Future Stars: America's Rising 7-Year-Olds Eyeing the US Equestrian Open
They’re only seven, but the numbers say they’re ready. From flawless jumping records to standout three-star performances, these rising US partnerships could be the next names shaping the US Equestrian Open in 2026.
As 2025 wraps up, four US-based partnerships have emerged as potential contenders for next year's US Equestrian Open series. These seven-year-olds have cut their teeth at three-star level and could be ready to step up to the four-star stage in 2026.
The Elo is EquiRatings' overall performance rating that measures a horse's performance across all three phases—the higher the number, the stronger the horse. Here are the top-rated US seven-year-olds heading into 2026.
Fernhill Bertus & Madison Temkin (526 Elo)
Leading the class is Fernhill Bertus, who sits at 526 Elo. The seven-year-old gelding has a completely flawless record having never had a jumping fault—cross country or showjumping—across his eight international starts.
At only 25-years-old, Maddy has piloted Fernhill Bertus to three top-10 finishes from four runs in 2025, including a strong performance at Maryland's CCI3*-L to finish 7th. Their partnership is built on consistency, with results that suggest they are ready to take the step up to four-star.
Kokoleka & Kate Brown (460 Elo)
Kokoleka has already proven herself in the most demanding format, completing two three-star-long events this year. The mare delivered a double clear at Ocala's CCI3*-L in April for fifth place, then tackled the championship three-star at Maryland 5* in October, where two showjumping rails cost her from a top-five finish. She still placed 12th in a field of 53.
Kate has methodically developed the seven-year-old, building confidence through the levels. With long-format experience already under their belt, this partnership could be primed for the US Open's demanding tracks.
Jag'Fly JS & Elizabeth Stewart (450 Elo)
Jag'Fly JS took a more patient path than his peers, not attempting three-star until October. But when he did, he made it count - winning the CCI3*-S at Kentucky Horse Park in a field of 12.
The victory was particularly meaningful for Elizabeth, marking her first international win in 32 starts dating back to 2006. In a fitting full-circle moment, she claimed that maiden victory at the same venue where her international career began 19 years earlier.
Arden Augustus & Sharon White (432 Elo)
Arden Augustus posted the highest-rated three-star performance by any seven-year-old on US soil in 2025, earning a HPR of 87 when finishing third at The Fork at Tryon's CCI3*-S in May. The gelding had already won three international events as a six-year-old, establishing himself as one to watch.
Sharon's 2025 campaign with Augustus has been slightly less consistent than his breakthrough six-year-old year but the horse's ceiling remains clear. On his best days, he's capable of winning.
Looking Ahead
These four partnerships all represent different paths to the top but if they continue their upward trajectories, don't be surprised to see these horses contesting US Equestrian Open events in 2026.
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