Legends Assemble at Morven Park

This weekend's CCI4*-L at Morven Park is many things - one being the inaugural US Equestrian Open Final and one being a showcase of some of the most accomplished riders in  US eventing history.

The Numbers Don't Lie

The entry list reads like a who's who of American eventing royalty. Between just three riders—Boyd Martin, Buck Davidson, and Phillip Dutton—they have 274 combined completions at 4*-L and 5* level since 2008. This is testament not only to their talent and consistency, but to their horsemanship and management behind decades of keeping horses fit, sound, and competitive at the highest level.

Boyd Martin leads the pack with 94 completions and arrives with two rides: Miks Master C and Shanroe Cooley. More significantly, Martin sits on 10 career wins at 4*-L level - tied for the most in the sport (since 2008). A win this weekend would make him the outright record holder with 11. He also has two wins at the CCI5* level - Adelaide 2003 and Maryland 2021.

Phillip Dutton, US eventing icon, brings Denim and Possante to Morven Park. Since our records began in 2008, Dutton has racked up 89 completions, putting him on the verge of hitting the 90 mark this weekend. He has had 4 wins at CCI4*-L level and one win at the 5* level back in 2008 at Kentucky.

Buck Davidson continues the family legacy established by his father Bruce. The Davidson name is synonymous with American eventing excellence, and Buck has carved out his own legendary status with 91 completions and four wins at four-star. He arrives with Cooley Candyman, ready to add to that tally.

Beyond the Big Three

The depth doesn't stop there. The field if filled with riders who bring impressive credentials and experience

• Jess Phoenix - 50 completions, 2 wins
• Will Coleman - 41 completions, 2 wins. 
• Jennie Brannigan - 34 completions, 5 wins
• Tamra Smith - 33 completions, 3 wins at CCI4*L, including a 2022 Morven Park victory, and one at 5*
• Ryan Wood - 20 completions, 2 wins 

Why It Matters

At a venue where the cross-country clear rate sits under 50% and only eight combinations have finished inside the optimum time across the last 80 starters, experience is a going to be a huge advantage. 

Morven Park is to host one of the most experienced fields assembled at any 4*L event on US Soil since 2015. Legends will compete, milestones will be reached, history will be made.

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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. 

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