The Open Weekly: Bouckaert Opens, Vaughn Takes the Lead, and Cook Shines at WEF

A weekly update across dressage, jumping, and eventing, covering results, leaderboard shifts, and the next Open qualifiers.

By USEF Media

March 3, 2026

Eventing: It’s Finally Time!

Next Qualifier: Bouckaert Equestrian, Georgia | The Final: Morven Park, Virginia (October)

Three days is all that stands between us and the start of the 2026 US Equestrian Open eventing season. After months of buildup, form-watching, and series speculation, Bouckaert is finally here. Later this week, watch out for our full preview article and fan guide to help you get the most out of the action.

Before we get there, the weekend just gone offered a reminder of who is on form. The $100,000 LiftMaster Grand Prix Eventing Showcase presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Service saw several combinations with serious Open ambitions.

Phillip Dutton and Denim won the Showcase by going inside the time cross country - one of only two combinations in the entire field to do so. Denim finished 6th at the US Equestrian Open Final last year and placed top 10 at each of the three qualifiers he contested. They start the new year on top form and as major contenders for this year’s Series and Final

Second place went to Elisa Wallace and the ten-year-old Lissavorra Quality. Wallace and this horse are not known as a fast combination, yet they crossed the finish line with just 4.8 time penalties. On a day when the clock was tough, this was an exceptional result. 20 penalties at the US Equestrian Open Final and a mixed 2025 season overall makes this performance all the more significant as a reset heading into the new season. If the cross country speed shown here carries into the qualifier season, Lissavorra Quality is one to watch as she develops.

Third place went to the Australian pair Sophia Hill and Humble Glory - the other combination inside the time. Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire finished fourth with Caroline Pamukcu slotting into fifth with King's Especiale. With HSH Double Sixteen and HSH Connor also in her string for Bouckaert, Pamukcu arrives this week as one of the title contenders with genuine depth.

Dressage: The Double Header Delivers a New Series Leader

Next Qualifier: WEC - March Dressage | The Final: Desert Dressage, Thermal CA (November)

Geñay Vaughn is the new US Equestrian Open of Dressage Series leader. A coast-to-coast double header to open 2026 delivered great sport, excitement, and personal bests, but it was Vaughn’s weekend in California that changed the Series picture most.

HITS Del Mar Dressage Opener

California's Geñay Vaughn and Gino had a weekend to remember at Del Mar. The pair opened with a personal best in Friday's Grand Prix before going on to claim the Freestyle Qualifier the following day with 75.955%. On the Series leaderboard, Vaughn moves to first overall with 45 points. The result also carries significant World Cup implications.

The victory draws Vaughn level with Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu and Jaccardo on 57 points in the North American League standings, placing her second behind Christian Simonson on Indian Rock, whose 60 points have all but confirmed his place at the Final in Fort Worth, Texas this April.

Vaughn's spot is not yet secure, however. Her three-score average sits below Fraser-Beaulieu's, who looks well-positioned for one of the three North American starting places. The third berth will be decided at the final qualifier at Wellington's Global Dressage Festival in two weeks, where Kevin Kohmann (54 points) and Benjamin Ebeling (52 points) could each tie both riders with a win. All ties are broken by the highest average.

Brittney Eastgate (formerly Simpson) was also in the ribbons aboard Kartsevo Goldfinch, posting a combination-best 72.020% for second place in the Freestyle.

Adequan® Global Dressage Festival 8

On the East Coast, Sweden's Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven delivered a commanding performance aboard Hyatt, a 13-year-old KWPN mare, taking the win with 78.000%. Germany's Michael Klimke and Harmony's Fado found themselves in second with a personal best of 74.770%, a result that moves Klimke into tied 7th on the Series leaderboard with 25 points. Susan Dutta rounded out the three-horse field in third and now sits on 23 points, placing her in tied 9th overall.

Show Jumping: Cook Dominates Wellington

The Rolex US Equestrian Open Final: Wellington, Week 12 | Countdown: 3 Weeks

Last week was a strong one for US riders. At WEF Week 8, Team USA defended their title in the Wellington CSIO4* Nations Cup, and 24 hours later Karl Cook topped the Grand Prix podium.

The US squad of Karl Cook, Marilyn Little, Callie Schott, and anchor McLain Ward faced eight other nations. With Cook, Little, and Schott all jumping clear, Ward sat out the first round.

When he was called upon in the decider, Ward delivered. Riding Jordan Molga M (pictured below), a partnership still gaining mileage at this level, he produced a composed clear to secure gold ahead of Ireland, with Canada finishing third.

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The victory marked back-to-back Nations Cup wins for the U.S. in Wellington and the nation’s 11th title in the 25-year history of the event.

While the team result made the headlines, Marilyn Little with La Contessa and Callie Schott riding Garant (pictured below) were the standout performers, each producing double-clear rounds. At Nations Cup level, that kind of consistency is exceptional and it was the foundation of the win.

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Sunday’s $200,000 JTWG Inc. Grand Prix came down to a five-horse jump-off. Karl Cook and Signe Ostby’s Candy claimed the win with a bold inside turn to the final fence, leaving out a stride to gaining the edge. Ireland’s Darragh Kenny (Colibelle Hero Z) and Shane Sweetnam (Coriaan van Klapscheut Z) finished second and third.

Cook’s golden weekend, Nations Cup gold on Saturday, Grand Prix victory on Sunday, comes just three weeks before the Rolex US Equestrian Open Final. McLain Ward is carrying momentum from Week 7; now Cook has firmly entered the conversation. The picture is sharpening. The combinations capable of winning Week 12 are making themselves known, one result at a time. Week 9 is next.