<h2 dir="ltr">Dressage: Werth Rewrites the Record Books in Wellington</h2>
Next Qualifier: Palm Beach Derby 2/25 + Del Mar Dressage Opener 2/26 | The Final: Desert Dressage, Thermal CA (November)
Isabell Werth returned to Wellington for the first time in 16 years and immediately rewrote the record books. The World No. 2 and Special Blend 3 scored 82.660% &mdash; the highest mark in US Equestrian Open of Dressage history &mdash; on the partnership's FEI Grand Prix Freestyle debut, backed by a 90.120% artistic score and 10s from three judges for music.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/8d90e1c0-c60c-404d-b125-e3c0f01ccc41.jpg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Snap Insta.to 640935575 17936794482171204 7782157409439030159 N">
Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu and Jaccardo earned second on 79.250% in the 12-year-old's first Friday night, and Julio Mendoza Loor and Jewel's Goldstrike rounded out the podium at 78.165%.
"This freestyle is really, really difficult and I was not sure what Special would do because he's not experienced in these kinds of atmospheres, but he was very focused," said Werth. "This crowd was so supportive and started to clap, which is something special. That end to a test is a feeling I really enjoy, and it's how you know why you're still in the saddle in a competition."
Read the full AGDF 7 recap &rarr; <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/isabell-werth-sets-new-us-equestrian-open-of-dressage-record-in-wellington">https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/isabell-werth-sets-new-us-equestrian-open-of-dressage-record-in-wellington</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/275c4b1f-9268-4fdb-b93c-66c1be8b798b.png?width=1240&amp;height=714" alt="Tbu9b Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Dressage "></a>
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/dressage" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/df3afaab-1f25-4fab-a1dc-c46c608169fb.png?width=1080&amp;height=171" alt="Read More Dressage"></a>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Show Jumping: McLain Ward and High Star Hero Light Up WEF Week 7</h2>
The US Equestrian Open Final: Wellington, Week 12 | Countdown: 4 Weeks
The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) has passed its halfway point, and the picture at the top of the sport is coming into sharper focus. Saturday night's CSI5* $500,000 Modon Grand Prix produced a winner who needs no introduction on home soil and results that will echo all the way to Week 12.
<h3 dir="ltr">McLain Ward &amp; High Star Hero&nbsp;</h3>
McLain Ward claimed the Week 7 Grand Prix aboard High Star Hero, a result that lands him in rare company even by his own exceptional standards. This is the fourth time Ward has won this exact Grand Prix with his previous three victories all coming with the iconic HH Azur (2016, 2017, and 2020). As a combination, this was Ward and High Star Hero&rsquo;s fourth CSI5* 1.60m win together, following previous victories at the World Cup of Arcada and two Grand Prix Qualifiers in the Hamptons.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c3eee625-2e89-4d77-bc2d-c701ab0ef05e.jpeg?width=1600&amp;height=1326" alt="Img L7339">
With just over four weeks until the Rolex US Equestrian Open Final, Ward will be defending momentum and arriving with a horse in form. Home advantage, a proven track record at this event, and a clear jump-off performance on Friday night: this combination are going to be major contenders for a home win.
<h3 dir="ltr">Mark Bluman &amp; Landon de Nyze</h3>
Second place went to Mark Bluman and Landon de Nyze and the story behind it makes the podium even more impressive. Bluman and Landon only became a combination in December, less than two months ago. They have already won two 1.55m classes together. Friday night was their first 5* Grand Prix together, and they walked away with a podium finish.
New partnerships at the 5* level rarely produce results this quickly. The jump from building a partnership to landing a top-two finish in a Grand Prix of this calibre in under two months warrants close attention heading into the back half of the WEF season.
<h3 dir="ltr">Shane Sweetnam &amp; James Kann Cruz</h3>
The bronze position went to Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz. Friday&rsquo;s result was their 20th individual 5* 1.60m podium finish together, with eight of those arriving in the past twelve months alone.
Their jump-off record borders on the extraordinary: 18 clears from 21 rounds at the 5* 1.60m level (86%), translating to 19 podium finishes from those jump-off appearances. When Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz make it to a jump-off at this level, a top-three finish has become the expectation rather than the exception.
<h3 dir="ltr">The Bigger Picture</h3>
There are four CSI5* Grand Prix during the WEF season: Weeks 5, 7, 9, and 12. With Weeks 5 and 7 now complete, there are just two more chances to win big before the Final. Saturday night marked another pit stop but Week 12 remains the ultimate destination.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/jumping" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/eeee484b-ef16-4e10-9de3-6d72b0a7f0c7.png?width=1080&amp;height=161" alt="Read More Jumping"></a>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Eventing: The Countdown to Bouckaert Begins</h2>
Next Qualifier: Bouckaert Equestrian | Countdown: 1 Week
The first qualifier of the 2026 US Equestrian Open of Eventing is one week away, and the anticipation building around the CCI4*-S at Bouckaert Farm is well earned. The entry list has been confirmed<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> (check out our deep dive in last week Open Weekly)</a> and with 28 combinations set to line up in Georgia, this is already shaping up to be one of the stronger editions of this event.
Bouckaert Farm has been hosting the CCI4*-S since 2013. Across 15 previous runnings of the class, exactly 280 horses have started. That means the venue is set to welcome its 300th (and beyond) CCI4*-S starter in the coming days. For an event that describes horses as being at its heart, it is a milestone worth marking.
The 28-entry field clears the 25-combination threshold required for a high-scoring qualifier and provides some cushion against the inevitable pre-event withdrawals. Last year&rsquo;s running of this event drew 19 starters, which means this year the field is deeper and the stakes are correspondingly higher.
No name carries more significance into this weekend than <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/new-flag-for-the-frontrunner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lucienne Bellissimo.</a> The Series leader arrives at Bouckaert with two horses and a lead to defend.&nbsp;Bellissimo brings Kitsch Couture HPK and four-star debutant Qatar M. It is a debut that Bellissimo herself has been building toward, and her excitement ahead of the run has been visible.&nbsp;
<div style="max-width: 540px; margin: 1rem auto;"><iframe src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVCKJupkVIN/embed" width="100%" height="780" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen">

