<p data-start="365" data-end="687">The US Equestrian Open of Eventing heads to <strong data-start="411" data-end="452">Aspen Farms this weekend</strong> for the thirteenth CCI4*-S qualifier before the $200K Final in October. Here&rsquo;s what to watch for across all three phases and which combinations have the numbers (and the speed) to contend.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36769990/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/003480/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>The Start List<br><br></h3>
<p>A small field, doesn't mean it won't be competitive...</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Karen O&rsquo;Neal &amp; Clooney 14 (USA) - </strong>Karen arrives at Aspen with the 11-year-old Clooney 14, fresh off a fourth-place finish at the CCI4*-S at Twin Rivers. After narrowly missing the podium there, she&rsquo;ll be determined to move up a place (or two) this weekend.</li>
<li><strong>Tommy Greengard &amp; Joshuay MBF (USA) -</strong> This is Tommy&rsquo;s first four-star run with Joshuay MBF since 2023. They missed the 2024 season but returned strong at the CCI3* level earlier this year. With two 4*-S starts under his belt this season on <strong data-start="580" data-end="595">That&rsquo;s Me Z</strong>, Tommy comes in sharp and competition-ready.</li>
<li><strong>Cristina Rennie &amp; Flight Of The Arabesque (CAN) - </strong>This will only be the second CCI4* for both horse and rider but their debut last year couldn&rsquo;t have gone better: a double clear and a second-place finish. Cristina started strong and will be aiming high again at Aspen.</li>
<li><strong>Renee Kalkman &amp; Flame Eternal </strong><span style="font-weight: 500;"><strong>(CAN) -</strong> Coming off a podium finish at the CCI3*-L&nbsp;at Twin Rivers, this experienced pair arrives with momentum. The 14-year-old proved his pace with no time penalties there and on Aspen's cross country course, that could be the edge they need.</span></li>
</ol>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="1315" data-end="1376">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="1315" data-end="1376"><strong data-start="1340" data-end="1376">Dressage: Can They Start Strong?</strong></h3>
<p data-start="1378" data-end="1624">Only&nbsp;<span data-start="1633" data-end="1670">2 of the last 10 dressage leaders</span> at US CCI4*-S events have gone on to win. A good start matters but you&rsquo;ll need to stay strong through jumping too.<br><br><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f2505e01-e42e-4c5d-8c2e-95d728da0b51.png?width=633&amp;height=766" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 11 165655"></p>
<p data-start="1378" data-end="1624">&nbsp;</p>
<p data-start="1378" data-end="1624"><strong data-start="1378" data-end="1392">Joshua MBF</strong> enters with the lowest 6RA (29.6) in the field meaning he&rsquo;s the most proven dressage performer on recent form. But don&rsquo;t count out&nbsp;<strong data-start="1524" data-end="1538">Clooney 14</strong> or <strong data-start="1542" data-end="1569">Flight of the Arabesque</strong>, who both sit comfortably in the low-to-mid 30s range.</p>
<p data-start="1378" data-end="1624"><br><br><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/bae6de8c-f1c2-44c5-a7a6-50cca7cf7d07.png?width=595&amp;height=616" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 11 165221"></p>
<p data-start="1378" data-end="1624">&nbsp;</p>
<hr data-start="1800" data-end="1803">
<h3 data-start="1805" data-end="1862">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="1805" data-end="1862"><strong data-start="1832" data-end="1862">Show Jumping: The Decider?</strong></h3>
<p data-start="1864" data-end="2017">With <strong data-start="1869" data-end="1897">only 30% of rounds clear</strong> at U.S. CCI4*-S events, this is where many dreams unravel. Aspen&rsquo;s 2024 edition saw just one clear round in this phase.<br><br><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/27e32dd2-0709-4820-b33f-fca45c384c27.png?width=385&amp;height=550" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 11 165900"></p>
<p data-start="2019" data-end="2035">Who jumps clean? <strong data-start="2038" data-end="2052">Clooney 14</strong> and <strong data-start="2057" data-end="2071">Joshua MBF</strong> are the most reliable jumpers on paper, both averaging just <strong data-start="2132" data-end="2149">1.3 penalties</strong> across their last 6 FEI runs.</p>
