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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>
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<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

<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

<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>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<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>
&nbsp;
<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

<h2 dir="ltr">Jumping: Greya &amp; Kent Farrington top the strongest WEF Grand Prix field on record to become the 2026 US Equestrian Open Champions</h2>
It looked set to happen and it did - this weekend&rsquo;s $1,000,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix attracted the strongest field of horses we&rsquo;ve seen at a WEF Grand Prix.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ff0e9aa4-9a7a-4539-90ac-7431ebe4e9d8.png?width=1200&amp;height=1500" alt="Top Rated Wellington Fields"> 
<hr>
With such a strong group of horses from around the world packed into a 40-horse field, it&rsquo;s no wonder the pre-show predictions were tightly packed; three combinations entered as joint-favorites to win:
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Greya &amp; Kent Farrington (USA) - 9% win chance</li>
<li dir="ltr">Eddy Blue &amp; Darragh Kenny (IRL) - 9% win chance</li>
<li dir="ltr">James Kann Cruz &amp; Shane Sweetnam (IRL) - 9% win chance</li>
</ul>
Double-defending Champions,&nbsp;Checker 47 &amp; Christian Kukuk, entered on a 6% chance of victory which ranked among the top 10 win chances. When they crashed through a wall on a night of drama which saw only 5 proceed to the jump-off, it felt like a magic night for the US might be on.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/2bb42226-9e55-4798-94af-e9037c3a31f3.jpg?width=2048&amp;height=1366" alt="2026 Final Podium Useo Jumping">The 2026 US Equestrian Open Final podium (L to R): Ben Maher (GBR), Kent Farrington (USA), Richard Vogel (GER)&nbsp;
Magic it was as home favorites Greya &amp; Kent took glory. They and Enjeu de Grisien with Ben Maher (GBR) were sitting 1-2 as the only combinations to jump clear in the jump-off. Greya had gone 0.73 seconds faster than the British combination, but there was one more pair to go: Gangster Montdesir &amp; Richard Vogel (GER). Gangster &amp; Richie were the fastest of all&hellip;but added a stride at the final fence and had a rail. So Greya &amp; Kent brought the victory home to the US for the first time since&nbsp;HH Azur &amp; McLain Ward won the class in 2019.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;She thrives in that environment of great atmosphere and tough competition.&rdquo; Kent on Greya. Full interview is below:
</blockquote>
<div style="max-width: 540px; margin: 1rem auto;"><iframe src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWe04OKADed/embed" width="100%" height="780" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen">

  </iframe></div>
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Leading up to last year&rsquo;s Open Final,&nbsp;Greya &amp; Kent entered as strong favorites (12% win chance). Earlier in the 2025 WEF season, Greya had become the first horse on record to win two 5* Grand Prix classes in a single WEF season. But on the big night last year, a first-round rail knocked them out of contention. So this year&rsquo;s victory, among a record-breakingly strong field, with a formidable reputation preceding them, and with disappointment behind and pressure ahead, Greya &amp; Kent&rsquo;s win was perfect redemption.&nbsp;
&nbsp;<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1579e51e-6ba4-436a-b451-8c55d4ead37a.jpg?width=null&amp;height=null" alt="Greya &amp; Kent Farrington USEO Final 2026">The 2026 US Equestrian Open Final Champions Greya &amp; Kent Farrington (USA)&nbsp;
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."
<blockquote>
"Three words, though? My favorite horse."
</blockquote>
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40691855/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>
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<h2>Dressage: Wandres &amp; Verrenberg lead at halfway, but with nine qualifiers to go, the chase pack is closing in</h2>
Sixteen qualifiers down, nine to go. Frederic Wandres and Verrenberg lead the Series at 49 points, with three of their four qualifying slots used. They&rsquo;ve built a strong lead on the back of three consecutive freestyle improvements during their AGDF run this year.&nbsp;
With Wandres heading back to Europe, that lead is unlikely to hold. Caroline Darcourt, who sits tied for fourth at 40 points with all four of her qualifying slots filled, is also headed back to Europe for the summer season. For both riders, the second half of the Series plays out without them. They'll need the points they've already banked to hold their positions as US-based riders keep accumulating. Given that the top 18 qualify for the $200,000 CDI5* Final in November, anyone currently in the top five is in a reasonable position - but reasonable isn't guaranteed, and nine qualifiers is a lot of ground for the riders behind them to cover.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/1b5625ee-0199-4f56-9ce5-5bf042f3db26.jpg?width=2048&amp;height=1366" alt="Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn &amp; Gino &copy;centre Line Media 260109 Agd F1 Class501 2">Gino &amp; Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn (USA). Photo: Centre Line Media&nbsp;
Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn is the clearest immediate threat to the standings. She sits second at 45 points with one qualifier slot remaining, and she's one of the west coast riders who still has accessible events in the back half. A win in her next outing - the kind of result she's been delivering - puts her past Wandres. Christian Simonson sits tied with Darcourt at 40 points but has used only two of his four slots. Ashley Holzer, fourth overall at 44 with four out of four qualifiers, has been on an ascending trajectory too - consecutive personal bests with Hawtins San Floriana - and is well-positioned to make the second half count.
The Series returns Friday night with a CDI3* freestyle at Terranova - eight horses entered. We'll have a preview later this week.
<h3 dir="ltr">Current Dressage Series Leaders:</h3>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7b42ff07-4136-4142-a13f-935c247261b3.png?width=728&amp;height=533" alt="Dressage Current Series Leaders">
Next Qualifier: TerraNova Dressage I - CDI3* | The Final: Desert Dressage, Thermal CA (November)
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<h2>Eventing: West Coast represents &amp; Colleen Loach wins on her first ever Open appearance</h2>
This weekend's eventing double-header saw a West Coast Qualifier at Galway Downs and an East Coast Qualifier at TerraNova.&nbsp;
At Galway Downs, Tommy Greengard entered as the favorite to take 1st and 2nd place and earn 75 Series points. That is in fact what happened, but not exactly.
Tommy was favored to win on That&rsquo;s Me Z, the horse who entered the weekend with three 4*-S podiums, including 2nd place at Galway Downs last year. But it was a repeat result for That&rsquo;s Me Z who was Tommy&rsquo;s second-place finisher after activating a pin on XC day. That&rsquo;s Me Z would otherwise have won after a 30.1 dressage score, adding just 0.4 time penalties in the showjumping, and producing the fastest XC round with just 4.0 time penalties.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f723a4bd-9690-42a5-9f3a-4a867986fa31.png?width=1080&amp;height=882" alt="2025 2026 Us Eventing Open Grid Posts">That's Me Z and Tommy Greengard (USA)&nbsp;
Instead, Tommy won with Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad. The four-star debutant added nothing but 9.2 XC time penalties to his 34.0 dressage score. A very steady three-phase performance, particularly for his first time at the level.
Last season, Tommy didn&rsquo;t reach 75 points until June (Aspen Farms) and he still finished in the Series top 10 with a final total of 105 points. This weekend, Tommy earned 75 points right off the bat, in his first Open Qualifier of the new season. With a top 10 finish at Kentucky 4*-S, where he had two entries last year, and repeat consistency across the remaining West Coast qualifiers, Tommy could be in a strong position to one-up his inaugural standing.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5aca14aa-fadf-465d-917f-5d2afeb21f05.png?width=1080&amp;height=1173" alt="Double Header Review 2">
On the East Coast, after a year away from international competition, FE Golden Eye returned this season with a 2 for 2 winning record, taking the Bouckaert 3*-S win and now TerraNova 4*-S victory. Both times adding nothing but a few XC time penalties to his dressage score.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/6efe278b-7129-4ba4-9c52-67f224722f81.jpg?width=5472&amp;height=3648" alt="FE Golden Eye and Colleen Loach">FE Golden Eye &amp; Colleen Loach (CAN)&nbsp;
The 50-point result is Colleen Loach&rsquo;s first time on Open leaderboard as she didn&rsquo;t contest any of last year&rsquo;s Qualifiers. And for a very first Open result, it couldn&rsquo;t have gone any better for the Canadian. Firstly, it was a field of 26 entries, meaning there were more points up for grabs. One less starter and Colleen would have earned 40 points for her win instead of 50. Secondly, well&hellip;she won. Last year, 10 points was the difference between $10,000 for third place in the Series and $0 for fourth. So those extra 10 points might come in handy.
Next Qualifier: Stable View, April 3rd | The Final: Morven Park 4*-L, October 8th
<h2>The Fantasy Cards are Released:&nbsp;</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. <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;
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<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;
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40691855/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>
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&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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The Open Weekly: Greya & Kent are Champions and two new names join the eventing standings

