<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The dressage phase at Tryon International is done, and the number at the top of the leaderboard is worth stopping to appreciate.<strong> Tamie Smith &amp; Danito</strong> scored <strong>19.5</strong>: a new all-time dressage record in the US Equestrian Open, the best of 607 starts across the Series' history.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/878ef31d-240d-435c-b11c-e20df6716031.png?width=1644&amp;height=1640" alt="Ctuzs the Top Ten Dressage Tests From the Us Equestrian Open Nbsp "></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">It didn't stop there. That 19.5 is also the best dressage test recorded internationally in 2026 across any level. Out of over 5000 FEI tests worldwide this year, nothing has touched it.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>How good is a 19.5?</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Danito's </strong>EquiRatings 6RA &mdash; the average of his last six FEI dressage tests &mdash; sits at 27.9. Smith beat that benchmark by 8.4 penalties today. The previous venue record at Tryon's CCI4*-S was 24.6, set by <strong>Erin Kanara &amp; Paddy The Caddy</strong> back in 2020, a record that had stood for five years. Smith beat it by more than five penalties.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Some will point to the judging and suggest the scoring was on the generous side. It's a fair question to ask but the data doesn't necessarily support it as an explanation in this case. Across the full field, combinations performed an average of just 0.8 penalties better than their 6RA. That cut both ways, with some combinations significantly outperforming their average and others falling well short of it. The field didn't collectively post career-bests. Smith's 8.4-penalty improvement on her rolling average wasn't a tide lifting all boats. It was an outlier in a field where the judging, by the numbers, was broadly in line with expectation.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>The best international test of 2026</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">It's also worth noting the broader context of today's top 10. Eight of the top 10 dressage tests in 2026 internationally have been recorded on US soil. Five have been by American riders - the most represented nation in that group. Whatever is happening in US eventing right now, the numbers keep pointing to serious strength.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/b8361792-4d37-42eb-9869-6963622a6c78.png?width=1620&amp;height=1632" alt="Pu Lvu the Top 10 International Dressage Tests Globally in 2026 "></p>
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Lucienne Bellissimo &amp; Dyri&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Second after dressage is&nbsp;<strong>Lucienne Bellissimo &amp; Dyri </strong>on 23.2, also a performance worth noting. <strong>Dyri's</strong> 6RA is 27.8, meaning they improved on their average by 4.6 penalties. It is a 4* PB for the combination that have had a serious start to the 2026 Series. <strong>Dyri</strong> is one of only a handful of horses which have finished on their dressage score in the 2026 Series (at Stable View in April). In a class where no one has ever made the cross-country time, that kind of baseline speed matters.</p>
<h2><br><strong>Could we see another Series record broken this weekend?</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">For context on how the weekend might unfold: the all-time finishing score of the Series is 26.9, set last year by both <strong>Phillip Dutton &amp; Possante</strong> and <strong>Tommy Greengard &amp; Joshuay MBF.</strong> Given the field and the scores already posted, that record seems to be well within reach.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">However, history adds an important caveat here. None of the seven previous Tryon International CCI4*-S winners were leading after dressage. The cross-country here is notoriously tough on the time with no combination ever making it in the history of this class. A clear cross-country round here typically adds around 17.5 time penalties. Smith's lead is significant, but the competition is nowhere near over.<br><br></p>
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>The Series picture</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Smith is already the Series leader, and Tryon is exactly what she needs: a high-points qualifier to consolidate her position at the top of the standings. She arrives here in the form of her career, having had seven international victories already this year - more than any other rider in the world. And now the best dressage test globally at any level.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Two phases to go. Keep watching.<br><br></p>