<p data-start="2334" data-end="2425"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/3ff22cb7-cbfb-41ba-9b36-b7a763cc92c8.png?width=690&amp;height=538" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 11 165749"><br><br></p>
<p data-start="2334" data-end="2425">&nbsp;</p>
<hr data-start="2427" data-end="2430">
<h3 data-start="2432" data-end="2505">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="2432" data-end="2505"><strong data-start="2457" data-end="2505">Cross Country: Need for Speed</strong></h3>
<p data-start="2507" data-end="2666"><strong data-start="2507" data-end="2525">Clear and fast</strong> is rare at this level in Aspen.<strong> Jonathan Elliot </strong>described the course on this week&rsquo;s US Equestrian Open Podcast as <strong data-start="83" data-end="121">educational, but still a challenge</strong>.</p>
<blockquote data-start="124" data-end="380" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">
<p data-start="126" data-end="380" data-is-last-node=""><em data-start="126" data-end="380" data-is-last-node="">"It's there to prep them and get them ready for something else, but it's no cream puff either. That's kind of always been our philosophy across the levels. It's important for people to see a standard and get that sense of accomplishment from doing it."<br></em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Across the last 10 CCI4*-S competitions on US soil,&nbsp;only 2% of cross-country rounds finished clear and inside the time. In 2024, no one made the time at Aspen. Can anyone do it in 2025?</p>
<p data-start="2834" data-end="2965">Although<strong data-start="2834" data-end="2851"> Flame Eternal</strong> and <strong data-start="2856" data-end="2883">Flight of the Arabesque</strong> are the fastest in the field by Top Speed Percentage (79% and 77%, respectively). <strong data-start="2968" data-end="2982">Clooney 14</strong> could be one to watch - in this class last year, she posted the fastest round of the day, only adding 1.2 time penalties.</p>
<h3><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d4a8e57f-a823-43f1-a948-7d4d2ecf5bb7.png?width=504&amp;height=633" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 11 170305"></h3>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<hr>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>So who wins?</h3>
<p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/aspen_4s_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EquiRatings Prediction Centre</a> gives <strong>Karen O&rsquo;Neal</strong> and<strong> Clooney 14</strong> the edge with a <strong>57% win chance,</strong> but in a field this small, it&rsquo;s still anyone&rsquo;s game. A small mistake in any discipline is all it takes to turn the leaderboard upside down.</p>
<p><a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/aspen_4s_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/70df4ef6-469b-44c7-a2c5-f42b44cd4ffa.png?width=877&amp;height=655" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 11 160810"></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="365" data-end="687">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="365" data-end="687">Want to read more about Aspen Farms?<br><br></h3>
<p>Read the full form guide <a href="https://equiratings.info/aspenfarms2025fanguide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to see all the stats, stories, and insights before the competition starts.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="365" data-end="687">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="365" data-end="687">Want to hear more about Aspen Farms?</h3>
<p data-start="365" data-end="687">For more on Aspen Farms, listen to <strong>Jonathan Elliot</strong> on this week&rsquo;s US Equestrian Open Podcast as he shares the inside story behind how the venue got its name, the deep family roots behind the event, and about the tradition of champagne and oysters.<br><br></p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36769990/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/003480/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">Check out the full Series calendar below and stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Instagram.&nbsp;</a>Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Also follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/aee0755f-7ba0-4aaf-b197-8570742781c8.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Competition Calendar for the 2024-2025 US Equestrian Open of Eventing"></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>

