TerraNova Closes the Year: Big Wins, Breakout Rides, and a Clearer Road to 2026
TerraNova delivered the final word of the season before the winter break and it didn’t disappoint. Here’s how the year’s second and final qualifier played out and reshaped the race heading into the new season.
TerraNova closed out the second and final qualifier of the year - and the last chance for riders to make a move before the winter break. With the 2026 Series already taking shape, this weekend carried extra weight: momentum to protect, gaps to close, and reputations to reinforce. What unfolded was a mix of big statements, breakout moments, and one serious return to form.
1st place: Will Coleman & Diabolo
Diabolo is back. His 26.1 dressage tied the second-best 4* test ever recorded at the venue, a mark beaten only by another of Will's horses - Chin Tonic HS.
A double clear maintained their lead from start to finish. TerraNova became Diabolo’s third four-star win in a row, following victories in Kentucky and Plantation (albeit back in 2024).
2nd place: Lucienne Bellissimo & Dyri
Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri finished second, strengthening Dyri’s position as the most podiumed horse in the world this year. His seventh podium puts him clear of well known names like Dark Gambler, Debbi, and London 52. Their solid finish at TerraNova gives them a second strong four-star result after what has been a mixed year at the level, and Lucienne heads into the break as the US Equestrian Open leader.
3rd place: Waylon Roberts & Fernhill Salt Lake
Waylon arrived at TerraNova with the fastest horse in the field based on EquiRatings TSP (Top Speed Percentage) and he backed it up. Fernhill Salt Lake delivered the fastest round of the weekend and was the only horse to make the time cross the country. It also marked a big step forward for the pair as this was their third CCI4* start but only their first completion at the level.
Breakout Performer - Meg Pellegrini
Meg Pellegrini made an impressive mark on her four-star debut. Dondante jumped clear in both show jumping and cross-country to finish 7th, while Falcon Crown Z opened with a brilliant 26.9 dressage — the second-best test in the field — before slipping to 9th with poles and some time. Cooley Wish Upon a Star added another strong result to her growing record to finish 12th.
These three results all rank among the highest-rated U25 performances on US soil at the four-star level this year - three from three is a pretty impressive return.
Meg Pelligrini and Cooley Wish Upon A Star
The Leaderboard Picture
With two qualifiers now complete, Lucienne extends her lead in the 2026 Series. Will was expected to be a major player in last year’s Open but finished 2025 on just 75 points. This season already looks different - 60 points on the board from the outset puts him in a far stronger position.
A Clear End to the Season
TerraNova wrapped the season with clarity: Diabolo is back in a big way, Dyri remains the benchmark for global consistency, and the leaderboard picture heading into winter is sharper than ever. The break may pause competition, but the storylines are already set for when the series kicks off again in the new year.
Listen to the TerraNova Review Podcast now on the US Equestrian Open Podcast - available on all podcast platforms.
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