New Podcast: James Alliston and The Road to Morven Park
James Alliston has quietly built one of the most impressive seasons in the US Equestrian Open of Eventing—but after his commanding performance at Twin Rivers, he's impossible to ignore.
Annie and Diarm sat down with James Alliston on the US Equestrian Open podcast—and it’s a good one. From his record-breaking weekend at Twin Rivers to the horses in his string and the road to Morven Park, James shares it all. Listen to the full episode or keep reading for the highlights, stats, and standout storylines.
Twin Rivers and Teamwork
James turned heads at Twin Rivers with a standout performance: four horses finishing in the top five, including first, second, third, and fifth. He became just the fifth rider in 17 years to achieve this rare feat.
That success hasn’t come in isolation—it’s the result of a hardworking team behind the scenes. His wife, Helen, plays a pivotal role in the daily training and development of their horses, having produced several of James' horses up to three-star level herself. Their staff and students are essential in maintaining fitness programs and managing the chaos of show-day logistics, especially when multiple horses are competing in the same class. Even event organizers have played a part, adjusting schedules to help James juggle it all.
Karma: Speed, Spark, and Star Power
Karma has become a fan favorite—and deservedly so. Karma brings serious energy both at home and in the ring. Dressage was tricky early on for the pair, but she’s settled with experience and now shines at the top level. Looking ahead, James has his eye on Aachen if selected, with Montana and Morven Park also in the mix.
James’s win at Twin Rivers with Karma wasn’t just a highlight of the season—it marked a major career milestone. It was his 10th international four-star win since 2008, a number achieved by only seven U.S. riders in history.
What makes that stat even more impressive is the efficiency behind it. James has reached that milestone with fewer than 50 runs at the level—giving him the highest four-star win rate of any U.S. rider on the list, at 22%. Quietly consistent, deeply competitive, and now statistically elite.
A Deep and Balanced String
There's Nemesis, making a strong comeback after injury, Paper Jam —a seasoned four-star veteran— and promising talents like Cora and Irish Pop who performed well at Twin Rivers.
Events like Rebecca Farm and Montana feature in his summer calendar as James positions his team for a final push toward the Open finale.
Learning from a Legend
James reflects on his journey in the U.S. that began with a gap year and turned into a career-defining chapter under Bruce Davidson Sr. Working on a farm full of young horses, racehorses, and elite-level talent, he absorbed everything—from horsemanship and fitness to feel and finesse.
Bruce’s style wasn’t built on structured lessons but on immersion: ride, watch, learn, repeat. That intense, hands-on environment shaped James’s foundation as a rider.
All In on the Open
James was immediately intrigued when the U.S. Equestrian Open launched—especially the idea of serious prize money. For horses not yet ready for five-star, it offers a real purpose and a clear target. Now sitting third on the leaderboard, James plans to contest as many qualifiers as possible and is eyeing a trip to Morven Park for the final. It’s a competitive challenge—and one he’s fully committed to.
US Equestrian Open Leaderboard
🎙️ Listen Now: James Alliston & The Road to Morven
From Twin Rivers to leaderboard goals—James talks Karma, the Open, and what’s next.
Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing
Check out the full Series calendar below and stay connected with the latest news and standings on Facebook and Instagram. Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.
Also follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter).
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.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at lgriffin@usef.org.
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.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at lgriffin@usef.org.