<h2 dir="ltr">Jumping: The $1,000,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix is Set to Break a Wellington Record.</h2>
The Rolex US Equestrian Open Final:&nbsp;Saturday, March 28th | Wellington, Week 12&nbsp;
Twelve weeks of competition in Wellington. Three CSI5* Grand Prixes completed and the the biggest night of them all awaits.&nbsp;
The $1,000,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix takes center stage this Saturday. The coverage won&rsquo;t be light - a fan guide later this week, a special preview <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-us-equestrian-open-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">podcast</a> on Friday, and daily articles across the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">microsite.</a>
Two episodes of The Open Road are already live, featuring&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_60FqMTTwTE&amp;list=PLkdGSxID6G_eceNlWgvqIuspJsKrSqCq2&amp;index=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Karl Cook</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hS9O_pQ1sI&amp;list=PLkdGSxID6G_eceNlWgvqIuspJsKrSqCq2&amp;index=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jessica Springsteen</a> Saturday night. Tune in before the weekend. 
When the Rolex US Equestrian Open Jumping Final lights up the International Arena on Saturday night, fans are likely to be watching the most powerful Grand Prix field ever assembled at Wellington International and one of the best 20 rated fields of the last 15 years.&nbsp;
The EquiRatings&rsquo; ELO model rates every horse based on how it performs round‑by‑round against the quality of opposition, updating after every result. In simple terms, the higher the ELO, the more consistently that horse is beating strong fields; horses in the 770+ range are operating right at the top of the sport.​
To measure the quality of a Grand Prix line‑up, EquiRatings uses a field‑strength rating: the average current ELO of the top 25 horses on the start list.​ Every big name that makes it through Thursday and Friday&rsquo;s qualifiers can move that field‑strength number significantly.​
When Checker 47 and&nbsp;Christian Kukuk&nbsp;claimed the Rolex US Equestrian Open Jumping Final last year, they did it against what was, at the time, the strongest Grand Prix field Wellington had ever seen, with a field‑strength rating of 730.​
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/66ff2db6-86fb-4112-b0c1-2951572a8ea7.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Field Stength">
Last year&rsquo;s field was rated 730, a WEF record. The best 25 horses on this year&rsquo;s long list currently averages closer to 748, a difference that comes from the sheer number of horses clustered in that high‑760/770 band. In a global context the 2024 Geneva Grand Prix (field‑strength 759) and the 2025 Dutch Masters (754) are the top fields. If we see a rating above 730 on Saturday, we will be watching the best ever here. If it clears 740, it would sit inside the top ten strongest rated Grand Prix fields anywhere in the world since 2010; even a rating of 735+ would secure a place inside the all‑time top twenty.​
All of that turns this week&rsquo;s qualifiers into more than just a route to our Saturday night final. These qualifiers will decide if we all get to see a new Wellington record.&nbsp; 
<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 dir="ltr">Eventing: Smith Sweeps Carolina as Pamukcu Takes the Series Lead</h2>
Next Qualifiers: TerraNova, Florida &amp; Galway Downs, California | The Final: Morven Park, Virginia (October)
Carolina International was the fourth qualifier of the 2026 series and the first with over 25 starters, meaning expanded points were on the table. The leaderboard that emerged looks significantly different from the one that went in.
<h3 dir="ltr">The Winners</h3>
The win went to Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 who came closest to the cross country time, picking up just 1.2 time penalties to move from fifth to first. It was their fifth win together as a combination and their second at the four-star level, following their Galway Downs CCI4*-L victory.
And it didn&rsquo;t stop there. Smith swept the weekend, adding wins in the CCI3*-S with Spiro P and the CCI2*-S on Solaguayre Cantata. A three-level clean sweep that speaks to both her depth and her current form.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5b0cb64b-8068-48b4-999a-c15a2fc2b2c2.jpg?width=4000&amp;height=2667" alt="Tamie Smith Lillet 3 05449">
Photo Credit: Sally Spickard/Eventing Nation.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">The Leaderboard</h3>
Second place went to Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake and that result, combined with She's The One finishing seventh, added 65 points to her series tally in a single weekend. Pamukcu moves to 145 points and takes the series lead outright, 50 points clear of the chasing pack.
<a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7bdc5f2f-5420-4cb0-9349-f60304cdc28b.png?width=658&amp;height=1111" alt="Bouckaert Review 2 (1)"></a>
Behind her, the leaderboard tightened. Will Coleman and Boyd Martin both finished inside the top five and now sit joint second, firmly within striking distance. Lucienne Bellissimo slips to fourth after moving Kitsch Couture HPK into the 3* division, while Jennie Brannigan&rsquo;s third-place finish moves her into the top ten for the first time.
<h3 dir="ltr">What's Next</h3>
This weekend brings the first doubleheader of the 2026 series with qualifiers running simultaneously on the east and west coasts at TerraNova and Galway Downs.&nbsp;
Full previews, and predictions form guides are coming. As usual, the weekly US Equestrian Open podcast episode previews both events.
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40613490/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/eventing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e6b627a3-4fce-4bbf-8314-5c8c2402cd3e.png?width=1080&amp;height=158" alt="Read More Eventing"></a>
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<h2 dir="ltr">Dressage: A triple header sees Wandres lead the series while Jackson surprises at Del Mar</h2>
Next Qualifier: Dressage at TerraNova | Coundown: 1 week
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/equiratings_eventing?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/bb3a37f0-4091-4a31-b0c4-5c6b384318c6.png?width=1920&amp;height=840" alt="Carolina Winner"></a>
Frederic Wandres and Verrenberg won the Modon FEI Nations Cup at AGDF 11 with 77.000%. This is their fourth straight freestyle improvement since their debut together last June, and another combination best. Ashley Holzer and Hawtins San Floriana took second at 74.350%, and Emma Caecilia Lienert and Windermere J'Obei W rounded out the podium at 73.105%. The result moves Wandres to 49 points and first overall. Holzer lands at 44 and third.
<a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/dressage/708" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7f133541-2f05-4cb8-bf74-a4bf3096ea5f.png?width=1240&amp;height=714" alt="I Il7 a Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Dressage "></a>
The surprise of the weekend came from Del Mar, where Cyndi Jackson and Florisson won the CDI3* freestyle with a personal best of 70.915%. Jackson has produced Florisson from the start. Their first show together was a USEF Training Level test in March 2017. By 2020 they were competing at Prix St. Georges, debuted at Grand Prix in 2024, and worked through their freestyle at national shows last year before making their CDI freestyle debut at Del Mar in February. Sunday&rsquo;s win was the payoff. Nadine Schwartsman and Royal Flash R finished second with a combination best of 70.835%, only the second time the pair have broken 70% in freestyle - the last being a ninth-place finish at the US Equestrian Open Final
In the CDI3*, also held at AGDF 11, Tinne Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n and Hyatt won with 76.640%. Jennifer Williams and Joppe K took second at 75.455%&nbsp; with P.J. Rizvi and Vanilla Ice third at 73.500%. The win moves Tinne to 35 points and into a three-way tie for sixth.
<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 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>.
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40613490/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>

