The Final Stretch: Seven Classes Remain in the US Equestrian Open of Dressage

Since January, the US Equestrian Open of Dressage has crisscrossed the country with 16 qualifiers scheduled—including two doubleheader weekends. That leaves six qualifiers and seven freestyle classes to go before we reach the Final in Thermal, California. Only the top 18 combinations will qualify—and only their top six scores count. 

Right now, Anna Marek leads with 88 points, but Evelyn Eger is close behind at 85. Karen Lipp has quietly climbed into third, and Eline Eckroth is following closely on fourth. The cutoff line is crowded, and one strong ride could still change everything.

7 Moments That Shaped the Series So Far

1. The 80% Club

Adrienne Lyle and Helix delivered a masterclass under the lights at the CDI5* in Wellington, earning a career best of 80.600%. It’s one of only two scores to break the 80 barrier so far. The other one? Also earned by Lyle and Helix at AGDF Week 5.

2. Double Trouble

Week 7’s East/West doubleheader made history: Geñay Vaughn and Denielle Gallagher became the series’ first two-time winners on opposite coasts, both securing top spots on the leaderboard in the same weekend.

3. Comeback Queen

P.J. Rizvi returned to the CDI arena after a six-year break, piloting Vanilla Ice to a 76.585% in their first freestyle—complete with a cameo by the real Vanilla Ice.

4. The Heartstopper

At WEC March, Julio Mendoza Loor edged out Anna Marek by just 0.04%—the narrowest margin of the series. Mendoza scored 75.860%, Marek 75.820%. That’s the definition of a photo finish.

5. The Consistency Climber

Without a win to her name, Karen Lipp has used a string of steady top-10s to earn 77 points and climb to third overall. Call it the long game, and she’s playing it well.

6. The Spoiler Threat

Kevin Kohmann and Dünensee delivered a show-stopping 79.240% to win AGDF 9—and punch their ticket to Basel for the World Cup Final. They’ve only shown twice, but both rides were class.

7. Breakout Pair

Eline Eckroth and Daphne only debuted at Grand Prix in November. Fast forward five months, and they’re sitting fourth on the leaderboard with three podium finishes and a new personal best of 71.055%.

On the Edge: Who’s Climbing, Who’s Slipping

The riders between 15th and 25th are in precarious territory. Some have just enough to squeak into Thermal. Others need one more shot to qualify—or risk missing the cut. Here’s where things stand:

In (for now)

• Devon Kane (42 pts, 17th) – Three starts, solid scores, and Florida-based. She’s likely to show again—and just one more decent result could lock her in.
• Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén (42 pts, 17th) – Also on three starts, but now back in Europe. Unless she makes a return stateside (unlikely), she’s at serious risk of being overtaken.

Out (but not far)

• Geñay Vaughn (40 pts, 19th) – One of only three riders with two wins. But she hasn’t been seen since February Del Mar, and the leaderboard’s catching up fast.
• Julio Mendoza Loor (37 pts, 20th) – A consistent contender, but reportedly off to Europe for the summer. If he’s gone, he’s likely done with the series.
• Charlotte Jorst (35 pts, 21st) – Winner at Gold Coast Opener and fourth in Ocala. A top 5 finish at any of the remaining qualifiers could sneak her back into the top 18.
• Kasey Perry-Glass (30 pts, 24th) – Two starts. Two huge scores (76.290% and 75.915%). If she rides again and lands even a modest third score, she’ll be a real Finals threat.
• Benjamin Ebeling (20 pts, 30th) – He won his debut Grand Prix Freestyle. But he’s only got one score. He likely needs two more starts—and strong ones—to qualify. If he shows up, he could really shake things up. He’s got the talent and horsepower to make a Finals podium play. 

On the Horizon

Competition resumes this weekend for the series' second dual-coast doubleheader. In Florida, Benjamin Ebeling, Kasey Perry-Glass, and Charlotte Jorst all have a chance to add a much-needed twenty points to their overall score. In the West, Geñay Vaughn returns to competition fresh off the World Cup Finals. 

Stay connected with the latest news and standings on Facebook and Instagram, and follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter). Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.