As the curtain falls on the first three events of the US Equestrian Open series, TerraNova proved to be a thrilling finale for 2024. Phillip Dutton delivered a commanding 1-2 finish in the CCI4*-S (Qualifier 3) with Azure and Quasi Cool, securing his first win in the CCI4*-S at this venue. His podium finishes catapulted him to the top of the series leaderboard with 75 points&mdash;an outright lead as we head into 2025. Annie Bishop &amp; Diarmuid Byrne of EquiRatings sit down again this week to look at what it all means and the potential impact of the third qualifier on the overall series. 
<h3>You can listen to the full episode&nbsp;<a href="https://pod.fo/e/284484" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></h3>
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Dutton leads - will he be caught? 
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5ca5ebf5-5f76-4d17-a609-4ec294989dbb?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Leaders Top 10 Q3">
There is a long way to go but if we said at the start of the season that Phillip would start 2025 with a 75 point lead over some riders in the country who will be targeting this series, who would be confident he could be overtaken?&nbsp; On the show we discuss how it might have been an even bigger lead too.&nbsp; Full episode
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We also take a look at what (and who) is still to emerge and how much can change in the early 2025 qualifiers.&nbsp;
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e7a632c3-958c-4efc-ab8b-e28826b6eee9?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Results Qualifer 3">
<h3>What&rsquo;s Next for the US Equestrian Open?</h3>
The series now takes a break until March 2025, when it will resume with fresh challenges and new opportunities. The spring qualifiers are expected to bring back top names like Will Coleman, Boyd Martin, and Caroline Pamukci, along with their deep strings of horses.
As Annie discussed on the show,&nbsp;&ldquo;The spring events will be a game-changer. We&rsquo;ll see new horses, fresh talent, and the continuation of the narratives that make this series so engaging.&rdquo;
For now, Phillip Dutton holds the top spot with 75 points, but the season is far from over. With the series designed to reward both participation and performance, the leaderboard remains wide open.
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<h3>Chapters</h3>
00:00 Introduction to Terra Nova and Eventing Highlights 03:03 Key Performances and Expected Outcomes 06:09 The Importance of Speed in Eventing 09:03 Diverse Horse Profiles and Their Impact 12:05 The Role of Strategy in Competition 15:01 Emerging Stories and Competitors 18:01 Looking Ahead: Future Competitions and Challenges 21:10 Conclusion and Reflections on the Series

Review Podcast: Qualifier 3| Eventing | TerraNova

Main

In many ways, Qualifier 3 followed the expected script&mdash;though Sara Kozumplik&rsquo;s retirement with Rock Phantom yesterday added an unexpected twist. Coming in as the strong favorite, Phillip capitalized on his horses&rsquo; CCI5* experience and prior wins at this level, showcasing why he&rsquo;s one of the most consistent performers in the sport. &nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e7a632c3-958c-4efc-ab8b-e28826b6eee9?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Results Qualifer 3">
The course at TerraNova once again highlighted cross-country speed as the defining factor. Azure, the fastest horse in the field based on EquiRatings Speed Ratings, was the only horse to keep time penalties in single digits, adding just 9.6. This speed, combined with solid performances in the earlier phases, was decisive in securing victory. It&rsquo;s worth noting that the only rider ever to jump clear and make the time on this course remains Lauren Nicholson with I'll Have Another, who accomplished the feat in March this year. &nbsp;
Over the coming days, the US Equestrian Open Podcast Review (stay tuned to this fan site for updates) will take a deeper dive into not only Phillip&rsquo;s performance but also the standout rides from Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis and Briggs Surratt, who delivered big final-phase efforts to secure third and fourth, respectively. Corture, Briggs Surratt&rsquo;s mount, boasts a stellar cross-country record, and the big climb we anticipated materialized, thanks to their exceptional performance across all phases. Jennie&rsquo;s consistent ride with Flower Girl further cements her position as a strong contender in the series.
Like Morven in Leg 1, TerraNova proved to be a venue where cross-country prowess is king&mdash;a hallmark of this exciting series. &nbsp;
You can view the full updated leaderboard for the series <a href="https://usef.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5ca5ebf5-5f76-4d17-a609-4ec294989dbb?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Leaders Top 10 Q3">
<h2>Looking Ahead&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
The US Equestrian Open series format, designed to reward both participation and performance across multiple qualifiers, continues to attract top talent and deliver compelling storylines. With its innovative structure, the series offers an incredible platform for both seasoned professionals and emerging competitors to showcase their skills and make their mark.&nbsp;
So far, the season has highlighted the exceptional depth of talent across the field, with both rising stars and established names delivering standout performances. TerraNova's CCI4*-S was no exception, providing yet another example of how the series is shaping the future of equestrian sport. We will be back for a busy March!&nbsp; <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7e946c08-591d-4a7b-9920-e4e5e71928fd?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Open Events">
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<h2>Stay Connected</h2>
Don&rsquo;t miss a moment of the action as the US Equestrian Open unfolds across its 2024-2025 season. We will following these riders and horses between now and when we get going again in March.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Stay up to date with the latest news, standings, and updates on the US Equestrian Open Series by following us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Be part of the conversation using #USEquestrianOpen.&nbsp;&nbsp;
For media inquiries: Contact Carly Weilminster at **cweilminster@usef.org&nbsp;&nbsp; For sponsorship opportunities: Contact Layson Griffin at **lgriffin@usef.org&nbsp;&nbsp;
The journey to the final at Morven Park CCI4*-L in October 2025 is just beginning&mdash;be sure to follow along as the series continues to deliver high-stakes excitement and unforgettable moments! &nbsp;

