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<p data-start="348" data-end="790">As the US Equestrian Open of Dressage breaks ahead of its final stretch, one of the season&rsquo;s most captivating partnerships sits in the top five: Genay Vaughn and her partner, Gino. With four wins from four starts, a freestyle rooted in the music of her childhood, and a leaderboard surge that has her closing in on the top, Vaughn's season so far has blended personal expression with elite performance.</p>
<p data-start="792" data-end="845"><em data-start="488" data-end="559" data-is-last-node="">Tune in to hear Genay in her own words or catch the highlights below.</em><br><br></p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36950420/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/000a80/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="792" data-end="845">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="852" data-end="893">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="852" data-end="893"><strong data-start="859" data-end="893">Gino: The Star of His Own Show</strong></h3>
<p data-start="112" data-end="377">The bond between Genay and Gino isn&rsquo;t just strong, it&rsquo;s the foundation of everything. Their connection goes far beyond training sessions or test scores. It&rsquo;s the rhythm of their everyday life that builds the deep understanding you see every time they enter the ring.</p>
<p data-start="112" data-end="377"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9e942aaf-0d5c-4393-9208-ec328865b8bb.png?width=1080&amp;height=875" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics"></p>
<p data-start="594" data-end="869" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Since bringing Gino home as a six-year-old, Genay has built their partnership with patience and care. Their original freestyle was designed to keep things comfortable, but with Gino now stronger and more confident, they&rsquo;re ready to push the boundaries heading into the final.</p>
<p data-start="594" data-end="869" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="1586" data-end="1634">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="1586" data-end="1634"><strong data-start="1599" data-end="1634">High Performance Starts at Home</strong></h3>
<p data-start="1636" data-end="1852">Genay&rsquo;s team isn&rsquo;t made up of the usual coaches and grooms - it is her family. Her mom is her trainer, which although it is intense to train, work, and live together, Genay says she wouldn't want it any other way. Her dad, a former Major League Baseball player, brings the high-performance mindset and support to the table. The entire family farm is built on a shared ambition and a relentless drive for success.</p>
<p data-start="1636" data-end="1852"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0f01eb7c-01dc-4ef8-80ed-7ff94978dc3f.png?width=1080&amp;height=870" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (4)"></p>
<p data-start="2028" data-end="2184">It&rsquo;s a rare dynamic: personal trust mixed with professional expectation. There&rsquo;s no hiding in a family of competitors and no shortage of motivation, either.</p>
<p data-start="2028" data-end="2184">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="2191" data-end="2232">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="2191" data-end="2232"><strong data-start="2198" data-end="2232">Freestyle with a Personal Beat</strong></h3>
<p data-start="2234" data-end="2405">One of the most talked-about freestyles on the circuit this season? Genay and Gino&rsquo;s. Freestyle dressage is all about self-expression, and Genay has mastered that art. Their freestyle music feels as bold and distinctive as the rider herself. The scores speak for themselves - it&rsquo;s clearly striking a chord with both judges and fans alike.</p>
<p data-start="2234" data-end="2405"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/42164377-dc19-43f0-abb0-6cfc9406bee3.png?width=1080&amp;height=864" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (3)"></p>
<p data-start="2607" data-end="2731">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="2738" data-end="2780">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="2738" data-end="2780"><strong data-start="2745" data-end="2780">The Leaderboard</strong></h3>
<p data-start="2782" data-end="3076">With <strong data-start="2787" data-end="2800">80 points</strong>, Genay Vaughn currently sits in <strong data-start="2833" data-end="2846">5th place</strong> on the US Equestrian Open leaderboard, just behind Evelyn Eger and tied contenders in second. Anna Marek leads with 105 points, but it isn&rsquo;t over yet. If Genay continues her form, the Desert Final could see major movement.</p>
<p data-start="2782" data-end="3076">&nbsp;</p>
<p data-start="2782" data-end="3076"><a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0b2ea0c7-e18b-4f83-a7c1-dc7cbd2f442f.png?width=733&amp;height=1032" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 11 123623"></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="2782" data-end="3076">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="2782" data-end="3076"><strong data-start="3423" data-end="3464">Want to hear from the leader herself?</strong></h3>
<p>Check out our podcast with Anna Marek on passion, patience and performance.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/35371080/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/002580/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><br><br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Dressage</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stay updated on news and standings for the US Equestrian Open Series 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.</a>&nbsp;Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/22433326-f7d7-4286-930b-62c3a1ba80f2.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Show calendar for the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage"></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><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 class="MsoNormal"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>

New Podcast: Genay Vaughn lives in Gino's world

<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36687545/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/003f80/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="374" data-end="729">Ben Ebeling is one of the brightest young stars in American dressage - but he didn&rsquo;t always plan to be here. He started out in the show jumping world, doing his first Grand Prix over fences before he ever entered a Grand Prix dressage arena, and only truly pivoted because he asked his father to teach him how to do a pirouette.</p>
<p data-start="731" data-end="904">His father was delighted when Ben asked to learn his first pirouette - finally, a sign he might be turning toward dressage. But Ebeling had other plans. He only wanted the movement to help him turn tighter in his jump offs, not yet realizing he'd just taken his first real step toward a new discipline. Although he misses the show jumping ring, Ben credits it with shaping key parts of his riding, especially his ability to handle hotter, more sensitive horses, a skill that&rsquo;s served him well in the dressage arena.</p>
<p data-start="731" data-end="904">This season, Ebeling is campaigning Bellena, a Grand Prix mare produced by his father, Jan Ebeling, and recently handed over to Ben. Their growing partnership has quickly become one of the most compelling stories on the US Equestrian Open of Dressage leaderboard.<br><br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Progress Over Podiums</h3>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Ben&rsquo;s connection with Bellena is still new. They began competing together in Wellington, where they faced a few mistakes early on, simply because they didn&rsquo;t know each other well yet. But now, with each competition, things are starting to come together and the pair is showing real progress.</p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">However, Ben isn&rsquo;t chasing ribbons. He is chasing progress. He finds just as much joy in the daily training as in the big competitions, saying he gets the same thrill from a young horse nailing its first flying change as he does riding down the centerline at Aachen.<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/95473147-9593-4061-bbd6-fca82482ced4.jpg?width=1078&amp;height=644" alt="Img 1372"></p>
<hr>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Family Legacy and Traditions</h3>
<p>Ben&rsquo;s journey in dressage has been shaped by the quiet strength and experience of his father, Jan Ebeling. A respected competitor and coach, Jan has guided Ben from childhood through to Grand Prix level, offering a steady presence both in the arena and beyond it.</p>
<p>Their relationship balances high-performance ambition with a grounded, supportive dynamic and a few light hearted family traditions along the way. One of their long-running rituals is that the winner buys dinner and the loser buys ice cream. After years of buying ice cream, Ben finally bought dinner last week - a small moment that speaks volumes.</p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/8560c575-cb1e-474b-bc80-9f25ebf29b78.jpg?width=1073&amp;height=567" alt="Img 1375"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><br>Ben and the US Equestrian Open of Dressage<br><br></h3>
<p data-start="107" data-end="332">Now, Ebeling has his eyes on the US Equestrian Open of Dressage final. With points already on the board and a big freestyle coming up at WEC, the road to Thermal is officially in motion.</p>
<p data-start="334" data-end="735" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">He believes the series is pushing the sport in the right direction, offering a championship that feels fresh and fan-focused - something akin to a World Cup but rooted in the US circuit. His fan-focused perspective is exactly why this series exists.<br><br></p>
<p data-start="334" data-end="735" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/781baea3-bc7e-4ce2-a8d3-015fa16b534f.jpg?width=1079&amp;height=567" alt="Img 1373"></p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="58" data-end="126">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="58" data-end="126">🎧&nbsp;<strong data-start="61" data-end="126">Listen Now</strong></h3>
<p data-start="128" data-end="263">Hear more on Ben's training, freestyles, and what makes the US Equestrian Open such an exciting step for dressage fans and riders alike.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36687545/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/003f80/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 Dressage</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stay updated on news and standings for the US Equestrian Open Series 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.</a>&nbsp;Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/22433326-f7d7-4286-930b-62c3a1ba80f2.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Show calendar for the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage"></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><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 class="MsoNormal"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>