Cross country jumps and trees in a field in Aspen Farms

Aspen Farms Preview: Big Moves in a Small Field

Main

<p data-start="348" data-end="790">As the US Equestrian Open of Dressage breaks ahead of its final stretch, one of the season&rsquo;s most captivating partnerships sits in the top five: Genay Vaughn and her partner, Gino. With four wins from four starts, a freestyle rooted in the music of her childhood, and a leaderboard surge that has her closing in on the top, Vaughn's season so far has blended personal expression with elite performance.</p>
<p data-start="792" data-end="845"><em data-start="488" data-end="559" data-is-last-node="">Tune in to hear Genay in her own words or catch the highlights below.</em><br><br></p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36950420/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/000a80/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p data-start="792" data-end="845">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="852" data-end="893">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="852" data-end="893"><strong data-start="859" data-end="893">Gino: The Star of His Own Show</strong></h3>
<p data-start="112" data-end="377">The bond between Genay and Gino isn&rsquo;t just strong, it&rsquo;s the foundation of everything. Their connection goes far beyond training sessions or test scores. It&rsquo;s the rhythm of their everyday life that builds the deep understanding you see every time they enter the ring.</p>
<p data-start="112" data-end="377"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/9e942aaf-0d5c-4393-9208-ec328865b8bb.png?width=1080&amp;height=875" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics"></p>
<p data-start="594" data-end="869" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Since bringing Gino home as a six-year-old, Genay has built their partnership with patience and care. Their original freestyle was designed to keep things comfortable, but with Gino now stronger and more confident, they&rsquo;re ready to push the boundaries heading into the final.</p>
<p data-start="594" data-end="869" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="1586" data-end="1634">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="1586" data-end="1634"><strong data-start="1599" data-end="1634">High Performance Starts at Home</strong></h3>
<p data-start="1636" data-end="1852">Genay&rsquo;s team isn&rsquo;t made up of the usual coaches and grooms - it is her family. Her mom is her trainer, which although it is intense to train, work, and live together, Genay says she wouldn't want it any other way. Her dad, a former Major League Baseball player, brings the high-performance mindset and support to the table. The entire family farm is built on a shared ambition and a relentless drive for success.</p>
<p data-start="1636" data-end="1852"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0f01eb7c-01dc-4ef8-80ed-7ff94978dc3f.png?width=1080&amp;height=870" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (4)"></p>
<p data-start="2028" data-end="2184">It&rsquo;s a rare dynamic: personal trust mixed with professional expectation. There&rsquo;s no hiding in a family of competitors and no shortage of motivation, either.</p>
<p data-start="2028" data-end="2184">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="2191" data-end="2232">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="2191" data-end="2232"><strong data-start="2198" data-end="2232">Freestyle with a Personal Beat</strong></h3>
<p data-start="2234" data-end="2405">One of the most talked-about freestyles on the circuit this season? Genay and Gino&rsquo;s. Freestyle dressage is all about self-expression, and Genay has mastered that art. Their freestyle music feels as bold and distinctive as the rider herself. The scores speak for themselves - it&rsquo;s clearly striking a chord with both judges and fans alike.</p>
<p data-start="2234" data-end="2405"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/42164377-dc19-43f0-abb0-6cfc9406bee3.png?width=1080&amp;height=864" alt="Us Blog Quote Graphics (3)"></p>
<p data-start="2607" data-end="2731">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="2738" data-end="2780">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="2738" data-end="2780"><strong data-start="2745" data-end="2780">The Leaderboard</strong></h3>
<p data-start="2782" data-end="3076">With <strong data-start="2787" data-end="2800">80 points</strong>, Genay Vaughn currently sits in <strong data-start="2833" data-end="2846">5th place</strong> on the US Equestrian Open leaderboard, just behind Evelyn Eger and tied contenders in second. Anna Marek leads with 105 points, but it isn&rsquo;t over yet. If Genay continues her form, the Desert Final could see major movement.</p>
<p data-start="2782" data-end="3076">&nbsp;</p>
<p data-start="2782" data-end="3076"><a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/0b2ea0c7-e18b-4f83-a7c1-dc7cbd2f442f.png?width=733&amp;height=1032" alt="Screenshot 2025 06 11 123623"></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="2782" data-end="3076">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="2782" data-end="3076"><strong data-start="3423" data-end="3464">Want to hear from the leader herself?</strong></h3>
<p>Check out our podcast with Anna Marek on passion, patience and performance.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/35371080/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/002580/time-start/00:00:00/hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><br><br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Dressage</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stay updated on news and standings for the US Equestrian Open Series on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Instagram.</a>&nbsp;Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/22433326-f7d7-4286-930b-62c3a1ba80f2.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Show calendar for the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage"></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>