  </iframe></div>
<div style="max-width: 540px; margin: 0 auto; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lucienne_bellissimo?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@lucienne_bellissimo </a>'Qatar M' gearing up for his first run of the season this week, looking forward to trying to get him to his first <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@usequestrianopen</a> this April.&nbsp;
</div>
Just over one week out, and the road to the 2026 US Equestrian Open of Eventing Series title picks up speed from here.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/eventing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/254e09dd-d92e-4194-986b-baf0dbd8460b.png?width=1080&amp;height=158" alt="Read More Eventing"></a>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 data-path-to-node="4">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-path-to-node="4">Stay in the Loop with The Open Weekly</h2>
Thanks for joining us for this week's edition! Don't forget: a fresh update of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/the-open-weekly" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Open Weekly</a>&nbsp;drops on this site every Tuesday.
<h3 data-path-to-node="9">Join the Conversation</h3>
Follow us for daily highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and live updates:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/useqopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>
<h3 data-path-to-node="6">Go Beyond the Article</h3>
Catch the latest insights and expert interviews on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sites.libsyn.com/559710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Equestrian Open Podcast</a>.
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40223065/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/28427a/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Open Weekly Promo Graphic of Isabel Werth and  Special Blend 3

The Open Weekly: Werth Breaks Records While Ward Wins at WEF

1. Jumping

All you need to know

Wellington CDI5* Grand Prix

2. Eventing

Morven Park CCI4*-L

3. Dressage

Desert CDI5* Freestyle

The 2026 Finals

Thumbnail - Fan Guide

Predictions & entry stats for the eventing qualifiers

Fan Guides

Thumbnail - Social Media

Live coverage & entertainment

Thumbnail - Watch & Become Member

And stream free on the USEF Network

Become a Member

Thumbnail - Jumping Final 2026

Jumpers will contest their Final soon!

The Upcoming Final

Follow it all

Thumbnail - Open Weekly

Get the weekly debrief

The Open Weekly

Thumbnail - Leaderboards

Who's currently on top?