Tamie Smith & Danito set a new Series dressage record at Tryon

1. Jumping

All you need to know

Wellington CSI5* 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

Kent Farrington & Greya are the 2026 Jumping Champions

Most Recent 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

<div data-test-render-count="1">
<div class="group">
<div class="contents">
<h2 class="group relative relative pb-3" data-is-streaming="false"><strong>1. No combination has ever finished on their dressage score</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Across 122 starters at Tryon since 2020, not one has finished on their dressage score. The cross country time has never been beaten, and the jumping phases have caught out plenty. It is worth watching the <a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/tryon2026/cross-country" target="_blank" rel="noopener">speed horses </a><strong>(Off The Record, Dyri, Shanroe Cooley, QC Diamantaire) </strong>on Sunday. If any horse manages to make the time, they will become the <em>first ever </em>at the venue.</p>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a style="display: inline-block; background-color: #c8102e; color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; padding: 12px 24px; border-radius: 4px;" href="https://usequestrianopen.info/tryon2026/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more in the Tryon Fan Guide</a></div>
<h2 class="group relative relative pb-3" data-is-streaming="false"><strong>2. Two horses arrive on long showjumping streaks</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Kynan</strong> and <strong>Fernhill Bertus </strong>arrive at Tryon with the longest incoming clean SJ streaks in the field. Both have nine international rounds in a row without a fault. Both also rank at the top of the adjusted SJ average, meaning those streaks have been built on difficult courses, not easy ones. Watch Friday to see if either makes it ten.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1d90436c-b7c4-4fad-a54f-4c962a23aab9.jpg?width=2048&amp;height=1589" alt="Kynan Tamie Smith 2025 K3de 539.jpg"></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="group relative relative pb-3" data-is-streaming="false"><strong>3. Fernhill Bertus: The eight-year-old the data already loves</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">This is <strong>Fernhill Bertus's</strong> first CCI4*-S start. He arrives as the second-highest rated eight-year-old in the world by EquiRatings Elo &mdash; behind only last year's Le Lion d'Angers champion, <strong>Brookfield Danny de Muze</strong> &mdash; with a completely flawless record across nine international starts. Not a single jumping fault, cross country or show jumping, in any of them.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/776a8093-c3e7-486f-b168-48c2b3af6f05.jpg?width=4768&amp;height=4047" alt="C E5 A1840"></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Madison Temkin, </strong>25, produced three top-10 finishes from four runs aboard him in 2025. In 2026, their one international start (Stable View CCI3*-S) resulted in a podium finish. Everything about this combination suggests a horse ready for the step up. Everything about this combination suggests a horse ready for the step up and a big result this weekend could put <strong>Fernhill Bertus</strong> top of the global eight-year-old rankings. Watch closely.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="group relative relative pb-3" data-is-streaming="false"><strong>4. Off The Record: Don't miss him</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">At <a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/tryon2026/who-wins--top-scores" target="_blank" rel="noopener">31% win chance</a>, <strong>Off The Record </strong>heads into Tryon as the statistical favorite. At 17, with Aachen on the horizon, this is his first international run of 2026 - a confident, clean outing may matter more than the result this weekend. But go watch <strong>'Timmy'. </strong>He is one of the most consistent horses the US has ever produced, and these opportunities to see him compete don't come around often.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1bb7dee1-eab4-4a99-b231-1c7ce6d8545c.jpg?width=2048&amp;height=1472" alt="Off the Record 2025 Will Coleman and off the Record"></p>