The Open Weekly graphic with Tamie Smith and Lillet 3

The Open Weekly: Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix Week Arrives as New Series Leaders Emerge

<h2 dir="ltr">Dressage: Wandres Wins AGDF 10, Darcourt Holds On</h2>
Germany&rsquo;s Frederic Wandres and Verrenberg won Friday night's Grand Prix Freestyle at AGDF 10 with a new combination best of 76.240%. Verrenberg, the youngest horse in the field at ten years old, looked every bit the emerging force the data hinted at. Wandres rode to a freestyle soundtrack originally built for Bluetooth, his Olympic gold medal partner, and the fit was close enough.
"He's a really promising horse," Wandres said.
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"He's very consistent in the arena to bring these good results already at this young age, which is not so normal."
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<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d551e242-ce1a-4e66-a035-ffee1a411784.png?width=905&amp;height=1098" alt="Screenshot 2026 03 16 143401">
The win vaults Wandres from outside the top 25 into a tie for eighth at 29 points. With the AGDF season wrapping up next week, Wandres and Verrenberg will likely head back to Europe, which probably ends their Open Series run for now. But keep an eye on this horse regardless. He's shaping up to peak right in time for an LA 2028 appearance.
Kevin Kohmann and Duenensee took second with 75.715%. The high-70s rides are a possibility, but increasingly the exception. A 75 of some flavor is where this pair lives right now, and clearly it&rsquo;s working. The result secured Kohmann's place in April's FEI World Cup Final in Texas&mdash;the third consecutive Finals appearance for this combination.
"This horse made my career; he changed everything," Kohmann said.
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"If you'd told me four years ago that we'd make it to the World Cup Finals three times in a row, I'd have told you you were crazy."
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Pablo G&oacute;mez Molina and Ulises de Ymas took third with 73.715%, moving to 27 points and 13th overall. Ashley Holzer and Hawtins San Floriana finished fourth with 73.555%, and now sit in a crowded eighth on 29 points, alongside four other combinations. Caroline Darcourt and Lord Django finished fifth at 72.570%, leaving her in a tie with Christian Simonson for second on the season at 40 points.
<a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/dressage/708" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/18e9bb9f-0b3b-4d31-bf4c-a3c37f0f35b0.png?width=1240&amp;height=714" alt="Pk Xie Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Dressage "></a>
P.J. Rizvi and Vanilla Ice finished sixth on 72.325%, which frankly undersells the energy in the arena. Vanilla Ice is a piaffe machine when he locks in, and he locked in Friday. Rizvi left the arena smiling, still humming the music. By the metric of putting on a show, she wins every time.
<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 dir="ltr">Eventing: Carolina International Approaches</h2>
Next Qualifier: Carolina International, North Carolina | The Final: Morven Park, Virginia (October)
With 41 entries confirmed in the CCI4*-S, Carolina International is the largest qualifier of the 2026 series to date and the points on offer reflect that. Cross the 25-starter threshold and the win is worth 50 points rather than 40. Boyd Martin built his 2025 Series title on weekends exactly like this one. The combinations who arrive in form and leave with a result could reshape the leaderboard significantly.
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40519610/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>
The latest episode of the US Equestrian Open Podcast breaking down the entries is now live, with a full form guide and preview article coming later this week - but before that, here are some of the big names to watch.
<h3 dir="ltr">The Contenders</h3>
Phillip Dutton and Denim arrive in winning form after their victory at the Grand Prix Eventing Showcase in Aiken. They won outright, going inside the time on cross-country - one of only two combinations in the field to do so. Denim finished sixth at last year&rsquo;s US Equestrian Open Final and placed in the top ten in all three qualifiers he contested. They arrive at Carolina as serious contenders.
