6 Key Things to Know About Qualifier 7's Doubleheader
Two coasts, two qualifiers, and one high-stakes weekend—here’s what to watch for.
For the first time this season, the US Equestrian Open of Dressage splits in two, with qualifiers unfolding on both coasts this weekend. Riders will face off in Ocala and Del Mar, marking the first West Coast qualifier since opening weekend. Below are six key storylines to follow as the competition unfolds.
1. This weekend marks the series’ first doubleheader
With two qualifiers happening simultaneously, competitors on both coasts are fighting for valuable series points. The World Equestrian Center in Ocala hosts Qualifier 7 - East, while Del Mar Horse Park in California sees the return of West Coast action for Qualifier 7 - West—the first in the region since opening weekend.
2. Familiar names and new entrants are in the mix
Week One winner Genay Vaughn is competing again on Gino in Del Mar, and Week Five winner Denielle Gallagher is returning with Come Back de Massa in Ocala. Both riders have a chance to become the first double winner of the series—and if either of them succeeds, they will tie Evelyn Eger for first place in the standings.
3. Vaughn and Gino are on an upward trajectory.
Although the pair are technically third based on averages, their consistent scoring improvements put them in strong contention for first place this weekend. If they achieve a new combination best, they will be well within reach of challenger Günter Seidel’s averages. Vaughn and Gino won Qualifier One on a score of 75.150%, while Seidel and Equirelle’s average freestyle score sits at 75.423%—putting Vaughn within striking range of a victory.
4. Three-time Olympian Günter Seidel enters the series competition on Equirelle
The pair last competed at the FEI level in November 2024, when Seidel piloted Equirelle to first place in the Grand Prix Special. However, before that, they had not appeared in an FEI arena since 2021, which was also the last time they completed a freestyle. At that event, they finished second with a score of 76.615%, their combination-best. While they may be shaking off some rust this weekend, it’s hard to count them out as podium contenders. With the highest average in the field (75.423%) and Seidel’s decades of experience, they are well-positioned to impress this weekend
5. The East Coast qualifier is wide open, with the top three entrants separated by less than one percentage point.
• Hatsjie B (James Koford) – 71.808%
• Dee Clair (Caroline Stevenson) – 71.378%.
• Come Back de Massa (Denielle Gallagher) – 70.748%
Although Dee Clair’s personal best is 76.100%, that score came with rider Anna Marek in 2021. This will be Stevenson’s first FEI freestyle aboard Dee Clair, though they have completed four freestyles at the national level.
6. Three horses are making their FEI Grand Prix Freestyle debut this weekend
On the East Coast, Etanga (ridden by Alexandra Dominguez Thomas), and on the West Coast, Flower-power and Iniesto (both ridden by Laura de Cesari) will make their first appearances.
With two qualifiers running simultaneously for the first time, this weekend’s competition could have a major impact on the series standings. With top contenders looking to solidify their positions and new faces entering the mix, both coasts promise an exciting showdown as the road to the US Equestrian Open Finals continues to unfold. Both freestyle classes take place Saturday, February 15. Become a USEF Network Fan for free to stream the upcoming qualifiers live!
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