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>5. Four of the top five are here and the points are big</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Four of the top five on the <a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Series leaderboard </a>&mdash; <strong>Tamie Smith</strong> (205 pts), <strong>Will Coleman </strong>(170 pts), <strong>Boyd Martin</strong> (160 pts), and <strong>Lucienne Bellissimo</strong> (140 pts) &mdash; are all in the Tryon start list. With 31 starters confirmed, 50 points are on offer for the winner, the maximum available at any qualifier, and exactly the kind of weekend that impacts Series positions.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f4c60395-4300-4ffc-a11d-a722b69c73c4.png?width=717&amp;height=397" alt="Points Scale for Blog Inserts"></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The predictions back it up. <strong>Will Coleman</strong> <strong>&amp; Off The Record </strong>lead on win chance at 31%. <strong>Lucienne Bellissimo &amp; Dyri</strong> sit at 20%. She also brings <strong>Kitsch Couture HPK.</strong> <strong>Tamie Smith</strong> holds three entries &mdash; <strong>Danito, Kynan, &amp; Spiro P </strong>&mdash; giving her the highest combined probability in the field. Boyd brings <strong>Shanroe Cooley</strong> (5%) and <strong>Fetiche Des Rouges.&nbsp;</strong></p>
<br>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/918041ac-8f31-4848-9220-f17a25350f77.png?width=1009&amp;height=523" alt="Screenshot 2026 05 06 120004"></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Fifty points. Four title contenders. This qualifier is likely to have a huge impact on the <a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leaderboard.</a></p>
</div>
<div class="flex justify-start" role="group" aria-label="Message actions">
<div class="text-text-300">
<div class="text-text-300 flex items-stretch justify-between">
<div class="flex items-center">
<div class="w-fit" data-state="closed">
<h3 data-path-to-node="9"><strong data-path-to-node="9" data-index-in-node="0">Join the Conversation</strong></h3>
<p data-path-to-node="10">Follow us for daily highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and live updates:&nbsp;<strong data-path-to-node="10" data-index-in-node="77"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a></strong>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<strong data-path-to-node="10" data-index-in-node="89"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a></strong>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<strong data-path-to-node="10" data-index-in-node="100"><a href="https://twitter.com/useqopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a></strong></p>
<h3 data-path-to-node="6"><strong data-path-to-node="6" data-index-in-node="4">Go Beyond the Article</strong></h3>
<p data-path-to-node="7">Catch the latest insights and expert interviews on the&nbsp;<strong data-path-to-node="7" data-index-in-node="78"><a href="https://sites.libsyn.com/559710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Equestrian Open Podcast.</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p data-path-to-node="7"><em><strong>The mission of the US Equestrian Open is to grow and foster a deeper connection to equestrian sport by delivering a premier, unified championship series that engages a broader fanbase through top-level competition, storytelling, and a dynamic, entertaining experience.</strong></em></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Will Coleman & Off The Record at the US Equestrian Open Final last year.

