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<h2 class="standard-markdown grid-cols-1 grid [&amp;_&gt;_*]:min-w-0 gap-3 standard-markdown">Eventing: Tamie Smith makes it two in a row to take the Series lead</h2>
Next Qualifier: Tryon International (May 6)&nbsp;| The Final: Morven Park 4*-L, Virginia (October 8th)
Tamie Smith&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lillet 3 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. Lillet 3 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 Lillet 3 were the only combination to jump clear within the time. A 31.3 final score and 50 points banked.
<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">
Two wins in two weekends saw a huge points boost. She now leads the 2026 Series on 205 points, 20 clear of Caroline Pamukcu on 185. For the full picture on why everything points firmly in her direction for the rest of the season, read our feature here: <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>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f87bb6d0-d6fd-4b81-b392-c797d1baf01c.png?width=1080&amp;height=974" alt="Open Weekly Quotes (9)">
<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Podium</h3>
Second place went to&nbsp;Will Coleman&nbsp;and&nbsp;Very Dignified - a mare produced in Ireland with Robbie Kearns and is now who showing real promise for the Coleman Team. Will and 'Dora' 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 Mia Farley&nbsp;and&nbsp;Invictus, who delivered a strong show jumping clear to complete the podium on 38.3.&nbsp;
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<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>Dressage: Williams wins and Holzer leads after WEC Ocala</h2>
Next Qualifier: TerraNova (April 30)&nbsp;| The Final:&nbsp;Desert Dressage, Thermal CA (November 13)
Jennifer Williams &amp; Joppe K won the CDI4* Grand Prix Freestyle at WEC Ocala with a 75.460%. Ashley Holzer &amp; Hawtins San Floriana finished second at 74.880%, enough to take the lead in the US Equestrian Open of Dressage. Frederic Wandres, not competing, watched the Series lead pass to Holzer: 51 points to his 49.
<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">
Holzer not only needed a top-two finish to take the Series lead, but also needed Claire Darnell 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.
Darnell and Harrold S 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. Jordan LaPlaca &amp; Gold Play posted a 72.250% in their Grand Prix Freestyle debut together.
<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)"> 
<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>Jumping: Farrington does it again and introduces a new star</h2>
Kent Farrington won the $340,000 Kentucky International CSI5* Grand Prix on Saturday night but the headline wasn't just the result. It was the horse.
Descartes SR 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. McLain Ward&nbsp; &amp; High Star Hero pushed hardest at 40.42, with Shane Sweetnam &amp; James Kann Cruz completing the podium in third at 40.71.
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 "mildly against doctor's orders." Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz, secure another podium to continue to prove themselves as the most consistent five-star combinations in the world.
But the story of the night was Farrington's newly minted five-star Grand Prix horse. Descartes SR was sourced from Mexico on the recommendation of Francisco Pasquel. Nine years old, first five-star, and he won it.&nbsp;
<blockquote>
"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;
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There will be more to come from this one.
<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>
<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 the site&nbsp;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>&nbsp;
<h3>The Mission of the Open&nbsp;</h3>
The US Equestrian Open was born from a strategic&nbsp;Board of Directors decision in 2023 to build a permanent legacy for US&nbsp;Equestrian sport.&nbsp;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&nbsp;vision is to transform disparate events into a cohesive, narrative-driven season.&nbsp;The series is anchored by&nbsp;core values which include fan-first accessibility, competitive integrity, storytelling, and a dynamic&nbsp;entertaining experience onsite

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

The Open Weekly: Smith and Holzer take the Series leads

After winning both the $1M Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix and the FEI World Cup Final at Fort Worth, the EquiRatings Elo rankings have a new world number one. Greya&nbsp;sits at 787 - two points clear of&nbsp;Point Break&nbsp;and&nbsp;United Touch S, who are both on 785. The best horse in the world right now is&nbsp;Kent Farrington's&nbsp;mare.
<a href="https://www.equiratings.com/top-horses/jumping-current" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7d417a59-af4e-49bc-80dc-d9f08c06de5d.png?width=1434&amp;height=1554" alt="9d Wo1 the Current Top 10 Elo Rated Horses in the World 20 04 2026 "></a>
The climb has been rapid and recent.&nbsp;Greya&nbsp;moved from 777 to 781 after the Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix in Wellington. The World Cup Final in Fort Worth pushed her from 781 to 787. Two major wins in the space of three weeks, and a global ranking to show for it.
Toulayna sits fourth in the world on 783 after her role in Thursday's speed class at Fort Worth. Farrington now holds two of the four highest-rated horses globally.
<a href="https://www.equiratings.com/top-horses/jumping-all-time" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/62ef62a8-848f-482e-a8a7-e1e38ad66462.png?width=1698&amp;height=1662" alt="P1t2o the Top 10 Us Elo Rated Horses of All Time Since 2010 "></a>
It also makes her the highest-rated US horse of all time since EquiRatings began tracking in 2010, clearing the previous US record of 784 held by&nbsp;McLain Ward's&nbsp;HH Azur&nbsp;at her peak in 2018.&nbsp;HH Azur&nbsp;set that bar as a World Cup champion herself, winning on home soil in Omaha in 2017 and claiming multiple WEF five-star Grand Prix including the Week 12 final in 2019. She was the standard for what a US horse could be.&nbsp;Greya&nbsp;has now surpassed it.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-weekend-wins-and-greya-is-officially-the-greatest" 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>
<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>&nbsp;
The Mission of the Open The US Equestrian Open was born from a strategic Board of Directors decision in 2023 to build a permanent legacy for US Equestrian sport.
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 vision is to transform disparate events into a cohesive, narrative-driven season. The Series is anchored by core values which include fan-first accessibility, competitive integrity, storytelling, and a dynamic entertaining experience onsite.

