Five Combinations Primed to Make Their Mark in the 2026 US Equestrian Open
Five performances at CCI3*-L which caught the eye and suggest big things for the CCI4*-S season.
As the 2025 season winds down, we wondered who might have a breakthrough season at CCI4*-S next year? We turned to the EquiRatings High Performance rating to give us some clues, looking at who had measurably good results at CCI3*-L this year as a precursor to a 2026 step-up.
What’s the HPR?
The High Performance Rating (HPR) measures the strength of a single performance. For every result, the HPR assesses factors such as quality of opponents beaten, winning margin, course difficulty and scoring conditions. Because these factors vary from one competition to another, not all wins are equal and not all scores exactly reflect the true level of performance. By acknowledging and capturing these variables, the HPR objectively compares performances and placings across different classes.
HPRs in the 90s are exceptional - the kind of complete performance that signals a horse is ready to climb the levels.
The following five combinations earned the highest HPRs among all CCI3*-L results on US soil this year.
1. Isabelle Bosley & Conner — HPR 96 | 24.8 (1st)
Best 3*-L result of 2025: 24.8 to win the 3*-L at Maryland 5 Star
Why it matters: Just eight years old, Conner produced one of the most complete 3*-L wins of 2025. On his first run at the level, Conner finished on his sub-25 dressage score to top the 53-strong field. The performance gave Isabelle her first CCI3*-L victory and one of the highest HPRs recorded all season.
2. Alyssa Phillips & Rockett 19 — HPR 95 | 25.5 (2nd)
Best 3*-L result of 2025: 25.5 for 2nd place in the Maryland 5 Star 3*-L
Why it matters: Having just acquired the ride on Rockett 19 this year, Alyssa and the 10-year-old have already produced two wins at the 3*-S level (Bouckaert & Plantation). Finishing on their dressage score at Maryland 3*-L earned them a statement second place in the deep field.
3. Rebecca Brown & Fernhill Quite Frankly — HPR 88 | 29.3 (1st)
Best 3*-L result of 2025: 29.3 to win the Ocala 3*-L.
Why it matters: On Fernhill Quite Frankly’s first ever run at the level, he and Rebecca earned the win. They were second after the first phase on a sub-30 score and, of 27 starters, Rebecca and the 10-year-old “Frank” were one of only two pairs to finish on their dressage score, winning on 29.3.
Of our top five list, Frank and Jewelent are the only horses who’ve already contested a four-star. Frank’s came a few months after his 3*-L win but the pair didn’t complete cross-country on that first attempt, choosing to retire. A step down to 2*-S afterward proved a confidence-boosting run (jumped double clear) so it will be interesting to see how Frank carries his few months of extra experience into the four-star level next season.
4. Olivia Dutton & Jewelent — HPR 88 | 32.9 (3rd)
Best 3*-L result of 2025: 32.9 for 3rd in the Maryland 5 Star 3*-L
Why it matters: Jewelent is one of the more-familiar names on our list as the 13-year-old has already contested 20 four-stars and even jumped clear around Badminton 2022. But this was his first year with Olivia and the pair got to know each other with two three-star runs, including their 3rd place in the Maryland 3*-L.
With Sea Of Clouds, Olivia has 11 four-star runs under her belt so - with both Jewelent and Olivia knowing the four-star ropes - this will definitely be an exciting pair for 2026.
5. Margaret Pellegrini & Falcon Crown Z — HPR 85 | 27.7 (1st)
Best 3*-L result of 2025: 27.7 to win the CCI3*-L at Rebecca Farm
Why it matters: When Meg and Falcon Crown Z step up to four-star, it will be a level debut for both horse and rider. The pair took the Rebecca Farm 3*-L win by finishing on their dressage score. It was their first and only 3*-L as a pair (to date) and while they’ve shown mixed cross-country form at the 3*-S level they did produce a second place result at Tryon 3*-S this past May and added just 0.8 time faults over the Plantation 3*-S course last year. They’ve demonstrated ability at three-star and now it’s just a matter of consistency and strategy for the step up to four-star.
Why These Five Matter
Each combination delivered a complete three-phase performance: low dressage, efficient cross-country, and clean show-jumping. These are precisely the indicators of readiness that the US Equestrian Open of Eventing was created to celebrate; rewarding development, not just destination.
The Open Continues
The 2026 US Equestrian Open of Eventing is already underway. Bouckaert opened the season and TerraNova is next on the calendar. Stay tuned as new stars emerge and established names climb higher.
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