75-point haul for Dutton and outright Series lead at the turn of the year 

Emily Mastervich Beshear and Rio De Janeiro are becoming a familiar sight at the top of the standings at U.S. events.&nbsp;&nbsp;In October 2024, Beshear and &ldquo;Rio&rdquo; won the Morven Park International CCI4*-S, the first of 20 qualifying events for the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final in 2025, earning 40 points towards the Series. 
While currently based in Virginia, Beshear began riding while growing up in Michigan. Her mother's interest in horses got her into riding in a lesson program, which happened to be at an eventing barn. &ldquo;I got my first taste of eventing by going to spectate at the Kentucky Three-Day Event when I was probably 10 or 11 years old,&rdquo; said Beshear. &ldquo;My love for this sport was instant, so developed from there and I&rsquo;ve been doing it ever since.&rdquo;
With over 100 FEI starts since her first in 2004, Beshear gained experience working her way up the levels on several different horses. Her partnership with her most recent upper-level mount, Rio, came to fruition in a not-so-typical way.
Rio was bred in Michigan by the Daratony family to be an event horse for their daughters who were passionate about the sport. As he developed as an event horse, Cierra Daratony took the ride on him and rode up through the CCI2* level. &ldquo;I got to know him coaching Cierra through the young rider program,&rdquo; said Beshear. 
When the time came for Daratony to head off to college, the family made the decision to have Beshear take over the ride in 2021. &ldquo;We didn&rsquo;t quite know for sure what his potential was,&rdquo; said Beshear. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s quite lazy and acts a bit like a pony so we weren&rsquo;t sure if he&rsquo;d have the motivation to do the upper levels.&rdquo;
After completing two events together as a pair, Beshear was sidelined with a non-riding related accident that resulted in knee reconstruction. Having a fit and ready horse needing intermediate miles, she asked her son Nicholas Beshear to take over the ride while she healed. Together they won their first CCI2* and CCI3* together, which posed the question of whether Emily would get the ride back. 
By early 2024, Rio and Emily came back in top form and hit the ground running, winning two CCI3*-S in the spring at Fair Hill and Virginia. 
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve never been on a horse that is as genuine and truly loves the cross-country as much as he does,&rdquo; said Emily. &ldquo;He thinks it&rsquo;s a game. He&rsquo;s one of those that really does look for the flags, and he thinks it&rsquo;s great fun.&rdquo;
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The pair had just one run at the CCI4* level coming into Morven. They did this only two weeks prior at Stable View where together they had a top-10 finish. 
&ldquo;Knowing he can be quite a fast horse, I wasn&rsquo;t really sure how he would handle some of the bigger questions at the 4* level, so I&rsquo;ve given him plenty of preparation to make sure he understood everything,&rdquo; said Beshear. 
Rio does not find the dressage phase to be his favorite, and Beshear made a point of not putting a lot of pressure on through this past year to ensure he enjoys his work, which paid off during their dressage test. 
Beshear has competed at Morven Park since her days as a young rider competing at the upper levels. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s truly one of my favorite cross-country venues,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;I feel like there&rsquo;s a lot of natural cross-country aspects to it with the terrain, and they&rsquo;ve done such a beautiful job the way the course runs now.&rdquo;
While eager to go out and ride the cross-country course, she had a lot of respect for it as well, particularly with the questions that required more scope and boldness that were prevalent on the course. But Beshear felt like Rio was up for the challenge. &ldquo;I was certainly a little bit reserved at the start of the course, and then once I realized he was really comfortable out there, I let him gallop on quite a lot at the end,&rdquo; said Beshear. 
&ldquo;I always know that there&rsquo;s the possibility that we could do well if I don&rsquo;t do anything,&rdquo; said Beshear. &ldquo;My goal usually is just to not do anything too stupid, and to try not to make his job any harder than it needs to be, so that was my goal for cross country.&rdquo; Rio being a reliable show jumper makes him a very competitive horse, allowing him to take the win at many events including Morven, where the pair went double clear.
Though tempted to run a couple more US Equestrian Open qualifiers, Beshear and her team made the plan to give Rio down time until the spring following his great result at Morven. &ldquo;I had not really planned to do a lot on him because of his age, but he is handling it all really well, and it&rsquo;s certainly enticing to think about [running more events with him in the future] knowing that he liked the course at Morven as well as he did,&rdquo; said Beshear. 
The pair plan to compete at a few events at the CCI4* level in the spring and plan their season one event at a time after that. Beshear hopes to compete at the US Equestrian Open Final at Morven Park International in October of 2025, knowing how well he performed there this year. After gaining the attention of many after their result at Morven, Beshear and Rio De Janeiro are ones to watch this upcoming season.