New Podcast: Genay Vaughn lives in Gino's world

<p>We&rsquo;re over halfway through the first ever US Equestrian Open of Eventing - 12 Qualifiers done, eight to go. That&rsquo;s <strong>eight more chances to take the Series lead</strong>, or at least finish in the money (i.e. the top three).<br><br></p>
<ol>
<li>June 12th:<em> </em>Aspen Farms</li>
<li>June 27th: Maryland International</li>
<li>July 16th: The Event at Rebecca Farm</li>
<li>Sep 11th: The Fork at Tryon</li>
<li>Sep 18th: Plantation Field International</li>
<li>Sep 19th: Twin Rivers Fall International</li>
<li>Sep 25th: Stable View Oktoberfest</li>
<li>Oct 3rd: Woodside Fall International</li>
</ol>
<p>Right now,&nbsp;<strong>Phillip Dutton</strong> is at the top of the table (215 points) but his closest threat, <strong>Jessica Phoenix</strong>, is just 30 points behind him (185). Is that gap surmountable? <em>Absolutely</em>. Here are two main reasons why:</p>
<p>1.<strong> You don&rsquo;t need a string of top placings to haul in 30 points</strong>. You just need to finish anywhere from 3rd to 5th place at any one Qualifier.</p>
<p>2.<strong> Gains of up to 130 points at a single event have been recorded&nbsp;</strong>so far in the Series. Jess herself earned 75 points at TerraNova earlier this year by placing first &amp; second at that event.</p>
<h3><strong>Current Series Leaders (After Qualifier 12 of 20):</strong></h3>
<p><em style="font-size: 98%; color: #999999;">See the full series standings, updated after each qualifier,&nbsp;<a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><em style="font-size: 98%; color: #999999;"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/44d77235-5934-41a7-9436-ec12f002966b.png?width=497&amp;height=675" alt="Leaderboard Before Aspen Farms (1)"></em></p>
<h2><strong>Don't Count Your Chickens, Phillip</strong></h2>
<p>Not only is it possible for Jess to overtake Phillip, it&rsquo;s reasonably within reach for several of our Series leaders.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Last year, <strong>Jess </strong>took two horses to Maryland International and four to Plantation Field - both among our remaining eight Qualifiers this season. If she can repeat her third place Maryland result from last July (Aeronautics), she'll gain 30 points right there. Boom. Enough to equal Phillip. From there, she'll just need a 10th place finish (or higher) at Plantation to secure the solo lead. Of course if she goes to Maryland and places first or second, that single result will put her in front.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>West-Coaster&nbsp;<strong>James Alliston</strong> (3rd on the leaderboard) earned 125 of his Series points by taking full advantage of California's Twin Rivers Qualifier in April. With the Twin Rivers Fall International among our last eight events, will he make a bid for more points? James did compete in the 2021, 2023&nbsp;<em>and </em>2024 Twin Rivers Fall CCI4*-S so its seems to be a well-liked stomping ground for him.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Last year, <strong>Boyd Martin</strong> (4th on the leaderboard) brought two horses to the fall running of The Fork CCI4*-S and three entries to Plantation Field CCI4*-S, two events in this year's autumn Qualifiers. If those two 2024 results were part of this year's Open, Boyd would have earned 25 more points. A repeat effort this year wouldn't earn him the lead but it would put him in the top three as it stands (<a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a spot that earns $10,000 come season-end</a>).</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Likewise, <strong>Caroline Pamukcu</strong> (5th on the leaderboard) contested The Fork CCI4*-S and Plantation Field CCI4*-S last fall, with Plantation Field in particular being a frequent stop for her over the years.&nbsp; This year alone, Caroline has competed six different horses at the CCI4*-S level, giving her options for racking up points over a selection of our remaining eight Qualifiers.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Let&rsquo;s Break it Down</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>1. What points are up for grabs</strong> in the remaining Qualifiers? Here&rsquo;s what can be banked depending on field size:&nbsp;<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c529e9e5-8120-4a83-9139-e0715ef07d4d.png?width=1080&amp;height=847" alt="Points Available at Each Eventing Qualifier"></p>
<p><strong>2. What&rsquo;s possible?</strong> Here is how each of our current leaders reached their points tally. Between just the five of them, you&rsquo;ll notice six different instances of a rider earning 70+ points at a single event, not to mention&nbsp;<strong>James Alliston&rsquo;s</strong> 125-point haul at Twin Rivers and <strong>Boyd Martin</strong> grabbing 130 points at Stable View.</p>
<p><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f68b9879-7ba2-453b-977b-78edb789c40a.png?width=1350&amp;height=1686" alt="The Current Us Equestrian Open Leaders and How They Got There (1)"></p>
<h2><strong>What's&nbsp;on the line?</strong></h2>
<p>Prize money. And in a sport where the vast majority of pros lead...let's say...less-than-opulent lifestyles, substantial winnings are particularly appreciated. After all the Qualifiers are a wrap, this is how the prize money is divvied:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Series winner: $25,000</li>
<li>2nd place: $15,000</li>
<li>3rd place: $10,000</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>The Big Finale</strong></h2>
<p>And then there's the<strong> CCI4*-L Final at Morven Park in October</strong>. Series standings do <em>not </em>determine Final qualification. Instead, riders just need to complete any one of the Qualifiers with an MER, or a rider can even buy into the Final for $5,000 (provided they meet CCI4*-L pre-requisites). Any $5K buy-ins will be added to the Final's $200,000 prize-pot.</p>
<p>Now&nbsp;<em>that's </em>prize money. We can expect to see a strong field in the Series finale.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Follow the US Equestrian Open of Eventing</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">Check out the full Series calendar below and stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Instagram.&nbsp;</a>Use #USEqOpen to join the conversation.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Also follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/aee0755f-7ba0-4aaf-b197-8570742781c8.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Competition Calendar for the 2024-2025 US Equestrian Open of Eventing"></p>
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<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.</em></p>

