Bouckaert International &ndash; Mar 2025:</strong> 30 pts</li>
<li data-start="1263" data-end="1331"><strong data-start="1494" data-end="1543">Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event &ndash; Apr 2025:</strong> 35 pts &amp; 45 pts</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="1563" data-end="1908">For Dutton, the series&rsquo; spread-out format is a gift. <em>&ldquo;You don't want to be going flat out on them week in, week out,&rdquo; </em>he explained on the US Equestrian Open Podcast.<em> &ldquo;I can pick and choose and say, that will be a good weekends to really stretch them and get them to a good fitness and build-up to some of these bigger events.&rdquo;</em> That bigger event, in this case, is the Morven Park finale.</p>
<p data-start="1563" data-end="1908">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="1910" data-end="1956">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="1910" data-end="1956">Denim and Possante &ndash; Two Paths to the Top</h3>
<p data-start="1957" data-end="2425">Dutton&rsquo;s campaign has been anchored by <strong data-start="1996" data-end="2005">Denim</strong> and <strong data-start="2010" data-end="2021">Possante</strong>, two very different rides. Denim has been <em>&ldquo;A little bit of a rock star,&rdquo;</em> from the day he arrived in the barn, competitive from lower levels right up to the top. Possante, by contrast, arrived with big expectations but needed time to adjust to Dutton&rsquo;s system. Dutton explained how he spent time making him more adjustable and quick footed.</p>
<p data-start="2427" data-end="2750">That patience has paid off. Both horses stepped up this season with standout runs at <strong>Kentucky CCI4*-S</strong> &mdash; where Dutton<em> &ldquo;Laid it all on the line,&rdquo;</em> for two top-five finishes &mdash; and Aachen, where they held their own against some of the world&rsquo;s best with Denim and Possante finishing 14th and 11th respectively. Possante's gallop has matured, Denim&rsquo;s reliability has been a constant, and both now look primed for Morven Park.</p>
<p data-start="2427" data-end="2750">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="2752" data-end="2786">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="2752" data-end="2786">Strategy and the Points Game</h3>
<p data-start="2787" data-end="3247">While Dutton chooses <strong>Plantation Field International in September</strong> as his last qualifier to add points, it&rsquo;s a slim window. Any gain means replacing one of his existing scores &mdash; a harder task with a consistent set already on the board. Meanwhile, Phoenix sits at <strong>185 points</strong> with an open slot to fill, making her the most likely to threaten the lead.</p>
<p data-start="3249" data-end="3467">Dutton&rsquo;s focus remains clear: keep the horses fresh, stay sharp, and peak for Morven. <em>&ldquo;Every long format, virtually, that's it. All the gloves are off then and you just go for it,&rdquo;</em> he said. That&rsquo;s where your career is decided and what your horses are set up to do.</p>
<p data-start="3249" data-end="3467">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="3469" data-end="3488">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="3469" data-end="3488">Looking Ahead</h3>
<p data-start="3489" data-end="3878">At 10 and 12, Denim and Possante are in their prime years, with travel and big-day experience under their belts. Though 2025 has been about short formats, Dutton sees this as the right education for the future. <em>&ldquo;In another couple of years, they&rsquo;re going to be pretty hard to beat,&rdquo;</em> he said.</p>
<p data-start="3880" data-end="4256">For now, though, the task is finishing what he started: a victory in the inaugural US Equestrian Open. As he joked at the end of the podcast, <em>&ldquo;Hopefully lets do an interview after I win the whole bloody thing.&rdquo;</em> Fans will be watching closely at Plantation and Morven to see if the veteran can hold off the challengers and close out a season-long lead in style.<br><br><em>Listen to the Phillip Dutton on the US Equestrian Open Podcast now.</em></p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/37694370/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/4c414c/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p data-start="3880" data-end="4256">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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"></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>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;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>