5 storylines to follow at Tryon this weekend

<h2><strong>Dressage: Kohmann &amp; Famous win at TerraNova on a borrowed freestyle&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<p><strong>Next Qualifier: Mid Atlantic Dressage Festival</strong> (May 14) <strong>| The Final:&nbsp;</strong>Desert Dressage, Thermal CA (November 13)</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Kevin Kohmann &amp;</strong> <strong>Famous</strong> won Saturday's Grand Prix Freestyle at TerraNova with 74.635% - a personal best for the horse and a six-point lift over their Grand Prix score the day before. The field had narrowed considerably by then: <strong>Monica Burssens </strong>and <strong>Sahar Daniel Hirosh&nbsp;</strong>were both eliminated in the Grand Prix, and <strong>Susan Dutta</strong> withdrew before the freestyle, leaving Kohmann and Micah Deligdish to contest the class. <strong>Deligdish &amp; Carpe Diem De Massa</strong> finished second at 69.610%, also a personal best for the horse.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DX645oKkVJA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e9d833b4-ce55-42b3-a5c3-241913dc99f0.png?width=697&amp;height=847" alt="Screenshot 2026 05 05 143603"></a></p>
<p dir="ltr">Needing a freestyle for Famous, Kohmann went looking through old music. Normally, he&rsquo;d borrow his wife <strong>Devon Kane&rsquo;s</strong> music, but that had already been given to Deligdish, who he was competing against. So, he landed on the original Avicii freestyle he rode at the World Cup Final with <strong>Duenensee. </strong>He rode it once at home, it fit, and he went for it.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>"I love the music and it worked out,</em>" he said afterward, noting that <strong>Famous</strong> handled the loud music and the looming storm without issue. The show adjusted the class time around the weather, and it stayed dry. Kohmann closed with one-handed passage into the final halt - a deliberate degree-of-difficulty play that paid off.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The result moves Kohmann to 9th in the Series with three qualifiers completed. Deligdish climbs to 27th, still well outside the top-18 finals cutoff.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f095399a-4e44-4809-893e-afef5483707d.png?width=1098&amp;height=1164" alt="0t C X7 Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Dressage  (1)"></a></p>
<p dir="ltr">The Series returns in two weeks at the Mid Atlantic Dressage Festival in Lexington, KY.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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></p>
<h2 data-section-id="bkawl6" data-start="412" data-end="449">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2><strong>Eventing: Tryon&rsquo;s big field makes this a key week in the Series</strong></h2>
<p data-start="451" data-end="537"><strong>Next Qualifier:&nbsp;</strong>Tryon International (May 6)<strong>&nbsp;| The Final:&nbsp;</strong>Morven Park 4*-L, Virginia (October 8th)</p>
<p data-start="684" data-end="1053">With over 25 entries, the Tryon qualifier this weekend class reaches the higher points band meaning 50 points to the winner rather than 40. Last year, this event had just 16 starters. This year, it steps into a different category entirely. It is now one of the few qualifiers this season to exceed that mark.</p>
<p data-start="1055" data-end="1155"><em>A full preview article is coming later this week,</em> but even an early look at the entries suggests a highly competitive field that will have an impact at the top of the leaderboard.</p>
<p data-start="1157" data-end="1467"><strong>Off The Record &amp; Will Coleman</strong> heads the entries and Win Chance. A combination that need no introduction, having finished second in last year&rsquo;s Final, only missing the win with a rail on the final day. This will be his first international start of the season, likely part of a light campaign ahead of Aachen, but the quality is established.</p>
<p data-start="1469" data-end="1730"><strong>Lucienne Bellissimo </strong>brings two entries, <strong>Dyri and Kitsch Couture HPK.</strong>&nbsp;She sits within reach of the top of the leaderboard and will be targeting points here. With two horses in a high-value qualifier, the opportunity is significant.</p>
<p data-start="1732" data-end="1970">Last years Series winner <strong>Boyd Martin</strong> is entered with two rides, as well as the current Series leader <strong>Tamie Smith</strong> is also well represented. She has three entries in the field, including two rerouted from Kentucky.&nbsp;</p>