Series Leaderboards

Podcast4x5

Previews, Reviews & Interviews

The US Equestrian Open Podcast

Thumbnail - Open Road

Behind the scenes with the big stars

The Open Road

Stay up to date

Main

There wasn&rsquo;t much time to catch a breath after Boyd Martin lifted the trophy at Morven Park. Just two weeks later, the 2026 US Equestrian Open of Eventing Series was already underway, with two qualifiers completed before the winter break.&nbsp;
As the Series resumes at Bouckaert International on March 5, now is the perfect moment to catch up on the story so far.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Qualifier 1: Bouckaert International (October 24, 2025)</h2>
The 2026 Series opened at Bouckaert Farm in Fairburn, Georgia, with nine combinations chasing a maximum 40 points. This venue is one of the toughest time tracks on the calendar. In 13 years of the CCI4*, only four combinations had ever made the cross-country time (just 2% of all starters).
After a difficult start to 2025 for Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri, with two unlucky runs prompting a tactical step back, Bellissimo rebuilt Dyri&rsquo;s confidence at lower levels. Four consecutive wins at 2* and 3* followed. Bouckaert marked their return to 4*, and they delivered.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">A 33.0 put them in the dressage lead</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">A clear show jumping round kept them there</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">A clear cross country round to add 8.0 time penalties - the fastest of the day</li>
</ul>
It was their <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/bellissimo-and-dyri-make-it-five-in-a-row-at-bouckaert" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fifth consecutive international victory</a> and Bellissimo&rsquo;s eighth win of 2025. That win made her the British rider with the most international wins this year, ahead of Paris Olympian's Laura Collett, Ros Canter, and Tom McEwen (more on Bellissimo&rsquo;s British flag later!)
<a href="https://podfollow.com/the-us-equestrian-open-podcast/episode/a3215b228cb986aba67a1ffed04560f1a7a9da59" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kate Sand and Top Shelf</a> finished second with a double clear while Bruce Davidson Jr. and Cerafino D completed the podium in third.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Qualifier 2: The Event at TerraNova (November 14, 2025)</h2>
TerraNova served as both the second qualifier of the series and final FEI eventing competition in the US for 2025. The headline arrival was Will Coleman and Diabolo -&nbsp; the star combination returning to 4* competition after injury had kept them out of the Paris Olympics and most of the 2025 season.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d738f3c8-578c-4542-ad5f-abfb66e1a7b2.jpeg?width=1600&amp;height=1388" alt="Copy of C E5 A8393">
Diabolo returned to the level with a dressage score of 26.1 which tied the second-best test ever recorded at the venue - beaten only by Coleman's own Chin Tonic HS in 2023. A double clear across the remaining two phases <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/terranova-closes-the-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener">maintained their lead from start to finish.</a>&nbsp;It was Diabolo's third 4* win in a row, following victories at Cosequin Kentucky and Plantation Field (both in 2024). Coleman finished the event with 60 series points thanks to an additional fifth place with Fahrenheit Addict.
Lucienne Bellissimo and&nbsp;Dyri came second and Kitsch Couture HPK finished 8th to add an additional 40 points to her score to maintain the lead.
Waylon Roberts and Fernhill Salt Lake completed the podium in third. Roberts had entered with the highest EquiRatings Top Speed Percentage (TSP) in the field, and Fernhill Salt Lake proved the stats right. He produced the fastest cross-country round of the weekend and he was the only horse to make the time. It was also the first completion at four-star level for the pair after two previous starts at the level.
The other standout story of the weekend was Meg Pellegrini, who made her four-star debut with three horses. Dondante finished 7th with a double clear, Falcon Crown Z delivered the second-best dressage test in the field (26.9) before finishing 9th, and Cooley Wish Upon a Star added a 12th. Pellegrini and her string of horses will almost certainly be a story to follow as the season unfolds.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">A New Flag at the Top</h2>
After TerraNova, the Series paused for the winter break. While competition was quiet, the leaderboard still saw a significant change at the top of the standings.
After officially becoming a United States citizen in late 2025,<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/new-flag-for-the-frontrunner" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Lucienne Bellissimo now represents Team USA</a>. Bellissimo had opened the Series as a British rider. She will resume it in 2026 as an American: still leading the standings, but under a new flag.
<a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c23492d7-840b-47ef-9003-9f9fdbe46459.png?width=1240&amp;height=714" alt="E Fens Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Eventing (1)"></a>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">What's Next: Bouckaert International (March 5, 2026)</h2>
The Series resumes at Bouckaert Farm next week for Qualifier 3, and the field is shaping up to be one of the venue&rsquo;s strongest so far. Bellissimo leads the standings, but several big names are set to line up. The added twist? This will be the first qualifier of the 2026 Series to attract 25 or more combinations, unlocking the higher points allocation.&nbsp;
Read more about the key contenders in last week&rsquo;s edition of The Open Weekly &rarr; <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-werth-breaks-records-while-ward-wins-at-wef" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-werth-breaks-records-while-ward-wins-at-wef</a>
With 18 qualifiers to go and the final at Morven Park on October 8-11, 2026, there is still everything to play for.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-werth-breaks-records-while-ward-wins-at-wef" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/797de4a4-a9fd-4ef8-8f83-7253791613fc.png?width=4048&amp;height=577" alt="Us Open Blog Inserts"></a>
&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;
&nbsp;
<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">
&nbsp;
<hr>
&nbsp;
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>.