Points, Pressure, and Plantation: Dutton’s Road to Morven Park

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Phillip Dutton</strong> sits atop the US Equestrian Open eventing series leaderboard with 215 points, but his 30-point cushion over<strong> Jessica Phoenix </strong>might not be as comfortable as it appears. He is already counting his six results, whereas Jess still has one to add. Caroline is in third but she has her full quota of six results also.&nbsp;<br><br>With five events remaining and $25,000, $15,000 and $10,000 on the line for the series podium places, the mathematics of this championship are about to get very interesting. And that&rsquo;s <em data-start="284" data-end="292">before</em> riders even reach the<strong> $200,000 prize fund</strong> on offer in the CCI4*-L at the Morven Park US Equestrian Open Final.<br><br>Tamie Smith and Tommy Greengard added more points in Rebecca Farm last weekend also with two West Coast events still to go, Twin Rivers and Woodside, it feels like James, Tamie and Tommy are going to make a late and major play for this.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f1946d83-4c57-4cd2-a371-c12b4d83725a.png?width=804&amp;height=738" alt="Portrait Usef Blog Covers   Ev &amp; Dr (6)"></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">The West Coast Wildcards</h3>
<p>Three riders currently sitting in the top ten will have a chance at both of those events and have delivered big results there in recent years - <strong>James Alliston (4th, 145 points), Tommy Greengard (8th, 105 points), and Tamie Smith (tied 6th, 110 points). </strong>&nbsp;This is the first year of the Open and the first time we are getting to see the impact of the calendar and show selection. Caroline Martin, Jessica Phoenix, Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin all went to Aachen, missed Loch Moy and the West Coast team have taken advantage.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/2cb7d4e5-825b-4f1c-b028-1b094b978abf.png?width=546&amp;height=523" alt="Portrait Usef Blog Covers   Ev &amp; Dr (7)"></p>
<h3>How it works out...</h3>
<p>All three of Tamie, Tommy and James have not yet reached the full quota. The can get points for each horse so Tamie added 75 points last weekend alone at Rebecca with Mai Baum and Jutopia. Two events on the West Coast and likely 40 points await the winner of each competition, with 35 for second and 30 for third.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ffc2e492-35c9-4afb-a531-40cda69e6a66.png?width=522&amp;height=491" alt="Portrait Usef Blog Covers   Ev &amp; Dr (8)"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>James Alliston</strong> has only logged five of his six possible scores. If he were to win one of the final qualifiers, he&rsquo;d tie <strong>Jessica Phoenix </strong>at 185 points. A second horse, or a second event in fourth-place finish or better would likely move him close to the top. That&rsquo;s not a long shot &mdash; Alliston has the horses and recent form to make it happen. Tactics will be important too - will we see Karma before Morven? Or at all?&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Meanwhile,<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/tommy-greengard-the-west-coast-contender-who-could-win-it-all" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Tommy Greengard</strong> </a>and <strong>Tamie Smith</strong> are further back but with less counting results.&nbsp; Greengard has only three counting results so far, and Tamie has four &mdash; meaning every point they pick up at Twin Rivers or Woodside adds directly to their total, rather than replacing a lower score. They&rsquo;ve got room to climb quickly.</p>
<p>At the top end of the leaderboard, <strong>Phillip Dutton</strong> and <strong>Caroline Pamukcu</strong> have already logged six counting scores. For them any improvement would require beating one of their existing top results &mdash; a harder task with less points upside.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/34e6b0e1-095a-4ccc-8358-e9b6364d43a8.png?width=1080&amp;height=704" alt="Portrait Usef Blog Covers   Ev &amp; Dr (10)"></h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">The Phoenix Question</h3>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/well-take-almost-every-horse-weve-got" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Jessica Phoenix's</strong> </a>position at 185 points makes her the most fascinating variable in this equation. The Canadian rider sits close to the lead, needing just one strong result to potentially take over the top spot making her event selection strategy important here. Freedom is in form and should play a big part in the final.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">It's been an exceptional season for Jess Phoenix and this would be a big reminder to the US not to underestimate her. We are all watching for where that entry comes. A calculated strike at one of the remaining East Coast events is needed and then a return to Morven. Her next move could change the entire series trajectory. One well-timed victory, and suddenly Dutton finds himself chasing rather than protecting a lead.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">Caroline's Calculated Climb?</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Don't overlook<strong> Caroline Pamukcu</strong>, currently third with 155 points. One of her counting scores is a 15, meaning there is significant room to improve and with three events remaining where she could realistically compete, Pamucku is still able to climb.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ab54360a-4d1b-4168-9030-759236ffde74.png?width=1080&amp;height=637" alt="Portrait Usef Blog Covers   Ev &amp; Dr (11)"></p>
<p><em>Caroline Pamucku and HSH Blake at the Paris 2024 Olympics</em></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">The Woodside Crescendo</h3>
<p dir="ltr">For Tamie, Tommy and James, they have two shots left. <strong>Twin Rivers</strong> and then they will know exactly what is needed by<strong>&nbsp;Woodside Fall International</strong> as the penultimate event before the<strong> Morven Park</strong> finale.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Woodside becomes the crucial positioning event&mdash;the place where series contenders can make their final moves but perhaps less of an advantage given how close it is to Morven Park. The pressure will be intense, with West Coast riders enjoying home advantage and with plenty of points to gain, while East Coast competitors watch from a far with their positions in threat.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>Listen to Jessica Phoenix on the US Equestrian Open Podcast.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36737995/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/4c414c/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr"><br><br><em>Listen to James Alliston on the US Equestrian Open Podcast.</em></p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36590375/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/4c414c/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<section class="wysiwyg col-span-12 lg:col-span-6 lg:col-start-4">
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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"></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>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;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
</section>