Greya the Great(est) is now the highest-rated horse in the world

<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Eventing: Two FODs from two winners, and a leaderboard that's moving fast</h2>
Next Qualifier: Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S (April 22) |&nbsp;The Final: Morven Park 4*-L, October 8th
It was a weekend that produced two winners, leaderboard movement, and a statistical rarity that happened twice in the same weekend across two different venues. The double-header delivered.
<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Fair Hill: Pamukcu &amp; HSH Double Sixteen catch the clock</h3>
Caroline Pamukcu &amp; HSH Double Sixteen won the Fair Hill CCI4*-S by doing what almost nobody does at this venue, making the cross-country time. They were only the second combination in Fair Hill history to do so across 143 starters, and they finished on their dressage score (FOD) of 37.7 as a result. It was the second FOD of the 2026 Series, following&nbsp;Lucienne Bellissimo&nbsp;&amp; Dyri at Stable View a fortnight ago.
Read the full review of Caroline's win<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/caroline-pamukcu-hsh-double-sixteen-speed-to-the-top-at-fair-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> here.</a>
<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Ocala: Smith steers Jump To Day D to a win in just his second 4*</h3>
Down in Florida, Tamie Smith &amp; Jump To Day D won the Ocala CCI4*-S and they did it with an FOD of their own, finishing on their dressage score of 31.5. Just three combinations had ever finished on their dressage score in this event&rsquo;s history, all before the move from the Ocala Jockey Club. Smith becomes the fourth and the first at this venue (Ocala Festival of Eventing). She also placed fifth with Spiro P on his four-star debut.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXVVQdCjGpt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7ac6f3c2-8f6f-47f0-953a-d91cb150d951.png?width=904&amp;height=1099" alt="Screenshot 2026 04 20 121920"></a>
Read more on EquiRatings' prediction that Tamie Smith will win the 2026 Series<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/six-horses-two-weekends-why-tamie-smith-is-the-series-favorite" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> here.</a>
<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Leaderboard</h3>
Caroline Pamukcu extends her lead to 185 points, while Boyd Martin moves into second on 160 after finishing second and third at Fair Hill. Tamie Smith jumps to third on 155 and heads to Kentucky with three horses entered. With neither Caroline nor Boyd competing in the US Equestrian Open qualifier this week, this could be Tamie&rsquo;s chance to get ahead.
<a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c56d96de-cd72-42a9-94a1-6d9c3c125ab4.png?width=706&amp;height=495" alt="Screenshot 2026 04 21 100037"></a>
<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">What's Next</h3>
This is it... the countdown to the&nbsp;"Best Weekend All Year" is nearly over. As the horse trailers roll (and planes land!) into the Kentucky Horse Park, everyone is buzzing from a weekend of dual-coast qualifiers that dramatically shifted the leaderboard. There will be plenty of content across the week from previews, predictions, form guides, and more. So stay tuned on <a href="usequestrianopen.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">usequestrianopen.org</a>, socials and the <a href="https://sites.libsyn.com/559710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Equestrian Open Podcast</a>
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/" 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>
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<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Jumping: Greya becomes the highest-rated horse in the world</h2>
If you have noticed how often we have mentioned Greya this year, we're not sorry. When a horse becomes the highest-rated in the world, it's worth talking about. We have been calling her Greya the Great for a number of month but the numbers have now made it official.
After winning both the $1M Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix and the FEI World Cup Final at Fort Worth, the EquiRatings Elo rankings have a new world number one. Greya sits at 787 - two points clear of Point Break and United Touch S, who are both on 785. The best horse in the world right now is Kent Farrington's mare.
<a href="https://www.equiratings.com/top-horses/jumping-current" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7d417a59-af4e-49bc-80dc-d9f08c06de5d.png?width=1434&amp;height=1554" alt="9d Wo1 the Current Top 10 Elo Rated Horses in the World 20 04 2026 "></a>
The climb has been rapid and recent. Greya moved from 777 to 781 after the Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix in Wellington. The World Cup Final in Fort Worth pushed her from 781 to 787. Two major wins in the space of three weeks, and a global ranking to show for it.
Toulayna sits fourth in the world on 783 after her role in Thursday's speed class at Fort Worth. Farrington now holds two of the four highest-rated horses globally.
<a href="https://www.equiratings.com/top-horses/jumping-all-time" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/62ef62a8-848f-482e-a8a7-e1e38ad66462.png?width=1698&amp;height=1662" alt="P1t2o the Top 10 Us Elo Rated Horses of All Time Since 2010 "></a>
It also makes her the highest-rated US horse of all time since EquiRatings began tracking in 2010, clearing the previous US record of 784 held by McLain Ward's HH Azur at her peak in 2018. HH Azur set that bar as a World Cup champion herself, winning on home soil in Omaha in 2017 and claiming multiple WEF five-star Grand Prix including the Week 12 final in 2019. She was the standard for what a US horse could be.&nbsp;Greya has now surpassed it.
<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>
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<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Dressage: Schwartsman Sets a Personal Best at Del Mar</h2>
Next Qualifier: WEC Ocala (April 24)&nbsp;| The Final: Desert Dressage, Thermal CA (November)
Nadine Schwartsman &amp; Royal Flash R won Saturday's CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle at Del Mar with a 73.675%, marking a personal best for both horse and rider. Almost exactly a year ago, their freestyle debut together produced a 67.990%. Nearly six points of separation in twelve months is no small achievement.
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXXZr31AAUj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/72990c18-68c7-47cc-8a80-18273b3b480d.png?width=702&amp;height=847" alt="Screenshot 2026 04 21 101416"></a>
G&uuml;nter Seidel &amp; Equirelle finished second at 71.455%, their second freestyle score of the season after withdrawing from the March qualifier. Kristina Harrison-Antell &amp; Finley were third at 70.730%, a step back toward form after the 68.835% in March that raised questions. Cyndi Jackson &amp; Florisson, who won this class a month ago,&nbsp;were fourth at 68.700%.
<a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/dressage/708" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5a83ab82-1eec-4619-8c8a-7baec6a9a488.png?width=709&amp;height=373" alt="Screenshot 2026 04 21 101140"></a>
Schwartsman moves to 12th with 31 points and Jackson to 13th with 29, both with three of four qualifying scores banked. Those are good positions to be in with only seven qualifiers left. The window for anyone outside the top 18 to mount a late campaign is narrowing as the schedule thins into summer. For these two, one more west coast stop remains on the calendar&mdash;the Ginny Rattner Memorial in Oregon&mdash;and that's a straightforward opportunity to solidify or improve upon their leaderboard position.
<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;
<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 the site&nbsp;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>&nbsp;
<h3>The Mission of the Open&nbsp;</h3>
The US Equestrian Open was born from a strategic&nbsp;Board of Directors decision in 2023 to build a permanent legacy for US&nbsp;Equestrian sport.&nbsp;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&nbsp;vision is to transform disparate events into a cohesive, narrative-driven season.&nbsp;The series is anchored by&nbsp;core values which include fan-first accessibility, competitive integrity, storytelling, and a dynamic&nbsp;entertaining experience onsite.