New Podcast: Ben Ebeling on Family, Freestyle, and the Future of US Dressage

<p>Annie and Diarm sat down with James Alliston on the US Equestrian Open podcast&mdash;and it&rsquo;s a good one. From his record-breaking weekend at Twin Rivers to the horses in his string and the road to Morven Park, James shares it all.&nbsp; Listen to the full episode or keep reading for the highlights, stats, and standout storylines.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p>&nbsp;</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/002180/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 class="" data-start="94" data-end="128">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="94" data-end="128">Twin Rivers and Teamwork</h3>
<p class="" data-start="149" data-end="363">James turned heads at Twin Rivers with a standout performance: four horses finishing in the top five, including first, second, third, and fifth. He became just the fifth rider in 17 years to achieve this rare feat.</p>
<p class="" data-start="149" data-end="363"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0c280dbb-c751-47c3-8077-0ee3c4e5745c.png?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Untitled Design (9)"></p>
<p class="" data-start="365" data-end="961">That success hasn&rsquo;t come in isolation&mdash;it&rsquo;s the result of a hardworking team behind the scenes. His wife, Helen, plays a pivotal role in the daily training and development of their horses, having produced several of James' horses up to three-star level herself. Their staff and students are essential in maintaining fitness programs and managing the chaos of show-day logistics, especially when multiple horses are competing in the same class. Even event organizers have played a part, adjusting schedules to help James juggle it all.</p>
<p class="" data-start="365" data-end="961">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="722" data-end="725">
<h3 class="" data-start="727" data-end="768">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="727" data-end="768">Karma: Speed, Spark, and Star Power</h3>
<p class="" data-start="769" data-end="949">Karma has become a fan favorite&mdash;and deservedly so. Karma brings serious energy both at home and in the ring. Dressage was tricky early on for the pair, but she&rsquo;s settled with experience and now shines at the top level. Looking ahead, James has his eye on Aachen if selected, with Montana and Morven Park also in the mix.</p>
<p class="" data-start="769" data-end="949"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/b83a5eb7-97e4-4f78-8f1e-55269fb7cf06.png?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="She Is a Fantastic Horse an Incredible Athlete, so Fast and an Amazing Jumper. I'm Hoping With Time and Mileage, We Can Just Take a Little Bit of the Edge off the Hotness. but It's Partly That Tha"></p>
<p class="" data-start="173" data-end="402">James&rsquo;s win at Twin Rivers with Karma wasn&rsquo;t just a highlight of the season&mdash;it marked a major career milestone. It was his <strong data-start="296" data-end="343">10th international four-star win since 2008</strong>, a number achieved by only seven U.S. riders in history.</p>
<p class="" data-start="404" data-end="698">What makes that stat even more impressive is the efficiency behind it. James has reached that milestone with fewer than 50 runs at the level&mdash;giving him the <strong data-start="560" data-end="628">highest four-star win rate of any U.S. rider on the list, at 22%</strong>. Quietly consistent, deeply competitive, and now statistically elite.</p>
<p class="" data-start="404" data-end="698">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="1380" data-end="1383">
<h3 class="" data-start="1385" data-end="1417">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="1385" data-end="1417">A Deep and Balanced String</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1418" data-end="1644">There's Nemesis, making a strong comeback after injury, Paper Jam &mdash;a seasoned four-star veteran&mdash; and promising talents like Cora and Irish Pop who performed well at Twin Rivers.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1418" data-end="1644"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/709bc7dd-7dc2-4cbd-9eca-68c3c3761632.png?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="James Alliston"></p>
<p class="" data-start="1803" data-end="1939">Events like Rebecca Farm and Montana feature in his summer calendar as James positions his team for a final push toward the Open finale.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1803" data-end="1939">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p class="" data-start="1803" data-end="1939">&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="" data-start="107" data-end="135">Learning from a Legend</h3>
<p class="" data-start="136" data-end="634">James reflects on his journey in the U.S. that began with a gap year and turned into a career-defining chapter under Bruce Davidson Sr. Working on a farm full of young horses, racehorses, and elite-level talent, he absorbed everything&mdash;from horsemanship and fitness to feel and finesse.</p>
<p class="" data-start="136" data-end="634"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/af037b8a-4057-4809-abd2-79317a7bad5f.png?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="James Alliston (1)"></p>
<p class="" data-start="136" data-end="634">Bruce&rsquo;s style wasn&rsquo;t built on structured lessons but on immersion: ride, watch, learn, repeat. That intense, hands-on environment shaped James&rsquo;s foundation as a rider.</p>
<p class="" data-start="136" data-end="634">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 class="" data-start="641" data-end="665">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="641" data-end="665">All In on the Open</h3>
<p class="" data-start="666" data-end="1130">James was immediately intrigued when the U.S. Equestrian Open launched&mdash;especially the idea of serious prize money. For horses not yet ready for five-star, it offers a real purpose and a clear target. Now sitting third on the leaderboard, James plans to contest as many qualifiers as possible and is eyeing a trip to Morven Park for the final. It&rsquo;s a competitive challenge&mdash;and one he&rsquo;s fully committed to.</p>
<p class="" data-start="666" data-end="1130"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f611e1de-723f-45e0-80df-da1c4db95b81.png?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="James Alliston (2)"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>US Equestrian Open Leaderboard&nbsp;</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a37f0405-f149-414e-a21d-f585ccec3d83.png?width=733&amp;height=532" alt="Screenshot 2025 05 16 162737"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>🎙️&nbsp;<strong data-start="48" data-end="99">Listen Now: James Alliston &amp; The Road to Morven</strong></h3>
<p>From Twin Rivers to leaderboard goals&mdash;James talks Karma, the Open, and what&rsquo;s next.</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/002180/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>&nbsp;</p>
<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">&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>.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr">&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>&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>