Image of two women watching a competition from the supporters' platform. The image is from behind the women & the words "Team Dutton" are on both of their matching jackets. One woman wraps her arm around the other's shoulders.

Why Phillip Can't Count His Chickens

<p>The stage is set on the Atlantic coast as CSIO5* La Baule returns for another electrifying edition. With a &euro;500,000 prize fund and a field stacked with Olympic medalists, world champions, and rising phenoms, all eyes will be on one pair in particular: Kent Farrington and Greya. After making history with their breakout win here in 2024, the American duo returns to defend their title&mdash;this time as one of the most in-form combinations in the world. But with some of the sport&rsquo;s highest-rated talent also lining up, the road to a repeat will be anything but easy.</p>
<h2><br>All Eyes on Greya</h2>
<p>When Kent Farrington and Greya galloped across the finish line to win the 2024 Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule, they weren&rsquo;t just adding a prestigious title to their record &mdash; they were announcing Greya&rsquo;s arrival as one of the sport&rsquo;s modern greats. Now, as CSIO La Baule 2025 beckons, the pair return to the French coast with one goal in mind: defend their crown.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>From Breakthrough to Brilliance</h2>
<p>Their 2024 season was nothing short of transformative. From Wellington to Riyadh and then onto Europe, Greya consistently rose to each occasion. After finishing fourth in the five-star Grand Prix at WEF9, she traveled to the FEI World Cup Finals in Riyadh and narrowly missed a podium with another fourth-place finish. But it was in La Baule that her star truly exploded &mdash; outpacing Karl Cook and Caracole de La Roque in a thrilling jump-off to claim her first Rolex Grand Prix title.</p>
<p>The momentum only continued. Their season was capped by a World Cup win in Traverse City and a final Elo rating of 769, among the Top 10 highest ever achieved by a 10-year-old horse since 2010. Greya joined elite company including Olympic legends HH Azur, Big Star, and Explosion W.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Making History at Wellington</h2>
<p>2025 began with more history for Farrington and Greya. At the Winter Equestrian Festival, they became the first ever horse-and-rider combination to win two five-star Grand Prix classes in a single WEF season. Their victory in the $500,000 Lugano Grand Prix CSI5* in February marked their second five-star win in just three weeks.</p>
<p>Farrington praised Greya&rsquo;s "foot speed across the middle and her ability to sprint to the next fence," calling her &ldquo;a great modern show jumper.&rdquo; Her Elo rating climbed to 772 by March, making her the highest-rated U.S. horse and eighth in the world &mdash; a staggering feat for a still-young 11-year-old.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>2025&rsquo;s Field of Stars: Who Can Stop Greya?</h2>
<p>This year&rsquo;s CSIO La Baule Grand Prix reads like a who&rsquo;s who of global show jumping, and the data backs it up. Here are the top-rated combinations expected to challenge Farrington and Greya for the title:</p>
<p><strong>Dynamix de Belheme &amp; Steve Guerdat (Elo 777)</strong><br>The reigning European Champion enters La Baule with the highest Elo rating in the field. Already a legend, Dynamix&rsquo;s blend of scope and experience makes her a serious threat.</p>
<p><strong>Ermitage Kalone &amp; Gilles Thomas (Elo 775)</strong><br>A powerful up-and-coming Belgian pair with an impressive trajectory. Their high CAS (Clear Against Standard) score suggests they often outperform course difficulty.</p>
<p><strong>Leone Jei &amp; Martin Fuchs (Elo 770)</strong><br>A stalwart on the Swiss team, Leone Jei consistently posts strong results. His huge stride and jump-off speed make him ideal for tight Rolex GP battles.</p>
<p><strong>Bond Jamesbond de Hay &amp; Gregory Wathelet (Elo 770)</strong><br>Last year&rsquo;s third-place finishers return with podium momentum. Known for calculated aggression, they&rsquo;ll be aiming for a cleaner, faster round this time.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>The Legacy on the Line</h2>
<p>For Greya, this week is about more than another title. It&rsquo;s a chance to solidify her status among the greats. To go from a 10-year-old breakthrough in 2024 to a dominant force in 2025. To prove that her legacy &mdash; like HH Azur before her &mdash; is only just beginning.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