<p data-start="1732" data-end="1970"><a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/05e29bc4-7a50-441e-bd03-1f503445c1c3.png?width=1098&amp;height=1164" alt="Ny3sf Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Eventing "></a></p>
<p data-start="1732" data-end="1970"><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></p>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2><strong>Jumping: Farrington wins again&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<p data-start="291" data-end="396"><strong>Kent Farrington</strong> needed sixth place or better in Monterrey to win the Major League series. He finished third. It secures his second Major League Show Jumping individual title and brings the season back in line with the underlying numbers. Farrington has been the most consistent rider across the series &mdash; more wins, more podiums &mdash; and the final result reflects that.</p>
<p data-start="696" data-end="934">The Grand Prix itself went to <strong>Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) </strong>and <strong>Prins van&rsquo;t Eigenlo,</strong> who proved untouchable in the jump-off. <strong>Marilyn Little </strong>finished second, just 0.13 seconds behind, while Farrington rounded out the podium in third-place.&nbsp;</p>
<p data-start="936" data-end="1122">From a US perspective, three riders finished inside the top 10. Little (2nd), Farrington (3rd), and <strong>Natalie Dean (</strong>10th) &mdash; all of whom competed at WEF this winter &mdash; underline the strength of that Wellington group translating form onto a five-star final stage.</p>
<p data-start="936" data-end="1122"><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></p>
<p data-start="936" data-end="1122">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 data-path-to-node="4"><strong data-path-to-node="4" data-index-in-node="0">Stay in the loop with The Open Weekly</strong></h2>
<p data-path-to-node="5">Thanks for joining us for this week's edition! Don't forget: a fresh update of&nbsp;<strong data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="72"><a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/the-open-weekly" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Open Weekly</a>&nbsp;</strong>drops on the site&nbsp;<strong data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="124">every Tuesday.</strong></p>
<h3 data-path-to-node="9"><strong data-path-to-node="9" data-index-in-node="0">Join the Conversation</strong></h3>
<p data-path-to-node="10">Follow us for daily highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and live updates:&nbsp;<strong data-path-to-node="10" data-index-in-node="77"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a></strong>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<strong data-path-to-node="10" data-index-in-node="89"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a></strong>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<strong data-path-to-node="10" data-index-in-node="100"><a href="https://twitter.com/useqopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a></strong></p>
<h3 data-path-to-node="6"><strong data-path-to-node="6" data-index-in-node="4">Go Beyond the Article</strong></h3>
<p data-path-to-node="7">Catch the latest insights and expert interviews on the&nbsp;<strong data-path-to-node="7" data-index-in-node="78"><a href="https://sites.libsyn.com/559710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Equestrian Open Podcast.</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h3><em><strong>The Mission of the Open&nbsp;</strong></em></h3>
<p><span data-path-to-node="0,1"><span class="citation-261"><em>The US Equestrian Open was born from a strategic&nbsp;</em><em>Board of Directors decision in 2023 to build a permanent legacy for US&nbsp;</em><em>Equestrian sport</em></span><em>.&nbsp;</em><span class="citation-260"><em>Its mission is to grow and foster a deeper connection to equestrianism by delivering a premier, unified championship series in the Olympic disciplines.&nbsp; With top-level competition, storytelling, and a dynamic, entertaining experience, the</em></span><span class="citation-259"><em>&nbsp;vision is to transform disparate events into a cohesive, narrative-driven season.</em></span><em>&nbsp;</em><span class="citation-258"><em>The series is anchored by&nbsp;core values which include fan-first accessibility, competitive integrity, storytelling, and a d</em><em>ynamic</em><em>&nbsp;</em><em>entertaining experience onsite</em></span></span></p>

