Dressage: US Equestrian Open Quick Guide
The US Equestrian Open of Dressage is a season-long Series of Grand Prix Freestyle qualifiers, ending in the $200,000 CDI5* Final at Desert International Horse Park on November 13-14, 2026.
The US Equestrian Open of Dressage is a season-long Series of Grand Prix Freestyle qualifiers across the United States, ending in a $200,000 CDI5* Final at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California.
Riders earn points in the Grand Prix Freestyle at each qualifier. The top 18 in the final standings are invited to the 2026 Final on November 13-14.
How the Series Works
Points come from the Grand Prix Freestyle at designated CDI3*, CDI4*, CDI5*, CDIO and World Cup qualifiers held in the US. The Series is open to all FEI athletes, US and foreign. Points depend on placing and on the number of starters in the class.
Each rider's best four results count, and a rider needs at least two qualifier starts to be ranked. If riders finish level on points, the highest average Grand Prix Freestyle score takes the higher place.
Reaching the Final
The Final is Desert Dressage II CDI5* at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California, on November 13-14, 2026, with a minimum of $200,000 in prize money.
Step 1 Finish top 18 The top 18 in the season-end standings are invited. Everyone tied for 18th goes through. | Step 2 Score 67% or more The horse must have scored at least 67% in a Series Grand Prix Freestyle. |
Each rider brings one horse. If a rider declines, the invitation passes to the next ranked rider. The Final opens with the Grand Prix, drawn in groups of five by Series ranking, and 60% is needed to go through to the Grand Prix Freestyle.
The 2026 Qualifiers
Qualifying ran from January in Florida and California through to TerraNova in October.
Where to Watch
Watch live on the USEF Network, powered by ClipMyHorse.TV. A free USEF Fan Membership lets you stream for free.
Dressage Champions
Kevin Kohmann clinched the 2026 Series title before the final qualifier. Read more
