New Flag for the Frontrunner
A new flag. A familiar name at the top. Lucienne Bellissimo begins 2026 as the leader of the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Series, now representing the United States.
Lucienne Bellissimo has spent much of her career flying the British flag. In 2026, she’s doing something new - leading the U.S. Equestrian Open of Eventing Series as an American.
After officially becoming a United States citizen in late 2025, Bellissimo now represents the US as she sits atop the 2026 Open leaderboard following the first two qualifiers, both contested with Dyri and Kitsch Couture HPK at the tail end of last season.
A Long-Term Commitment Comes Full Circle
Originally from England, Bellissimo has based her life, business, and competitive career in the United States for many years. Her decision to change nationality reflects a long-term personal and professional commitment to American eventing - one built gradually rather than overnight.
“It is such an honor to now be an American citizen. Becoming part of a culture that celebrates big dreams feels like the right home. The support of my husband and stepchildren through this chapter has been so inspiring, and I will give my all to make them and America proud in the next chapter of my eventing career."
Becoming a US citizen allows Bellissimo to align her competitive ambitions with the country she has called home, including her long-term goal of representing Team USA at the highest level of the sport.
Experience at the Top Level
Bellissimo brings decades of top-level experience into this new chapter. She has competed internationally at CCI4* level since 2006 and has ranked as high as ninth in the US Eventing Rankings, alongside appearances inside the top 50 of the FEI world rankings.
Beyond competition, she is also the founder of Horse Scout Group and has spent more than 20 years developing and sourcing elite event horses - experience that continues to shape her depth and durability at the top of the sport.
A New Flag, the Same Ambition
Nationality may have changed, but Bellissimo’s competitive direction remains clear. With her sights set on a CCI5* future and a strong start to the US Equestrian Open Series already in hand, she enters 2026 as both a proven campaigner and a new face for Team USA.
As the season unfolds, Bellissimo’s Open campaign will be followed not just as a points race but as the beginning of a new era under a new flag.
Listen to Lucienne Bellissimo on the US Equestrian Open Podcast last year.
Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing
Check out the full Series calendar below and stay connected with the latest news and standings on Facebook and Instagram. Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.
Also follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter).
For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at USEquestrianOpen@usef.org.
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.