A collage of photos from the US Equestrian Open of Eventing

The Story So Far of the US Equestrian Open of Eventing

Rolex US Equestrian Open Final | Wellington, Week 12 | Countdown: 4 Weeks
Four weeks out from the Rolex US Equestrian Open Final and the 2026 challengers are becoming more clear. High Star Hero produced yet another McLain Ward Wellington win in what has been a difficult week after the loss of Imperial HBF. "My team has rallied and put their heads down - it's been a grind, and I'm proud of them, proud of the horse, and proud to bring this home tonight." The Winter Equestrian Festival has now crossed its halfway point and Saturday night's CSI5* $500,000 Modon Grand Prix helped sharpen the focus around the key challengers for the final.&nbsp;
Only five combinations made it through to the jump-off. The spread of nations they represented&mdash;USA, Colombia, Ireland, Germany, France&mdash;told its own story about the international character of Week 7 at WEF.&nbsp; The US Equestrian Open of Dressage the night before was won by Germany&rsquo;s<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/isabell-werth-sets-new-us-equestrian-open-of-dressage-record-in-wellington" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Isabell Werth</a> and the top six placings were shared across six different nations.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>The Winner: McLain Ward &amp; High Star Hero <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/81f507dd-c992-4a37-a315-1274112ff517.jpeg?width=1600&amp;height=1326" alt="Img L7339"> </h3>
Ward went first in the jump-off, set the target, and nobody caught him. His time of 39.14 seconds proved untouchable despite the best efforts of four who followed. He took an extra stride to the final fence and still won which bodes well for US fans hoping to see High Star Hero's raw footspeed in a month.
"You always feel pressure, and all these guys are super-fast riders with very fast horses &mdash; I knew they were going to risk everything to win," said Ward afterwards. "I had to do what I thought was the winning plan, and the horse responded beautifully."
This was the fourth time Ward has won the WEF Week 7 Grand Prix &mdash; his previous three victories all came with HH Azur (2016, 2017, 2020). (Note: HH Azur remains the highest rated horse over the last 15 years in the US - they reached a peak Elo of 784 aged 12 in 2018. Greya is closing in on this). McLain attributed his pattern of strong Week 7 results to a deliberate seasonal strategy:&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d7a13cc3-1db5-40bd-8b22-bc1fa1542c60.png?width=2000&amp;height=2000" alt="Example 1a. Front">
The man with more top level Wellington wins than any other rider will arrive at Week 12 with momentum, with a number of his horses in form, at a venue that he knows how to win. He will be one of the main hopes of keeping the Open title on home soil.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">Mark Bluman &amp; Landon de Nyze</h3>
Second place went to a pair with no 5* 1.60m jump-off record - because Saturday night was their first 5* Grand Prix together. Bluman and Landon only became a combination in December, less than two months ago, and this was already their third top-three finish (two wins at 155 level since taking over the ride from Daniel).&nbsp;
They came within half a second of Ward.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e547760a-f4ca-4358-aa24-749cb9d2cfa7.png?width=2000&amp;height=2000" alt="Example 1a. Front (1)">
Landon de Nyze&mdash;a 13-year-old son of Comilfo Plus Z x Quadrillo&mdash;was previously ridden by his brother Daniel Bluman and before than Kent Farrington (with whom he won team gold and individual silver at the 2023 Pan American Games for the USA).&nbsp;
"I've never ridden a horse like this one in my life," said Bluman. "I come from Colombia, and it's not a country with a horse background, so to be sitting here with people that I grew up watching riding horses, it means the world."