Will Coleman and Diabolo return carrying momentum of a different kind. Their last four-star outing was <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/terranova-closes-the-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a win at the TerraNova qualifier </a>in November, marking their return from a break. It was Diabolo&rsquo;s third four-star victory in a row, following earlier wins at Kentucky and Plantation in 2024. A 26.1 dressage and a double clear last time out is the kind of form that travels well into a new qualifier.
Kim Severson and Cooley Corraghy Diamond are back and that alone is worth talking about. Cooley Corraghy Diamond has not completed an event since May (withdrawing before cross-country on two occasion) when he placed second in a CCI4*-S in just his second start at the level. The talent has never been in question. With an EquiRatings Elo rating of 555, he is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/9-year-olds-on-track-for-the-us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">highest-rated nine-year-old in the US</a> and 13th in the world for his age. This weekend will offer an intriguing first look at where he is now.
<a href="https://us.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e5e51b2e-03a5-44a3-819a-0bba7cfa767c.png?width=1240&amp;height=714" alt="Vld71 Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Eventing "></a> 
Caroline Pamukcu arrives with three entries in the four-star short &mdash; HSH Blake, HSH Tolan King, and She&rsquo;s The One &mdash; giving her three separate shots at the expanded points on offer. She currently sits joint first in the Series on 80 points, level with Lucienne Bellissimo, who also makes the trip with Kitsch Couture HPK. Pamukcu earned all 80 of her points at Bouckaert a fortnight ago and Bellissimo will be looking to respond.&nbsp;
Boyd Martin returns with Miks Master C and Shanroe Cooley, the two horses he took to the Final last year, finishing first and fourth. As the reigning Series and Final winner, and currently sitting third on 65 points, a strong weekend here could put him straight into the lead.
The leaderboard is tight. The points are big. The field is the deepest of the 2026 Series so far. Carolina matters.
<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">Jumping: Eleven Days to Go</h2>
The US Equestrian Open Final: Wellington, Week 12 | Countdown: 11 Days
The <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/jumping-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix</a> is on March 28th. There is one more weekend of competition before the final, yet most of the serious contenders will be saving their horses for the Final. After weeks of tracking form, watching jump-offs, and reporting on five-big star results from Florida to Doha, the picture is nearly complete. $1,000,000 is on the line, and it is shaping up to be exactly the kind of US versus the rest contest the buildup has promised.
<h3 dir="ltr">Richard Vogel: Winning Elsewhere, Arriving Confident</h3>
The result worth noting from this weekend came not from Wellington but from 's-Hertogenbosch, where the Rolex Grand Prix at the Dutch Masters &mdash; the first Rolex Grand Slam event of 2026 &mdash; went to Richard Vogel and United Touch S. It was their seventh Grand Prix/World Cup win together and their second Rolex Major, following Geneva 2023. Eleven combinations made the jump-off. None came close to Vogel's time.
While Vogel has confirmed he will be there for the Final (likely riding <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/countdown-to-the-final-five-lessons-from-the-first-five-star-weekend-in-wellington" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WEF Weeks 5 Winner Gangster Montdesir)</a>, whether United Touch S&nbsp;makes the trip to Wellington remains to be seen. In many ways, that may be beside the point. Winning a class like this just two weeks before a $750,000 Rolex Grand Prix is the kind of form that travels with a rider.
<h3 dir="ltr">US Contenders on the Road</h3>
Two major US Open contenders made the trip to the Dutch Masters and both will take useful information back to Wellington. Lillie Keenan and Kick On jumped clear in Round 1 and posted the fastest four-fault jump-off round to finish sixth. Competitive, if not quite a podium.
Kent Farrington&nbsp;and Toulayna had the second-fastest jump-off time behind Vogel but had two fences down to finish tenth. Not their day but Farrington will arrive at Week 12 as one of the most dangerous riders in the field regardless. He will be hungry.
<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 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>.
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40519610/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>