New Podcast: James Alliston and The Road to Morven Park

<p>It&rsquo;s back to Tryon for the twelfth leg of the US Equestrian Open of Eventing&mdash;and with just one event scheduled in May, this weekend will be one to watch. From leaderboard shakeups to breakout performances, there&rsquo;s plenty on the line at a venue known for delivering drama.</p>
<p>The full breakdown is now live on the <strong>US Equestrian Open Podcast</strong>&mdash;but here&rsquo;s your snapshot of what you need to know ahead of Tryon.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36471130/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/003580/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 data-start="539" data-end="565">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-start="539" data-end="565">Lets Take a Look at the&nbsp;<a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/tryon_4s_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prediction Centre</a></h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/tryon_4s_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/fce526ba-d6ab-43c6-853e-f4371ca0b816.png?width=916&amp;height=943" alt="Screenshot 2025 05 07 154220"></a></p>
<h3 data-start="539" data-end="565">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="539" data-end="565">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="539" data-end="565">Boyd Martin - Tsetserleg TSF</h3>
<p class="" data-start="112" data-end="311"><strong>Boyd Martin</strong> heads to Tryon as the new <strong>FEI World Number One</strong> &mdash; and with <strong>135 points</strong> on the US Open leaderboard, he&rsquo;s within striking distance of the top three. A win here could shake things up while also securing his position in the FEI rankings.</p>
<p class="" data-start="313" data-end="564">He brings forward <strong>Tsetserleg TSF</strong>, or &lsquo;Thomas&rsquo; &mdash; the most experienced horse in the field. With an Olympic appearance to many 5* completions including a podium in 2019, Thomas has a huge fan following. It&rsquo;s no surprise they top the Prediction Centre this weekend with a <strong>27% win chance</strong>.</p>
<h3 data-start="940" data-end="1184">Sara Kozumplik - Rock Phantom</h3>
<p>One of the early stars of the US Open Series, <strong data-start="168" data-end="184">Rock Phantom</strong> and <strong data-start="189" data-end="207">Sara Kozumplik</strong> took the win at Bouckaert in 2024 &mdash; and now they&rsquo;re back and heading to Tryon. This marks their&nbsp;first 4 star of the season, with Sara returning to the saddle after a minor injury kept her out of Kentucky. The numbers speak for themselves as they sit second on the Prediction Centre with a <strong data-start="527" data-end="545">16% win chance.</strong></p>
<h3>Caroline Pamucku - Redfield Dexter and HSH Tolan King</h3>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">It&rsquo;s a two-horse attack from <strong>Caroline Pamukcu</strong> this weekend &mdash; and together, her chances are looking strong.&nbsp;<strong>Redfield Dexter</strong> comes in with a <strong>13% win chance</strong> after a standout performance at Ocala, where he completed his first CCI4*-S and finished fifth. With that milestone behind them, we expect they may take the handbrake off cross-country and have a serious shot at the podium.</p>
<p><strong>HSH Tolan King</strong>, the more seasoned of the two, edged his stablemate for fourth at Ocala and carries a <strong>12% win chance</strong> into Tryon. Together, Caroline&rsquo;s duo gives her<strong> a combined 25% shot at the win</strong> &mdash; not a bad hand to be playing.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2 data-start="1629" data-end="1649">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-start="1629" data-end="1649">Ones to Watch</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li data-start="1653" data-end="1771"><strong data-start="1653" data-end="1686">Sharon White &amp; Jaguars Duende</strong>: Still new at the level, but flashy and full of potential. The team here is excited about this horse and you should be too.</li>
<li data-start="1653" data-end="1771"><strong data-start="1774" data-end="1816">Kim Severson &amp; Cooley Corraghy Diamond</strong>: Young, green, but growing - this combination is one to keep an eye on.</li>
<li data-start="1653" data-end="1771"><strong data-start="1901" data-end="1917">Laine Ashker</strong> &amp; <strong data-start="1931" data-end="1945">Lovedance:</strong> While it's a 4* debut for the horse, this pair looks to put on an impressive performance.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2 data-start="1516" data-end="1760">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-start="1516" data-end="1760">The US Equestrian Open Leaderboard</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="1516" data-end="1760"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/4f864eb7-9bb9-4afb-9eb8-23aa7c97a7f1.png?width=493&amp;height=373" alt="Screenshot 2025 05 07 161651"></p>
<p class="" data-start="1516" data-end="1760">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2 data-start="3732" data-end="4026">🎙️&nbsp;Listen Now:&nbsp;The Tryon Preview Show</h2>
<p class="" data-start="3732" data-end="4026">Dive deeper into Tryon with Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne on the latest <strong data-start="578" data-end="608">US Equestrian Open Podcast</strong>.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36471130/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/003580/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p class="" data-start="1516" data-end="1760">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<section class="wysiwyg col-span-12 lg:col-span-6 lg:col-start-4">
<h1 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h1>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<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">&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>.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr">&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>&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>

