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<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">History</h3>
For too long, equestrian sports have been seen as elite, and niche, overshadowed by more mainstream sports with larger fan bases and more established traditions. But the truth is, our sports have everything it takes to captivate and inspire a wider audience. From the incredible athleticism of our horses and athletes to the artistry of top-level competition, they have all the elements of true spectator sports.
What's been missing, however, is a platform to showcase all these elements on a grand scale. That's where the US Equestrian Open Series comes in. By creating a consistent, high-profile series with significant prize money, top-class venues, and extensive media coverage, we can take equestrian sports to a whole new level of hype.&nbsp; Think of it as our version of the Super Bowl or the World Series - a marquee event that attracts attention from fans and media alike and becomes a must-see moment in the sports calendar.
<h3>Game Changer</h3>
Putting equestrian sports in the spotlight and introducing them to a whole new generation of fans is the game-changer for our sports. But the impact goes beyond just increased visibility. By creating a sustainable platform for high-level competition, the series will also drive significant growth and investment in equestrian sports.
From sponsorships and media rights to grassroots participation and fan engagement, a successful series can create a virtuous cycle of support and enthusiasm for equestrianism. Of course, none of this will happen overnight. Building a true championship series takes time, effort, and collaboration from all corners of our community. But the potential rewards are immense, not just for the athletes and owners who will compete in the series, but for everyone who cares about the future of equestrian sports.
That's why the US Equestrian Open Series is so much more than just another series of horse shows. It's a chance to come together as a community and make a bold statement about the value and excitement of equestrian sports. It's an opportunity to expand on our own traditions, our own legends, and our own unforgettable moments.
So, as we count down to the inaugural event of the series, let's imagine a future where equestrian is not just a beloved pastime, but the true sports phenomenon it is, with millions of fans tuning in to watch the best horses and athletes in the world compete for glory. It starts with the US Equestrian Open Series.&nbsp;&nbsp;The world is watching - let's give them something truly unforgettable!
Stay Connected Stay up to date with news and standings of the US Equestrian Open Series on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/">Instagram</a>. Follow US Equestrian on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/USequestrian/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian?lang=en">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/USequestrian">Twitter</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at <a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.

Why this Innovative Series Marks a Pivotal Moment for the Sport

<h2>Jumping</h2>
The jumping series is a high-stakes competition taking place at the prestigious Wellington International during week 12 of the renowned Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in March 2025.&nbsp; Sixty of the world&rsquo;s top athletes are invited to compete, selected according to the FEI Invitation Rules, will take part in two intense qualifying events &mdash; the WEF challenge class and a 1.50m speed class &mdash; to determine the top 40 riders who will advance to the final grand prix. Athletes who have pre-qualified by competing in major international events like the Olympics or World Championships, will go head-to-head in the grand prix, vying for a substantial prize pool of $1 million.&nbsp;
<h2>Eventing</h2>
The US Equestrian Open eventing series features 15 qualifying competitions at the CCI4*-S level. Athletes accumulate points based on their performances across these qualifying events.
The top six results count toward their total score. To qualify for the series final, athletes must complete at least one qualifying event and achieve a minimum eligibility requirement (MER). The series final offers $50,000 in prize money, distributed among the top three finishers.
Open to all FEI athletes in the U.S. who meet eligibility requirements and have completed a series qualifier, the series final boasts a total prize pool of $200,000.
Dressage will be run in reverse order of the top series leaders, with cross-country and jumping following in reverse order based on previous phases.
<h2>Dressage</h2>
The US Equestrian Open dressage series features approximately 20 CDI3* or higher qualifying events, running from January 1, 2025 through to two weeks before the final.&nbsp; To be eligible, U.S. Organizing Committees must host a CDI3* or higher event, with points earned in the grand prix freestyle to music.
Athletes must compete in at least two U.S. FEI CDI events, and the six best results count toward standings. A minimum score of 67% in the grand prix freestyle is required for qualification. The final, a CDI5* event held in December alternating between the East and West coast, includes the grand prix test and grand prix freestyle to music.
The top 15 in the standings, or more if tied, will be invited to compete with one horse that has also scored at least 67% in the series. The final offers $200,000 in total prize money and travel stipends, with the series' top 15 sharing $50,000.
Stay Connected Stay up to date with news and standings of the US Equestrian Open Series on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/">Instagram</a>. Follow US Equestrian on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/USequestrian/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian?lang=en">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/USequestrian">Twitter</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen.
&nbsp;For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a> . For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at <a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org.</a>

US Equestrian Open: The Formats

<h3 class="MsoNormal">The Vision</h3>
The seeds of the US Equestrian Open Series were first planted in conversations among our leadership team, athletes, and stakeholders. There was a growing sense that US Equestrian sport was ready for a new level of competition and exposure - a platform that could showcase our incredible talent, engage new fans, and set the stage for success on the international stage.
At the same time, we recognized the need to create a more sustainable and cohesive structure for high-level competition in the United States. With so many different events and circuits, it could be challenging for athletes to plan their seasons and for fans to follow the action. The idea of a US Equestrian branded series, with a consistent format, top-class venues, and significant prize money, began to take shape. We envisioned a showcase for the very best of US Equestrian sport, a way to raise the bar and create new opportunities for growth and success.
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Preparation</h3>
Of course, turning that vision into reality was no small feat. It required months of planning, negotiation, and hard work from our dedicated team and partners. From selecting the host venues to securing sponsors, from developing the qualification criteria to promoting the series, every aspect of the US Equestrian Open Series has been carefully considered and crafted.
Throughout the process, we've been guided by a set of core values and goals, primary among them to create a world-class competition experience for athletes and fans alike, as well as: 
<ul>
<li>supporting and showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of US equestrians;&nbsp;</li>
<li>engaging new audiences and growing the fan base for equestrian sport in the United States;</li>
<li>setting a new standard for excellence and innovation in equestrian competition; and</li>
<li>creating a sustainable and cohesive structure for high-level competition in the United States. </li>
</ul>
As we prepare for the inaugural event of the series in October, we couldn't be more excited about the potential of this transformation.
We're grateful to everyone who has been a part of the journey so far - from our staff and board members to our athletes, owners, and sponsors. It's taken a true team effort to bring the US Equestrian Open Series to life, and we&rsquo;re only just beginning.
But we also know that the rewards will be immense. The US Equestrian Open Series represents a new era for our sport, a chance to come together as a community and celebrate the very best of what we have to offer.&nbsp;
The future of US Equestrian sport is bright, and we can't wait to see what unfolds!
Stay Connected Stay up to date with news and standings of the US Equestrian Open Series on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/">Instagram</a>. Follow US Equestrian on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/USequestrian/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian?lang=en">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/USequestrian">Twitter</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at <a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org.</a>

Eventing

Why this Innovative Series Marks a Pivotal Moment for the Sport

US Equestrian Open: The Formats

The Making of a New Tradition: The Story Behind the Series

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