Frederic Wandres & Verrenberg on the Open Weekly Graphic 

The Open Weekly: Wandres and Vogel Win Big, Carolina International on Deck

<h2 dir="ltr">Eventing: Pamukcu and HSH Connor Win at Bouckaert as the Series Leaderboard Tightens</h2>
Next Qualifier: Carolina International | Countdown: 1 Week
Bouckaert has always been a course that is tight on time. Of 270 cross country starters in the event's history, just 1% have ever beaten the clock and this weekend was no exception. The fastest time of the day belonged to&nbsp;Tamie Smith and Ferrie&rsquo;s Cello, who still added 14.8 time penalties. No one even got close. Although, this may have been partly by design for some combinations - an early-season run to build fitness, test strength, or a steady step on the road to Kentucky.
<h3 dir="ltr">Caroline Pamukcu &amp; HSH Connor</h3>
Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Connor took the win of the first 2026 eventing qualifier. Fourth after dressage on 29.8, third after show jumping, and then incrementally faster cross country than the combinations ahead of them. It was a win built on accumulation rather than any single defining moment.
It was HSH Connor's ninth consecutive show jumping clear, a run that stretches back to 2023 without a pole down. It was also their first win at the four-star level together and Pamukcu's eighth CCI4*-S career win, across five different horses.&nbsp;
Pamukcu also finished 4th with HSH Double Sixteen and 6th with King&rsquo;s Especiale, moving her onto 80 points and into a tie with Lucienne Bellissimo who led the Series over the winter break.
<a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e5e51b2e-03a5-44a3-819a-0bba7cfa767c.png?width=1240&amp;height=714" alt="Vld71 Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Eventing "></a>
<h3 dir="ltr">Boyd Martin &amp; Commando 3&nbsp;</h3>
Boyd Martin and Commando 3 led after dressage on 26.4 and held that position through show jumping, only slipping to second when cross-country time penalties proved costlier than Pamukcu&rsquo;s. It is still a strong result&nbsp; and the start of a season that will likely see them on the road to the World Championships in Aachen. Martin also placed fifth with Cooley Nutcracker and seventh with Fetiche Des Rouges which puts Boyd second in the Series standing.
<h3 dir="ltr">Buck Davidson &amp; Cooley Candyman&nbsp;</h3>
Third place went to Buck Davidson and Cooley Candyman. Their 30.5 dressage score was their standout moment of the weekend, scoring a full three marks better than their 6RA of 33.5. Of Cooley Candyman&rsquo;s 14 top-level starts (CCI4* and CCI5*), this ranks as his joint second-best test. That dressage performance is what kept them in contention on a weekend when the jumping phases offered very little room to gain ground.
Carolina International is only a week away. With over 25 entries, increased Series points are on offer and Bellissimo, Pamukcu and Martin are all in the field. The gap at the top is now zero and it&rsquo;s very unlikely to stay that way.
&nbsp;<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">Jumping: The Final Five-Star Before the Final</h2>
The US Equestrian Open Final: Wellington, Week 12 | Countdown: 2 Weeks
Three CSI5* Grand Prix have now been contested at Wellington this season. Three different winners from three different nations. Germany's Richard Vogel and Gangster Montdesir opened with a win in Week 5. McLain Ward and High Star Hero won for the US in Week 7. And on Saturday night, Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue claimed Week 9 for Ireland - the last five-star of the WEF season before the Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix in Week 12.
<h3 dir="ltr">Darragh Kenny &amp; Eddy Blue</h3>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/33facec0-5c75-4203-945b-6c5d4d5f44c2.jpg?width=3837&amp;height=2558" alt="Darragh Kenny (alamy)">
Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue had been placed at this venue before but Saturday night was their first outright Wellington Grand Prix win together. It was also their second CSI5* Grand Prix victory as a partnership, having won the World Cup of London in 2024.
The jump-off margin was fine: 41.77 seconds against a target of 41.92. Kenny left a stride out in the first line, a calculated risk with a horse he trusts implicitly.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7b945753-f368-4ff7-972a-61cc0a04c2a1.png?width=1080&amp;height=1106" alt="Open Weekly Quotes (1)">
<h3 dir="ltr">A Rare Tie for Second&nbsp;</h3>
The jump-off produced something that almost never happens at this level. Marilyn Little and La Contessa set the target at 41.92 seconds as the pathfinder. Six rounds later, Thaisa Erwin and Hialita B crossed the line in an identical time. A dead heat for second place. It is the first time in nearly four years that a CSI5* Grand Prix produced a tie for second place. The last occasion was Hamburg 2022, where Andr&eacute; Thieme and Michael Pender matched each other in second.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7e4f957d-ea55-4942-83db-776fa4243f8a.jpeg?width=1280&amp;height=902" alt="Iw Wellington Nations Cup 334">
For Marilyn Little and La Contessa, it was a first CSI5* podium together, though the underlying form has been building. This pair have jumped clear in each of their last five five-star Grands Prix.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c2b289e8-b4df-4c02-a925-15825588fc46.png?width=1080&amp;height=1196" alt="Open Weekly Quotes (5)">
For Thaisa Erwin, it was a landmark on two counts. Not only a first five-star podium with&nbsp;Hialita B, but the first time since 2010 that an Australian rider has stood on a WEF five-star Grand Prix podium.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/468a2f18-6c97-45b8-b501-4efce7a80d33.png?width=1080&amp;height=1294" alt="Open Weekly Quotes (6)">
All three competitors who finished on the podium confirmed they are aiming for the Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix in Week 12. The form lines are close. The final is just two and a half weeks away.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/20ed7f72-bc2a-44d1-992d-685d98f89829.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Open Weekly Quotes (2)">
<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 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Dressage: Darnell and Harrold S Find Their Form at WEC</h2>
Next Qualifier: Wellington AGDF 10 - CDI-W | The Final: Desert Dressage, Thermal CA (November)
Claire Darnell and Harrold S won Saturday's freestyle at WEC in Ocala with a strong showing. Darnell posted 74.315%, topping four of five judges and sitting second only from the judge at B. It's her best result of the season, and the closest she's looked to the 77% version of herself we've been waiting to see this season. The class finished with three combinations after withdrawals in both the Grand Prix and the freestyle, but that doesn't diminish what Darnell and Harrold S put on the board.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d521ae2f-c76b-418c-b329-4e296336d150.png?width=909&amp;height=1102" alt="Screenshot 2026 03 10 120205">
The fight for second and third came down to five hundredths of a point. Leonardo Antonio Godoy and Marques Do Lis took second at 70.390%, with Charlotte Osborne and Fruhlingszauber at 70.340% in third. Osborne's only judge win came at B, where she edged out the rest of the field with a 70.975%. On the leaderboard, Godoy moves to fifth with 33 points, a significant jump for a partnership that now has three of four counting starts. Osborne climbs to a tied eighth on 29 points.
<a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0c7d2dc9-3c7c-4fd8-ad69-30ae5af6ce48.png?width=1240&amp;height=714" alt="Dnod U Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Dressage "></a>
For Darnell, the win moves her to 35 points on the season, drawing level with Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu for third overall. The Series heads to Wellington next week for the final CDI-W qualifier, where names like Ben Ebeling and Kevin Kohmann are expected on the entry list.
<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 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>.
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40391430/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/28427a/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Open Weekly Graphic with Caroline Pamukcu