New Podcast: The Tryon Preview Show

<p class="" data-start="120" data-end="499">From new personal bests to leaderboard shakeups, the<strong> Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S</strong> delivered a weekend packed with momentum shifts and standout moments. <strong>Will Coleman</strong> and <strong>Off the Record</strong> led from the very first phase, but there were big moves happening just behind them as<strong> Phillip Dutton, Jessica Phoenix,</strong> and <strong>Allison Springer</strong> made major statements in the US Equestrian Open Series.</p>
<p class="" data-start="501" data-end="674">The full breakdown is now live on the US Equestrian Open Podcast&mdash;but here&rsquo;s your snapshot of everything that went down in Kentucky, and what it means for the road ahead.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36353425/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/1744d4/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3 data-start="686" data-end="1136">Coleman and Off the Record Lead from Start to Finish</h3>
<p class="" data-start="686" data-end="1136"><strong>Will Coleman </strong>and&nbsp;<strong>Off the Record</strong> were the stars of the show. They came out swinging with a 21.8 in the first phase&mdash;Timmy&rsquo;s best ever score at any level&mdash;and never gave up the lead. They added only 7.2 time penalties on cross-country (the fastest of the day) and just added four faults on Sunday in the showjumping, to defend Will's title at the Kentucky 4*-S. From start to finish, it was smooth, stylish, and a perfect example of what this partnership can do when they&rsquo;re on song.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1138" data-end="1217">This win wasn&rsquo;t just another notch on the belt&mdash;it was a record-defining moment:</p>
<p class="" data-start="1138" data-end="1217">🏆 Will's 16th career CCI4*-S win (15 of them on U.S. soil, plus CHIO Aachen)</p>
<p class="" data-start="1138" data-end="1217">🏆<em> </em>Off The Record&rsquo;s 6th CCI4*-S win</p>
<p class="" data-start="1340" data-end="1398">🏆 Will&rsquo;s second win in five runnings of the Kentucky 4*-S</p>
<p class="" data-start="1401" data-end="1474">🏆 Enough to move Will into the global top 10 for CCI4*-S wins since 2008</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="1476" data-end="1937">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="1476" data-end="1937">Dutton and Phoenix Secure Key Podium Finishes</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1476" data-end="1937">And while Coleman took the win,<strong> Phillip Dutton</strong> stole the spotlight when it came to the series storyline. He came into Kentucky on top of the US Equestrian Open standings with 175 points&mdash;and both of his rides delivered.&nbsp;<strong>Possante</strong> finished second,<em> </em><strong>Denim </strong>took fourth, and together they helped push his season total to 215 points. That makes Dutton the first rider this year to break the 200-point barrier, and he now sits 30 points clear at the top of the table.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1939" data-end="2306">There was some speculation about whether Phillip&rsquo;s horses had the speed to challenge this field&mdash;and while both picked up time penalties, context matters. <strong>Off the Record</strong> was the fastest with 7.2; Phillip&rsquo;s horses weren&rsquo;t far behind.<strong> Possante </strong>and <strong>Denim</strong> both posted top-six cross-country times, proving that when it counts, they can absolutely turn up the heat.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2308" data-end="2707">Just behind them, <strong>Jessica Phoenix</strong> quietly climbed the podium into third place with<em> </em><strong>Freedom GS,</strong> adding 40 points and bumping her series total to 185. That makes her the closest challenger to Dutton&rsquo;s lead, and with a few more key results, she&rsquo;s well within striking distance. Her Ocala performance, her podium here&mdash;Jess is on a tear this season and proving she&rsquo;s got the firepower for a serious series run.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2308" data-end="2707">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="2308" data-end="2707">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="2308" data-end="2707">No May Moon Shines in Kentucky</h3>
<p class="" data-start="2709" data-end="3240">But the biggest mover of the weekend?<strong><em> </em>No May Moon. Allison Springer</strong> and her crowd-favorite mare delivered one of the standout performances of the competition. They started in 25th after dressage, then rocketed up to finish fifth. It was one of the fastest cross-country rounds on the day, followed by a clear jumping round. This wasn&rsquo;t a fluke&mdash;this was a star stepping fully into the spotlight. With a string of strong recent performances,<strong> No May Moon</strong> could be the sleeper pick for the finale.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2709" data-end="3240">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="3242" data-end="3639">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="3242" data-end="3639">Leaderboard Update: It&rsquo;s Still All to Play For</h3>
<p class="" data-start="3242" data-end="3639">The <a href="https://usef.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leaderboard</a> looks different now, and it&rsquo;s shaping into a real race. <strong>Phillip</strong> leads on 215,<strong> Jess</strong> follows with 185, and<strong> James Alliston</strong> holds third with 145. Riders like C<strong>aroline Pamukcu, Ema Klugman</strong>, and <strong>Allison Springer </strong>are still in the hunt, especially as we head into the second half of the series. The full top ten is here&mdash;and it&rsquo;s tight enough to expect fireworks over the coming qualifiers:</p>
<p><a href="https://usef.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/bd3f74f7-7a71-401e-939c-d2d10ce477ce.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Kentucky  Recap"></a></p>
<p class="" data-start="3732" data-end="4026">So what&rsquo;s next? More qualifiers, more movement, and all eyes on Morven Park, where the $200K showdown will bring the best back together. With<strong> Off the Record</strong> in this kind of form, <strong>Phillip</strong> pushing the pace, and <strong>Jess </strong>quietly stacking points, it&rsquo;s anyone&rsquo;s game.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3732" data-end="4026">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p class="" data-start="3732" data-end="4026">&nbsp;</p>
<h3 data-start="3732" data-end="4026">🎙️<strong> Listen Now: </strong><strong data-start="455" data-end="501">The Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S Review&nbsp;</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="3732" data-end="4026">Dive deeper into the wins, surprises, and leaderboard drama on the latest&nbsp;<strong data-start="578" data-end="608">US Equestrian Open Podcast</strong>.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36353425/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/1744d4/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h1 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h1>
<hr>
<h1 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h1>
<h1 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<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">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <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>.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr">&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>&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>.&nbsp;</em></p>

