As expected, Christian Simonson and Indian Rock opened the 2026 US Equestrian Open of Dressage with a win, topping the class on a 78.840%. It marks their second World Cup qualifier victory in the past three months and moves Simonson into third in the FEI World Cup standings&mdash;behind Benjamin Ebeling and Kevin Kohmann&mdash;as the race intensifies for one of North America&rsquo;s three qualifying spots for the World Cup Final in Fort Worth, Texas, four months from now.
<h2 dir="ltr">A Wide Spread on a Clean Test</h2>
While this weekend&rsquo;s score sits a few percentage points below the pair&rsquo;s debut earlier this fall, it remains a strong result. Still, a closer look at the score sheets reveals a striking judging spread.
Simonson and Indian Rock delivered what was, by any measure, a fault-free test. Yet the difference between the high and low marks totaled more than ten percentage points. Gabriela Valeri&aacute;nov&aacute; (H) awarded an 83.525%, while Brenda Minor (B) scored the ride at 73.225%.
Interestingly, the variation did not come from the individual movements themselves. Across the panel, most marks stayed within a reasonable range, rarely differing by more than a point and often not involving Minor at all.The divergence emerged almost entirely in the artistic scores, each carrying a 4x coefficient. While the rest of the judges rewarded the performance with consistent 8s and 9s, Minor stayed firmly in the 7 range, only reaching an 8.9 for degree of difficulty. The result was an unusually low overall score from a single judge, despite broad agreement elsewhere.
That lack of alignment extended down the leaderboard. While the final placings appeared relatively consistent, the scorecards revealed a different pattern. Overall totals from judge to judge were notably closer than in Simonson&rsquo;s case, but the individual movement marks showed significantly more variation. A canter pirouette might earn a 7 from one judge and a 4 from another. Two judges could award 7s for piaffe while a third landed at a 5. Notably, the lowest mark rarely came from the same judge, making it clear that the variation was not driven by a single consistently harsh scorer.
<h2 dir="ltr">A Quiet Start for the Defending Champion</h2>
Defending Series champion Benjamin Ebeling and Bellena finished fifth on a 71.790%&mdash;a result below their recent average, but not one that raises alarms. The pair have been remarkably consistent over the past season, and this performance reads more like a let-up on the gas than a red flag as they ease into the new year.
Instead of their usual run of 7.5s and 8s, the score sheet leaned heavily on 6.5s and 7s, and errors in the one-tempis proved costly. Those details made the difference this time, but unless they start to repeat, they are unlikely to be cause for concern. Ebeling remains a proven contender and is well positioned to make a World Cup run in Wellington early next season.
<h2 dir="ltr">Westward Bound</h2>
The Series heads west next weekend for the first West Coast qualifier of the 2026 season, which also doubles as a World Cup qualifier. Expect a smaller field but no shortage of quality.
It will also offer the first real look at the new points system in action. With historically leaner West Coast entries, next week&rsquo;s winner is unlikely to earn the same haul of points as Simonson did in Ocala, reflecting a system that now rewards how many riders you beat rather than simply where you place.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c3546a81-b82e-4bd7-940c-bd104895ed19.png?width=1253&amp;height=794" alt="Screenshot showing the 2026 US Equestrian Open of Dressage standings after Ocala, with Christian Simonson leading the leaderboard.">

Close-up portrait of a dressage horse in bridle and crystal browband.