Jessica Phoenix punching the air at the Paris Olympics 2024

$50,000 that will depend on Woodside

<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">The US Equestrian Open rolls into Rebecca Farm this weekend with a field headlined by <strong>Tamie Smith </strong>and her superstar <strong>Mai Baum.&nbsp;</strong>Mai Baum arrives with a huge win chance for what could be a fairytale finish to their top-level career. They will very likely lead the first phase, but with finishing on your dressage score at Rebecca Farm proving nearly impossible and several fast horses in the field, this competition is far from a foregone conclusion.</p>
<p data-start="303" data-end="528" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">It also marks a key moment in the season: the <strong data-start="349" data-end="411">last US Equestrian Open qualifier before an almost two-month break. There will be</strong>&nbsp;<strong data-start="423" data-end="457">five more qualifiers remaining</strong> in the Series after this weekend, before riders return to Morven Park for a big-money final in early October.&nbsp; <strong data-start="218" data-end="236">James Alliston</strong> is entered with Paper Jam and prove the biggest threat to a Tamie fairytale. Provided they complete, it looks likely that they will overtake Caroline Pamukcu and sit in the Series top-three going into the final stretch.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>Listen to the 'Rebecca Farm Preview Show' on US Equestrian Open Podcast now.</em></p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/37402990/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/0a317e/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
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<h2 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5"><strong>The Mai Baum Factor</strong></h2>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">There should be <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/mai-baum-returns-to-rebecca-farm-for-his-farewell" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a lot of coverage of Mai Baum</a> this weekend, regardless of the result. The horse that ended the long wait for a home-nation Kentucky winner, a horse that has helped bring home medals and a horse that took us all on a journey of the highest highs and lowest lows.<a href="https://pod.fo/e/2fb864" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> You can listen to Tamie, Alex, Eric and Ellen discuss their journey here.&nbsp;</a><br><br>They now return to Rebecca Farm for one final top-level appearance together, a decade after claiming their first CCI4* victory at this very event&mdash;in only their second four-star as a partnership.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">They will surely lead the first phase, perhaps by some margin. Looking at their last six international runs as a guide, they have an outstanding <strong>EquiRatings 6 Run Average (6RA) of 24.3</strong>. And Tamie&rsquo;s track record at Rebecca Farm speaks volumes &mdash; she holds four of the top 10 dressage scores at this venue, each delivered on a different horse, including Mai Baum. It would not be a shock for them to set the venue record.&nbsp;</p>
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<h3 class="cgHgbA nxe3IQ Xp24Nw PanoWQ"><strong><span class="OYPEnA">The top 10 </span><span class="OYPEnA">dressage scores a</span><span class="OYPEnA">t the last 10 Rebecca Farm CCI4*-S</span></strong></h3>
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<p data-start="0" data-end="426" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">It is very possible that Tamie is in a 1-2 position after dressage. She will also have<strong> Jutopia</strong> - a ride Tamie is progressing while Molly Duda is on the US Development Tour.&nbsp; Tommy Greengard's That's Me Z is also one to watch for a high twenties (projected within the top 4 starting scores).&nbsp;</p>
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<h2 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5"><strong>The (Near) Impossibility of Finishing on Your Dressage Score</strong></h2>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">When you have an almost certain strong leader in the first phase, we begin to seek out a key element of what makes sport so special: jeopardy.&nbsp;<br><br>Let's start with Mai Baum. Tamie Smith and Mai Baum&rsquo;s record at the 4*-S level suggests some penalties will be added. They have never made the time together at this level &mdash; likely a strategic choice rather than a limitation in speed &mdash; but it leaves the door wide open for faster rivals.<br><br>Here's a statistic:&nbsp;<strong>Half of the last 10 winners were leading after dressage</strong> - which means half weren't. The winning range at Rebecca Farm spans from 30.7 to 58.3, with an average winning score of 40.6.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9884f1b7-ef9f-4360-b565-9d0bc0bc2bd3.png?width=1080&amp;height=626" alt="Portrait Usef Blog Covers   Ev &amp; Dr (3)"></p>
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<p data-start="0" data-end="345" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Since 2008, 235 riders have taken on the CCI4*-S at Rebecca Farm &mdash; and only one has ever finished on their dressage score. That standout performance came from <strong>Karen O'Connor</strong> and <strong>Mandiba</strong> in 2010, when they held onto their dressage score of 29.5 from start to finish, winning by a remarkable 9.8 marks. It&rsquo;s a reminder that even if Tamie and Mai Baum deliver a low score in the first phase, this win won&rsquo;t be handed to them &mdash; Rebecca Farm doesn&rsquo;t make it easy.</p>
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<h2 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5"><strong>Speed Horses to Watch</strong></h2>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">The cross-country phase has been historically influential, with just 60% of riders achieving a clear round over the last 10 years. More tellingly, only 3% manage to finish inside the optimum time - making time penalties almost inevitable for most of the field.</p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e8986802-36e2-4a3f-80d0-d2ede483ee26.png?width=1080&amp;height=752" alt="Portrait Usef Blog Covers   Ev &amp; Dr (4)"><br>Can anyone make the time? Probably one person. <strong>James Alliston </strong>has an outstanding record of making the time at this level. Their clear rate at CCI4*-S level is an incredible 31%. For context, Tamie Smith's is 8%.</p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words"><strong>Tommy Greengard</strong> may be new to this level with just five 4*-S starts, but he&rsquo;s already delivered a clear inside the time, albeit with <strong>Joshuay MBF.</strong> Greengard has shown he has the pace and precision to be a contender. Not so long ago, <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/tommy-greengard-the-west-coast-contender-who-could-win-it-all" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Diarm suggested he could win the entire series</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="cgHgbA nxe3IQ Xp24Nw PanoWQ"><strong><span class="OYPEnA">The fastest cross country horses in the field&nbsp;</span></strong></h3>
<p><em><strong><span class="OYPEnA">Based on EquiRatings Top Speed Percentage</span></strong></em></p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7867fa07-c874-49ef-906d-658d84873b25.png?width=660&amp;height=1056" alt="Speed Horses"></p>
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<h2 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5"><strong>The Final Phase Factor</strong></h2>
<p data-start="28" data-end="360">Show jumping on Sunday has played a decisive role at Rebecca Farm in recent years &mdash; but not always in the way you&rsquo;d expect. Over the last 10 runnings, only 20% of riders have delivered a clear round in the final phase. Yet a perfect round isn&rsquo;t essential for victory &mdash; 7 of the last 10 winners had at least one rail on the final day.</p>
<p data-start="362" data-end="555">Two combinations to keep an eye on this Sunday are <strong data-start="413" data-end="452">Lizzie Hoff </strong>and <strong data-start="413" data-end="452">HSH Limited Edition</strong> and <strong data-start="457" data-end="496">Jack Curtis </strong>with<strong data-start="457" data-end="496"> Luska Candy Clover</strong>, both arriving with good jumping records at the level below.&nbsp;</p>
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<h2 class="cgHgbA nxe3IQ Xp24Nw PanoWQ"><span class="OYPEnA">The most reliable&nbsp;</span><span class="OYPEnA">show </span><span class="OYPEnA">jumpers&nbsp;</span><span class="OYPEnA">in the field</span></h2>
<p><em><strong><span class="OYPEnA">Based on the adjusted average of their SJ penalties</span></strong></em></p>
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<h2 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5"><strong>Who wins?</strong></h2>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">According to the<strong>&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/rebecca_4s_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>EquiRatings Prediction Centre</strong></a>,<strong> Tamie Smith</strong> enters on 61% win chance and an 85% shot at the podium. She sits far ahead of the next most-likely winners <strong>James Alliston</strong> and <strong>Paper Jam</strong> on 13% and <strong>Rebecca Braitling </strong>with <strong>Caravaggio </strong>on 6%. <a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/rebecca_4s_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5d449b0a-7598-4910-91ee-8a5e2b259911.png?width=720&amp;height=820" alt="Screenshot 2025 07 14 125127 (1)"></a></p>
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<h2 class="whitespace-normal break-words">Want to know more about Rebecca Farm?</h2>
<p>We've crunched all the numbers, analyzed every stat, and uncovered the key storylines you need to know before Rebecca Farm kicks off this weekend. From dressage averages to cross-country clear rates, speed percentages to show jumping reliability - it's all in our comprehensive form guide.<strong> </strong>Check it out <strong><a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/rebeccafarm2025/#who-wins-more" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.</a></strong></p>
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<h2 class="whitespace-normal break-words">When and where to watch?</h2>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">Competition begins Thursday with dressage across two days, cross-country will be on Saturday afternoon, and show jumping on Sunday. In a sport where anything can happen, Rebecca Farm's challenging track record suggests we're in for another thrilling finish.<br><br>You can catch all the action <strong data-start="29" data-end="84">live on the USEF Network, powered by ClipMyHorse.TV</strong>, streaming free with a <strong data-start="108" data-end="131">USEF Fan Membership</strong> &mdash; check it out<strong> <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_US/events/16709?utm_campaign=main_slider_content&amp;utm_medium=cmh_content_slider&amp;utm_source=clipmyhorse&amp;utm_term=2025%2BOcala%2BSummer%2BSeries%2BII%2BCSI3%252A" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.</a></strong></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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"></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>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;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>

