TerraNova Preview: Diabolo Returns

This weekend, TerraNova will the final FEI eventing competition in the US in 2025 and the second qualifier of the 2026 US Equestrian Open series. The headline? Diabolo is back.

Diabolo is Back

Will Coleman's superstar returns to the 4* level after an injury, having missed Paris 2024 and most of the 2025 season. The context matters: none of Coleman's string—Chin Tonic, Diabolo, or Off The Record—made it to the start box in Paris. Coleman is the only US winner of Aachen, and while he won't say it out loud, the World Games in Aachen next year, will be the target. To get there, he will need Diabolo, Very Dignified, and Off The Record all in top form.

                                                                                        Diabolo winning the CCI4*-S at Kentucky in 2024

Diabolo's journey back started with a CCI2* at Morven Park. This four-star outing is the next step and while he tops the EquiRatings Prediction Centre, don't expect Coleman to chase time cross-country to try and win this. This run will likely be strategic and test the thirteen-year-old's fitness.

Coleman also brings Fahrenheit Addict who was 2nd at Rebecca Farm's CCI4*-L. At only ten, this is one to watch.

The Competition

Lucienne Bellissimo brings a powerful double threat with Dyri and Kitsch Couture HPK. Dyri has been in exceptional form, winning the first qualifier of the 2026 series, and sits as the primary challenger. Kitsch Couture HPK is also on top form, having finished 5th at the inaugural series final at Morven Park back in October.

With two more chances to add points to her already 40-point tally, Bellissimo is giving herself a good chance to sit firmly in front heading into the winter break.

                                                                                                                         Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri

Debutant to Watch

Meg Pellegrini makes her 4* debut with a strong trio: Dondante (8% win chance), Falcon Crown Z (7% win chance), and Cooley Wish Upon A Star (1% win chance). 

• Dondante, previously ridden by Will Coleman to two top 10 finishes at the CCI5* level, arrives fresh off a podium at Bouckaert's CCI3*-S.
• Falcon Crown Z, who won the CCI3*-L at Rebecca Farm, certainly has the class but has something to prove this weekend after 60 penalties led to a retirement at Morven Park.
• The ten-year-old Cooley Wish Upon A Star has been Mr. Consistent for Meg, finishing inside the top 10 in their last six runs. They’ll be aiming for more of the same this weekend.

Horses Stepping Up

This late-season event also captures horses who are stepping up to the four-star level for the first time.

• Falcon Crown Z (Meg Pellegrini)
• Cooley Wish Upon A Star (Meg Pellegrini)
• Fernhill Esmerelda (Jon Holling)
• Legionnaire (Sara Beth Anton)
• Total Access (Nicolette Adams) 
• Shanaclough Quality Clover (Moriah Orms)

TerraNova's Time Test

Since this venue started hosting a CCI4*-S back in 2021, it has proven itself as a tough time test. Of the 134 starters, only four have jumped clear inside-the-time cross-country. However, three of these came in the venues 2025 spring edition.

With that in mind, Waylon Roberts is most likely to climb this weekend, with his rides Fernhill Salt Lake and Chevalier topping the field on their speed metrics.

The EquiRatings Prediction Centre

Diabolo leads the EquiRatings Prediction Centre with a 34% win chance, Lucienne Bellissimo's Dyri sits second at 18%, with her second ride Kitsch Couture HPK at 8%.

With a four-month break until the series resumes in March, TerraNova serves as both ending and beginning. It's the last competitive run before winter training and for many, the first glimpse of 2026 potential. For horses moving from three-star to four-star, the off-season work ahead will be transformative.

The season ends, but the stories are just beginning. Can Diabolo make the perfect comeback? Will Dyri maintain his dominance? Which combinations will announce themselves as 2026 series contender? 

Listen to the TerraNova Preview Podcast now on the US Equestrian Open Podcast - available on all podcast platforms.

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