New Year, New Fans: What Actually is the US Equestrian Open of Eventing?

The US Equestrian Open of Eventing is reshaping elite competition in the United States. Launched in 2024 by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), this season-long championship series offers a structured points race across 20 qualifying events, culminating in a $200,000 final.

For new fans discovering the sport in 2026, here's everything you need to know about how the series works, why it matters, and what makes it one of the most significant developments in American eventing.

What is the US Equestrian Open of Eventing?

The US Equestrian Open of Eventing is a season-long championship series organized by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Think of it like a points race across multiple competitions, similar to NASCAR or professional golf tours, where athletes accumulate points throughout the season to qualify for a winner-takes-all finale.

The series is part of a broader US Equestrian Open initiative that also includes Dressage and Jumping disciplines, all designed to build momentum and mainstream excitement ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

How Does The US Equestrian Open of Eventing Work?

The format is straightforward: there are 20 qualifying events which are held at venues all across the United States at the CCI4*-S level.

At each qualifier, riders earn points based on their final placings. The more competitive the field (qualifiers with more than 25 starters award higher points), the more points are up for grabs. After the qualifying season concludes, the rider who accumulates the most points from their best six qualifier results wins the series and claims a $25,000 prize, with second and third place earning $15,000 and $10,000 respectively.

But that's not all.

The Big Finale

Riders who complete at least one series qualifier with a Minimum Eligibility Result (MER) can qualify for the US Equestrian Open Final or they can buy into the final for $5,000, which gets added to the prize pot. The final is a CCI4*-L competition held each October at Morven Park International in Leesburg, Virginia, featuring a staggering $200,000 in prize money.

That's right: $200,000 - the highest-ever prize pot offered at this level of eventing.

Why Does The US Equestrian Open Matter?

Historically, American riders seeking tough top-level competition often traveled to Europe. The US Equestrian Open creates a world-class alternative on home soil, keeping elite talent stateside while providing fans with a structured season they can follow from start to finish.

The series creates an opportunity for fans to create a deeper connection to equestrian sport by delivering a premier, unified championship series that engages a broader fanbase through top-level competition, storytelling, and dynamic entertainment. Real-time leaderboards track the season-long race, creating narratives fans can follow as riders climb the standings toward that $200,000 finale.

The series also marks eventing's push toward mainstream sports visibility. The finals are broadcast on ESPN and the USEF Network, bringing the sport to audiences who might never have watched eventing before.

The Inaugural Champion of the US Equestrian Open

The first-ever US Equestrian Open Final took place October 9th-12th 2025 at Morven Park. Four-time Olympian Boyd Martin rode Miks Master C to victory, edging out Will Coleman and Off The Record after they had a single rail in the final show jumping phase. The dramatic finish showcased exactly the kind of high-stakes competition the series was designed to deliver.

Boyd Martin also won the overall series title, earning the $25,000 series prize in addition to his final victory. Phillip Dutton claimed second place in the series standings ($15,000), with Caroline Pamukcu rounding out the podium in third ($10,000).

Following the 2026 Series

With two qualifiers happening at the end of the 2025 season, this year's qualifying events will kick off again with Bouckaert International on March 5th and run through early October, culminating in the final at Morven Park October 8-11, 2026. Real-time leaderboards track point standings throughout the season, making it easy for new fans to follow the championship race as it unfolds.

Whether you're completely new to eventing or a longtime fan looking for elite competition, the US Equestrian Open offers an accessible entry point to one of equestrian sport's most demanding disciplines—with prize money, prestige, and the coverage to match.

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.