Victory at Morven Park: Emily Beshear and Rio De Janeiro Win First Qualifying Competition of the Inaugural US Equestrian Open of Eventing

The competition has already delivered plenty of drama across its first two legs, with US compatriots Sara Kozumplik and Emily Mastervich Beshear currently tied atop the series leaderboard at 40 points each. &nbsp;Beshear claimed victory in the series opener at Morven Park with Rio de Janeiro, and Kozumplik's took the top spot at Bouckaert International with Rock Phantom. 
Closely behind the co-leaders are Ema Klugman and in-form Christina Henriksen, both sitting in 3rd place with 35 points after strong outings at the previous qualifiers. Arden Wildasin and Janelle Fleming round out the top 5 on 30 points each.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/8672f27d-e942-4f34-ab9a-6a204be7c3b7?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Current Leaderboard">
TerraNova&rsquo;s Strong Field Led by Dutton's Duo
We are already seeing the impact of the series on the rider&rsquo;s planning - Kozumplik confirmed she would return with Rocky to TerraNova, despite this competition not being in their original schedule. EquiRatings&rsquo; analysts expect it is going to take a season points total of 200+ for series prizemoney and the benefit of these early points proved a key part in her decision. 
Much like at Bouckaert , if she is going to take the points, she is going to face a big challenge from Olympic veteran Phillip Dutton. In the last leg, Phillip led going into the final phase before an unfortunate elimination on cross-country due to a missed jump. &nbsp;He has two horses entered this time. 13 year old Quasi Cool &ndash; who started the CCI5* at Kentucky this year (33.8 dressage) and who has CCI4* short and long wins to his name and Azure &ndash; a horse that came from Ireland&rsquo;s Esib Power and who also has CCI5* experience (15th place finish at Kentucky this year) and CCI4*L win (Bromont 2023).
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e1c7b130-be23-4bd2-8b86-6f4ca1e17afd?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Last Time out Results">
Just like last time out, Pre-competition predictions make him favourite for the win. Quasi Cool, who leads the <a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/terranova_4s_2024">prediction centre</a> with a 34% chance of victory and Azure, carrying 27% win chance. He would collect points for both horses and with a string that also contains Jewelent, Possante and Denim all at this level, he is one of the riders best equipped to challenge the overall series &ndash; but he can&rsquo;t let opportunities like this one slip by. He might well lead the series after this weekend and he will aim to stay there if he does. 
The rider that can stop him is Sara Kozumplik. She has 40 points on the board already and a win here would guarantee her top-spot at the turn of the year. The in-form Rock Phantom enters with 23% win chance. Expect them to start around the 30 mark, good chance of a clear in the show jumping and then it will come down to a time test.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/416522b3-366c-4923-a435-2fcdac883038?width=2050&amp;height=1573" alt="Pre Competition Predications Terra Nova">
The Challengers 
Sweden&rsquo;s Jennie Jarnstrom, who currently sits 11th in the series standings with 15 points after a solid sixth-place finish at Bouckaert International, brings two horses to TerraNova - Flower Girl, who sits with a 5% win chance and a 25% chance of a podium finish, as well as Splash Dance rated with a 3% win chance and 19% podium chance. If she can land points with both she will likely sit in Series top 5 after the weekend. &nbsp;
Hayden Wathen (USA) and Contestor enter the event with a 5% win chance despite having never competed at the level before. They had a good run and a podium finish at Tryon in September at CCI3*-S level. Another combination to watch is Andrew Robin Walker and SBT Barolo, who are returning to this level of the sport after a season primarily at 3* level after some time off. This pair have top 10 finishes at CCI4*S and CCI4*L level before that break so this weekend is a milestone comeback regardless of the result. EquiRatings make them a 19% podium chance. Rounding out the field are strong combinations including Briggs Surratt and Corture, Matthew Ulmer aboard Wellview Mister Lux, and Chris Newton riding Noble Discovery - all proven performers capable of breaking into the points.
Series Implications and Future Impact
This qualifier holds particular significance as athletes begin planning their 2025 campaigns. With the series culminating at Morven Park in October 2025, the results at TerraNova will influence how competitors will structure their upcoming season's schedule.
"The introduction of this series has already begun reshaping how top riders approach their competition calendar" said Annie Bishop. "We're seeing strategic decisions being made specifically around these qualifiers, which is exactly what we hoped would happen."
We will be tuning in to follow <a href="https://usef.equestrian-hub.com/show/192723/competition/eventing/2553708">live scores</a> in the class as they unfold. 
Looking Ahead
The series format, rewarding both participation and performance across multiple qualifiers, has already demonstrated its ability to attract top talent and create compelling narratives throughout the season. It has provided an incredible platform for new competitors to emerge and make their mark. We've already seen an exciting array of new talent showcasing their skills and potential in this dynamic new competition.
Follow all the action as it unfolds at&nbsp;TerraNova 4*- S&nbsp;through our&nbsp;<a href="https://usef.equestrian-hub.com/show/192723/competition/eventing/2553708" target="_blank" rel="noopener">live results and leaderboard</a>. For deeper insights into this competitive field check out our comprehensive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/magazines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fan guide</a>. Stay Connected Stay up to date with news and standings of the&nbsp;US Equestrian Open Series&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/">Instagram</a>. Follow&nbsp;US Equestrian&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian/">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/USequestrian/">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian?lang=en">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/USequestrian">Twitter</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen. For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.