Simonson and Indian Rock Start 2026 on Top

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The first freestyle of the 2026 US Equestrian Open of Dressage kicks off tomorrow in Ocala, and it&rsquo;s nothing short of a proper season opener. A deep field, the reigning Finals champion, and the highest-scoring pair of 2025 all converge, giving us an early look at the storylines that may shape the months ahead.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Indian Rock&rsquo;s New Era</h2>
Few combinations in the world enter 2026 with more intrigue than Christian Simonson and Indian Rock. Simonson took over the ride on the Dutch stallion last May, taking the reins of a horse with Olympic mileage, an 82.095% personal best under Emmelie Scholtens, and an 81.750% finish at the Paris Games. It&rsquo;s a major inheritance for any rider, let alone one who is only 23.
But from the moment Simonson swung a leg over, the results spoke for themselves. Their first Grand Prix together was a 70.543%, followed by a 74.277% Grand Prix Special, the sport&rsquo;s most demanding and unforgiving test. Then in October, they debuted their freestyle: 81.405%, the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/simonson-shakes-the-series-at-terranova" target="_blank" rel="noopener">highest score recorded</a> in the entire 2025 Open season.
Transitions like this don&rsquo;t often come together so quickly. Many riders never access a horse&rsquo;s previous peak, yet Simonson already has. Tomorrow&rsquo;s freestyle offers the next glimpse of where this young partnership is headed&mdash;and a chance for spectators to simply enjoy two genuinely exciting performers do their thing.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">The Champion Returns</h2>
The last time Ben Ebeling and Bellena rode under a spotlight, they walked out of the arena as the inaugural <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/ben-and-bellena-save-their-best-for-last">US Equestrian Open Final champions</a> with a personal best of 79.930%. It was the culmination of a year in which they built their entire Grand Prix career inside the Series: from their freestyle debut in April to that electric November finish, they grew sharper, braver, and more expressive with every start.
Bellena originally competed under Ebeling&rsquo;s father, Jan, before Ben took the reins in early 2025. Their very first freestyle together was a 75.740%, and the rise since then has been unmistakable. They broke their personal best four times in six months, won three qualifiers, and ended the year as Final champions&mdash; all before the partnership reached its first anniversary.
After the season they had, they don&rsquo;t need another career-defining ride tomorrow. This weekend just gives us a sense of how they&rsquo;re carrying that momentum into 2026.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">The Watch List</h2>
Behind the two headliners sits a group of combinations worth watching for very different reasons.
Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu and Jaccardo arrive with limited freestyle mileage but meaningful promise. Their two FEI freestyles averaged 76.823%, with a 77.520% personal best, and they were poised for a strong showing at Devon before an elimination took them out of contention. With so few data points, Ocala might give us the first real sense of where this pair fits in the broader 2026 picture.
For Erin Nichols and Elian Royale, the numbers are fuller: a 72.266% average and a 75.975% PB, plus a consistent trend upward throughout last season. Elian Royale is a horse who tends to shine in freestyles, and Nichols has shown she can coax quality out of high-energy environments. If they open the season in the mid-70s, that would signal a continuation rather than a reset.
And then there&rsquo;s Jennifer Williams with Babylon Berlin, a horse she seriously considered taking to the Final last year. With just one FEI freestyle on the record &mdash; a 74.005% &mdash; Babylon Berlin is still developing, but Williams clearly believes in his future. He reads like championship material once the strength and polish come together, and this weekend might tell us whether that maturity is arriving early in 2026 or building more gradually. Either way, it&rsquo;s always compelling to watch an experienced rider guide a young Grand Prix horse into his next stage.
<h2 dir="ltr">Opening Bars of 2026</h2>
It&rsquo;s only Qualifier One, and no one is crowning a champion this early. The fun of early-season qualifiers is getting these combinations back in the ring, checking in on familiar faces, and seeing the first hints of what 2026 might hold. Between a world-class young rider on a world-class horse, a Finals champion on a sharp rise, and the middle of the pack with genuine potential, Ocala offers a strong opening frame for the season.
Good horses, good riders, and good music. Hard to argue with that.&nbsp;

Christian Simonson smiles while riding Indian Rock in competition at the US Equestrian Open of Dressage.