The Open Weekly: Weekend wins and Greya is officially the greatest

<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Jumping: The Open Champion becomes the World Cup Champion</h2>
The Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix was just two weeks ago. Kent Farrington has since added the a title that had eluded him until this point in his career at the very top of the sport.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d5d2869e-08fa-46dd-9a8a-47e0806619ad.png?width=758&amp;height=745" alt="Screenshot 2026 04 14 112210">
Kent Farrington and Greya won the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Fort Worth. He is the first US World Cup champion since Beezie Madden in Paris in 2018. He led from day one, sharing the workload between Toulayna and Greya across the three days before closing out Sunday's double round to seal it.
Katie Dinan and Out of the Blue SCF climbed to third when Steve Guerdat picked up rails on the final day, giving the US two of the top three places on the podium.
For the full breakdown, day by day, number by number, the complete article is live now ⇨ <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-champion-becomes-the-world-cup-champion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-champion-becomes-the-world-cup-champion</a>
<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>
<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]">Eventing: O'Neal and Clooney 14 end Alliston's Twin Rivers reign</h2>
Next Qualifiers: Ocala, Florida (16 April) &amp; Fair Hill, Maryland (17 April) | The Final:&nbsp;Morven Park 4*-L, October 8th
For three years, <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/for-the-first-time-in-three-years-twin-rivers-has-a-new-story-to-tell" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twin Rivers belonged to James Alliston.</a> Back-to-back wins at the California venue had made him the name synonymous with this 4* class. Without an entry in the four-star short this weekend, someone new was always going to write their name into its history and it was Karen O'Neal and Clooney 14 who did it.
O'Neal led from start to finish. A dressage score of 29.2 &mdash; the pair's second-best test at the four-star level, behind only their 28.0 at Aspen Farms last year &mdash; put them ahead and a clear show jumping and cross-country round kept them there. It was Clooney 14's third CCI4* win, following victories of Aspen Farms 4*S and Galway Downs 4*L and a timely one for the Washington-based pair. Next up for the combination is a CCI5* debut at Kentucky.
<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Series Picture</h3>
Karen O'Neal enters the <a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leaderboard</a> in joint 12th on 40 points and&nbsp;Audrey Sanborn who finished second joins her in 15th on 35. At the top, Caroline Pamukcu leads on 145, Lucienne Bellissimo sits second on 140, and Waylon Roberts is third on 110.
<a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/874c7c6c-4b1b-421b-a6a8-ea87f282ac96.png?width=1240&amp;height=760" alt="Ksrq T Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Eventing "></a>
<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">What's Next</h3>
This weekend brings an east coast double-header with Ocala and Fair Hill running simultaneously. Fair Hill sports big names such as Caroline Pamucku, Boyd Martin, and Sharon White, while Ocala's four-star short field is the largest the event has ever seen, with 23 starters expected to line up if all entries go to post, surpassing the previous high of 21 in 2024.&nbsp;
Full previews, form guides, and predictions are on the way, with both qualifiers also covered on the US Equestrian Open podcast which is out every Wednesday. Don't miss it.
<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>
<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]">Dressage: Simonson and Indian Rock put America back on the World Cup podium</h2>
Christian Simonson and Indian Rock finished second at the FEI World Cup Finals in Fort Worth with 83.810% - a personal best for the combination, a record for the horse, and the first time an American has stood on a World Cup podium since 2019.&nbsp;
The previous best score the pair had posted together was 81.445% at Wellington earlier this season. Indian Rock's all-time record &mdash; set at 's-Hertogenbosch in 2024 with Emmelie Scholtens &mdash; was 82.095%. He was the youngest rider in the field and still qualifies for Under 25. This was also his first senior championship. If he and Indian Rock show up at the November Final for their second attempt at a big title, good luck beating them.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/31cc7a4a-be65-484b-811d-293b1876c3ad.jpeg?width=1354&amp;height=1600" alt="Aw Wcf 9">
Becky Moody and Jagerbomb won the class with an astounding 88.330%, one of the highest freestyle scores posted on American soil in recent years. Scores at that level show up in Olympic medal rounds. Moody is not an Open Series rider, but she is one to watch as she builds toward Los Angeles 2028.
Three other Open Series riders made the trip to Fort Worth. Julio Mendoza Loor and Jewel&rsquo;s Goldstrike finished sixth at 78.645%. He sits 27th on the Open leaderboard, but that placing is a function of having competed in only one qualifier this season, not of what he's capable of producing. Kevin Kohmann, currently 16th in the Series, finished ninth at 76.730%. Benjamin Ebeling, the reigning US Equestrian Open Champion, finished tenth at 74.965%.
<a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/dressage/708" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c3eb7fde-ec87-4e7a-bb3c-8fe5a84eef60.png?width=1240&amp;height=806" alt="Gl Jzk Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Dressage "></a>
The US Equestrian Open resumes next week in Del Mar, where Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn could retake the lead with a fourth qualifier run.
<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>
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<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The fantasy cards are released</h2>
The US Equestrian Open Fantasy Card Collection celebrates the winning partnerships of the first-ever US Equestrian Open. Inspired by classic sports trading cards, each set profiles Open Champions from eventing, dressage, and jumping. Explore the collection and discover the stories behind the sport&rsquo;s top competitors.&nbsp;<a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/fantasy-cards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can find out more here.&nbsp;</a> The first packs were released at Wellington and can next be found in Fort Worth at the FEI World Cup Finals (at the US Equestrian booth). A special pack will also be placed inside every US Open merchandise sale via Shop USEF.&nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f98e4f4b-f8f1-4098-ae75-18bb85695c35.JPG?width=3414&amp;height=5120" alt="615a101d 21f8 4ccf 9f94 9c5a0e1e15fe">&nbsp;
<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 the site&nbsp;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>&nbsp;
The Mission of the Open&nbsp; 
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The US Equestrian Open was born from a strategic&nbsp;Board of Directors decision in 2023 to build a permanent legacy for US&nbsp;Equestrian sport.&nbsp;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&nbsp;vision is to transform disparate events into a cohesive, narrative-driven season.&nbsp;The Series is anchored by core values which include fan-first accessibility, competitive integrity, storytelling, and a dynamic&nbsp;entertaining experience onsite.
The&nbsp;US Equestrian Open&nbsp;spans the three Olympic disciplines&mdash;Jumping, Eventing, and Dressage&mdash;with USEF contributing $200,000 in prize money to each final to ensure high-stakes competitive integrity. The Jumping Final took place at Wellington International from&nbsp;March 24&ndash;29, 2026. Next stop will be&nbsp; the Eventing Final at Morven Park from&nbsp;October 8&ndash;11, 2026.&nbsp;The season concludes with the Dressage Final at the Desert International Horse Park from&nbsp;November 11&ndash;15, 2026. You can follow along with the qualifiers, the unfolding stories and sport updates at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.usequestrianopen.org</a>, on our video series&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkdGSxID6G_eceNlWgvqIuspJsKrSqCq2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Road</a>, and on our&nbsp;<a href="https://podfollow.com/the-us-equestrian-open-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">weekly podcast</a>.&nbsp;
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Kent and Greya on the Open Weekly Graphic

The Open Weekly: World Cup glory for Farrington and a historic podium for Simonson

