Leaderboard Drama Looms at Qualifier 17
East and West Coast riders look to disrupt the standings as the US Equestrian Open heads into its final stretch.
For the second time this season, the US Equestrian Open of Dressage unfolds on both coasts, with qualifiers at Pacific Coast Dressage in Temecula, California, and TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City, Florida. Only six qualifiers remain before the Finals in November, and leaderboard points are at a premium.
This weekend could bring a pivotal shift in the Series standings. Two-time winner Geñay Vaughn is chasing a historic third victory. Ben Ebeling looks to solidify his Finals contention. Kristina Harrison-Antell and Devon Kane are poised to break into the top ranks. Eline Eckroth’s strategy could vault her into third overall. And Günter Seidel aims to secure his Finals ticket with a promising new mount.
As the leaderboard’s Top 18 cutoff tightens, every percentage point matters.
Vaughn Chases a Record Third Win
Two victories earlier this year propelled Geñay Vaughn into a three-way tie for the series lead this spring. She currently sits 19th after missing recent qualifiers, but another strong finish would push her safely into Finals qualification. Since returning from the FEI World Cup Final in Basel — where Vaughn and Gino earned a respectable 73.765% in their World Cup Finals debut — she now makes her first US Equestrian Open appearance since February. All eyes will be on the pair’s return this weekend.
Because of the small field size, simply completing her freestyle will be enough to move Vaughn into the Top 18 — displacing another rider from Finals contention. A win at Galway Downs this weekend would also make her the first three-time qualifier winner this season. Gino’s current freestyle average stands at 73.051%, with a personal best of 75.150%.
Ebeling Targets Another Win
Ben Ebeling and Bellena made a statement at their only US Equestrian Open outing this season, taking the win with a 75.740%. Though Ebeling sits outside the Top 18 due to limited starts, another high-scoring win at TerraNova would put him within striking distance. One more qualifier after this would make him a serious Finals threat. It’s not just about qualifying, either. With scoring power already demonstrated, Ebeling could pose a legitimate challenge to current series leader Anna Marek when the Finals roll around.
Leaderboard Movement Mayhem
On the East Coast, Charlotte Jorst, Devon Kane, and Eline Eckroth are all poised to make leaderboard moves at TerraNova.
Jorst and Zhaplin Langholt return to the entry list this weekend. She has competed in three qualifiers this season, winning at Gold Coast and finishing fourth in the same event where Ebeling claimed victory. Because of the smaller field sizes this week, simply completing her freestyle will earn Jorst enough points to move into the Top 18 — pushing out one of the current riders.
Devon Kane and Vamos are projected to finish third at TerraNova based on their average of 73.193%. A result in that range would push Kane solidly into the Top 10, a significant jump after spending much of the season hovering around the leaderboard bubble.
Eline Eckroth, who has quietly climbed the standings through tactical scheduling, stands to benefit once again. Though her freestyle averages remain modest at 69.680%, simply completing her ride — even in last place — will earn enough points to surpass Karen Lipp and take over third place in the overall standings.
While the East Coast riders aim to solidify or improve their positions, the West Coast lineup is poised for even bigger leaderboard shifts.
Kristina Harrison-Antell, who won the last West Coast qualifier, also returns this weekend. If she finishes third or better, she will move into second overall in the Series standings, ending the long hold Germany’s Evelyn Eger has had on the runner-up position since Week 8.
Günter Seidel brings a new mount, Jack, to the freestyle arena. While Jack has limited experience at this level, his recent Grand Prix Special results suggest he’s ready for the challenge. Seidel is projected to finish fourth this weekend, which would earn him 15 points — enough to secure a place inside the Top 10 and comfortably above the Top 18 cut line.
Tune in to the USEF Network this weekend for coast-to-coast action as the US Equestrian Open of Dressage continues its thrilling march toward the Finals. Sign up for free!
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