The Open Weekly: Pamukcu, Kenny, and Darnell Take Wins Across the Disciplines

<h3 dir="ltr">Eventing: It&rsquo;s Finally Time!</h3>
Next Qualifier: Bouckaert Equestrian, Georgia | The Final: Morven Park, Virginia (October)
Three days is all that stands between us and the start of the 2026 US Equestrian Open eventing season. After months of buildup, form-watching, and series speculation, Bouckaert is finally here. Later this week, watch out for our full preview article and fan guide to help you get the most out of the action.
Before we get there, the weekend just gone offered a reminder of who is on form. The $100,000 LiftMaster Grand Prix Eventing Showcase presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Service saw several combinations with serious Open ambitions.
Phillip Dutton and Denim won the Showcase by going inside the time cross country - one of only two combinations in the entire field to do so. Denim finished 6th at the US Equestrian Open Final last year and placed top 10 at each of the three qualifiers he contested. They start the new year on top form and as major contenders for this year&rsquo;s Series and Final
Second place went to Elisa Wallace and the ten-year-old Lissavorra Quality. Wallace and this horse are not known as a fast combination, yet they crossed the finish line with just 4.8 time penalties. On a day when the clock was tough, this was an exceptional result. 20 penalties at the US Equestrian Open Final and a mixed 2025 season overall makes this performance all the more significant as a reset heading into the new season. If the cross country speed shown here carries into the qualifier season, Lissavorra Quality is one to watch as she develops.
Third place went to the Australian pair Sophia Hill and Humble Glory - the other combination inside the time. Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire finished fourth with Caroline Pamukcu slotting into fifth with King's Especiale. With HSH Double Sixteen and HSH Connor also in her string for Bouckaert, Pamukcu arrives this week as one of the title contenders with genuine depth.
<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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<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">Dressage: The Double Header Delivers a New Series Leader</h3>
Next Qualifier: WEC - March Dressage | The Final: Desert Dressage, Thermal CA (November)
Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn is the new US Equestrian Open of Dressage Series leader.&nbsp;A coast-to-coast double header to open 2026 delivered great sport, excitement, and personal bests, but it was Vaughn&rsquo;s weekend in California that changed the Series picture most.
HITS Del Mar Dressage Opener
California's Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn and Gino had a weekend to remember at Del Mar. The pair opened with a personal best in Friday's Grand Prix before going on to claim the Freestyle Qualifier the following day with 75.955%. On the Series leaderboard, Vaughn moves to first overall with 45 points. The result also carries significant World Cup implications.&nbsp;
<a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/26f73d45-9ce2-4dd7-899b-c777fe4b02e1.png?width=1240&amp;height=714" alt="Bo Iwm Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Dressage "></a>
The victory draws Vaughn level with Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu and Jaccardo on 57 points in the North American League standings, placing her second behind Christian Simonson on Indian Rock, whose 60 points have all but confirmed his place at the Final in Fort Worth, Texas this April.&nbsp;
Vaughn's spot is not yet secure, however. Her three-score average sits below Fraser-Beaulieu's, who looks well-positioned for one of the three North American starting places. The third berth will be decided at the final qualifier at Wellington's Global Dressage Festival in two weeks, where Kevin Kohmann (54 points) and Benjamin Ebeling (52 points) could each tie both riders with a win. All ties are broken by the highest average.
Brittney Eastgate (formerly Simpson) was also in the ribbons aboard Kartsevo Goldfinch, posting a combination-best 72.020% for second place in the Freestyle.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVZHO_XkQ_O/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5789f223-8a88-4901-8606-b2515bcc1b07.png?width=907&amp;height=1104" alt="Screenshot 2026 03 03 111023"></a>
Adequan&reg; Global Dressage Festival 8
On the East Coast, Sweden's Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven delivered a commanding performance aboard Hyatt, a 13-year-old KWPN mare, taking the win with 78.000%. Germany's Michael Klimke and Harmony's Fado found themselves in second with a personal best of 74.770%, a result that moves Klimke into tied 7th on the Series leaderboard with 25 points. Susan Dutta rounded out the three-horse field in third and now sits on 23 points, placing her in tied 9th overall.
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVT4cg5kR-n/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/3ad941f8-d866-4f9b-941f-7465640cbd62.png?width=904&amp;height=1099" alt="Screenshot 2026 03 03 110949"></a>
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/dressage" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/df3afaab-1f25-4fab-a1dc-c46c608169fb.png?width=1080&amp;height=171" alt="Read More Dressage"></a>
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<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">Show Jumping: Cook Dominates Wellington</h3>
The Rolex US Equestrian Open Final: Wellington, Week 12 | Countdown: 3 Weeks
Last week was a strong one for US riders. At WEF Week 8, Team USA defended their title in the Wellington CSIO4* Nations Cup, and 24 hours later Karl Cook topped the Grand Prix podium.
The US squad of Karl Cook, Marilyn Little, Callie Schott, and anchor McLain Ward faced eight other nations. With Cook, Little, and Schott all jumping clear, Ward sat out the first round.&nbsp;
When he was called upon in the decider, Ward delivered. Riding Jordan Molga M (pictured below), a partnership still gaining mileage at this level, he produced a composed clear to secure gold ahead of Ireland, with Canada finishing third.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/ecc3e3cf-633f-42c9-91b5-0bab9c781d39.jpeg?width=2500&amp;height=2336" alt="Wefcsio4 87">
The victory marked back-to-back Nations Cup wins for the U.S. in Wellington and the nation&rsquo;s 11th title in the 25-year history of the event.
While the team result made the headlines, Marilyn Little with La Contessa and Callie Schott riding Garant (pictured below) were the standout performers, each producing double-clear rounds. At Nations Cup level, that kind of consistency is exceptional and it was the foundation of the win.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/388830b2-b247-4788-ab9a-e24aa470760e.jpeg?width=2500&amp;height=2070" alt="Wefcsio4 67">
Sunday&rsquo;s $200,000 JTWG Inc. Grand Prix came down to a five-horse jump-off. Karl Cook and Signe Ostby&rsquo;s Candy claimed the win with a bold inside turn to the final fence, leaving out a stride to gaining the edge. Ireland&rsquo;s Darragh Kenny (Colibelle Hero Z) and Shane Sweetnam (Coriaan van Klapscheut Z) finished second and third.
Cook&rsquo;s golden weekend, Nations Cup gold on Saturday, Grand Prix victory on Sunday, comes just three weeks before the Rolex US Equestrian Open Final. <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/ward-wins-in-wellington-again" target="_blank" rel="noopener">McLain Ward is carrying momentum from Week 7</a>; now Cook has firmly entered the conversation. The picture is sharpening. The combinations capable of winning Week 12 are making themselves known, one result at a time. Week 9 is next.
<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 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>.