For those following closely, Fort Worth felt like a continuation rather than a surprise: the newly crowned US Equestrian Open Champion added the missing trophy to an already heavyweight CV.
Fresh from their statement win at the Open in Wellington,&nbsp;Kent Farrington &amp; Greya carried that same assured rhythm into the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final, sharing the workload with Toulayna through the early stages before closing out Sunday&rsquo;s double round to deliver another emotional night on home soil. The stage is now set for a summer adventure in Europe and she will almost certainly start as favorite to win the World Championships at Aachen.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ec539404-493f-4ce0-bdf3-6746fcf063eb.png?width=871&amp;height=837" alt="Screenshot 2026 04 14 113208">
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">The pre-competition favourite and the missing title</h2>
For more than a decade, Kent Farrington has sat in the top tier of global show jumping. He has had spells in the world number one spot, major wins from Spruce Meadows to Geneva but the World Cup Final remained stubbornly absent from his record. He started as the favorite to win but actually getting it done (which needed a perfect final round) is a different story.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0744badb-61a9-4131-98a9-6f7e80af43a1.png?width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Cmh World Cup Finals Thursday"> 
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Thursday: Toulayna on top &amp; leader trend maintains</h2>
The opening leg in Fort Worth was a speed class under Table C. Aaron Vale &amp; Carissimo 25 set an early pace. Farrington came in 15th to go, took the lead and never lost it. Toulayna played her part in the win when you see the trends. It has proved almost impossible to overturn a day 1 World Cup Final leader. Germany&rsquo;s Daniel Deusser &amp; Otello de Guldenboom were second and multi-time World Cup champion Steve Guerdat with Albfuehren&rsquo;s Iashin Sitte sat third.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/39092eab-8f43-4102-a28c-28e27b7048fa.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Er Post Wc">
<h3><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/166bd141-311d-406d-8bf5-220a143d22e5.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Er Post Wc (1)"></h3>
By the numbers &ndash; after Day 1
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<li>1st: Farrington leads the standings after Thursday&rsquo;s speed.</li>
<li>40%: statisical chance of converting that lead into the title.</li>
<li>7: Number of previous World Cup champions who all led from Day 1.</li>
<li>0.19s: Margin back to Daniel Deusser in second, with Steve Guerdat within half a second.</li>
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Friday: Greya gives him a cushion</h2>
Toulayna stepped out and Greya stepped in. The format switched to a standard round. The first round whittled the field down to seven for the jump‑off, among them Eiken Sato, Kevin Staut and an in‑form Guerdat.&nbsp;
Going in last in the jump‑off, Farrington knew exactly what was required. Sato &amp; Chadellano JRA had set 34.90 seconds; Staut &amp; Visconti du Telman posted 35.79. Greya&rsquo;s record in top level jump-offs and ability to convert is one of the best in the sport with perhaps only Richard Vogel and United Touch or Gangstar Mondesir who can challenge them. Greya left a stride out down the final line, and slid under Sato&rsquo;s time to stop the clock in 34.36 seconds, securing Farrington a second win in as many days.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/b704f32b-505d-44d6-ba6e-cb5ebe373e17.png?width=739&amp;height=798" alt="Screenshot 2026 04 14 113354"> &ldquo;I think I came with a faster horse today, which makes it easier,&rdquo; he admitted with a grin. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been really thinking about Sunday and wanted to measure her efforts and measure her speed to put myself in the best position possible.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The numbers told the story of that positioning. With the Friday victory, Farrington remained on a zero score overall, while Guerdat moved to four penalties and Staut to six, giving the American a full rail in hand heading into Sunday&rsquo;s decisive rounds. The win chance moved to 66%.&nbsp; <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/31f861c2-f252-4741-a388-d16bd609ef7d.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Er Post Wc (2)">
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Sunday: riding with a rail in hand</h2>
On Sunday, there was an air of anticipation in Fort Worth and around the jumping world. Kent, despite the huge win chance, was shadowed by Steve Guerdat, a rider who has built his own legend on the World Cup Final stage. Behind them, Kevin Staut and Katie Dinan sat poised to capitalize on any crack in the leader&rsquo;s armour, while only the top 30 combinations from the earlier days returned to jump two final tracks.
The format was straightforward: two rounds, cumulative faults deciding the title. Greya had a rail in the first round.&nbsp; If he felt the pressure of expectation, it did not appear in his language. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m just in the present, riding the course with my horse,&rdquo; he said of his approach to the final day. When Greya cleared the final oxer in the last round, Dickies Arena responded with the full force of a home crowd that had just seen one of its own produce a full‑length performance rather than a late‑night twist. It felt just like Wellington had a couple of weeks before for the Open final. Rails for Steve Guerdat meant Katie Dinan climbed onto the overall podium with Out of the Blue SCF, giving the United States two of the top three places on the final podium.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f68f5c1e-a981-47af-91c8-b8125f6870cb.png?width=758&amp;height=745" alt="Screenshot 2026 04 14 112210">
For US Jumping, the image of Farrington lifting the World Cup trophy in Texas, with Dinan on the podium feeds directly into the wider narrative of resurgence on the championship stage. With McLain to return, with Karl Cook and Lillie Keenan waiting in the wings, with Laura Kraut having the superstar Bisquetta, it is going to be an exciting summer. Stay tuned to the open channels to follow it all.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-fods-personal-bests-lucienne-bellissimo-and-devon-kane" 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>
<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>&nbsp;
<h3>The Mission of the Open&nbsp; </h3>
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The US Equestrian Open was born from a strategic&nbsp;Board of Directors decision in 2023 to build a permanent legacy for US&nbsp;Equestrian sport.&nbsp;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&nbsp;vision is to transform disparate events into a cohesive, narrative-driven season.&nbsp;The series is anchored by&nbsp;core values which include fan-first accessibility, competitive integrity, storytelling, and a dynamic&nbsp;entertaining experience onsite&nbsp;.
The&nbsp;US Equestrian Open&nbsp;spans the three Olympic disciplines&mdash;Jumping, Eventing, and Dressage&mdash;with USEF contributing $200,000 in prize money to each final to ensure high-stakes competitive integrity. The Jumping Final took place at Wellington International from&nbsp;March 24&ndash;29, 2026. Next stop will be&nbsp; the Eventing Final at Morven Park from&nbsp;October 8&ndash;11, 2026.&nbsp;The season concludes with the Dressage Final at the Desert International Horse Park from&nbsp;November 11&ndash;15, 2026. You can follow along with the qualifiers, the unfolding stories and sport updates at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.usequestrianopen.org</a>, on our video series&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkdGSxID6G_eceNlWgvqIuspJsKrSqCq2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Road</a>, and on our&nbsp;<a href="https://podfollow.com/the-us-equestrian-open-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">weekly podcast</a>.&nbsp;
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Kent Farrington winning the World Cup Final in Forth Worth