Rebecca Farm CCI4*-S Preview

<p dir="ltr">Mai Baum, known to his connections as &lsquo;Lexus&rsquo; will compete in his final upper-level competition this weekend at Rebecca Farm&mdash;the very same class he won 10 years ago at this Montana venue, marking what was only his second four-star with rider Tamie Smith and their first four-star victory together.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The poetic symmetry of Mai Baum's farewell couldn't be more perfect. A decade ago, he launched what would become a legendary partnership with Smith by winning the Rebecca Farm CCI4*-S. Now, after one of the most impressive US eventing careers, he returns to the same competition, for his final farewell.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Listen to the 'Mai Baum Special' on US Equestrian Open Podcast now.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/37307655/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/1787d4/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">A Career Defined by Excellence</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The numbers alone tell an extraordinary story. With 33 international starts, 20 podium finishes, and 13 wins, Mai Baum achieved a peak EquiRatings Elo of 833&mdash;the highest of any U.S. event horse in the past 15 years and ranking among the top 15 worldwide over that span.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/67a9aeb8-b39d-49ee-947e-cee480d34327.png?width=1150&amp;height=664" alt="Screenshot 2025 07 14 120819"></p>
<p dir="ltr">The horse's international career began in 2013 with Alexandra Ahearn. The next year at only his second international event, he had his first win in the CCI2*-S at Galway Downs. That victory marked the beginning of what would become a special relationship with the California venue&mdash;Tamie returned with him four times, in which they took the win every time.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/b8f397ef-3550-4463-9e2d-b7979ad9712c.png?width=1688&amp;height=784" alt="I Aa K6 "></p>
<p dir="ltr"><br>For all of Mai Baum&rsquo;s accolades and podium finishes, his story was never written with medals in mind.&nbsp;<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/8d4b834c-771d-44a7-8c34-662cbeffb011.png?width=1080&amp;height=540" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (9)"></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Dressage Mastery</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Perhaps no statistic better illustrates Mai Baum's consistency than his dressage record with Smith. Across 29 internationals together, they never scored in the 30s. Their best test came at Tryon in 2021 with a score of 20.4, while their worst was still a respectable 29.9 at Arville in 2021.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/150ba00e-34da-4d59-965a-86fee7da5b79.png?width=1688&amp;height=1320" alt="Ua Wi4 Mai Baum S Top 10 Dressage Tests"></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Five-Star Prowess</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Mai Baum's five-star record reads like a masterclass in big-competition performance. Across five attempts at the level (Kentucky 2021, Badminton 2022, Pratoni 2022 World Games, Kentucky 2023, Maryland 2024), he finished in the top 10 four times. Only a mid-course retirement at Maryland 2024 disrupted their otherwise perfect record, with Tamie choosing to pull up when Mai Baum showed signs of fatigue.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a705d953-ef4b-4e7f-a0ec-d3279b97a364.png?width=1924&amp;height=822" alt="Hey Un Mai Baum S Cci5 Record (1)"></p>
<p dir="ltr">The pinnacle came at Kentucky 2023, where Mai Baum and Tamie Smith became the first American pair to win since Phillip Dutton in 2008. Pre-competition, EquiRatings had highlighted them as the ones to beat, giving them a 66% win chance and an 88% shot at the podium.&nbsp; Despite this, it was still no easy feat. Sitting in third after dressage (24.2), they delivered a textbook cross-country round where they made the time &mdash; a decisive move that secured their 3.6-penalty victory.</p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">The Final Chapter</h2>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Rebecca Farm is a fitting stage for Mai Baum&rsquo;s farewell &mdash; the site where his brilliance at the highest-level first truly emerged. In 2015, it was here, in the mountains of Montana, that Mai Baum won the CCI4*-S on just his second start at the level.</p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/aa03986c-8b82-4527-98eb-77ddcf2f12f6.png?width=1080&amp;height=554" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (7)"></p>
<p dir="ltr">According to the <a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/rebecca_4s_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EquiRatings Prediction Centre,</a> they arrive this weekend with a 61% win chance and an 85% podium chance, practically identical to their Kentucky odds in 2023.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;<a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/rebecca_4s_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a9eebb6f-3354-4691-ad01-46a40e13db0d.png?width=720&amp;height=820" alt="Screenshot 2025 07 14 125127"></a><br><br></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">A Legacy Beyond Statistics</h2>
<p dir="ltr">While Mai Baum's achievements speak for themselves but his impact extends far beyond ribbons and rankings.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d405773a-a361-425d-9996-d1a3cf8eb057.png?width=1080&amp;height=537" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (6)"></p>
<p dir="ltr">This weekend at Rebecca Farm, the eventing community will witness the end of an era. Mai Baum may be stepping down from the upper levels, but his legacy will endure for many years to come. That it happens where his greatest chapter began makes this farewell all the more fitting.</p>
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<h2>Listen to The US Equestrian Open Podcast Now</h2>
<p>Tamie Smith, Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell relive the moments that made Lexus unforgettable: from a German auction to Kentucky glory, from heartbreak to heroics.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/37307655/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/1787d4/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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"></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>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;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>

