Breaking New Ground: US Equestrian Open Series Offers Unprecedented $1 Million Prize Fund

A Series Like No Other

The US Equestrian Open Series stands apart as a unique and innovative competition format, designed to showcase the very best in equestrian talent across three disciplines. With its seven-figure prize fund, the series is poised to become a cornerstone event in the global equestrian calendar.

Breaking Down the Numbers
The $1 million prize money will be distributed across the entire series, encompassing multiple events in eventing, dressage, and jumping. This substantial investment represents:

• The largest prize fund ever offered in a U.S. equestrian series
• A significant increase in earning potential for top athletes
• A game-changing incentive for international competitors to participate

Empowering Athletes and Fueling Growth
This significant prize fund is more than just a number—it's a statement of intent. By offering such substantial rewards, the US Equestrian Open Series aims to:

• Attract Top Talent: Draw the world's best athletes to compete on American soil
  
• Elevate Performance Standards: Motivate athletes to push their limits and achieve new levels of excellence
  
• Increase Participation: Encourage more athletes to participate at the highest level
  
• Boost Media Coverage: Generate greater interest and coverage from mainstream sports media
  
• Enhance Spectator Experience: Create more exciting, high-stakes competitions for fans to enjoy

A Strategic Investment in the Future
The decision to offer such a considerable prize fund aligns with US Equestrian's long-term vision for the sport. As stated by the organization:

“The launch of the US Equestrian Open series has been a priority for us. There’s a purpose-driven need for equestrian sport to produce a more commercially significant and identifiable championship model within the United States, particularly focused around the Olympic disciplines,” said David O’Connor, US Equestrian’s Chief of Sport. 

“We’ve seen new and creative branded series introduced across other mainstream sports, such as golf and tennis, which have experienced tremendous success, both from an athlete and spectator perspective. As an organization, we felt strongly we needed to move the needle forward in our sport by providing access to significant prize money and standing behind a unique model for each discipline, which encourages participation at the highest levels.”

This approach acknowledges the pivotal role that athletes play in the sport's success and growth. By providing substantial financial incentives, the series aims to:

• Retain top talent within the sport
  
• Attract new national and international athletes to compete
• Provide a sustainable career path for professional athletes

A New Standard for Equestrian Competitions
The $1 million prize fund sets a new benchmark for equestrian events in the United States and globally. It positions the US Equestrian Open Series alongside other high-profile sports tournaments, potentially attracting broader audience interest and sponsorship opportunities. 

Looking Ahead
As the equestrian community eagerly anticipates the launch of this groundbreaking series, the $1 million prize fund stands as a testament to US Equestrian's commitment to the sport's growth and excellence. It promises to usher in a new era of competition, where athletic prowess meets unprecedented reward.

The US Equestrian Open Series is not just a competition—it's a bold statement about the future of equestrian sport in America. With its record-breaking prize money and innovative format, it's set to redefine what's possible in the world of competitive equestrianism.

Stay Connected
Stay up to date with news and standings of the US Equestrian Open Series on Facebook and Instagram. Follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Use #USEquestrianOpen. 

For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at cweilminster@usef.org . For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at lgriffin@usef.org.