New Podcast: Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S Review Show

<p class="" data-start="467" data-end="820">In this week&rsquo;s episode, Annie Bishop is joined by <strong>Sally Spickard</strong> (Eventing Nation), <strong>Sinead Maynard</strong>, and EquiRatings' <strong>Diarm Byrne</strong> to break down the field for the Cosequin&reg; Lexington CCI4*-S. From bold predictions to heartfelt dark horse picks, it&rsquo;s your all-access pass to the names, numbers, and narratives that matter most.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36261295/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>
<p class="" data-start="467" data-end="820">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="822" data-end="825">
<h3 class="" data-start="827" data-end="858">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="827" data-end="858">🔺 The Big Three at the Top</h3>
<p class="" data-start="860" data-end="1209"><strong>Caroline Pamukcu &amp; HSH Blake</strong>, <strong>Will Coleman &amp; Off The Record</strong>, and <strong>Alyssa Phillips &amp; Oskar </strong>currently dominate the top of the Prediction Centre &mdash; combining for nearly 70% of total win chance. But as Diarm reminds us, this doesn't mean everything. Past years have seen late lead changes, surprise poles, and big names fall short. This is not a field for safe bets.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1211" data-end="1423">Blake&rsquo;s star-making turn at Kentucky last year still lingers in Diarm&rsquo;s mind &mdash; not just the numbers, but the visual dominance across country. Can Caroline repeat with more pressure and more eyes this time around?</p>
<p class="" data-start="1211" data-end="1423">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="1425" data-end="1428">
<h3 class="" data-start="1430" data-end="1458">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="1430" data-end="1458">🐴 Dark Horses Lining Up</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1460" data-end="1720">Sure, the prediction models favor the big names &mdash; but the pundits are keeping close tabs on some serious spoilers. Sally flags <strong data-start="1587" data-end="1602">No May Moon</strong> as her one-to-watch: a gritty little mare with proven form and podium potential if she can stay close after dressage.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1722" data-end="1912">Annie&rsquo;s backing <strong data-start="1738" data-end="1751">Cute Girl</strong> to recapture form, while Sinead is excited to see <strong data-start="1802" data-end="1814">Invictus</strong>, <strong data-start="1816" data-end="1831">That&rsquo;s Me Z</strong>, and <strong data-start="1837" data-end="1848">Possante</strong> in action &mdash; all with solid backstories and momentum heading in.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1914" data-end="1997">And Diarm? He&rsquo;s still running spreadsheets, but even his data admits: it&rsquo;s wide open.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1914" data-end="1997">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="1999" data-end="2002">
<h3 class="" data-start="2004" data-end="2046">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="2004" data-end="2046">🌍 West Coast Energy, East Coast Stage</h3>
<p class="" data-start="2048" data-end="2365">There&rsquo;s a buzz around the West Coast riders making the trip: <strong data-start="2109" data-end="2142">Tommy Greengard </strong>and<strong data-start="2109" data-end="2142"> That&rsquo;s Me Z</strong>, <strong data-start="2144" data-end="2172">Taryn Hoffos </strong>and <strong data-start="2144" data-end="2172">Regalla</strong>, and <strong data-start="2178" data-end="2192">Molly Duda</strong> with <strong>Disco Traveler</strong> are among those crossing the country for a shot at this major 4*. With top-level experience overseas, these combos bring freshness &mdash; and fire &mdash; to a field full of veterans.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2367" data-end="2544">It&rsquo;s exactly what the US Equestrian Open is built for: mixing regions, highlighting talent, and giving fans a chance to see combinations they might not normally catch in person.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2367" data-end="2544">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="2546" data-end="2549">
<h3 class="" data-start="2551" data-end="2592">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="2551" data-end="2592">💻 Podium Picks &amp; Prediction Showdown</h3>
<p class="" data-start="2594" data-end="2931">As always, Annie and Diarm close out the episode with their podium predictions &mdash; and the scoring battle between them is heating up. Diarm&rsquo;s going for a head-heart hybrid: Blake to win, Off The Record second, and No May Moon sneaking into third. Annie&rsquo;s betting on Will and Timmy to get it done, with Cute Girl and Possante crashing the party.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2933" data-end="2994">Bonus drama? Caroline doesn&rsquo;t even make Annie&rsquo;s podium. Bold.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2933" data-end="2994">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 class="" data-start="3001" data-end="3018">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="3001" data-end="3018">🎧 Listen Now</h3>
<p class="" data-start="3020" data-end="3157">It&rsquo;s all to play for in Kentucky. The Prediction Centre says one thing. The gut says another. And the horses? They&rsquo;ll have the final say.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3159" data-end="3225">This is where the leaderboard gets serious. This is why we follow.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3159" data-end="3225">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 class="" data-start="3988" data-end="4009">📣 Stay Connected</h3>
<p class="" data-start="4011" data-end="4252">Explore the latest&nbsp;<strong data-start="4030" data-end="4089"><a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/magazines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fan Guide</a></strong>, check the&nbsp;<strong data-start="4101" data-end="4168"><a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/?hsCtaTracking=907b4987-399b-4b9c-987d-14baa17bbf42%7Cc8942863-dac1-4a71-95b2-ee4f0be07dc6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prediction Center</a></strong>, and follow the series on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/">Instagram</a>.</p>
<p class="" data-start="4254" data-end="4294"><strong data-stringify-type="bold">Don&rsquo;t miss a second of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event &mdash; streaming live on the USEF Network. All USEF members, including free Fan account holders, can watch the action without any added costs.</strong>&nbsp;Join now at <a href="https://www.usef.org/events/kentucky-three-day/?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=slider&amp;utm_campaign=k3de" target="_blank" rel="noopener">usef.org</a>.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36261295/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>

New Podcast: Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S Preview Show

<p class="" data-start="448" data-end="767">In our latest podcast episode, Annie Bishop and Diarm Byrne unpack a wild few weeks of competition and look ahead to a fascinating Ocala field. From James Alliston&rsquo;s incredible 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th at Twin Rivers to the long-awaited CCI4*-S debut of Sharon White's Jaguar&rsquo;s Duende, this is the kind of stretch that transforms a season.</p>
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<p class="" data-start="448" data-end="767">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="769" data-end="772">
<h3 class="" data-start="774" data-end="808">💥 Alliston&rsquo;s Historic Weekend</h3>
<p class="" data-start="810" data-end="1183">We&rsquo;ve seen dominance, but not like this. James Alliston not only showed up at Twin Rivers &mdash; he swept the podium and then some. His four-horse haul (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th) is the kind of stat you rarely see, even at the international level. As Diarm notes, it&rsquo;s the first time in nearly a decade that one rider has had four horses in the top five at this level.</p>
<p class="" data-start="810" data-end="1183"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1dd4427c-fcb0-4841-a8a9-cd3e560ffd7a.png?width=738&amp;height=922" alt="Screenshot 2025 04 17 220023"></p>
<p class="" data-start="1185" data-end="1275">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="1185" data-end="1275">And those 125 points? They&rsquo;ve vaulted him into third place on the leaderboard &mdash; from zero.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1185" data-end="1275">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="1277" data-end="1280">
<h3 class="" data-start="1282" data-end="1315">🔄 Caroline Reloads for Ocala</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1317" data-end="1598">Caroline Pamukcu has two big bullets to fire this weekend: <strong data-start="1376" data-end="1395">Redfield Dexter</strong> and <strong>HSH</strong> <strong data-start="1400" data-end="1416">Tolland King</strong>. Sitting in eighth place with 60 points, a strong result at Ocala could launch her right into title contention &mdash; especially with HSH Blake poised to strike at Kentucky next week.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1600" data-end="1823">Prediction Center odds are stacked in her favor (this week and next) with Caroline holding both the first and second highest win chances. She&rsquo;s been here before &mdash; and after a few setbacks at TerraNova, you get the sense she&rsquo;s coming in sharp.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1600" data-end="1823">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="1825" data-end="1828">
<h3 class="" data-start="1830" data-end="1853">🐎 The Duende Debut</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1855" data-end="2090">Let&rsquo;s just say it: Jaguar&rsquo;s Duende <em data-start="1890" data-end="1897">feels</em> like <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/jaguars-duende-sharon-white-on-her-rising-star-of-us-eventing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the breakout moment we&rsquo;ve all been waiting for</a>. Sharon White&rsquo;s carefully-managed star mare makes her 4* debut at Ocala, and it&rsquo;s one of the most buzzed-about entries of the entire series.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2092" data-end="2417">Will she run fast? Will she challenge for a podium? Maybe. But as Annie reminds us (and Diarm tries to internalize), this is a long game &mdash; and Sharon&rsquo;s approach has always been horse-first. That said, this mare hasn&rsquo;t missed a podium yet at the lower levels, so don&rsquo;t be surprised if she forces her way into the conversation.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2092" data-end="2417">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="2877" data-end="2880">
<h3 class="" data-start="2882" data-end="2914">📊 The Leaderboard Gets Real</h3>
<p class="" data-start="2916" data-end="3202">With Ocala marking the halfway point in the series, we&rsquo;re finally starting to see the true shape of the leaderboard. Phillip Dutton&rsquo;s early-season lead is suddenly under pressure. Boyd Martin, James Alliston, and possibly Caroline could be right there by the time Kentucky rolls around.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3204" data-end="3325">And that&rsquo;s exactly what the Open was designed to do &mdash; create reasons to follow, stories to connect, and new fans to hook.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3204" data-end="3325">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="3327" data-end="3330">
<h3 class="" data-start="3332" data-end="3365">🥇 Predictions &amp; Podium Picks</h3>
<p class="" data-start="3367" data-end="3572">Want to know who Annie and Diarm are backing this week? They both expect big things from Caroline&rsquo;s entries, but Diarm also makes the case for <strong>Zachary Brandt</strong> and <strong>Direct Advance</strong> sneaking into the top three.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3574" data-end="3710">And while Annie <em data-start="3590" data-end="3597">won&rsquo;t</em> let herself put Jaguar&rsquo;s Duende on the podium (superstition!), she makes it clear her heart says otherwise.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3574" data-end="3710">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="3712" data-end="3715">
<h3 class="" data-start="3717" data-end="3734">🎧 Listen Now</h3>
<p class="" data-start="3736" data-end="3906">This is the weekend that could change everything. Will Caroline make her charge? Will Sharon&rsquo;s 'Jags' deliver a debut for the ages? And who else could shake up the table?</p>
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<p class="" data-start="3908" data-end="3981">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="3983" data-end="3986">
<h3 class="" data-start="3988" data-end="4009">📣 Stay Connected</h3>
<p class="" data-start="4011" data-end="4252">Explore the latest <strong data-start="4030" data-end="4089"><a href="https://digital.equiratings.com/view/379819202/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fan Guide</a></strong>, check the <strong data-start="4101" data-end="4168"><a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/?hsCtaTracking=907b4987-399b-4b9c-987d-14baa17bbf42%7Cc8942863-dac1-4a71-95b2-ee4f0be07dc6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prediction Center</a></strong>, and follow the series on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/">Instagram</a>.</p>
<p class="" data-start="4254" data-end="4294">&nbsp;</p>