Mai Baum Returns to Rebecca Farm for His Farewell

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Will Coleman</strong>, <strong>Boyd Martin</strong>, <strong>Phillip Dutton</strong>, and <strong>Caroline Pamukcu</strong> - four of the USA&rsquo;s top riders contested this year&rsquo;s CHIO Aachen CCI4*-S.&nbsp;</p>
<p>All four also have previous form at Morven Park CCI4*-L which, in the context of this year&rsquo;s US Equestrian Open Final, is very interesting.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/3af96702-3e61-4506-958f-7485e233b15e.png?width=1130&amp;height=1196" alt="Previous Morven Park Cci4*-L Results of the Usa's 2025 Chio Aachen Riders"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Who of the four will target the $200,000 CCI4*-L Final at Morven Park this October? </strong>Who will they bring? Will they replicate their previous efforts in the class (if so, each would land well within the prize money)?</p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Will Coleman &amp; Off The Record</strong></h2>
<p><strong><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/cec4cf5d-c58c-488e-a77f-9c37a308d7de.jpg?width=4256&amp;height=2832" alt="The bay horse Off The Record and rider Will Coleman during the prize ceremony of CHIO Aachen 2021. Will smiles broadly and pats Off The Record between the ears. A winner's rubbin hangs from the horse's bridle."></strong></p>
<p><strong><em style="font-size: 90%; color: #999999;">Will Coleman &amp; Off The Record winning CHIO Aachen 2021 - the first and only US winners. Photo by Tilly Berendt.</em></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Will </strong>and his 2021 CHIO Aachen winner <strong>Off The Record </strong>were the highest placed US pair at Aachen this weekend, finishing fourth after adding just 0.8 cross-country time penalties to their dressage score. They were the second fastest round of the day (after New Zealand's Monica Spencer &amp; Artist who added 0.4 time penalties).</p>
<p dir="ltr">Off The Record first stepped up to the CCI4* level in April 2018. Since then, <strong>he has tackled 24 top-level cross-country courses (CCI4*/5*). He has jumped clear in all but </strong><em><strong>one</strong> </em>(CHIO Aachen 2023). On metrics, he is ranked in the top 1.0% of CCI4*-L cross-country jumpers and the top 1.3% on speed. A record like that is always a leaderboard threat when cross-country day rolls around, making sure we all remember it&rsquo;s not a dressage competition.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Not particularly known for producing super low dressage scores (unlike his stable mate<strong> Chin Tonic HS</strong>), Off The Record has nonetheless been competitive with his most recent CCI4* tests. These are his last five CCI4* dressage scores:</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li dir="ltr">Apr 2025 - Cosequin&reg; Lexington 4*-S (Qualifier 11): <strong>21.8 (went on to win)</strong></li>
<li dir="ltr">Sep 2024 - The Fork at Tryon 4*-S: <strong>30.1 (went on to win)</strong></li>
<li dir="ltr">Apr 2024 - Cosequin&reg; Lexington 4*-S:&nbsp;<strong>30.1 </strong>(finished 3rd)</li>
<li dir="ltr">Apr 2024 - Stable View 4*-S: <strong>31.2 </strong>(finished 4th)</li>
<li dir="ltr">Jun 2023 - CHIO Aachen 4*-S: <strong>28.1 </strong>(finished 38th)</li>
</ol>
<p>Of all four previous runnings of the Morven Park CCI4*-L, winning scores have ranged from 29.4 to 34.5. In Off The Record's international career, he's produced 12 top-level finishing scores in that range (and lower). If we do see the US stalwart - and 2022 World team silver medalist -&nbsp; in October, Off The Record will challenge for the top spot. He usually does.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Boyd Martin &amp; Commando 3</strong></h2>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/23338cba-f6dd-4f51-ae1a-3ee18a422a9d.jpg?width=5464&amp;height=5504" alt="Boyd Martin smiling while riding Commando 3 in the arena after the prize ceremony at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2024. Commando 3 wears a red ribbon on his bridle and has a pleasant, ears-pricked expression."></p>
<p><strong><em style="font-size: 90%; color: #999999;">Boyd Martin &amp; Commando 3 placing 2nd at the 2024 Cosequin&reg; Lexington CCI4*-S. Photo by Tilly Berendt.</em></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Boyd </strong>and<strong> Commando 3 </strong>finished fifth in Aachen by adding just 3.2 cross-country time penalties to their dressage score. The result boosted Commando 3 to the <strong>number four horse for the US right now according to the EquiRatings Elo rating as he holds 721 Elo points.</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Currently fifth in the US Equestrian Open standings, Boyd earned 50 of his 135 Series points by winning Stable View (Qualifier 8) with Commando 3. That Qualifier win was the latest of Commando 3&rsquo;s four career international wins, all at CCI4*:</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li dir="ltr">Apr 2025 - Stable View 4*-S (Qualifier 8)</li>
<li dir="ltr">Apr 2024 - Stable View 4*-S</li>
<li dir="ltr">Oct 2023 - Morven Park 4*-L</li>
<li dir="ltr">Sep 2023 - The Fork at Tryon 4*-S</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr">We can&rsquo;t gloss over that <strong>Morven Park CCI4*-L win two years ago</strong>. It was Boyd on Commando 3 winning what this year will be the<strong> $200,000</strong> US Equestrian Open Final. Can they replicate in 2025?</p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Phillip Dutton with Possante &amp; Denim</strong></h2>
<p><strong><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/eff45000-f571-4933-845e-d57611d71c22.jpg?width=4256&amp;height=2832" alt="Black &amp; white image of Phillip Dutton walking toward the camera in his show jumping attire, carrying his show jacket over his forearm and wearing his helmet with the chin-strap undone. He bears a focused expression. "></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><em style="font-size: 90%; color: #999999;">Phillip Dutton. Photo by Tilly Berendt.</em></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">With&nbsp;<strong>Possante</strong>, <strong>Phillip </strong>placed 11th at Aachen. It was Possante&rsquo;s third international appearance this season after finishing third at TerraNova CCI4*-S (Qualifier 6) and second at the Cosequin&reg; Lexington CCI4*-S (Qualifier 11). At the CCI4*-L level, however, Possante&rsquo;s show jumping has been a challenge; on both of his appearances at the level, he had two rails down on the final day (Boekelo 2024, Tryon 2024).</p>
<p dir="ltr">With Denim, Phillip finished 14th in Aachen. Though younger than Possante (12 YO),&nbsp;<strong>Denim </strong>(10 YO) has had better CCI4*-L results. Two of his three appearances at the level include an eighth place finish at Blenheim last year after a fifth at Tryon - both times adding just time penalties to his dressage score.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Blenheim result - eighth out of 78 competitors - was especially impressive and contributed to Denim&rsquo;s rank as the <strong>number two 10-year-old in the US right now according to the EquiRatings Elo Rating</strong>. The only 10-YO ahead of him is Paris Olympian HSH Blake (Caroline Pamukcu).&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Right now, Phillip is our Series leader on 215 points. <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/theres-still-a-big-chance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">If he is still atop the leaderboard come season-end</a>, he will earn $25,000 before the Final even rolls around. It&rsquo;s been four years since Phillip has contested the Morven Park CCI4*-L but maybe this year he's planning to carry his Series momentum into even more winnings.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Caroline Pamukcu &amp; HSH Blake</h2>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ee69af69-6c83-4f34-a7bb-0e04703d3444.jpg?width=5728&amp;height=5345" alt="The dark bay horse HSH Blake with Caroline Pamukcu exiting the Kentucky Horse Park dressage arena after their test. Caroline smiles and Blake has a pleasant, ears-pricked expression."></p>
<p><strong><em style="font-size: 90%; color: #999999;">Caroline Pamukcu &amp; HSH Blake. Photo by Tilly Berendt.</em></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Two rails down on Friday and 18.0 time penalties on Saturday saw <strong>Caroline </strong>and <strong>HSH Blake </strong>finishing 27th in Aachen. The pair did however produce the lowest first-phase score of the US combinations and they reclaimed their clear-jumping ways across the country after penalties at the Paris Olympics and 2025 Cosequin&reg; Lexington CCI4*-S.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">When HSH Blake was selected for Paris, it wasn&rsquo;t a big surprise for those of us on the EquiRatings team. We&rsquo;d seen him climbing up our ratings and, as a young horse,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxfc7yjIuPe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==">we had him pegged for LA 2028</a> but Paris 2024 was no stretch either. So, because it seems like he&rsquo;s been on our radar forever, it feels weird that Blake has &ldquo;only&rdquo; done eight top-level (CCI4*/5*) events in his career. Starting with TerraNova CCI4*-S in March 2023, he's done six CCI4*-S events including this weekend, the Olympics, and just one CCI4*-L at Tryon 2024.</p>
<p dir="ltr">That one CCI4*-L outing happened to be a 28.6 finish-on-dressage score to secure the win. According to the EquiRatings High Performance Rating (HPR) which quantifies the quality of any given result, it was the pair&rsquo;s best-ever performance (HPR of 98). So, will Blake go to Morven Park 2025? It&rsquo;s a data-set of one, but so far CCI4*-L looks good on him.</p>
<h2><strong>Series Standings as of July 8th, 2025 (After Qualifier 14):</strong></h2>
<p><em style="font-size: 93%; color: #999999;">See the full series standings, updated after each qualifier,&nbsp;<a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d157fc24-3f4a-4051-97fd-f08a6dbc9f19.png?width=675&amp;height=844" alt="Current Series Leaders after Qualifier 14 (Maryland Int.)"></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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"></p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>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;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>

Close-up of the bay horse Off The Record & rider Will Coleman galloping on a cross country course during competition. Both have a look of concentration.

