Back in the Start Box: The 2026 US Equestrian Open Kicks Off

If you rode the highs of the 2025 Series and that Morven Park finale two weeks ago, we hope you’ve caught your breath because the 2026 US Equestrian Open Eventing Series kicks off this Friday at Bouckaert CCI4*-S in Fairburn, Georgia.

New to the US Equestrian Open?

Perhaps you caught wind of the thrilling finale at Morven Park, saw buzz on social media about the series battle, or you're gearing up for the dressage final and accidentally found yourself reading about eventing. Whatever brought you here, welcome! And don’t worry, you’re not late. We’re just about to kick off the second-ever series, and you’ve joined us at the perfect time.

The US Equestrian Open of Eventing is a year-long competition that brings together the nation's top eventers in a points race culminating in a high-stakes final with a massive prize purse.

Here's how it works: Riders compete in a series of 4*-S qualifier events throughout the season, earning points based on their final placings. The bigger the field (25+ starters), the more points are up for grabs. Your best six qualifier results count toward your series standing, and whoever accumulates the most points wins $25,000, with second and third place earning $15,000 and $10,000 respectively.

But that's just the series prize money. Complete at least one qualifier with a Minimum Eligibility Requirement (MER), or buy in for $5,000, and you're eligible for the October 2026 Series Final at Morven Park - a CCI4*-L with a staggering $200,000 prize pot.

Reflecting on Year One: Boyd Martin's Historic Victory

Last year's inaugural series delivered everything we could have hoped for - fierce rivalry, fantastic competition, and a champion who made history while honoring a dear friend.

Boyd Martin and Miks Master C claimed the 2025 US Equestrian Open Eventing Championship title at Morven Park in spectacular fashion. The victory was particularly meaningful as Boyd dedicated the win to Liz Halliday, who produced 'Mikki' into the champion he is. Will Coleman demonstrated his consistency by securing both second and third place in the final aboard Off the Record and Very Dignified, respectively.

When the series standings were tallied after all qualifiers, Boyd Martin topped the leaderboard with 260 points, followed by Phillip Dutton with 235 points and Caroline Pamukcu with 215 points.

This Weekend: Let the Games Begin

The 2025-2026 season launches this Friday at Bouckaert - the first of two 4*-S qualifiers happening before the year ends (TerraNova follows shortly after.) With multiple venues scheduled throughout 2026 - from Carolina and Galway Downs to Tryon, Maryland Int., The Fork, and beyond - riders will have plenty of opportunities to rack up points and position themselves for that coveted spot at the 2026 Final at Morven Park.

Get excited! Whether you're going to be ringside, watching online, or following through the US Equestrian Open Podcast this season promises the same excitement, world-class sport, and dramatic storylines that made year one so memorable.

The gallop to glory begins now. This is the first chance to score points and begin the long run toward lifting that Morven Park trophy in October 2026.

Listen to the Bouckaert Preview Show now on the US Equestrian Open Podcast - available on all podcast platforms.

Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing

Check out the full Series calendar below and stay connected with the latest news and standings on Facebook and Instagram. Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.

Also follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter). 

For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at USEquestrianOpen@usef.org.

For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at cweilminster@usef.org. 

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at lgriffin@usef.org.