New Podcast: Twin Rivers Review and a big debut coming in Ocala

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<p class="" data-start="447" data-end="653">&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="" data-start="660" data-end="690">🔥 Coleman Joins the Chase</h3>
<p class="" data-start="692" data-end="928">After sitting out the first few legs of the Open, <strong data-start="742" data-end="758">Will Coleman</strong> finally enters the arena&mdash;and he&rsquo;s not easing into it. He arrives with <strong data-start="829" data-end="847">Off The Record</strong>, the Aiken showcase winner and one of the most decorated US horses in the field.</p>
<blockquote data-start="930" data-end="1087">
<p class="" data-start="932" data-end="1087">&ldquo;His absence was a story in itself,&rdquo; Diarmuid said. &ldquo;Now he enters the same weekend Philip Dutton could lock in his sixth qualifying result. It&rsquo;s game on.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="" data-start="1089" data-end="1275">Off The Record has the form&mdash;but will he deliver the points? While capable of a 22 dressage, recent scores hover around 30. If Coleman wants to challenge the leaders, it has to start now.</p>
<hr class="" data-start="1277" data-end="1280">
<h3 class="" data-start="1282" data-end="1341">🧠 Big Brains, Bold Moves: Dutton&rsquo;s Four-Horse Strategy</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1343" data-end="1557"><strong data-start="1343" data-end="1360">Philip Dutton</strong> has already made his presence felt in the Open, and <strong data-start="1413" data-end="1460">TerraNova could be his final qualifying run</strong>. He brings <strong data-start="1472" data-end="1487">four horses</strong>&mdash;Denim, Possante, Jewelent, and Quasi Cool&mdash;and all have strong credentials.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1559" data-end="1595">But there&rsquo;s a catch: time penalties.</p>
<blockquote data-start="1597" data-end="1739">
<p class="" data-start="1599" data-end="1739">&ldquo;They all jump well, but they consistently pick up double-figure time faults,&rdquo; said Diarmuid. &ldquo;This may not be the track for them to shine.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="" data-start="1741" data-end="1916">In fact, Diarmuid goes all in: <strong data-start="1772" data-end="1827">none of Philip&rsquo;s horses will finish in the top five</strong>. A big call&mdash;especially considering his depth&mdash;but time could be the decider at TerraNova.</p>
<hr class="" data-start="1918" data-end="1921">
<h3 class="" data-start="1923" data-end="1967">🚀 Speed + Strategy: Caroline&rsquo;s Got Both</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1969" data-end="2070">No one rides TerraNova quite like <strong data-start="2003" data-end="2023">Caroline Pamukcu</strong>. She comes armed with two strong contenders:</p>
<ul data-start="2071" data-end="2185">
<li class="" data-start="2071" data-end="2110">
<p class="" data-start="2073" data-end="2110"><strong data-start="2073" data-end="2090">HSH Double Sixteen</strong> (6-run avg: 35.2)</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="2111" data-end="2185">
<p class="" data-start="2113" data-end="2185"><strong data-start="2113" data-end="2132">Redfield Dexter</strong> (6-run avg: 28.5, fastest horse in the field by TSP)</p>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote data-start="2187" data-end="2333">
<p class="" data-start="2189" data-end="2333">&ldquo;I&rsquo;m confident Caroline will land <strong data-start="2223" data-end="2246">two in the top five</strong>,&rdquo; Annie said. &ldquo;They&rsquo;re quick, they&rsquo;re ready, and they&rsquo;re built for this kind of test.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="" data-start="2335" data-end="2402">With others chasing consistency, Caroline could simply outrun them.</p>
<hr class="" data-start="2404" data-end="2407">
<h3 class="" data-start="2409" data-end="2436">🌟 Other Names to Watch</h3>
<ul data-start="2438" data-end="2904">
<li class="" data-start="2438" data-end="2607">
<p class="" data-start="2440" data-end="2607"><strong data-start="2440" data-end="2467">Alyssa Phillips &amp; Oskar</strong> &ndash; Defending champion at TerraNova, started on a 29.3 last year and finished on 34.1. If she&rsquo;s within range after dressage, she&rsquo;s dangerous.</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="2608" data-end="2737">
<p class="" data-start="2610" data-end="2737"><strong data-start="2610" data-end="2637">Hallie Coon &amp; Cute Girl</strong> &ndash; Back from a strong European campaign and full of pace. Look for a statement comeback after Aiken.</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="2738" data-end="2904">
<p class="" data-start="2740" data-end="2904"><strong data-start="2740" data-end="2800">Lauren Nicholson, Lynn Symansky</strong> &ndash; Both enter the series for the first time this weekend, adding more depth to an already stacked lineup.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<hr class="" data-start="2906" data-end="2909">
<h3 class="" data-start="2911" data-end="2936">🏆 Podium Predictions</h3>
<p class="" data-start="2938" data-end="3057"><strong data-start="2938" data-end="2959">Diarmuid&rsquo;s Picks:</strong><br data-start="2959" data-end="2962">🥇 Alyssa Phillips &amp; Oskar<br data-start="2988" data-end="2991">🥈 Hallie Coon &amp; Cute Girl<br data-start="3017" data-end="3020">🥉 Caroline Pamukcu &amp; HSH Double Sixteen</p>
<p class="" data-start="3059" data-end="3172"><strong data-start="3059" data-end="3077">Annie&rsquo;s Picks:</strong><br data-start="3077" data-end="3080">🥇 Will Coleman &amp; Off The Record<br data-start="3112" data-end="3115">🥈 Hallie Coon &amp; Cute Girl<br data-start="3141" data-end="3144">🥉 Alyssa Phillips &amp; Oskar</p>
<p class="" data-start="3174" data-end="3312">An all-female podium for Diarmuid, and a Coleman-led comeback for Annie. One thing&rsquo;s for sure&mdash;<strong data-start="3268" data-end="3311">TerraNova will shake up the leaderboard</strong>.</p>
<hr class="" data-start="3314" data-end="3317">
<h3 class="" data-start="3319" data-end="3342">🎥 Watch the Action</h3>
<p class="" data-start="3344" data-end="3464">📺 Livestream available at <a class="" href="https://usequestrianopen.org" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="3371" data-end="3423">usequestrianopen.org</a><br data-start="3423" data-end="3426">📱 Follow on social: @usequestrianopen</p>
<blockquote data-start="3466" data-end="3575">
<p class="" data-start="3468" data-end="3575">&ldquo;This is why the Open was created&mdash;clear stakes, great names, and every weekend with something on the line.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
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TerraNova Showdown: Coleman Arrives, Pamukcu Pushes, and Dutton Sets The Bar