From Germany to Virginia? The USA's CHIO Aachen riders all have previous form at Morven Park CCI4*-L.

<p dir="ltr">During this brief break in the US Equestrian Open calendar, all three of our Series leaders are competing on the world stage at CHIO Aachen (Germany) this week. Aachen, like all of the US Equestrian Open qualifiers, is a CCI4*-S and its one of the toughest CCI4*-S events in the world. How might our Series leaders fare abroad?</p>
<h3><strong>Series Standings as of July 4th, 2025 (After Qualifier 14):</strong></h3>
<p><em style="font-size: 93%; color: #999999;">See the full series standings, updated after each qualifier,&nbsp;<a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d157fc24-3f4a-4051-97fd-f08a6dbc9f19.png?width=675&amp;height=844" alt="Current Series Leaders after Qualifier 14 (Maryland Int.)"></p>
<h2><strong>Phillip Dutton with Possante and Denim</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="color: rgb(109, 114, 114);"><em>Current Series leader (in the $25K position) | 215 points</em></span></p>
<p><strong>Possante&nbsp;</strong>and Phillip&rsquo;s last international run was a <strong>second-place finish in the Cosequin&reg; Lexington 4*-S (Qualifier 11)</strong> where they earned 45 Series points. It was the pair&rsquo;s third top-three placing at the level of their five CCI4*-S appearances together. CHIO Aachen is known for a cross country-course that surprises even the world&rsquo;s best but if anyone knows how to handle whatever a cross-country course throws at you, it&rsquo;s one Phillip Dutton.</p>
<p>Plus, together, this pair have never had a CCI4*-S cross-country jumping fault so there is a big opportunity for them to move up the Aachen leaderboard come Saturday.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Possante&rsquo;s younger stablemate at just 10 years-old, <strong>Denim </strong>finished fourth in this year&rsquo;s Cosequin&reg; Lexington 4*-S which was also his latest international outing. He is ranked as a reliable cross-country jumper and is the most-reliable show jumper in the field.</p>
<h2><strong>Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="color: rgb(109, 114, 114);"><em>Currently second place in the Series (in the $15K position) | 185 Points</em></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em><span style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d03b7e99-5f24-43a0-a2c0-abaa556da494.jpg?width=4914&amp;height=3592" alt="Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS at the Paris Olympics. Photo by Tilly Berendt."></span></em></p>
<p><em style="font-size: 90%; color: #999999;">Jessica Phoenix &amp;&nbsp;Freedom GS at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Photo by Tilly Berendt.</em></p>
<p>Paris Olympians&nbsp;<strong>Jess </strong>and <strong>Freedom GS </strong>are both making their CHIO Aachen debut. Freedom has earned Jess 80 of her 185 total Series points so far, doing so with a win at TerraNova this spring (Qualifier 6) and a <strong>third in the Cosequin&reg; Lexington 4*-S (Qualifier 11).</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/well-take-almost-every-horse-weve-got" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jess is seriously targeting her string for the Series Final this October (Morven Park CCI4*-L)</a> and this additional appearance on the European stage (after Paris) will only add even more valuable experience under Freedom&rsquo;s belt, a horse who is a top contender for the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Series-ending $200,000 prize pot</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Caroline Pamukcu &amp; HSH Blake</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="color: rgb(109, 114, 114);"><em>Currently third place in the Series (in the $10K position) | 155 Points</em></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em><span style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/106c84f1-3bb2-49f9-a493-049709f09149.jpg?width=null&amp;height=null" alt="HSH Blake and Caroline Pamukcu at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Photo by Tilly Berendt."></span></em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em><span style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);"><em style="font-size: 90%; color: #999999;">Caroline Pamukcu &amp; HSH Blake at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Photo by Tilly Berendt.</em></span></em></p>
<p dir="ltr">With <strong>She&rsquo;s The One</strong>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLiOgDtN2Go/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Caroline won the latest Series qualifier at Maryland International</a> (Qualifier 14) last weekend. Thanks also to a fifth place finish with <strong>HSH Tolan King</strong>, Caroline added 60 total Series points at that event, moving from fifth to third in the standings (and into the money positions).</p>
<p dir="ltr">Now, with her Paris Olympic mount and Pan American Champion, Caroline will want to get her groove back with her special <strong>HSH Blake:</strong>&nbsp;At Paris, they incurred 20 cross country points; they returned to international competition with a CCI3*-S in Carolina this spring - no issues there; but then they contested the Cosequin&reg; Lexington 4*-S (Qualifier 11) in April and got a 15-point flag penalty. A clean cross country round here will be particularly important for this pair.<br><br>HSH Blake is rated as one of the fastest horses in the CHIO Aachen field and it's typically tight for time at the venue. Blake's speed will be of great advantage on the Aachen leaderboard if paired with a clear round, which their both well-able to produce.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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"></p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>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;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>

the dark bay horse HSH Blake and Caroline Pamukcu leave a dressage arena after completing a dressage test. HSH Blake has a content, ears-pricked expression and Caroline smiles.