The Open Champion becomes the World Cup Champion

In November, Benjamin Ebeling and Bellena closed out the dressage season with a career-best 79.930% freestyle to become the inaugural US Equestrian Open champions. Just two weeks ago, Kent Farrington delivered a statement win in Wellington, taking the $1M Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix to become the first winner of the 2026 series.
This weekend, both champions arrive at the World Cup Final in Fort Worth, Texas with the chance at another huge title in their respective disciplines.
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<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Jumping: Farrington Has Never Won This</h2>
Across his two horses &mdash;&nbsp;Greya and Toulayna &mdash; Kent Farrington carries a 22% win chance, the highest in the field by a distance. In a sport where 10% is considered strong, 22% with the two entries is a statement.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d4d09312-f450-42eb-bf9a-7bbf354879c0.png?width=1692&amp;height=1538" alt="B X Wf V Win Chances for the World Cup Final ">
The format sees the competition spread across Thursday, Friday and Sunday and rewards tactical thinking. Being able to campaign two horses across three days is a weapon in the right hands, and Day 1 (Thursday) matters more than people expect. Day 1 matters more than you think - the last seven World Cup Final winners all led after the opening day.
One storyline sharpens all of this: Farrington has never won the World Cup Final. Wellington was his. Is Fort Worth next?
A horse that could stop him? Gangster Montdesir - ten years old, six starts at CSI5* 1.60m, six clears. The only horse in the entries with a perfect record at this level. Richard Vogel rode him faster than Greya in the Wellington jump-off before a single rail at the final fence handed Farrington the title. He will not need reminding. The rivalry from Wellington is not finished.
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<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]">Dressage: Bellena's First World Cup Final</h2>
Four horses competing in Fort Worth's Grand Prix have ridden down a US Equestrian Open centreline. One of them is the champion.
Benjamin Ebeling &amp; Bellena arrive as the Open's defining partnership. From their freestyle debut in April through to the inaugural final in November, they broke their personal best four times in a row. That final score &mdash; 79.930% &mdash; is still their peak. This combination consistently&nbsp;raise their game when the occasion demands it.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/4da24029-4984-4685-9e34-9b3f831c40c6.png?width=1408&amp;height=1736" alt="R8i6 T the Top 10 Grand Prix Freestyle Combinations at the World Cup Final ">
Fort Worth is a step up from anything they have faced together. Three combinations in this field average above 80% in the Grand Prix Freestyle including early 2026 Series leader Christian Simonson with Indian Rock. Bellena's average of 75.779% puts her in the chasing pack. But the Open final showed what she can produce when it counts, and Ebeling &mdash; who competed at the Riyadh final in 2024 &mdash; already has World Cup Final experience.&nbsp;
The Grand Prix is tonight. The freestyle is Saturday - the format the US Equestrian Open is built around. If you want to watch your champions on the world stage, Saturday night is the moment.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-fods-personal-bests-lucienne-bellissimo-and-devon-kane" 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>
<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>&nbsp;
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<h3>The Mission of the Open&nbsp; </h3>
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The US Equestrian Open was born from a strategic&nbsp;Board of Directors decision in 2023 to build a permanent legacy for US&nbsp;Equestrian sport.&nbsp;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&nbsp;vision is to transform disparate events into a cohesive, narrative-driven season.&nbsp;The series is anchored by&nbsp;core values which include fan-first accessibility, competitive integrity, storytelling, and a dynamic&nbsp;entertaining experience onsite&nbsp;.
The&nbsp;US Equestrian Open&nbsp;spans the three Olympic disciplines&mdash;Jumping, Eventing, and Dressage&mdash;with USEF contributing $200,000 in prize money to each final to ensure high-stakes competitive integrity. The Jumping Final took place at Wellington International from&nbsp;March 24&ndash;29, 2026. Next stop will be&nbsp; the Eventing Final at Morven Park from&nbsp;October 8&ndash;11, 2026.&nbsp;The season concludes with the Dressage Final at the Desert International Horse Park from&nbsp;November 11&ndash;15, 2026. You can follow along with the qualifiers, the unfolding stories and sport updates at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.usequestrianopen.org</a>, on our video series&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkdGSxID6G_eceNlWgvqIuspJsKrSqCq2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Road</a>, and on our&nbsp;<a href="https://podfollow.com/the-us-equestrian-open-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">weekly podcast</a>.&nbsp;
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US Open Champions Kent Farrington and Benjamin Ebeling holding a trophy 