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<hr class="" data-start="947" data-end="950">
<h3 class="" data-start="952" data-end="981">🐴 Can Tammie Do It Again?</h3>
<p class="" data-start="983" data-end="1225">Tammie Smith is back at Galway, where she&rsquo;s won the last two years with Mai Baum. This time, it&rsquo;s <strong data-start="1080" data-end="1089">Kynan</strong> under the saddle. A recent national score of 21 in the dressage caught attention, but there are still questions over the cross-country.</p>
<blockquote data-start="1227" data-end="1329">
<p class="" data-start="1229" data-end="1329">&ldquo;Tammie has something to figure out with this horse,&rdquo; Annie noted. &ldquo;But you can never count her out.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="" data-start="1331" data-end="1360">Diarmuid was more cautious:</p>
<blockquote data-start="1361" data-end="1518">
<p class="" data-start="1363" data-end="1518">&ldquo;I think we automatically associate Tammie with success here, but Kynan&rsquo;s past performances at Galway include cross-country penalties. It&rsquo;s not a home run.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="" data-start="1520" data-end="1599">If the cross-country clicks, Kynan is a top contender. But it&rsquo;s not guaranteed.</p>
<hr class="" data-start="1601" data-end="1604">
<h3 class="" data-start="1606" data-end="1630">🌱 Stars on the Rise</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1632" data-end="1763">One of the joys of the US Open format is seeing new faces step up, and <strong data-start="1703" data-end="1739">Tommy Greengard with That&rsquo;s Me Z</strong> is on everyone's radar.</p>
<blockquote data-start="1765" data-end="1914">
<p class="" data-start="1767" data-end="1914">&ldquo;Rob Burk has been talking about him for a while,&rdquo; said Annie. &ldquo;This horse has the numbers at three-star and experience in Europe. That will help.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="" data-start="1916" data-end="2107">Another exciting mover is <strong data-start="1942" data-end="1969">Megan McIver and Igor B</strong>. With a strong OBP of 82% at three-star, steady dressage in the low 30s, and a history of clean rounds, this duo could be ready to shine.</p>
<blockquote data-start="2109" data-end="2274">
<p class="" data-start="2111" data-end="2274">&ldquo;I love this pick,&rdquo; Diarmuid said. &ldquo;They&rsquo;ve taken five or six marks off the dressage since teaming up, and the jumping phases are solid. It&rsquo;s a strong trajectory.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
<hr class="" data-start="2276" data-end="2279">
<h3 class="" data-start="2281" data-end="2306">🧠 Experience Matters</h3>
<p class="" data-start="2308" data-end="2429">Bec Breitling and <strong data-start="2328" data-end="2342">Caravaggio</strong> bring top-level experience to the weekend, likely using Galway as a prep for Kentucky.</p>
<blockquote data-start="2431" data-end="2542">
<p class="" data-start="2433" data-end="2542">&ldquo;She might not push the button yet,&rdquo; Annie observed, &ldquo;but she&rsquo;s hugely respected, and this horse is awesome.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="" data-start="2544" data-end="2590">Diarmuid agreed but emphasized the dressage:</p>
<blockquote data-start="2591" data-end="2702">
<p class="" data-start="2593" data-end="2702">&ldquo;The first phase will decide it. If she can move that 36 down a couple of points, a podium is absolutely on.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
<hr class="" data-start="2704" data-end="2707">
<h3 class="" data-start="2709" data-end="2728">🏆 Podium Picks</h3>
<p class="" data-start="2730" data-end="2815">With a competitive edge creeping in, the two hosts laid out their podium predictions:</p>
<p class="" data-start="2817" data-end="2838"><strong data-start="2817" data-end="2838">Diarmuid&rsquo;s Podium</strong></p>
<ol data-start="2839" data-end="3005">
<li class="" data-start="2839" data-end="2912">
<p class="" data-start="2842" data-end="2912">Taren Hoffos &amp; Regala &ndash; &ldquo;Course form, proven at Galway, ready to win.&rdquo;</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="2913" data-end="2945">
<p class="" data-start="2916" data-end="2945">Tommy Greengard &amp; That&rsquo;s Me Z</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="2946" data-end="3005">
<p class="" data-start="2949" data-end="3005">Megan McIver &amp; Igor B<br data-start="2970" data-end="2973">(Tammie and Kynan just miss out&hellip;)</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p class="" data-start="3007" data-end="3025"><strong data-start="3007" data-end="3025">Annie&rsquo;s Podium</strong></p>
<ol data-start="3026" data-end="3182">
<li class="" data-start="3026" data-end="3072">
<p class="" data-start="3029" data-end="3072">Megan McIver &amp; Igor B &ndash; &ldquo;They get it done.&rdquo;</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="3073" data-end="3127">
<p class="" data-start="3076" data-end="3127">Bec Breitling &amp; Caravaggio &ndash; &ldquo;Steady and classy.&rdquo;</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="3128" data-end="3182">
<p class="" data-start="3131" data-end="3182">Tammie Smith &amp; Kynan &ndash; &ldquo;I think she figures it out.&rdquo;</p>
</li>
</ol>
<hr class="" data-start="3184" data-end="3187">
<h3 class="" data-start="3189" data-end="3209">🎥 How to Follow</h3>
<p class="" data-start="3211" data-end="3344">With a <strong data-start="3218" data-end="3258">doubleheader at Galway and TerraNova</strong>, this is one of the busiest and most exciting weekends yet in the US Equestrian Open.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3346" data-end="3505">📺 <strong data-start="3349" data-end="3378">Livestreams are available</strong> at both venues<br data-start="3393" data-end="3396">🌐 Visit <a class="" href="https://usequestrianopen.org" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="3405" data-end="3457">usequestrianopen.org</a><br data-start="3457" data-end="3460">📱 Follow @usequestrianopen on social media</p>
<blockquote data-start="3507" data-end="3611">
<p class="" data-start="3509" data-end="3611">&ldquo;This is real sport,&rdquo; Diarmuid said. &ldquo;And the pressure is starting to build&mdash;in the best possible way.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
<hr class="" data-start="3613" data-end="3616">
<h2 class="" data-start="3618" data-end="3634">🎧 Want More?</h2>
<p class="" data-start="3636" data-end="3855">Catch the full episode wherever you get your podcasts, and stay tuned next week as Annie and Diarmuid check in on whose picks held up. Don&rsquo;t forget to like, follow, and share&mdash;because this is the sport we all believe in.</p>
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Galway Downs: West Coast Firepower and Rising Stars