Our Series Top Three are Among the World's Best in Europe this Weekend

<p>Maryland International at Loch Moy kicks off tomorrow for the 14th qualifier of the US Equestrian Open. It is a stacked field and with a good amount of entries, it is looking to be a hot competition.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Prediction Centre&nbsp;</h3>
<p>The<a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/maryland_4s_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> EquiRatings Prediction Centre</a> gives Caroline Pamucku a 50% overall win chance at Maryland. But don't count out Jennie Brannigan and Connery &ndash; the 2023 winners are back after having the fastest cross-country time of day. Hard ground is forecast this weekend, so a quick cross country round will be key &mdash; minimising time penalties could really shake up the leaderboard.</p>
<p><a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/maryland_4s_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ac7f2c40-61f4-41e3-a4ec-c14d1ae02c76.png?width=775&amp;height=916" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 26 102919"></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Maryland Fan Guide</h3>
<p>If you want to know more on the competitors&mdash; from the best dressage horses to the fastest cross-country combinations &mdash; check out the <a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/maryland-lochmoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maryland Fan Guide</a>. It breaks down all the must-know stats and stories to follow this weekend.<br><br><a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/maryland-lochmoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/14ce1955-86c7-497c-ac17-e7090d244d73.png?width=484&amp;height=658" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 26 105115"></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Maryland Preview Podcast</h3>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/37111980/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/1787d4/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne dive into the entries, tactics, ground conditions, and more on this week&rsquo;s podcast &mdash; from Jennie Brannigan stepping up with Kismet for their four-star debut to Caroline Pamukcu and Arden Wildasin, who could make a serious push for the podium with their speed. Tune in to the US Equestrian Open podcast for all the details.<br><br><br></p>
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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"></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>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;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>

Podcast graphic for the US Equestrian Open Podcast

Maryland CCI4*-S Preview

<h2 dir="ltr">The Numbers Game - Why He Might Be An Outside Contender</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In the US Equestrian Open of Eventing, riders count their best six scores toward the final total. So far, Greengard has posted just two:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">40 points for his wire-to-wire win at Aspen Farms with <strong>Joshuay MBF</strong></li>
<li dir="ltr">35 points for second place at Galway Downs with <strong>That's Me Z</strong></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Current leader Phillip Dutton, who has already used all six of his qualifying results totaling 215 points. Dutton can only improve by replacing his lowest score (30 points). Tommy has everything still to play for. Phillip goes to Maryland International next weekend with Denim before a trip to Aachen.&nbsp;<br><br><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5757a6f2-ebab-429b-a442-00a7dd1b9c1c.png?width=1240&amp;height=602" alt="Unmm U Tommy Greengard S Us Equestrian Open Results Nbsp "></p>
<p dir="ltr">That leaves four scores still to be added, and with at least two horses who are at the level, and three West Coast events on the calendar (including Twin Rivers which he has a good record at) we expect his final total to look very different to what we see now.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">The West Coast Advantage</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Of the seven remaining qualifiers, three are West Coast events that play directly into Greengard's hands:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">The Event at Rebecca Farm (Aug. 16)</li>
<li dir="ltr">Twin Rivers Fall International (Sept. 19)</li>
<li dir="ltr">Woodside Fall International (Oct. 3)</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Yes, they are geographically convenient but Tommy Greengard is also able to travel if needed (<em>2024 saw runs at Cornbury and Bicton in the UK in addition to the Young Horse World Championships in Le Lion d'Angers</em>)&mdash;they're venues where Greengard has proven form. He took <strong>That's Me Z</strong> to Rebecca last year and finished 6th in the CCI3*-S. He won the CCI4*-S at Woodside with <strong>Joshuay MBF</strong> in 2023 and has earned multiple podium finishes at Twin Rivers in recent years. Also importantly, West Coast events have smaller but competitive fields, making (the required) top placings both achievable and valuable.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Conservative math:</strong> Three podium finishes could net 90-120 additional points. But Greengard has shown he's willing to bring multiple horses to big events. If he doubles up&mdash;as Jessica Phoenix did earlier this year at TerraNova&mdash;a single weekend could yield 70+ points. If <strong>Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad, </strong>winner of the CCI3*-S was to move up to CCI4*-S before the end of the season, it gets more possible still.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/299230cb-b2f1-4eb7-8559-996678ae9c7e.png?width=654&amp;height=702" alt="Image (14)"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">From Malibu to the Top</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Born in Malibu and raised in the sport by his mother Liddy Morrin, Greengard took an unconventional path to this moment. After graduating UC Berkeley with a degree in environmental science in 2021, he made the decision to go all-in on horses, basing himself at Andrea Pfeiffer's Chocolate Horse Farm in Petaluma.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The investment is paying off. He's been part of the US Equestrian Emerging Athlete Program, received the prestigious Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant in 2024, and represented the United States at the FEI Young Horse World Championships in France. His philosophy is simple but effective: "Horses have good and bad days, and you have to love who they are every day."</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">What It Would Take</h2>
<p dir="ltr">To catch Dutton's 215 points, Greengard would need roughly 140 more points from four scores. It's ambitious but not impossible: two wins (80 points), one second (35 points), and one third (30 points) would put him at 220 points and in the driver's seat heading to the $200,000 Final at Morven Park.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Even a more conservative run&mdash;consistent podium finishes without needing to win&mdash;could land him in the top three and serious prize money: $25,000 for first, $15,000 for second, $10,000 for third.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><br><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d0550508-fefe-4f51-ab55-342daf2233d6.png?width=424&amp;height=492" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 19 103914"></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Bigger Picture</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The US Equestrian Open Series was designed to connect the CCI4*-S classes across the country and provide a platform to tell stories about horses and riders, east coast and west.&nbsp; We are still learning about the best way to win the thing, early points, volume or maybe strategic, well-timed runs. Tommy Greengard embodies so much about the Open is there to achieve. He's playing the timing game&mdash;picking his spots, bringing the right horses, and executing when it matters most.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So far, it's working. And with three West Coast events still to come, the 25-year-old from Malibu just might pull off the upset of the year.<br><br></p>
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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"></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>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;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>