Your US Open Champions are at the World Cup Final

<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Eventing: Bellissimo's big weekend at Stable View&nbsp;</h2>
Next Qualifier: Twin Rivers, April 9th | The Final: Morven Park 4*-L, October 8th
Lucienne Bellissimo &amp; Dyri led the Stable View qualifier from start to finish. A 27.7 dressage score put them ahead on day one, and they never needed to look over their shoulder. They added no penalties across both the jumping phases to become only the fourth combination ever to finish on their dressage (FOD) in the CCI4*-S at Stable View across nearly 400 starters, and the first to do so in the 2026 US Equestrian Open Series.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/dbb4be09-d543-44cd-834e-ec92794d477c.png?width=1196&amp;height=800" alt="V V2hy the Four Combinations Which Have Finished on Their Dressage Score Fod at Stable View S Cci4 S ">
It was their third four-star win together and their second at this venue, having previously won here in September 2024. But it was Belissimo's first under the US flag having <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/new-flag-for-the-frontrunner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">changed nationalities earlier in the year.</a> Bellissimo had been clear about her ambitions for this weekend:&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/40abd842-8ab1-48eb-9b04-730e308fe73c.png?width=1080&amp;height=999" alt="Open Weekly Quotes (7)">
One down. One to go.
With Kitsch Couture HPK finishing ninth, Bellissimo collected points across two combinations and moves to second in the Series - just five points behind the leader Caroline Pamukcu.
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWy01KtEQRR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/000b83d7-164a-4044-b877-1919503ecc5b.png?width=907&amp;height=1105" alt="Screenshot 2026 04 07 122810"></a>Photo: Liz Crawley Photography
<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Podium</h3>
Second place went to Alexandra Knowles &amp; Montpellier Scais and third went to Waylon Roberts &amp; Fernhill Salt Lake - one of only two combinations to make the cross-country time. Roberts &amp; Fernhill Salt Lake are known for their speed - having also been inside the time at TerraNova in November, the only inside-the-time round of the entire 2026 Series until this weekend.&nbsp;
<h3 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Series Picture</h3>
Stable View had been circled as a chance for<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/qualifier-7-one-of-last-years-pivotal-venues-sees-series-leaders-and-2025-winners-go-head-to-head" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Caroline Pamukcu and Boyd Martin to pull clear at the top.</a> Neither left with points. Boyd withdrew both Commando 3 and Cooley Nutcracker before cross-country following a fall in the CCI3*-S. Pamukcu's HSH Double Sixteen was eliminated in the show jumping and HSH Connor had a cross-country refusal.&nbsp;
Bellissimo would have won regardless. her performance never required their misfortune. But a weekend that was supposed to consolidate the top of the leaderboard instead blew it wide open. Pamukcu leads on 145. Bellissimo sits only five points back while Roberts climbs to third. The gap at the top has gone from 50 points to five in a single weekend.
<a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/abc52228-f6c6-4863-96ef-ed8533031ca0.png?width=1046&amp;height=1228" alt="Xtyk1 Series Leaders After Stable View Qualifier 7 "></a>
This weekend, the action moves west to Twin Rivers in California. Stay tuned for a <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/magazines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fan guide</a> later this week!
<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>
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<h2 dir="ltr">Dressage: Kane claims TerraNova with a personal best as Darnell climbs to second overall</h2>
Next Qualifier: Del Mar National Horse Show, April 19th | The Final: Desert Dressage, Thermal CA, November 13th
Devon Kane &amp; Vamos claimed Friday&rsquo;s freestyle at TerraNova with a personal best of 75.465%. The performance, which saw Kane top four of five judges&mdash;including two marks over 77%&mdash;was enough to edge out <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/qualifier-7-one-of-last-years-pivotal-venues-sees-series-leaders-and-2025-winners-go-head-to-head">the field favorite</a> in a tight contest. The victory moves Kane from 15th into third place on the overall leaderboard with 46 points.
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWymf4zkdOY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1a34b58b-8539-42b2-8f82-757fbcff894c.png?width=903&amp;height=1098" alt="Screenshot 2026 04 07 122753"></a>Photo: Jessica Buehler Photography
Camille Carier Bergeron &amp; Finnlanderin followed in second with 75.385%. While Carier Bergeron entered the week as the class favorite, the narrow margin reflected the four-month gap since her last freestyle outing. Claire Darnell &amp; Harrold S rounded out the podium in third with 74.365%. Although the result continues Darnell&rsquo;s upward scoring trajectory, it fell just short of the second-place finish she needed to overtake Germany&rsquo;s Frederic Wandres for the overall Series lead. Darnell now sits second in the standings with 47 points.
<a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/dressage/708" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c3eb7fde-ec87-4e7a-bb3c-8fe5a84eef60.png?width=1240&amp;height=806" alt="Gl Jzk Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Dressage "></a>
Both Darnell and Kane have now completed their four qualifying runs, meaning any future moves up the leaderboard will require them to replace their lowest counting scores with higher marks. The Series takes a break this week as the focus shifts to the World Cup Final in Fort Worth, Texas. <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/we-warned-you-about-indian-rock">Early Series leader</a> Christian Simonson, currently ranked sixth, headlines the US team alongside&nbsp;Kevin Kohmann and Ben Ebeling.
<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>
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<h2 class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Jumping: From Wellington to Fort Worth</h2>
The champagne spray from the Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix has barely dried on Kent Farrington's jacket and the World Cup Final is already calling.
Before a sold-out crowd of more than 10,000 fans, <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/a-record-field-a-home-win-a-us-champion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kent Farrington &amp; Greya claimed the $1M Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix</a> to become the first US winner of the Rolex Finale in seven years. Now just over a week later, the spotlight moves to Fort Worth for the FEI Jumping World Cup Finals.
The headline act is the same man who just lit up Wellington. Farrington arrives in Texas as the undisputed form rider of the season. With the two highest-rated horses in the field in Greya and Toulyana, this is essentially his to lose. And here is one storyline that sharpens it further: Farrington has never won the World Cup Final.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1fadfda6-f402-484f-bc55-5b173f200207.png?width=1254&amp;height=1182" alt="4 Mu Mr Stars of the Show 2026 World Cup Finals Fort Worth ">
A horse that could stop him? <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/superstar-gangster" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gangster Montdesir. </a>Ten years old, six rounds at CSI5* 1.60m, six clears - the only horse in the entries with a perfect record at this level. At the Rolex Final, Germany's&nbsp;Richard Vogel put down a faster timer than Farrington in the jump-off but a single mistake on the final fence resulted in 4 faults.&nbsp;He will not need reminding.
The rivalry from Wellington isn't finished yet.
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40768525/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>
<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>
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<h2>The fantasy cards are released</h2>
The US Equestrian Open Fantasy Card Collection celebrates the winning partnerships of the first-ever US Equestrian Open. Inspired by classic sports trading cards, each set profiles Open Champions from eventing, dressage, and jumping. Explore the collection and discover the stories behind the sport&rsquo;s top competitors.&nbsp;<a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/fantasy-cards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can find out more here.&nbsp;</a> The first packs were released at Wellington and can next be found in Fort Worth at the FEI World Cup Finals (at the US Equestrian booth). A special pack will also be placed inside every US Open merchandise sale via Shop USEF.&nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f98e4f4b-f8f1-4098-ae75-18bb85695c35.JPG?width=3414&amp;height=5120" alt="615a101d 21f8 4ccf 9f94 9c5a0e1e15fe">&nbsp;
<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 the site&nbsp;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>&nbsp;
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The Mission of the Open&nbsp; 
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The US Equestrian Open was born from a strategic&nbsp;Board of Directors decision in 2023 to build a permanent legacy for US&nbsp;Equestrian sport.&nbsp;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&nbsp;vision is to transform disparate events into a cohesive, narrative-driven season.&nbsp;The Series is anchored by core values which include fan-first accessibility, competitive integrity, storytelling, and a dynamic&nbsp;entertaining experience onsite&nbsp;.
The&nbsp;US Equestrian Open&nbsp;spans the three Olympic disciplines&mdash;Jumping, Eventing, and Dressage&mdash;with USEF contributing $200,000 in prize money to each final to ensure high-stakes competitive integrity. The Jumping Final took place at Wellington International from&nbsp;March 24&ndash;29, 2026. Next stop will be&nbsp; the Eventing Final at Morven Park from&nbsp;October 8&ndash;11, 2026.&nbsp;The season concludes with the Dressage Final at the Desert International Horse Park from&nbsp;November 11&ndash;15, 2026. You can follow along with the qualifiers, the unfolding stories and sport updates at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.usequestrianopen.org</a>, on our video series&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkdGSxID6G_eceNlWgvqIuspJsKrSqCq2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Road</a>, and on our&nbsp;<a href="https://podfollow.com/the-us-equestrian-open-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">weekly podcast</a>.&nbsp;
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The Open Weekly Graphic with Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri 

The Open Weekly: FODs and personal bests for weekend winners Lucienne Bellissimo and Devon Kane

