Dancing in the Desert

Fittingly, the US Equestrian Open of Dressage begins its inaugural year in the same location where it will conclude: the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California.

For equestrians, Thermal is a premier destination on the West Coast for top-tier competition. Beyond the horse world, Coachella Valley is perhaps better known for its annual influx of festivalgoers decked out in bold outfits and grooving to upbeat, energetic music. This weekend at the horse park, however, the music will be more reserved— featuring instrumentals and the occasional popular melody designed to get the crowd invested in the dance between horse and rider. 

Thermal has a history of attracting dressage’s top talent, with U.S. superstars like Steffen Peters (known for his viral “rave horse” Suppenkasper) and Anna Buffini often making the trip. Between them, they hold seven of the top 10 best-scoring Grand Prix Freestyle rides ever performed at this venue.

The Contenders 

This first qualifier is unique, however, because neither Steffen nor Anna are entered, leaving the podium open for fresh faces and lesser-known stars to step into the spotlight. The U.S. Open series is designed to encourage exactly this kind of competition, welcoming rising talents, seasoned riders making a comeback, and skilled athletes looking to claim their place on the national stage.

Without these powerhouse riders, all eyes will be on other combinations poised to deliver standout performances. Kristina Harrison-Antell and her long-time partner Finley, with an average Grand Prix Freestyle score of 75%, will undoubtedly be ones to watch. Nadine Schwartsman and Royal Flash R, a relatively new pairing, bring strong credentials as well. The pair clinched their USDF Region 6 Championship title last year and hold an average freestyle score of 72%.

With the field wide open, it’s an exciting start to the 2025 U.S. Open qualifiers, offering a glimpse of the talent on display this year. 

What’s the U.S. Open of Dressage?

The U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage Series highlights premier Grand Prix Freestyle talent across the nation. Spanning 23 qualifying events throughout the year, competitors earn points based on their performances, with the top 18 advancing to the prestigious Final in Thermal, California, from November 13-16, 2025.

The series offers enticing financial incentives, including a $12,500 prize for the highest point earner based on their top six qualifying scores, as well as a $200,000 prize pot for the Final event. Riders must complete at least two qualifiers and achieve a minimum freestyle score of 67% in one of the qualifiers to be eligible for the standings, ensuring only the sport’s most skilled competitors progress.

For the full calendar of events and standings updates, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at usequestrianopen.org. Stay connected with the latest news and standings on Facebook and Instagram, and follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter). Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.