Tommy Greengard on the Podium at Aspen Farms

Tommy Greengard: The West Coast Contender Who Could Win It All 

<p data-start="365" data-end="687">The US Equestrian Open of Eventing heads to <strong data-start="411" data-end="452">Aspen Farms this weekend</strong> for the thirteenth CCI4*-S qualifier before the $200K Final in October. Here&rsquo;s what to watch for across all three phases and which combinations have the numbers (and the speed) to contend.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36769990/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/003480/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>The Start List<br><br></h3>
<p>A small field, doesn't mean it won't be competitive...</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Karen O&rsquo;Neal &amp; Clooney 14 (USA) - </strong>Karen arrives at Aspen with the 11-year-old Clooney 14, fresh off a fourth-place finish at the CCI4*-S at Twin Rivers. After narrowly missing the podium there, she&rsquo;ll be determined to move up a place (or two) this weekend.</li>
<li><strong>Tommy Greengard &amp; Joshuay MBF (USA) -</strong> This is Tommy&rsquo;s first four-star run with Joshuay MBF since 2023. They missed the 2024 season but returned strong at the CCI3* level earlier this year. With two 4*-S starts under his belt this season on <strong data-start="580" data-end="595">That&rsquo;s Me Z</strong>, Tommy comes in sharp and competition-ready.</li>
<li><strong>Cristina Rennie &amp; Flight Of The Arabesque (CAN) - </strong>This will only be the second CCI4* for both horse and rider but their debut last year couldn&rsquo;t have gone better: a double clear and a second-place finish. Cristina started strong and will be aiming high again at Aspen.</li>
<li><strong>Renee Kalkman &amp; Flame Eternal </strong><span style="font-weight: 500;"><strong>(CAN) -</strong> Coming off a podium finish at the CCI3*-L&nbsp;at Twin Rivers, this experienced pair arrives with momentum. The 14-year-old proved his pace with no time penalties there and on Aspen's cross country course, that could be the edge they need.</span></li>
</ol>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="1315" data-end="1376">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="1315" data-end="1376"><strong data-start="1340" data-end="1376">Dressage: Can They Start Strong?</strong></h3>
<p data-start="1378" data-end="1624">Only&nbsp;<span data-start="1633" data-end="1670">2 of the last 10 dressage leaders</span> at US CCI4*-S events have gone on to win. A good start matters but you&rsquo;ll need to stay strong through jumping too.<br><br><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f2505e01-e42e-4c5d-8c2e-95d728da0b51.png?width=633&amp;height=766" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 11 165655"></p>
<p data-start="1378" data-end="1624">&nbsp;</p>
<p data-start="1378" data-end="1624"><strong data-start="1378" data-end="1392">Joshua MBF</strong> enters with the lowest 6RA (29.6) in the field meaning he&rsquo;s the most proven dressage performer on recent form. But don&rsquo;t count out&nbsp;<strong data-start="1524" data-end="1538">Clooney 14</strong> or <strong data-start="1542" data-end="1569">Flight of the Arabesque</strong>, who both sit comfortably in the low-to-mid 30s range.</p>
<p data-start="1378" data-end="1624"><br><br><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/bae6de8c-f1c2-44c5-a7a6-50cca7cf7d07.png?width=595&amp;height=616" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 11 165221"></p>
<p data-start="1378" data-end="1624">&nbsp;</p>
<hr data-start="1800" data-end="1803">
<h3 data-start="1805" data-end="1862">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="1805" data-end="1862"><strong data-start="1832" data-end="1862">Show Jumping: The Decider?</strong></h3>
<p data-start="1864" data-end="2017">With <strong data-start="1869" data-end="1897">only 30% of rounds clear</strong> at U.S. CCI4*-S events, this is where many dreams unravel. Aspen&rsquo;s 2024 edition saw just one clear round in this phase.<br><br><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/27e32dd2-0709-4820-b33f-fca45c384c27.png?width=385&amp;height=550" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 11 165900"></p>
<p data-start="2019" data-end="2035">Who jumps clean? <strong data-start="2038" data-end="2052">Clooney 14</strong> and <strong data-start="2057" data-end="2071">Joshua MBF</strong> are the most reliable jumpers on paper, both averaging just <strong data-start="2132" data-end="2149">1.3 penalties</strong> across their last 6 FEI runs.</p>
<p data-start="2334" data-end="2425"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/3ff22cb7-cbfb-41ba-9b36-b7a763cc92c8.png?width=690&amp;height=538" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 11 165749"><br><br></p>
<p data-start="2334" data-end="2425">&nbsp;</p>
<hr data-start="2427" data-end="2430">
<h3 data-start="2432" data-end="2505">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="2432" data-end="2505"><strong data-start="2457" data-end="2505">Cross Country: Need for Speed</strong></h3>
<p data-start="2507" data-end="2666"><strong data-start="2507" data-end="2525">Clear and fast</strong> is rare at this level in Aspen.<strong> Jonathan Elliot </strong>described the course on this week&rsquo;s US Equestrian Open Podcast as <strong data-start="83" data-end="121">educational, but still a challenge</strong>.</p>
<blockquote data-start="124" data-end="380" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">
<p data-start="126" data-end="380" data-is-last-node=""><em data-start="126" data-end="380" data-is-last-node="">"It's there to prep them and get them ready for something else, but it's no cream puff either. That's kind of always been our philosophy across the levels. It's important for people to see a standard and get that sense of accomplishment from doing it."<br></em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Across the last 10 CCI4*-S competitions on US soil,&nbsp;only 2% of cross-country rounds finished clear and inside the time. In 2024, no one made the time at Aspen. Can anyone do it in 2025?</p>
<p data-start="2834" data-end="2965">Although<strong data-start="2834" data-end="2851"> Flame Eternal</strong> and <strong data-start="2856" data-end="2883">Flight of the Arabesque</strong> are the fastest in the field by Top Speed Percentage (79% and 77%, respectively). <strong data-start="2968" data-end="2982">Clooney 14</strong> could be one to watch - in this class last year, she posted the fastest round of the day, only adding 1.2 time penalties.</p>
<h3><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d4a8e57f-a823-43f1-a948-7d4d2ecf5bb7.png?width=504&amp;height=633" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 11 170305"></h3>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<hr>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>So who wins?</h3>
<p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/aspen_4s_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EquiRatings Prediction Centre</a> gives <strong>Karen O&rsquo;Neal</strong> and<strong> Clooney 14</strong> the edge with a <strong>57% win chance,</strong> but in a field this small, it&rsquo;s still anyone&rsquo;s game. A small mistake in any discipline is all it takes to turn the leaderboard upside down.</p>
<p><a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/aspen_4s_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/70df4ef6-469b-44c7-a2c5-f42b44cd4ffa.png?width=877&amp;height=655" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 11 160810"></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="365" data-end="687">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="365" data-end="687">Want to read more about Aspen Farms?<br><br></h3>
<p>Read the full form guide <a href="https://equiratings.info/aspenfarms2025fanguide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to see all the stats, stories, and insights before the competition starts.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="365" data-end="687">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="365" data-end="687">Want to hear more about Aspen Farms?</h3>
<p data-start="365" data-end="687">For more on Aspen Farms, listen to <strong>Jonathan Elliot</strong> on this week&rsquo;s US Equestrian Open Podcast as he shares the inside story behind how the venue got its name, the deep family roots behind the event, and about the tradition of champagne and oysters.<br><br></p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36769990/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/003480/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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"></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>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;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>

Cross country jumps and trees in a field in Aspen Farms

Eventing