CSIO La Baule 2025: Greya Returns to Defend the Crown

<p dir="ltr">After 20 qualifiers, the leaderboard for the US Equestrian Open of Dressage has finally turned red, white, and blue. <strong>Anna Marek</strong> (105 points), <strong>Kristina Harrison-Antell</strong> (86), and <strong>Eline Eckroth</strong> (86) now hold the top three spots in a series that has, until recently, been defined by international domination. For the first time since Week 1, Americans control the podium positions. But getting there was anything but straightforward.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Disrupted Start</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Qualifier 1 saw <strong>Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn</strong> lead the way, <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/genay-vaughn-gino-clinch-grand-prix-freestyle-win-with-new-personal-best" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claiming victory in Thermal</a> and becoming both the first winner and the first American to top the leaderboard. She remained at the top through Week 3, first tying with Germany's <strong>Felicitas Hendricks</strong> in Week 2, then sharing the lead with both Hendricks and <strong>Charlotte Jorst</strong> in Week 3. By Week 4, the tide had shifted. Hendricks claimed the top spot on the leaderboard, with <strong>Tinne Vilhelmson Silfv&eacute;n</strong> in second and <strong>Evelyn Eger</strong> in third, a European sweep of the standings even though none had won that week's event outright.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Week 4 Leaderboard</strong></span><br><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e286c51b-e04e-41f6-b23e-7c861b4c040a.png?width=499&amp;height=516" alt="Leaderboard from week Four showing Hendricks in first"></p>
<p dir="ltr">That moment marked the start of a six-week drought for the American flag. Throughout the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and early WEC qualifiers, the top five remained packed with international riders. <strong>Danielle Gallagher</strong> (CAN) <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/gallagher-and-eckroth-deliver-career-best-rides-at-qualifier-five" target="_blank" rel="noopener">swept the early WEC events</a>. Hendricks and Eger took turns leading the standings. Even when Americans scored well, they were often second or third to an international winner.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The volatility at the top was fueled by a scoring system built for consistency, but early results were shaped by riders still early in their seasons, many of whom had competed only once at that point. For the first eight qualifiers, ties dominated the top five. Week 8 was the first time there were distinct riders in first through fourth place. But even then, three riders were still tied for fifth. It wouldn&rsquo;t be until Week 15 that the leaderboard showed a fully separated top five.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Week 8 Leaderboard</strong></span><br><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/78d0bcf9-2d32-4010-909f-f4f7b30938cc.png?width=499&amp;height=404" alt="Leaderboard from week 8 showing a that there were finally no ties in first-fourth place"></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">The Turnaround</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Qualifier 10 marked the beginning of a power shift. <strong>Anna Marek</strong>&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/down-to-the-decimal-mendoza-loor-wins-closest-finish-in-series-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener">second-place finish</a> behind <strong>Julio Mendoza Loor</strong> earned her enough points to overtake Eger on the leaderboard. From there, more Americans began climbing. Although international riders still held space in the top five, their grip was slipping.</p>