Kent Farrington and Greya stopped the timers in 42.99 seconds before a sold-out crowd of more than 10,000 fans to take the $1,000,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix CSI5*, the highest-rated Grand Prix in Wellington International history.<a href="https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/farrington-hoists-trophy-in-1000000-rolex-us"> </a>It was a home win in every sense -- the first American to take the Rolex Finale Grand Prix in seven years, delivered in front of a crowd that knew exactly what they were watching.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/4a7faa5f-aee0-4706-906f-74d269da1821.jpg?width=null&amp;height=null" alt="Aw Jumping Final 379" loading="lazy">
Ben Maher and Enjeu de Grisien finished second. Richard Vogel and Gangster Montdesir rounded out the top three. Vogel, the reigning European Champion, stopped the clock in 42.87 seconds but had a rail at the last fence. After months of build up, two days of qualifying and two hours of jumping, for the champion to be decided with the final fence felt fitting.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">The Course and the Jump-Off</h3>
Course designer Guilherme Jorge set an 18-effort track that demanded accuracy, scope, and tremendous athleticism from the 40 qualified combinations.<a href="https://horsesdaily.com/article/kent-farrington-hoists-trophy-in-1000000-rolex-us-equestrian-open-grand-prix-csi5/"> </a>The average clear rate at Wellington in this final week is just 18% over the last 10 runnings. We expected beforehand that we might see 7 make the jump off. When the defending champion of the Open Christian Kukuk crashed through the wall early in the course, and early on the night, we knew a major chance for a US win was on.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/3dacbede-8910-49bb-a8d0-1d7637c89e46.png?width=5037&amp;height=3502" alt="Greyaears" loading="lazy">&nbsp; Five combinations produced clear rounds to make it to the jump-off, a number Farrington called exactly right. "If you under build the course even a little bit, you could easily see 20 clears," he said. "It's very possible to jump clear, and I think that is what this level of competition should be about."
The first to jump of the five was Ben Maher with Enjeu de Grisien. They were clear and fast and the time was set. This horse has now jumped in 6 CSI5* 160 jump-offs, jumped clear in all six and been on the podium every time. They have only won one, in London back in December 2023.
Going third in the jump-off order, Farrington and Greya took on the eight-fence track with precision.<a href="https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/farrington-hoists-trophy-in-1000000-rolex-us"> </a>The fastest clear of the first round had already signaled where this evening was headed but the tension was incredible. Their clear round was met with huge hometown excitement but nobody was brave enough to call the win at this stage.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d9ca34dd-8028-47d6-9ed3-62693f76d276.jpg?width=4338&amp;height=5423" alt="C E5 A4907">
German riders had won four of the last five runnings of this competition, including Richard Vogel himself with Cepano Baloubet in 2023. He has found a new superstar in Gangster Montdesir. This horse was already a five star winner at Wellington this season (Week 5) and the rider is the most in-form rider in the sport. They arrived at the last fence faster than Greya but added a stride and had it down. While US fans will celebrate the win here, there is no doubt now that Vogel will be a major threat to Kent Farrington and Scott Brash in both the world rankings and in this summer&rsquo;s World Championships.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Greya the Great</h3>
Farrington and Greya were competing in their 16th CSI5* 1.60m jump-off together, with a 60% win rate from those jump-offs.<a href="https://horsesdaily.com/article/kent-farrington-hoists-trophy-in-1000000-rolex-us-equestrian-open-grand-prix-csi5/"> </a>Saturday's victory marked Greya's 10th CSI5* Grand Prix win. Farrington has described her as a once-in-a-career horse, and he didn't shy away from it after the win. "You do this for a long time, and you have some good horses, maybe some great horses, and then you have horses that are an outlier athlete like I believe Greya is. She can do everything. She's fast, she's careful, she's scopey, and she's rideable.
Three words, though? "My favorite horse."
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e70132fe-5e3f-4d82-a285-136f18dbe278.jpg?width=5710&amp;height=5464" alt="C E5 A5909">
<h3 dir="ltr">The Field. The Record.</h3>
We told you last week this was shaping up to be something historic. The field was confirmed as the best Grand Prix field ever assembled at Wellington International and one of the top 20 rated fields globally over the last 15 years.<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/1-million-rolex-us-equestrian-103046665.html">&nbsp;</a>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ff0e9aa4-9a7a-4539-90ac-7431ebe4e9d8.png?width=1200&amp;height=1500" alt="Top Rated Wellington Fields">
<h3 dir="ltr">What the Open Is Becoming</h3>
Farrington was asked about the US Equestrian Open series and what it can build toward. His answer cut to the core of what the series is trying to do. "People start to understand. They start to follow, they start to know who the riders are, and they know who the horses are. I think that's really what our sport becomes about. It starts with a community here knowing what to cheer for."
Wellington International President Michael Stone called the evening mind-blowing. "The fact that the crowd silenced when the riders and horses were on course -- you could hear a pin drop -- and then as they came down to the last fence, everyone was cheering."<a href="https://horsesdaily.com/article/kent-farrington-hoists-trophy-in-1000000-rolex-us-equestrian-open-grand-prix-csi5/"> </a>
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The Mission of the Open&nbsp; 
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The US Equestrian Open was born from a strategic Board of Directors decision in 2023 to build a permanent legacy for US Equestrian sport. 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&nbsp;vision is to transform disparate events into a cohesive, narrative-driven season.&nbsp;The series is anchored by&nbsp;core values which include fan-first accessibility, competitive integrity, storytelling, and a dynamic entertaining experience onsite&nbsp;.
The&nbsp;US Equestrian Open spans the three Olympic disciplines&mdash;Jumping, Eventing, and Dressage&mdash;with USEF contributing $200,000 in prize money to each final to ensure high-stakes competitive integrity. The Jumping Final took place at Wellington International from March 24&ndash;29, 2026. Next stop will be&nbsp; the Eventing Final at Morven Park from October 8&ndash;11, 2026. The season concludes with the Dressage Final at the Desert International Horse Park from November 11&ndash;15, 2026. You can follow along with the qualifiers, the unfolding stories and sport updates at <a href="http://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.usequestrianopen.org</a>, on our video series <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkdGSxID6G_eceNlWgvqIuspJsKrSqCq2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Open&nbsp;Road</a>, and on our <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-us-equestrian-open-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">weekly podcast</a>.&nbsp;
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Kent Farrington and Greya holding the Open trophy

 A Record Field. A Home Win. A US Champion.