The Open Weekly: Kohmann wins at TerraNova and Tryon draws a big field

<p dir="ltr">The Grand Prix Freestyle at TerraNova Dressage III has a clear favorite, a compelling debut, and enough variance in the rest of the field to keep it interesting. Here's the breakdown.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Dutta's Shot at a Win</h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">On freestyle averages &mdash; a reliable predictor of final placings &mdash; Dutta and <strong>Don Design DC </strong>stand out as the clear favorite. Her last three freestyles average 72%, the strongest mark in the field, and she has a consistent pattern of building on whatever she lays down in the Grand Prix.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Two podiums from their last three starts, both at Wellington, underline the pair's current form. Having previously faced some of the circuit's most formidable competition, they arrive here as favorites for a first Open leg win.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">With four qualifying rides banked, a fourth-place finish or better allows Dutta to drop her lowest score and climb the standings - but a win would carry her into the Series top 10.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Kohmann's Proven Formula Faces a Debut Question</h2>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Kevin Kohmann</strong> is the reason Dutta&rsquo;s win chance deserves a second look. He and <strong>Famous </strong>are making their Grand Prix Freestyle debut together, (the horse's one freestyle on record was an amateur-level test with a different rider) and Kohmann's Grand Prix average on Famous sits around 66%.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">That&rsquo;s not a lot to go on for a prediction, but although the horse is unknown, the rider is absolutely not. Kohmann has completed over 20 Grand Prix Freestyles with his World Cup mount, <strong>Duenensee</strong>. Together, they&rsquo;ve never scored below their Grand Prix score in the freestyle and consistently add six to eight points. It&rsquo;s unlikely that a brand new partnership would have the same results, but if we apply even two-thirds of that to Kohmann&rsquo;s baseline with Famous the projection lands around 70.3% &mdash; competitive for second and within range of Dutta. Apply the full amount and he's projecting around 72.3%, which puts him directly on par with the class favorite. That's an optimistic read for a debut freestyle on a horse he's ridden in just six FEI tests. But it's not a baseless one.</p>
<p dir="ltr">He currently sits 20th in the Series on two qualifying scores. Last place this weekend moves him to 16th. A win puts him in the top eight.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Rest of the Field</h2>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Monica Burssens</strong> is the hardest rider in this field to predict. Her freestyle scores span nearly nine points with <strong>Elfentanz </strong>&mdash; 63.4 on the low end, 72.4 at the top &mdash; and she has scored below her Grand Prix score in a freestyle twice. Her Grand Prix form has been trending down lately, but her results at higher-level shows tend to suffer while she rebounds at CDI3*, which is what this weekend is. If she's going to land in the upper part of her range, this is the class for it.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Micah Deligdish</strong> and<strong> Carpe Diem De Massa</strong> have one Grand Prix Freestyle together, and it came in nearly four points above their Grand Prix average. One data point is one data point, but a debut freestyle that lifts rather than drags suggests something is working.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Finally, <strong>Sahar Daniel Hirosh </strong>and <strong>Handsome C</strong> are a very new partnership having only been showing together since March. The horse carries a personal best of 71.155 under a prior rider, so the talent is there, even if the partnership hasn&rsquo;t yet accessed it yet.&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe id="datawrapper-chart-sYeef" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Grand Prix Freestyle Stats: TerraNova Dressage 3 CDI3*" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/sYeef/1/" height="528" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe></p>
<p dir="ltr">Stream TerraNova Dressage III live on the <a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_US/events/18593/terranova-dressage-iii">USEF Network</a>. <a href="https://www.usef.org/membership/join-renew">Sign up for free</a> as a fan to watch the action. The Freestyle kicks off at 4 p.m. EST on May 2.&nbsp;</p>