Unwrapping the 2026 Season

Last week, we looked at the big picture of the inaugural US Equestrian Open series - 349 runs, 179 horses, 115 athletes, and 8 nations. This week, we're going deeper into how some of the best performances unfolded across the three phases.
Because while knowing who won matters, understanding how they won tells the real story. 
<hr>
<h2> The Dressage Leaders</h2>
Of those 349 runs, the dressage phase set the tone for what was possible. Will Coleman and Off The Record delivered the series' best mark&mdash;21.8 at Kentucky&mdash;proving that an elite first phase is often the foundation for victory. They went on to win that qualifier and ultimately, finish second in the final at Morven Park.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/41905f3e-23f6-46f6-bc3d-e0ed5287ae3f.png?width=1312&amp;height=1202" alt="Jlej W Top Ten Dressage Scores of the 2025 Series Qualifiers (1)">
Tamie Smith and Mai Baum weren't far behind at 22.0 at Rebecca Farm, also converting that performance into a win. Phillip Dutton appeared three times in the top 10 dressage scores with two different horses -Possante and Denim.
The standout? Only six combinations scored sub-25 and 40 combinations scored sub-30 across all 349 runs of the series.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The Jumping Phases</h2>
Of 349 runs, only 83 show jumping rounds finished clear and inside time - less than 24% of the runs. The optimum time proved harder to achieve than many anticipated, even at this level.
Cross-country was even more selective. Just 9 combinations went clear inside the time - that's 2.6% of all starters. James Alliston is the only rider who did it twice (and with two different rides - HMR Rolan&nbsp;and Karma). When you're two of nine in a group of 349, you've done something exceptional.
And then there were the FODs (Finish on Dressage.) Only four combinations managed it.&nbsp;Four FODs from 349 runs. That's 1.1%.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0b6afe0a-ba95-4eba-9149-aeae4a1c25dd.png?width=1748&amp;height=614" alt="W A0 Jf the Four Fod S From the 2025 Series Qualifiers Nbsp ">
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>The Finishing Scores</h2>
The best finish of the series? Two combinations tied for first at 26.9 - Phillip Dutton and Possante at Plantation Field and Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF at Aspen Farms.&nbsp;Tamie Smith and Mai Baum's 27.6 at Rebecca Farm rounds out the top three finishing scores.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/aa517b9c-71a6-4b7c-bc4a-4ba123c7cb10.png?width=1312&amp;height=1202" alt="H3 Ya Q Top Ten Finishing Scores of the 2025 Series Qualifiers ">
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The Highest Rated Performances</h2>
EquiRatings' HPR system measures performance relative to variables such as field strength,&nbsp;difficulty, scoring etc. Phillip Dutton and Possante topped the list with an HPR of 99 at Plantation Field - the only performance to break into the upper 90s all season.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/174f4230-1f00-44c9-9419-6e5d25be819e.png?width=1368&amp;height=1202" alt="W4asl Top Ten Highest Rated Performances of the 2025 Series Qualifiers ">
Boyd Martin (Commando 3, 94 HPR at Plantation Field) and Caroline Pamukcu (HSH Blake, 94 HPR at Plantation Field) had the second and third best performances (separated by decimals!)
The variety in riders and venues reinforces what we saw throughout the year: excellence wasn't limited to one location or athlete. This was a true season-long series.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>What It All Means</h2>
The US Equestrian Open isn't just about creating a new series, the prize money, or the trophy&mdash;it's about establishing a national standard. Being able to quantify and compare results across the season and across the country creates a benchmark that drives improvement. Better data means better preparation, sharper competition, and ultimately, a stronger Team USA.
This series is showcasing elite sport at its most demanding and 2025 set the bar for everything that comes next. 2026 and beyond!
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
Check out the full Series calendar below and stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Instagram.&nbsp;</a>Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.
Also follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>.&nbsp;
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For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
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;
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.