Very few 160 partnership debuts produce results this quickly. He has two wins at 155 level (4* and 5*). Nothing about Saturday night suggested this 160 debut was a ceiling.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">Shane Sweetnam &amp; James Kann Cruz</h3>
A podium felt almost routine for the Kentucky-based, Irish combination. Their jump-off conversion borders on statistical anomaly: 18 clears from 21 rounds (86%), translating into 19 podium finishes from those jump-off appearances. Lets that sink in - 21 jump offs at 5*160 level and now 19 podium finishes.&nbsp;
The 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Kannan x Cruising) is in impressive form. "He hasn't knocked a fence in a Grand Prix since Dublin (August), and that's ridiculous," said Sweetnam. "I'm blessed to have a horse that good - he really loves his job."
Like Bluman, he was disappointed not to win. He was candid about his own role:&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7f74b363-44d9-4b99-8c57-3fadea74f785.png?width=2000&amp;height=2000" alt="Example 1a. Front (2)">
Shane Sweetnam is loved in Ireland as a reliable, humble, and supremely talented, rider. There is huge belief that he knows exactly where to find more for the final. When this pair make it to a jump-off at this level, a top-three finish has become the expectation. Now, time for the win.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">Dont Miss: Richard Vogel &amp; Gangster Montdesir</h3>
Vogel and Gangster Montdesir posted the fastest jump-off time of the night (37.34 seconds) but had four faults to go with it.They finished fourth. They won the season's opening 5* Grand Prix at Week 5 - the $500,000 Fidelity Investments CSI5*.&nbsp;
Gangster is only just turned 10. Their 5* 160 record now reads: five starts, five clear rounds, two wins (the first coming in Lyon last October).&nbsp;
Vogel also expressed exactly why this venue matters to his preparation: "Wellington is our home in the winter months. It's my fifth circuit here, and it has always been good to us, good to our horses. Every year, we can step up a couple of new, younger, exciting horses, and Gangster is the one this year."
History says that riders who win the Week 5 Grand Prix at WEF have historically gone on to exceptional seasons - Farrington and Greya's 2025 victory preceded a nine-win year; Fuchs and Clooney used their 2019 success as a springboard to seven 5* Grand Prix. The pattern around this class is hard to ignore, and Vogel has backed up the Week 5 trend this weekend.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">Nina Mallevaey &amp; Dynastie De Beaufour</h3>
Mallevaey finished fifth in the Grand Prix with four faults in the jump-off at 39.53 seconds. The top-ranked u25 rider in the world and the breakout star of 2025 has continued an unbelievable run of form with Dynastie De Beaufour.
This was their TWELFTH consecutive clear jumping round at CSI5* 1.60m, becoming only the fifth horse since 2010 to reach this run of consecutive clears. If she is clear next time out, she joins Big Star who made it to 13 in-a-row.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/38556da7-03fd-4132-8572-4e8f26aacaf6.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Us Open Dressage Grid Post">
&nbsp;
<hr>
&nbsp;
The absence of last year&rsquo;s winner Kent Farrington from the Grand Prix start list this week is also significant. Farrington, the world No. 2, is a name whose entry will reshape the complexion of any field they enter. If Farrington and Greya canter into the ring at Week 12, they will be carrying the weight of their elite record on their shoulders.
The broader point is this: the US field for Week 12 is not Ward and a supporting cast. It is Ward, Farrington, Kraut, Keenan, and a bench of depth that few nations will match. The international field will arrive with serious credentials. So will the Americans.
The Rolex US Equestrian Open Final takes place during WEF Week 12, Wellington, Florida. Four weeks remain.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-werth-breaks-records-while-ward-wins-at-wef" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/797de4a4-a9fd-4ef8-8f83-7253791613fc.png?width=4048&amp;height=577" alt="Us Open Blog Inserts"></a>