Susan Dutta and Don Design DC in extended trot in a grand prix competition

Dutta and Don Design DC Head to TerraNova Chasing Their First Series Win 

<div data-test-render-count="1">
<div class="group">
<div class="group relative relative pb-3" data-is-streaming="false">
<div class="font-claude-response relative leading-[1.65rem] [&amp;_pre&gt;div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&amp;_pre&gt;div]:border-0.5 [&amp;_pre&gt;div]:border-border-400 [&amp;_.ignore-pre-bg&gt;div]:bg-transparent [&amp;_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&amp;_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&amp;_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&amp;_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8">
<div>
<h2 class="standard-markdown grid-cols-1 grid [&amp;_&gt;_*]:min-w-0 gap-3 standard-markdown"><strong>Eventing: Tamie Smith makes it two in a row to take the Series lead</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Next Qualifier: </strong>Tryon International (May 6)<strong>&nbsp;| The Final: </strong>Morven Park 4*-L, Virginia (October 8th)</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Tamie Smith</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>Lillet 3</strong> won the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S at Kentucky to secure back-to-back wins for Smith following her Ocala victory a week earlier. After dressage she sat third on 29.7. It was cross-country that changed the picture. <strong>Lillet 3 </strong>added just 1.6 time penalties (the fastest round of the day from 31 starters) to move into the lead heading into show jumping. From there, she held it. Smith and<strong> Lillet 3 </strong>were the only combination to jump clear within the time. A 31.3 final score and 50 points banked.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/4dda56bd-176d-4a1d-b81b-88a86335dd70.png?width=697&amp;height=846" alt="Screenshot 2026 04 28 114843"></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Two wins in two weekends saw a huge points boost. She now leads the 2026 Series on 205 points, 20 clear of <strong>Caroline Pamukcu</strong> on 185. For the full picture on why everything points firmly in her direction for the rest of the season, read our feature here: <strong><a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/tamies-on-top-with-a-west-coast-advantage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tamie's on top and has a West Coast advantage</a></strong></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f87bb6d0-d6fd-4b81-b392-c797d1baf01c.png?width=1080&amp;height=974" alt="Open Weekly Quotes (9)"></strong></p>
<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>The Podium</strong></h3>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Second place went to&nbsp;<strong>Will Coleman</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>Very Dignified</strong> - a mare produced in Ireland with <strong>Robbie Kearns</strong> and is now who showing real promise for the Coleman Team. Will and <strong>'Dora</strong>' who were on the podium at the US Equestrian Open Final last year, are still building their partnership, but she is a horse to keep a close eye on as that relationship develops. Third went to <strong>Mia Farley</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>Invictus</strong>, who delivered a strong show jumping clear to complete the podium on 38.3.&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="flex justify-start" role="group" aria-label="Message actions">
<div class="text-text-300">
<div class="text-text-300 flex items-stretch justify-between">
<div class="w-fit" data-state="closed">&nbsp;<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/34308fea-33e8-4d45-abb6-0eea9e9be25a.png?width=1234&amp;height=1212" alt="W1 N Zj Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Eventing Nbsp  (2)"></div>
<div class="w-fit" data-state="closed">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="w-fit" data-state="closed"><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></div>
<div class="flex items-center">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2><strong>Dressage: Williams wins and Holzer leads after WEC Ocala</strong></h2>
<p><strong>Next Qualifier: </strong>TerraNova (April 30)&nbsp;<strong>| The Final:&nbsp;</strong>Desert Dressage, Thermal CA (November 13)</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Jennifer Williams &amp;</strong> <strong>Joppe K</strong> won the CDI4* Grand Prix Freestyle at WEC Ocala with a 75.460%. <strong>Ashley Holzer</strong> <strong>&amp; Hawtins San Floriana</strong> finished second at 74.880%, enough to take the lead in the US Equestrian Open of Dressage. <strong>Frederic Wandres, </strong>not competing, watched the Series lead pass to Holzer: 51 points to his 49.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/29981285-ad67-41f5-825f-8612fd0fa09b.png?width=700&amp;height=847" alt="Screenshot 2026 04 28 131735"></p>
<p dir="ltr">Holzer not only needed a top-two finish to take the Series lead, but also needed <strong>Claire Darnell</strong> to finish outside the top 3. She got it. Hawtins still hasn't won a Grand Prix Freestyle, but second place accomplished what mattered this week. Williams, meanwhile, posted another score squarely in her recent range. Her 41 points move her into sixth on the leaderboard.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Darnell and <strong>Harrold S</strong> finished sixth at 68.425%, well below the form she's shown this season. It didn't affect her Series total &mdash; she'd already completed four qualifiers, so the score didn't count &mdash; but it didn't help, either. She sits third at 47, two points behind Wandres and four behind Holzer, with her window to change that narrowing.<strong> Jordan LaPlaca &amp; Gold Play</strong> posted a 72.250% in their Grand Prix Freestyle debut together.