US Open of Dressage: A Three-Way Tie at the Top

Since Week One, US riders have been attempting to reclaim the top spot on the US Open of Dressage leaderboard. Now, Geñay Vaughn, who won the season’s opening qualifier, is back at the top, though this time she shares first place in a three-way tie with Canada’s Denielle Gallagher and Germany’s Evelyn Eger.

This weekend marks the first time in series history that a rider has won two qualifiers, and remarkably, it happened twice. Vaughn took the victory on the West Coast at the HITS Del Mar Dressage Opener, while Gallagher did the same in Florida at the WEC-Ocala CDI3*.

West Coast Triumph: Vaughn Secures Repeat Victory

Vaughn continued her reign on the West Coast, delivering a dominant performance and securing the win with a score of 74.370%. Her Grand Prix test the day before set the tone for the weekend with a solid 70.739%, far outpacing the rest of the field.

This marks Vaughn’s sixth consecutive victory with Gino, establishing her as an undeniable force in the region. Vaughn had posted personal bests in her last three outings, and though a few minor mistakes in her tempi changes may have kept her from another PB this weekend, the rest of her test was strong and well-executed. Her growing consistency is a testament to her partnership with Gino, a 14-year-old KWPN gelding. Purchased by Vaughn’s mother when he was six, Gino showed raw potential from the start.

"She knew right away; even though he wasn’t like he is now, she could see the potential that he had," Vaughn told Chronicle of the Horse last year.

With this result, Vaughn is now officially qualified for the World Cup Final in Basel, Switzerland, where she will join fellow American Adrienne Lyle and Helix in representing the US.

Kristina Harrison-Antell (USA) and 15-year-old KWPN gelding Finley delivered a strong performance to finish second with a score of 70.910%. This marks her second runner-up finish of the season, having also placed second at the Thermal opener. Harrison-Antell’s test featured standout moments, particularly in the extended trot, which was fluid and expressive. The halt work was another highlight, earning 8s from four out of five judges for its precision and balance.

East Coast Brilliance: Gallagher Joins the Double-Win Club

On the East Coast, Denielle Gallagher claimed victory with a personal best score of 72.940%, besting her previous high, which was also set at this venue just weeks ago. She also won the Grand Prix the day before, further cementing her partnership with 13-year-old Lusitano gelding, Come Back de Massa.

The pair’s freestyle is an ode to horse lovers worldwide. Set to the nostalgic soundtrack from Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, the instantly recognizable melodies from Bryan Adams and Hans Zimmer deeply resonated with the audience.

"The ‘Spirit’ soundtrack is emotional," Gallagher said. "I heard people in the crowd talking about crying when I started out. I either want people dancing in their seats or crying. I want to hit them emotionally."

With this win, Gallagher extends her international win streak to four and now finds herself in a three-way tie for first in the US Open of Dressage standings.

Gallagher wasn't the only rider celebrating a personal best this weekend. Eline Eckroth also continued her upward trajectory with a first-ever score in the 70s. Her 71.055% was enough for second place—an impressive achievement considering she and her 14-year-old Oldenburg mare, Daphne, moved up to Grand Prix just three months ago. The pair also posted a personal best in the Grand Prix the day before.

What’s Next?

The qualifiers continue in Wellington next weekend for Adequan® Global Dressage Festival 7, where two key contenders in the US Open of Dressage standings will be in action—Evelyn Eger (GER), who currently shares the lead, and Felicitas Hendricks (GER), winner of Week Two’s qualifier. With standings this competitive, next weekend's results could once again reshape the leaderboard.

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