Ward Wins in Wellington (Again)

Two thousand people packed the stands at Wellington on Friday night to see Isabell Werth.&nbsp;
She arrived with Special Blend 3, the youngest horse in the field making his FEI Grand Prix Freestyle debut. They left with an 82.660% &mdash; the highest score in US Equestrian Open of Dressage history. The artistic mark alone was 90.120%, drawing 10s from three judges on music. The freestyle was originally composed for Emilio, Werth's Olympic team gold medal-winning horse, which tells you something about the ambition of the choreography. Special answered it. Twenty-two one-tempis. Strong piaffe with genuine lift. A 9.5 degree of difficulty. For a first Friday night in Wellington, the horse more than delivered and earned his standing ovation.
"This freestyle is really, really difficult and I was not sure what Special would do because he's not experienced in these kinds of atmospheres, but he was very focused," said Werth. "This crowd was so supportive and started to clap, which is something special.&nbsp;
<blockquote>
&ldquo;That end to a test is a feeling I really enjoy, and it's how you know why you're still in the saddle in a competition."
</blockquote>
Werth, who last competed in Wellington 16 years ago, also had something to say about what she found when she returned.
"I'd like to thank the show team because it was pretty impressive here," said the seven-time Olympian. "I didn't expect that it would be like this. There's a huge improvement in the whole environment here &mdash; the horses, the riding &mdash; which is great to see. We have to make dressage more global and for sure here there is a lot of energy and enthusiasm, which I love to see and be a part of. I'm pretty sure that I'll come back next year."
Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu and Jaccardo posted 79.250% for second. At 12, Jaccardo is one of the younger Grand Prix horses in the field, with forward, expressive gaits that suggest the scores will only climb from here. Their freestyle featured seven Britney Spears songs, and Jaccardo played the atmosphere like he's been doing Friday nights his whole life.
"This was Jac's first Friday night, and he'd never been into an atmosphere like this, so I was a bit nervous because there were so many people," said Fraser-Beaulieu. "But he came into the arena and was like, 'Let's go!'"
Third went to Julio Mendoza Loor and the 15-year-old Jewel's Goldstrike, who scored 78.165%. After the final salute, Mendoza Loor wrapped his arms around Goldstrike's neck and wiped a tear from his eye.&nbsp;
"Riding 'Goldie' is a joy every time," said Mendoza Loor. "I paid $20 for this horse, and he's taken me to the Olympics, taken me here, and every time he gives me 100%. He never lets me down, and that's why I cry all the time because this horse has made me who I am.&nbsp;
<blockquote>
&ldquo;There aren't enough words to explain how good he is and how much I love him."
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-werth-breaks-records-while-ward-wins-at-wef" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/797de4a4-a9fd-4ef8-8f83-7253791613fc.png?width=4048&amp;height=577" alt="Us Open Blog Inserts"></a>