2025 US Equestrian Open: The Performance Numbers

The 2026 US Equestrian Open of Dressage arrives with a ruleset that&rsquo;s familiar in shape but slightly different in how it functions. Most of the changes revolve around how points are earned and what it now takes to build a competitive season. The goal is simple: reward riders for showing up where the depth is real, and make the pathway to the Finals more reflective of performance than pure mileage.
Below is a breakdown of what&rsquo;s changed, and why it matters as the new season gets underway.
<h2 dir="ltr">A Points System That Reflects the Field</h2>
The biggest shift for 2026 is the complete overhaul of the points structure. The old system assigned fixed points regardless of how many riders showed up. A four-horse qualifier gave the same points as a ten-horse qualifier.
The new version changes that. Points now adjust to field size: small fields include 1&ndash;5 starters, medium 6&ndash;10, and large 11&ndash;15. The top end of each range mirrors the intent of the old system, but the spacing and values change dramatically.
- Small fields (1-5) now top out at 15 points for a win and drop quickly.
- Medium fields (6-10) match the former standard&mdash;20 for the win&mdash;but smooth out the distribution through the top 10.
- Large fields (11-15) receive the biggest boost, offering 25 points to the winner and a strong payout down the order.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ca9b4a65-64fb-4868-aeb9-d7e3ee412167.png?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Points chart showing how riders earn points based on field size at US Equestrian Open qualifiers, with separate tables for large, medium, and small classes.">
This new system, which follows the same principles used in the Eventing Open, rewards depth and showing up in competitive fields. Second place in a large field (20 points) is now equal to what winning used to earn across the board. In a large field, sixth place still earns 10 points, but unlike before, 7th&ndash;10th now receive fewer points&mdash;so finishing one place higher actually changes your season total. In large fields, points now extend through 15th place&mdash;five places deeper than before&mdash;allowing more riders to accumulate meaningful totals.
This system does two things. It rewards riders who step into deep, competitive environments. And it pressures those aiming for the Finals to choose their venues carefully. A small field still counts, but it no longer holds the same weight.&nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Fewer Results Count&mdash;So Each One Matters More</h2>
Another fundamental change is the shift from counting a rider&rsquo;s top six results to counting their top four.&nbsp;
Under the old structure, consistency across a long schedule was rewarded, and riders based on the East Coast naturally benefited from having more Big Tour opportunities within easy reach. With only four results now counting, each ride carries more weight, but riders who compete more than four times still have the flexibility to replace low scores as the season progresses.
This setup also softens the impact of an off weekend, but it also sharpens the value of every strong performance. Four mid-range scores won&rsquo;t do the work that four competitive ones can, especially under a points system that rewards depth.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Clarifications, Cleanups, and Codified Scenarios</h2>
The remaining changes are small adjustments that refine rather than overhaul.
<h3 dir="ltr">Multi-Star Weekends.</h3>
When a venue offers multiple Grand Prix Freestyles in a single weekend, riders can now earn points only in the highest-star class offered. The exception: if there&rsquo;s a CDIO3* (or higher), riders may also earn points in the highest non-CDIO class. Previously, the rule existed in spirit but not in precise language. Now, it&rsquo;s spelled out.
<h3 dir="ltr">Tie-breaking language.</h3>
The underlying approach remains unchanged&mdash;ties occupy consecutive places, and the next rider&rsquo;s placing is adjusted accordingly&mdash;but the rulebook now gives a clearer example. It&rsquo;s administrative clarity, not structural change.
<h3 dir="ltr">Season dates.</h3>
The Series now officially begins December 1 instead of January 1. The end-of-season timing remains the same: at least two weeks before the Finals. Practically speaking, this mostly aligns the paperwork with how the season already operated.
<h3 dir="ltr">What Hasn't Changed.</h3>
While the points system and season structure have evolved, the foundation of the Series remains the same. The $50K season prize pool and $200K Finals purse are unchanged, as are the qualifications that shape the competitive field: the top 18 advance to the Finals, riders must earn a 67% Certificate of Capability, each athlete may bring only one horse to the Final, and a 60% Grand Prix score is still required to ride the Freestyle Final.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Looking Ahead to Ocala</h2>
The heart of these updates is simple: the 2026 Open rewards strong performances in strong company. Riders won&rsquo;t need as many big weekends to qualify, but the big weekends they choose will matter more than ever.
The first chance to see this new landscape in action is next weekend in Ocala, where the season officially begins. Tune in and watch the new points era take shape from the very first judge&rsquo;s bell.

A decorated archway marking the entrance to the US Equestrian Open of Dressage, framed by tall palm trees and flower arrangements on a sunny day.