🎧 Listen:&nbsp;<a class="reset interactable cursor-pointer decoration-1 underline-offset-1 text-super hover:underline" href="https://pod.fo/e/3c5f03" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Special Preview Podcast</a> 📄&nbsp;Download:&nbsp;<a class="reset interactable cursor-pointer decoration-1 underline-offset-1 text-super hover:underline" href="https://qr.equiratings.com/076d87a2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Printable Start List</a> 📄&nbsp;View: <a href="https://usequestrianopen.info/us-open-final-jumping-fan-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Fan Guide</a>
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/3d276e5b-d777-4812-91c6-d31617eafed3.png?width=1200&amp;height=1500" alt="Open Newsletter Graphics Field Strength">
The last ten editions of this class have seen a&nbsp;first-round clear rate of just 18%, meaning only about seven riders typically make it through to the jump-off. With such elite talent tonight, that number may rise slightly&mdash;but not by much.
Key detail:&nbsp;Riders will start the jump-off in the same order as the first round&rsquo;s draw. That means Germany&rsquo;s&nbsp;Richard Vogel&nbsp;and Ireland&rsquo;s&nbsp;Shane Sweetnam could face times to beat from top US riders if all make it through.&nbsp;
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<h2 id="germanys-dominance-continues" class="font-editorial font-bold mb-2 mt-4 [.has-inline-images_&amp;]:clear-end text-base first:mt-0">Germany&rsquo;s Dominance Continues?</h2>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9c334106-10a6-4b68-bfa0-bf5cc8e7681d.png?width=1200&amp;height=1500" alt="Open Newsletter Graphics Previous Winners">
Germany has long ruled this class.&nbsp;Christian Kukuk&nbsp;returns as the defending champion, having won the last two years with&nbsp;Checker 47, the Olympic champion. The prior year&rsquo;s winner,&nbsp;Richard Vogel, is back too&mdash;this time on&nbsp;Gangster Mondesir, a rising star with a perfect five-for-five clear record at 5* 1.60m level and a recent win over&nbsp;Greya&nbsp;earlier this season.
Keep an eye on these two: their consistency and precision have proven unstoppable in Wellington. Vogel is in incredible form and feels unbeatable. And he is late to go. We want to keep the Open on home soil but this feels ominous.&nbsp;
<h2 id="win-chances-before-the-first-round" class="font-editorial font-bold mb-2 mt-4 [.has-inline-images_&amp;]:clear-end text-base first:mt-0">Win Chances Before the First Round</h2>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5f5503d4-7932-4424-afc3-2fcdf9258be5.png?width=1200&amp;height=1500" alt="Open Newsletter Graphics Win Chances">
Pre-competition probabilities show a&nbsp;three-way tie at 9%&nbsp;between:
Kent Farrington &amp; Greya
Eddy Blue (IRL)
James Kann Cruz (IRL)
You can&rsquo;t win if you don&rsquo;t reach the jump-off. Greya, in particular, shines under pressure&mdash;her jump-off record at this level is exceptional, making her a likely favorite if she posts a first-round clear. Late draw positions could play into some riders&rsquo; hands as well.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/00f85e8c-335d-49bf-8e74-7925a3346707.png?width=1200&amp;height=1500" alt="Open Newsletter Graphics Jump Off">
Certain riders are simply&nbsp;built&nbsp;for the jump-off. If these names make it through the first round, expect fireworks:
James Kann Cruz&nbsp;(last to go): 21 jump-offs at 5* 1.60m, 19 podiums. Always dangerous, even if not always the winner.
Ben Maher: A master tactician known for razor-sharp rounds under pressure.
When these two enter the ring, clear rounds come often but are they fast enough to win?
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<h2 id="a-possible-history-making-moment" class="font-editorial font-bold mb-2 mt-4 [.has-inline-images_&amp;]:clear-end text-base first:mt-0">A Possible History-Making Moment</h2>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c81e47d9-aa1c-4a7f-b823-09ad75f539f4.png?width=1200&amp;height=1500" alt="Open Newsletter Graphics History Moment">
Watch closely after the interval.&nbsp;France&rsquo;s Nina Mallevaey, the world&rsquo;s top-rated female rider at just 26, heads in with&nbsp;Dynastie De Beaufour&nbsp;on an incredible run of&nbsp;14 consecutive clears at 5* 1.60m level.
If she delivers again tonight, she&rsquo;ll become one of only two horses to reach 15 consecutive clears, the record is 17 in a row set by Casall ASK in 2017. This could be a moment for the history books if she edges past H&amp;M All In.&nbsp;
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<h2 id="dont-miss-a-second" class="font-editorial font-bold mb-2 mt-4 [.has-inline-images_&amp;]:clear-end text-base first:mt-0">Don&rsquo;t Miss a Second</h2>
With record field strength, razor-thin margins, and the world&rsquo;s best show jumpers under the lights, tonight&rsquo;s Rolex U.S. Equestrian Open Grand Prix promises drama, data, and possible history in the making.
🎧 Tune in now:&nbsp;<a class="reset interactable cursor-pointer decoration-1 underline-offset-1 text-super hover:underline" href="https://pod.fo/e/3c5f03" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Special Preview Podcast</a> 📄 Print your start list: <a class="reset interactable cursor-pointer decoration-1 underline-offset-1 text-super hover:underline" href="https://qr.equiratings.com/076d87a2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Start List with Data</a>
Watch the action tonight on USEF Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_EU/events/18390/wef-week-12-csi5-rolex-finale-week" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch here</a>
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<h2 id="the-vision-of-the-us-equestrian-open" class="font-editorial font-bold mb-2 mt-4 [.has-inline-images_&amp;]:clear-end text-lg first:mt-0 md:text-lg [hr+&amp;]:mt-4">The Vision of the US Equestrian Open</h2>
The US Equestrian Open was born from a strategic Board of Directors decision in 2023 to build a permanent legacy for US Equestrian sport. Its mission is to increase awareness and foster a deeper connection to equestrianism by delivering a premier, unified championship series. With top-level competition, storytelling, and a dynamic, entertaining experience, the vision is to transform disparate events into a cohesive, narrative-driven season for fan engagement. The series is anchored by core values which include fan-first accessibility, competitive integrity, storytelling, and a dynamic entertaining experience onsite, all designed to benefit the family of USEF disciplines and breeds.
The US Equestrian Open spans the three disciplines&mdash;Jumping, Eventing, and Dressage&mdash;with USEF contributing $200,000 in prize money to each final to ensure high-stakes competitive integrity. The Jumping Final returns to Wellington International from March 24&ndash;29, 2026, followed by the Eventing Final at Morven Park from October 8&ndash;11, 2026. The season concludes with the Dressage Final at the Desert International Horse Park from November 11&ndash;15, 2026. You can follow along with the unfolding stories and sport updates at&nbsp;<a class="reset interactable cursor-pointer decoration-1 underline-offset-1 text-super hover:underline" href="http://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.usequestrianopen.org</a>, on our video series&nbsp;The Open Road, and on our weekly podcast.

The Rolex U.S. Equestrian Open Grand Prix: What to Expect Tonight in Wellington

The Open Road captures what makes this partnership work: a small mare with springs, a powerful hind end, and a ring presence that Laura describes as pure instinct. Bisquetta doesn't need to be settled. The show ring is already her favourite place
<iframe title="Laura Krauss and Biscetta | The Open Road" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7tv855tFbGI" width="100%" height="415" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
When Kraut walked the course in Dublin and asked how she was going to get it done, the answer came from the horse. By the time she was heading down the last line, she wasn't riding - she was just staying out of the way.
That's what a good mare does.
Watch the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tv855tFbGI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">full video</a> now and go inside the partnership behind one of WEF's biggest results.

Rolex US Equestrian Open of Jumping