Rain soaked through show coats on Saturday night as freestyles began in the Dixon Oval. Polished boots and plaited manes became waterlogged as the evening wore on. The storm didn’t deter spectators, though. Enthusiastic fans packed Devon’s pale blue grandstands and clapped along to familiar tunes. 

Bellena’s Big Step

Benjamin Ebeling and Ann Romney’s 15-year-old Hanoverian mare, Bellena, earned a combination-best of 77.665% to secure the win. The atmosphere didn’t seem to faze Bellena, perhaps thanks to her stint in Europe over the summer. The pair has been on a steady climb since their freestyle debut in April, notching multiple wins and consistently raising their scores. With this result, Ebeling moves to a tie for sixth on 77 points, momentum that comes at a pivotal moment with Finals just six weeks away.

“There’s no place like Dressage at Devon,” Ebeling said. “This was a big step in getting my horse acclimated in big environments in an arena like this.” 

Kohmann Climbs, Bergeron Learns, Marek Falters

Kevin Kohmann and Dünenesee placed second with 77.005%, a performance that launched them eight places up the leaderboard into ninth on 69 points. With only two qualifiers left, Kohmann is now comfortably positioned for a Finals berth. True to form, the freestyle was steady and lyrical, with Dünenesee’s calm presence making the rain-soaked Dixon Oval look easy.

“It feels like a big show in Europe. I love it here,” Kohmann said. “This was the show where I rode this freestyle the first time and I’m here one year later to ride it again.”

Canada’s Camille Carier Bergeron looked set for a podium finish, but an error proved costly. Riding ahead of her music, she over rotated a pirouette — a violation of FEI rules that slashed her degree of difficulty score and left her with 68.450%. Even so, Bergeron’s ninth-place finish earned her 10 leaderboard points, moving her into 13th overall. Her climb adds another layer of pressure for riders heading to the Final.

Saturday was not Anna Marek and Fire Fly’s night. Whether it was the rain or the unfamiliar arena, the 15-year-old KWPN gelding never settled fully into the test. The pair earned 72.790% for fourth place, a respectable score but several points below their average of 75.683% and well off their last freestyle outing. That’s the tricky thing about sensitive horses. They can deliver brilliance at their best, but that same sensitivity can also unravel under pressure.

The Title Picture Shifts

Marek and Fire Fly have proven themselves in Wellington as regulars at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. But the Finals will be held at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, CA, a venue Fire Fly has experienced. Devon provided a preview of what that challenge could look like: a charged atmosphere outside their comfort zone. Fire Fly’s personal best came at the Pan American Games in Santiago, proof that the potential is there, but consistency in new environments remains the question.

That decision is complicated further as the title fight is no longer only between Marek and Kohmann. Ebeling is charging into contention, Bergeron is climbing, and Genay Vaughn — undefeated queen of the West Coast — awaits them all on her home turf in Thermal.

Next Stops: TerraNova and Tryon

With Devon behind us, attention now turns to the final two qualifiers: TerraNova in early October and Tryon, South Carolina, just two weeks before the Final. Every ride left on the calendar has the potential to shape who arrives in Thermal as a favorite. And, who doesn’t. 

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.

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