What’s New for 2026: A Clearer, Sharper US Equestrian Open of Dressage

As we near the end of 2025, it's time to reflect on the inaugural US Equestrian Open series - a journey that brought together the best of American eventing across the country. From coast to coast, riders and horses competed for points at 20 qualifiers, creating moments that will define this sport for years to come.
The numbers tell the story of an ambitious series that delivered on its promise:&nbsp;349 runs, 179 horses, and 115 athletes representing 8 nations. This wasn't just an American competition - it was an international stage that attracted riders from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, and Sweden alongside the United States. 
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/582fac01-b833-4b03-b5fb-1d59829a51ae.png?width=851&amp;height=156" alt="Us Equestrian Open Season Wrapped (1)">
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The Winners' Circle</h2>
Twenty qualifiers produced 20 winners and 60 podium finishes. But there was actually only 13 riders who took a win while Caroline Pamukcu and James Alliston emerged as the most prolific winners, each claiming victory three times throughout the season.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/8fe6ab04-40e3-441f-b7c9-6b9baf555002.png?width=916&amp;height=1100" alt="Xy Fz L Us Equestrian Open Qualifier Winners "> Eighteen horses recorded wins, with&nbsp;HSH Double Sixteen (Caroline Pamukcu) and HMR Rolan (James Alliston) leading the way as the only two-time winners.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The Venues</h2>
Fifteen venues across the United States hosted qualifiers, each bringing their own character and challenges to the series. The largest fields gathered at:
<ol>
<li>Kentucky - 53 starters (April 23, CCI4*-S)</li>
<li>Carolina- 36 starters (March 13, CCI4*-S)</li>
<li>The Fork at Tryon - 31 starters (September 11, CCI4*-S)</li>
</ol>
But size wasn't everything. When measured by the EquiRatings Elo Field Strength - the average rating of the top 20 horses in each field - the competition quality told a slightly different story:
<ol>
<li>Carolina&nbsp;- 536 field strength</li>
<li>The Fork at Tryon - 517 field strength</li>
<li>Kentucky&nbsp;- 513 field strength</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The Athletes</h2>
The average age of riders competing in qualifiers was 39, though the series showcased talent across generations. The youngest competitors&mdash;Lizzie Hannon, Molly Duda, and Cassie Sanger&mdash;all made their mark at just 20 years old, proving that youth and ambition could compete at the highest level. And while we won&rsquo;t call out the opposite end of the spectrum, let&rsquo;s just say experience was well represented too.
Caroline Pamukcu was the series' workhorse, recording 20 runs across the season.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/735b66a1-0186-4440-b176-66511df74ed3.png?width=832&amp;height=820" alt="J V0o P Riders With the Most Runs Nbsp ">
 
<hr>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The Horses</h2>
The equine athletes averaged 12 years of age, with experience clearly valued at this level. Six horses competed at just 8 years old:
<ul>
<li>Marvel - Monica Spencer</li>
<li>That's Me Z - Tommy Greengard</li>
<li>Cooley Corraghy Diamond - Kim Severson</li>
<li>Invictus - Mia Farley</li>
<li>BGS Calculated Chaos - Mia Farley</li>
<li>Monbeg Zebedee - Allison Springer</li>
</ul>
At the other end of the spectrum, three 19-year-old horses proved that age is just a number -Fly Me Courageous (Janelle Fleming) and&nbsp;Honor Me (Lisa Marie Fergusson) and the legendary Mai Baum, who retired on the ultimate high note with a win at the Rebecca Farm event.
<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>
The inaugural series set a benchmark for the US Equestrian Open - we can't wait to see how this series builds and how the numbers compare this time next year. 
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</h2>
Check out the full Series calendar below and stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Instagram.&nbsp;</a>Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.
Also follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>.&nbsp;
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c9dfe039-3b02-415d-b513-c5bd87d85dae.jpeg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="26 Open Eventing Qualifier Calendar">
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For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
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;
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.

Simonson and Indian Rock Start 2026 on Top

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Simonson and Indian Rock Start 2026 on Top

Unwrapping the 2026 Season

2025 US Equestrian Open: The Performance Numbers

What’s New for 2026: A Clearer, Sharper US Equestrian Open of Dressage

2025 US Equestrian Open: A Year in Review

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