Open Weekly Promo Graphic with Phillip Dutton and Denim

The Open Weekly: Bouckaert Opens, Vaughn Takes the Lead, and Cook Shines at WEF

<h2 dir="ltr">Dressage: Werth Rewrites the Record Books in Wellington</h2>
Next Qualifier: Palm Beach Derby 2/25 + Del Mar Dressage Opener 2/26 | The Final: Desert Dressage, Thermal CA (November)
Isabell Werth returned to Wellington for the first time in 16 years and immediately rewrote the record books. The World No. 2 and Special Blend 3 scored 82.660% &mdash; the highest mark in US Equestrian Open of Dressage history &mdash; on the partnership's FEI Grand Prix Freestyle debut, backed by a 90.120% artistic score and 10s from three judges for music.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/8d90e1c0-c60c-404d-b125-e3c0f01ccc41.jpg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Snap Insta.to 640935575 17936794482171204 7782157409439030159 N">
Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu and Jaccardo earned second on 79.250% in the 12-year-old's first Friday night, and Julio Mendoza Loor and Jewel's Goldstrike rounded out the podium at 78.165%.
"This freestyle is really, really difficult and I was not sure what Special would do because he's not experienced in these kinds of atmospheres, but he was very focused," said Werth. "This crowd was so supportive and started to clap, which is something special. That end to a test is a feeling I really enjoy, and it's how you know why you're still in the saddle in a competition."
Read the full AGDF 7 recap &rarr; <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/isabell-werth-sets-new-us-equestrian-open-of-dressage-record-in-wellington">https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/isabell-werth-sets-new-us-equestrian-open-of-dressage-record-in-wellington</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/275c4b1f-9268-4fdb-b93c-66c1be8b798b.png?width=1240&amp;height=714" alt="Tbu9b Current Leaderboard of the Us Equestrian Open of Dressage "></a>
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/dressage" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/df3afaab-1f25-4fab-a1dc-c46c608169fb.png?width=1080&amp;height=171" alt="Read More Dressage"></a>
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Show Jumping: McLain Ward and High Star Hero Light Up WEF Week 7</h2>
The US Equestrian Open Final: Wellington, Week 12 | Countdown: 4 Weeks
The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) has passed its halfway point, and the picture at the top of the sport is coming into sharper focus. Saturday night's CSI5* $500,000 Modon Grand Prix produced a winner who needs no introduction on home soil and results that will echo all the way to Week 12.
<h3 dir="ltr">McLain Ward &amp; High Star Hero&nbsp;</h3>
McLain Ward claimed the Week 7 Grand Prix aboard High Star Hero, a result that lands him in rare company even by his own exceptional standards. This is the fourth time Ward has won this exact Grand Prix with his previous three victories all coming with the iconic HH Azur (2016, 2017, and 2020). As a combination, this was Ward and High Star Hero&rsquo;s fourth CSI5* 1.60m win together, following previous victories at the World Cup of Arcada and two Grand Prix Qualifiers in the Hamptons.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c3eee625-2e89-4d77-bc2d-c701ab0ef05e.jpeg?width=1600&amp;height=1326" alt="Img L7339">
With just over four weeks until the Rolex US Equestrian Open Final, Ward will be defending momentum and arriving with a horse in form. Home advantage, a proven track record at this event, and a clear jump-off performance on Friday night: this combination are going to be major contenders for a home win.
<h3 dir="ltr">Mark Bluman &amp; Landon de Nyze</h3>
Second place went to Mark Bluman and Landon de Nyze and the story behind it makes the podium even more impressive. Bluman and Landon only became a combination in December, less than two months ago. They have already won two 1.55m classes together. Friday night was their first 5* Grand Prix together, and they walked away with a podium finish.
New partnerships at the 5* level rarely produce results this quickly. The jump from building a partnership to landing a top-two finish in a Grand Prix of this calibre in under two months warrants close attention heading into the back half of the WEF season.
<h3 dir="ltr">Shane Sweetnam &amp; James Kann Cruz</h3>
The bronze position went to Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz. Friday&rsquo;s result was their 20th individual 5* 1.60m podium finish together, with eight of those arriving in the past twelve months alone.
Their jump-off record borders on the extraordinary: 18 clears from 21 rounds at the 5* 1.60m level (86%), translating to 19 podium finishes from those jump-off appearances. When Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz make it to a jump-off at this level, a top-three finish has become the expectation rather than the exception.
<h3 dir="ltr">The Bigger Picture</h3>
There are four CSI5* Grand Prix during the WEF season: Weeks 5, 7, 9, and 12. With Weeks 5 and 7 now complete, there are just two more chances to win big before the Final. Saturday night marked another pit stop but Week 12 remains the ultimate destination.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/jumping" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/eeee484b-ef16-4e10-9de3-6d72b0a7f0c7.png?width=1080&amp;height=161" alt="Read More Jumping"></a>
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<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Eventing: The Countdown to Bouckaert Begins</h2>
Next Qualifier: Bouckaert Equestrian | Countdown: 1 Week
The first qualifier of the 2026 US Equestrian Open of Eventing is one week away, and the anticipation building around the CCI4*-S at Bouckaert Farm is well earned. The entry list has been confirmed<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> (check out our deep dive in last week Open Weekly)</a> and with 28 combinations set to line up in Georgia, this is already shaping up to be one of the stronger editions of this event.
Bouckaert Farm has been hosting the CCI4*-S since 2013. Across 15 previous runnings of the class, exactly 280 horses have started. That means the venue is set to welcome its 300th (and beyond) CCI4*-S starter in the coming days. For an event that describes horses as being at its heart, it is a milestone worth marking.
The 28-entry field clears the 25-combination threshold required for a high-scoring qualifier and provides some cushion against the inevitable pre-event withdrawals. Last year&rsquo;s running of this event drew 19 starters, which means this year the field is deeper and the stakes are correspondingly higher.
No name carries more significance into this weekend than <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/new-flag-for-the-frontrunner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lucienne Bellissimo.</a> The Series leader arrives at Bouckaert with two horses and a lead to defend.&nbsp;Bellissimo brings Kitsch Couture HPK and four-star debutant Qatar M. It is a debut that Bellissimo herself has been building toward, and her excitement ahead of the run has been visible.&nbsp;
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lucienne_bellissimo?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@lucienne_bellissimo </a>'Qatar M' gearing up for his first run of the season this week, looking forward to trying to get him to his first <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@usequestrianopen</a> this April.&nbsp;
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Just over one week out, and the road to the 2026 US Equestrian Open of Eventing Series title picks up speed from here.
<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/eventing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/254e09dd-d92e-4194-986b-baf0dbd8460b.png?width=1080&amp;height=158" alt="Read More Eventing"></a>
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<h2 data-path-to-node="4">Stay in the Loop with The Open Weekly</h2>
Thanks for joining us for this week's edition! Don't forget: a fresh update of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/the-open-weekly" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Open Weekly</a>&nbsp;drops on this site every Tuesday.
<h3 data-path-to-node="9">Join the Conversation</h3>
Follow us for daily highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and live updates:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/useqopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>
<h3 data-path-to-node="6">Go Beyond the Article</h3>
Catch the latest insights and expert interviews on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sites.libsyn.com/559710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Equestrian Open Podcast</a>.
<iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40223065/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/28427a/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

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