<p dir="ltr">By Week 15, the leaderboard finally produced a fully separated top five. The following weeks saw rapid change: in Week 17, <strong>Kristina Harrison-Antell</strong> jumped from sixth to second, displacing Gallagher entirely. Two weeks later, <strong>Eline Eckroth</strong> pulled into a tie for second. And in Week 20, Vaughn <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/four-for-four-vaughns-streak-continues-at-devonwood" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reentered the top five</a> with 80 points, reclaiming her position among the leaders. By the start of the summer break, seven of the top ten were Americans, and Eger had dropped to fourth.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Week 20 Leaderboard<br><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/445b3e55-36f5-4ebe-9d89-e0b7ec6cd55f.jpg?width=499&amp;height=369" alt="Leaderboard from week 20 showing the top ten riders"></strong></span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">The Three Who Rose</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Americans now hold the top three spots, and Marek, Harrison-Antell, and Eckroth have each carved their own path to the front of the standings.</p>
<p dir="ltr">For Marek, the season has been a mix of brilliance and near-misses. Despite high scores and freestyle flair, she often found herself just edged out. In Qualifier 10, her second-place finish behind Mendoza Loor earned her enough points to finally overtake Germany's Evelyn Eger on the leaderboard. Over the course of six qualifiers, Marek has never placed below third. Four of those rides scored over 77%, including a win on 77.755%. Her partnerships with <strong>Fire Fly</strong> and <strong>Fayvel</strong> have been among the most electric and consistent of the season. Marek is the only rider campaigning two mounts, a flexibility that strengthens her position in the race for the overall series lead.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Harrison-Antell has earned her 86 points entirely on the West Coast. She was often chasing Ge&ntilde;ay Vaughn, but when Vaughn went to Europe for the World Cup Final, Harrison-Antell stepped into the winner&rsquo;s circle herself. Her consistency in smaller West Coast fields has made her a quiet powerhouse&mdash;scoring between 70.9% and 72.7% in four of her five starts, with one off week dipping to 68.1%. When adjusting for that off-character ride, Harrison-Antell is a reliable 72% scorer, which is exactly the kind of consistency that puts you at the top of this leaderboard.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Eckroth wasn&rsquo;t on anyone&rsquo;s radar early in the season, but she&rsquo;s been steadily stacking results while others sat out. By continuing to show up, especially in weeks with thinner fields, she capitalized on every opportunity to climb the leaderboard. She picked up a personal best in <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/us-open-of-dressage-a-three-way-tie-at-the-top" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qualifier 7</a> and added points in small-field weekends like <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/nichols-claims-first-senior-freestyle-victory-at-terranova" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qualifier 13</a>. She&rsquo;s the only rider in the current top five without a freestyle win, but consistency alone put her into a tie for second heading into the break.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The leaderboard, once dominated by international names, now tells a different story. Americans have fought their way back into control, but the margin is slim. And now the question is: <em>can they hold the line?</em></p>
<p dir="ltr">We&rsquo;ll be watching.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Starting next week, we&rsquo;ll dig into the rides and scores that built this leaderboard, and into the data that turned a scoreboard into a season-long story.</p>

Anna Marek atop Fire Fly in the trot at an international dressage competition.

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