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/30973477-eb65-4a70-8844-e7acfbbad0bd.png?width=1240&amp;height=714" alt="Gl Jzk Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Dressage  (1)"><br></strong></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/dressage" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/3c1ea641-4e2f-4bda-9592-bac6f8b526cf.png?width=1080&amp;height=171" alt="Read More Dressage"></a></h2>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2><strong>Jumping: Farrington does it again and introduces a new star</strong></h2>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Kent Farrington </strong>won the $340,000 Kentucky International CSI5* Grand Prix on Saturday night but the headline wasn't just the result. It was the horse.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Descartes SR</strong> is nine years old and this was his first five-star Grand Prix. Farrington set the pace going first in the jump-off, stopping the clock at 39.92 seconds. From there, no one could catch him. <strong>McLain Ward</strong>&nbsp; <strong>&amp;</strong> <strong>High Star Hero</strong> pushed hardest at 40.42, with <strong>Shane Sweetnam &amp; James Kann Cruz</strong> completing the podium in third at 40.71.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The context around all three results adds texture. Ward was making his return from injury - his first competition in seven weeks after a fall in Week 10 at Wellington, by his own admission <em>"mildly against doctor's orders." </em>Sweetnam and <strong>James Kann Cruz,</strong> secure <em>another </em>podium to continue to prove themselves as the most consistent five-star combinations in the world.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">But the story of the night was Farrington's newly minted five-star Grand Prix horse. <strong>Descartes SR </strong>was sourced from Mexico on the recommendation of <strong>Francisco Pasquel</strong>. Nine years old, first five-star, and he won it.&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><em>"He has an incredible stride. He covers ground like a racehorse and still has the power to give a lofty jump at the final fence, which is a rare combination of attributes in a horse. I had a lot of trust in him to the last fence.&rdquo;</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">There will be more to come from this one.</p>
<p><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></p>
<h2 data-path-to-node="4">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-path-to-node="4"><strong data-path-to-node="4" data-index-in-node="0">Stay in the loop with The Open Weekly</strong></h2>
<p data-path-to-node="5">Thanks for joining us for this week's edition! Don't forget: a fresh update of&nbsp;<strong data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="72"><a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/the-open-weekly" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Open Weekly</a>&nbsp;</strong>drops on the site&nbsp;<strong data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="124">every Tuesday.</strong></p>
<h3 data-path-to-node="9"><strong data-path-to-node="9" data-index-in-node="0">Join the Conversation</strong></h3>
<p data-path-to-node="10">Follow us for daily highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and live updates:&nbsp;<strong data-path-to-node="10" data-index-in-node="77"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a></strong>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<strong data-path-to-node="10" data-index-in-node="89"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a></strong>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<strong data-path-to-node="10" data-index-in-node="100"><a href="https://twitter.com/useqopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a></strong></p>
<h3 data-path-to-node="6"><strong data-path-to-node="6" data-index-in-node="4">Go Beyond the Article</strong></h3>
<p data-path-to-node="7">Catch the latest insights and expert interviews on the&nbsp;<strong data-path-to-node="7" data-index-in-node="78"><a href="https://sites.libsyn.com/559710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Equestrian Open Podcast.</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h3><em><strong>The Mission of the Open&nbsp;</strong></em></h3>
<p><span data-path-to-node="0,1"><span class="citation-261"><em>The US Equestrian Open was born from a strategic&nbsp;</em><em>Board of Directors decision in 2023 to build a permanent legacy for US&nbsp;</em><em>Equestrian sport</em></span><em>.&nbsp;</em><span class="citation-260"><em>Its mission is to grow and foster a deeper connection to equestrianism by delivering a premier, unified championship series in the Olympic disciplines.&nbsp; With top-level competition, storytelling, and a dynamic, entertaining experience, the</em></span><span class="citation-259"><em>&nbsp;vision is to transform disparate events into a cohesive, narrative-driven season.</em></span><em>&nbsp;</em><span class="citation-258"><em>The series is anchored by&nbsp;core values which include fan-first accessibility, competitive integrity, storytelling, and a d</em><em>ynamic</em><em>&nbsp;</em><em>entertaining experience onsite</em></span></span></p>

The Open Weekly Graphic with Tamie Smith & Lillet 3 on it

The Open Weekly: Smith and Holzer take the Series leads

The 2026 Finals

Wellington CSI5* Grand Prix

Morven Park CCI4*‑L

Desert CDI5* Freestyle

Tamie Smith & Danito set a new Series dressage record at Tryon

Top Stories

Tamie Smith & Danito set a new Series dressage record at Tryon

5 storylines to follow at Tryon this weekend

The Open Weekly: Kohmann wins at TerraNova and Tryon draws a big field

Dutta and Don Design DC Head to TerraNova Chasing Their First Series Win

The Open Weekly: Smith and Holzer take the Series leads

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

Most Recent Final

The 2026 Finals

Wellington CSI5* Grand Prix

Morven Park CCI4*‑L

Desert CDI5* Freestyle

Qualifiers

US Equestrian Open Final Partner Venues