Isabell Werth riding Special Blend 3 at AGDF 7

Isabell Werth Sets New US Equestrian Open of Dressage Record in Wellington

The Winter Equestrian Festival is at its halfway point. Tonight brings the second CSI5* 160 Grand Prix of the season to the International Arena, and while the spotlight is firmly on this evening's class, the bigger picture is already coming into focus. Five weeks from now, the Rolex US Equestrian Open Final of Jumping will take centre stage in Week 12. For the athletes lining up tonight, every round between now and then is a building block.
<h2>What to expect tonight</h2>
This is one of the toughest five-star tracks on the global circuit. The Round 1 average clear rate here is just 16% - compared to 28-35% at many other CSI5* 1.60m shows worldwide. From a field of 32 combinations tonight, EquiRatings is predicting just six clear rounds. Once riders make the jump-off, the picture improves. Historically, 58% of those who qualify go on to jump clear. But getting there is the challenge.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/3750cd06-5287-4387-aae9-d8274b5b6e12.png?width=930&amp;height=756" alt="Ghs Media Guide (1)">
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">So which US riders are making a case?</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">McLain Ward &amp; High Star Hero</h3>
Three time winner of this class, McLain Ward has chosen High Star Hero as his weapon of choice tonight. They carry a 71% jump-off clear rate with three wins from seven jump-off appearances.&nbsp;
Ward's predicted clear chance tonight sits at 33%, with a 4% win chance. Those numbers are modest on paper, but once he's in a second round, the conversion is ruthless -&nbsp; nearly a 50% win rate in jump-offs tells you everything about how this pair handles pressure.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Lillie Keenan &amp; Fasther</h3>
Keenan has been quietly assembling one of the most consistent five-star profiles for Team USA. Fasther carries a 50% clear rate across 12 CSI5* 1.60m rounds in the past 12 months. Her predicted clear chance is 40%, with a 6% win chance.&nbsp;
The jump-off record makes for even better reading: six clears from ten jump-offs, six podium finishes. When this pair reaches a second round, they land on the podium.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Katie Dinan &amp; Out Of The Blue SCF</h3>
Dinan and Out Of The Blue SCF carry a 30% clear chance tonight and a 3% win chance &mdash; sitting at the competitive edge of the field rather than among the headline names. But that's often where Week 12 stories begin. A 5th place finish with a time penalty at the World Cup of Ocala last week shows they are operating at this level and improving. Five weeks is enough time to build.
<h3 dir="ltr">Natalie Dean &amp; Acota M</h3>
Back in five-star competition after a seven-month absence, Dean and Acota M carry a 30% clear chance and a 2% win chance tonight. Having jumped double clear at this venue during WEF Week 5 last year, they may rediscover that form tonight. A name to keep on your radar as the season builds toward the Final.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">The International Names They'll Have to Beat</h2>
The American riders aren't building toward Week 12 in isolation. Three names in tonight's field are impossible to ignore.
WEF Week 5 winners, Richard Vogel and Gangster Montdesir, arrive with only four rounds at CSI5* 1.60m. But they have produced four clears. A 100% clear rate. The sample size is small but so is the fault count. Keep an eye out for this ten-year-old tonight.
Runners up in this class last year, Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue enter as the statistical favourites. a 56% predicted clear chance, a 14% win chance, and a 67% clear rate over the past 12 months. They jump last tonight.&nbsp;
Then there's the streak. Nina Mallevaey and Dynastie de Beaufour have cleared 11 consecutive CSI5* 1.60m rounds. They are only the 8th combination since 2010 to manager 11 consecutive clears in a row. EquiRatings gives them a 55% clear chance and a 13% win chance tonight. With top-five finishes in their last nine five-star Grands Prix, this partnership represents the standard every American will need to meet come Week 12.
<a href="https://jumping-prediction-centre.equiratings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/6e5b9121-00b3-4de0-886e-9d63c69f9641.png?width=1228&amp;height=1432" alt="Gg Yej Wef 7 Win Chances "></a>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Bigger Picture</h2>
There are four CSI5* Grand Prix in the WEF season: Weeks 5, 7, 9, and 12. Week 5 is done. Tonight is Week 7. Two more chances to win big before the Final.
In a class where only one in six combinations is expected to go clear in Round 1, the combinations that arrive in Week 12 in contention will be those who have proven they can handle this level consistently, not just occasionally.
Tonight is the next data point. Week 12 is the destination.

Mcclain Ward looking at camera while riding a horse

WEF Week 7: Who's Building Toward the Open Final?

The 2026 Finals

Wellington CDI5* Grand Prix

Morven Park CCI4*‑L

Desert CDI5* Freestyle

The Open Weekly: Werth Breaks Records While Ward Wins at WEF

Top Stories

The Story So Far of the US Equestrian Open of Eventing

Ward Wins in Wellington (Again)

The Open Weekly: Werth Breaks Records While Ward Wins at WEF

Isabell Werth Sets New US Equestrian Open of Dressage Record in Wellington

WEF Week 7: Who's Building Toward the Open Final?

Stay up to date

The Open Weekly

Series Leaderboards

The US Equestrian Open Podcast

The Open Road

Follow it all

Fan Guides

Follow Us

Become a Member

The Upcoming Final

Qualifiers

US Equestrian Open Final Partner Venues

Series Partners