<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/35813050/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/1143a6/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="undefined" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">Born into an equestrian dynasty, Alex grew up in a house just 100 meters from the barn, with horses as a constant presence. His father, Michael Matz, is a three-time Olympian, World Championship medalist, and Kentucky Derby-winning trainer. His mother, D.D. Matz, is also a Pan American Games medalist with an exceptional eye for talent.</span></p>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">Despite this pedigree, there was no pressure to ride. &ldquo;They never forced me to do it,&rdquo; Alex says. &ldquo;I think the pressure I feel is the pressure I put on myself.&rdquo;</span></p>
<h3 class="sh-color-black sh-color"><strong class="sh-color-black sh-color">Finding His Own Path in Show Jumping</strong></h3>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">Unlike many top juniors who compete intensively from a young age, Alex didn&rsquo;t take the sport seriously until after college. While studying, he watched his friends pursue finance careers in New York City, but the corporate world didn&rsquo;t have the same appeal.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">&ldquo;It wasn&rsquo;t as appealing as following my dreams and making a career with horses,&rdquo; he says.<br></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">After graduation, he fully committed, training with industry greats like John and Beezie Madden and Jos Lansink, learning from their expertise and blending it with the knowledge gained from his parents.</span></p>
<h3 class="sh-color-black sh-color"><strong class="sh-color-black sh-color"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/6ca3d3ca-493a-4faf-bb7b-96319d36df21.png?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Alex Matz 1"></strong></h3>
<h3 class="sh-color-black sh-color"><strong class="sh-color-black sh-color">Toronto Triumph and a Partnership Built on Trust</strong></h3>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">One of Alex&rsquo;s biggest career highlights came at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, where he won three FEI classes&mdash;an achievement he still can&rsquo;t quite believe.</span></p>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">&ldquo;That week was fantastic,&rdquo; he recalls. &ldquo;The crowds are huge, and I don&rsquo;t think I&rsquo;ve ever won three FEI classes at one show before.&rdquo;</span></p>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">One of the horses that took him to victory was Ikigai, a talented gelding owned by the McNeil family, who have been instrumental supporters of Alex&rsquo;s career.</span></p>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">&ldquo;Ikigai had an injury where he was out for close to a year, and they really stayed patient,&rdquo; Alex explains. &ldquo;We had always believed he would win a five-star Grand Prix, and when he did, it was amazing.&rdquo;</span></p>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">With the US Equestrian Open on the horizon, Ikigai is Alex&rsquo;s top contender. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s the most talented horse I&rsquo;ve ever ridden,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;If I do things right, he&rsquo;ll jump clear.&rdquo;</span></p>
<h3 class="sh-color-black sh-color"><strong class="sh-color-black sh-color">The Hard Work Behind the Success</strong></h3>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">A key part of Alex&rsquo;s development has been the daily commitment from his father. Even with a full racing stable to manage, Michael Matz still makes time to train with Alex every day.<br></span></p>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">&ldquo;My dad is up at 4:30 AM to go to the racetrack, then comes here, and we have a flat lesson every day,&rdquo; Alex says. &ldquo;Having him and my mom&rsquo;s guidance is the best strategy for me.&rdquo;<br></span></p>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">His mother, known for her sharp eye in selecting talent, balances out his father&rsquo;s optimism. &ldquo;My dad thinks every horse can go to the Olympics,&rdquo; Alex laughs. &ldquo;And I like every horse too! But my mom is much more selective.&rdquo;</span></p>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c9d3598e-d999-483c-8997-0c63072dd74f.png?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Alex Matz 2"></span></p>
<h3 class="sh-color-black sh-color"><strong class="sh-color-black sh-color">Why the US Equestrian Open Matters</strong></h3>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">The US Equestrian Open represents something bigger than just another major event. With Rolex and USEF coming together to create a new, elite series, Alex sees it as a game-changer.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">&ldquo;It brings a lot to the sport&mdash;not just for the riders and owners, but also for the fans,&rdquo; he explains. &ldquo;It brings us all together toward a common goal that will be really good for show jumping.&rdquo;<br></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">Winning the inaugural US Equestrian Open Jumping Final would be a defining moment.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">&ldquo;We know it&rsquo;s going to be the best horses and riders, so it will be extremely competitive,&rdquo; Alex says. &ldquo;But if it all goes right, it would further prove how incredible Ikigai is, and how strong our partnership has become.&rdquo;</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color">With Ikigai in top form and his team behind him, there&rsquo;s no doubt that Alex Matz will be one to watch when the US Equestrian Open Final gets underway.</span></p>
<p class="sh-color-black sh-color"><span class="sh-color-black sh-color"><br><br><strong>The Jumping Final is now just days away. Action continues in the qualifiers in both Eventing and Dressage.&nbsp;</strong><br><br><strong>Stay connected with the US Equestrian Open on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and the USEF Network for live event updates, stories, and results. Use #USEquestrianOpen to share your own experiences and connect with fellow fans.</strong><br></span></p>

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