Color image of Phillip Dutton riding the dapple grey horse Azure in a competition arena during the dressage phase.

Dutton Returns to Challenge the Leaderboard at TerraNova

<h3><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f7x-vjpYGO8?si=Ean9zw6_GsYqOs3-" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> In this episode we discuss: Sara Kozumplik&rsquo;s Performance at Bouckaert Farm</h3>
Sara, fresh off her win, recounted the highs and challenges of her weekend with her horse, Rock Phantom. She was honest about their dressage performance, acknowledging it felt somewhat lackluster, though accurate. The real thrill for Sara came in the show jumping and cross-country phases, where Rock Phantom showcased resilience and determination. 
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/3bef1236-fbed-46c3-aabf-8031ce7295a4?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="League Standings">
<h3>The Stories of the Series that are emerging</h3>
One of the highlights of this series is how it brings out stories beyond the scores. From Jenny Brannigan&rsquo;s unfortunate cross-country pin at Morven Park, Phillip's ,missed fence to Sara&rsquo;s comeback journey with Rock Phantom, these stories make each event memorable. The US Equestrian Open, with its season-long format, aims to bring these narratives to the forefront, creating a continuity that fans can follow, enhancing their connection to the sport.
<h3>Looking Ahead to Terra Nova</h3>
As the series progresses, anticipation is building for the next leg at Terra Nova, with live streaming coverage allowing fans to witness every jump and gallop firsthand. Sara has already committed to entering, which was an exciting reveal for fans and rivals alike. With two wins under her belt in just three weeks, Sara&rsquo;s decision to aim for Terra Nova shows her strategic focus on the series rather than the traditional longer eventing formats.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5f87cad9-5805-428d-b18f-6d3d8e3b7649?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Series Standings">
The review show closed with high hopes for the upcoming Terra Nova event, where athletes will again strive for victory and a spot at the top of the series leaderboard. You can also listen to the show on all podcast platforms.&nbsp; <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7153d1c2-0d65-4395-8370-0aece9b67a95?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Podcast Covers"> &nbsp;

Review Podcast: Qualifier 3| Eventing | TerraNova

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Review Podcast: Qualifier 3| Eventing | TerraNova

75-point haul for Dutton and outright Series lead at the turn of the year

Victory at Morven Park: Emily Beshear and Rio De Janeiro Win First Qualifying Competition of the Inaugural US Equestrian Open of Eventing

Dutton Returns to Challenge the Leaderboard at TerraNova

The Review Show | Bouckaert Farm

US Equestrian Open Final Partner Venues

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