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As the 2025 season approaches and the qualifiers roll back around for the US Equestrian Open, excitement is building around several talented young US horses ready to make their mark on the international stage at CCI4*-S level. The horses in these lists are:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">no older than 10 years old,</li>
<li dir="ltr">have competed up to at least CCI3*-L,</li>
<li dir="ltr">and have yet to achieve a podium finish at CCI4*-S or higher.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Based on their impressive career trajectories, they are prime candidates to break through this year. Using EquiRatings&rsquo; Elo ratings and Opposition Beaten Percentage (OBP), we&rsquo;ve identified standout horses most likely to shine in the coming season.
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Top 5 Horses by Elo: Career Competitiveness</h2>
The EquiRatings Elo is a measure of a horse's competitiveness and the quality of its opponents. It reflects how well a horse performs against tough competition, making it a critical indicator of breakout potential.
<h3>1. Shanroe Cooley</h3>
Horse age: 10 | Max level reached: CCI4*-L | Rider: Liz Halliday |&nbsp;Owners: Ocala Horse Properties
As Liz continues to recover from injury, we don&rsquo;t yet know where or when we will see Shanroe Cooley but when we do, it is one to watch. With an Elo of 637, Shanroe Cooley leads the pack in terms of breakthrough podium potential. This experienced competitor tackled the hotly contested CCI4*-S in Kentucky last year. In that class, full of the USA's best vying for Olympic selection, Shanroe Cooley and Liz finished top 10. They have also been to CHIO Aachen, where they finished 16th. We expect them to podium somewhere soon.&nbsp;
<h3>2. Denim</h3>
Horse age: 10 | Max level reached: CCI4*-L | Rider: Phillip Dutton | Owner: Caroline Moran
Denim&rsquo;s Elo of 624 reflects consistent performances at the highest level, in particular a top 8 finish in the Blenheim CCI4*-L last year. Under the guidance of series leader Phillip Dutton, this horse is well-positioned to make waves in 2025 and we would expect him to contribute valuable series points along the way. With his CCI4*-L experience, Denim may be particularly helpful in the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Morven Park CCI4*-L Open final</a>.&nbsp;
<h3>3. Jaguars Duende</h3>
Horse age: 9 | Max level reached: CCI3*-L | Rider &amp; owner: Sharon White
This is arguably one of the most exciting horses in the sport at the moment and one who, if Sharon keeps her, could return Sharon to the top of the sport. Still only 9, Jaguars Duende boasts a 603 Elo and has 9 podiums from 9 completions (twice they WD after dressage). They have three wins (Maryland 5 Star CCI3*-L, Tryon CCI3*-L and Carolina CCI3*-S) in their last four internationals. You can expect to hear a lot more about Jaguars Duende this season and beyond.&nbsp;
<h3>4. ChinTonic 3</h3>
Horse age: 10 | Max level reached: CCI3*-L | Rider: Sydney C. Elliot | Owner: Arden Stephens
ChinTonic 3 came from our Tokyo Olympic Champion Julia Krajewski and with an Elo of 590, he looks set to be a horse to follow in 2025. They were second last time out in the Bromont CCI3*-L with a dressage score of 28.0 and a clear show jumping round. We are all looking forward to what comes from this combination.
<h3>5. Kismet</h3>
Horse age: 10 | Max level reached: CCI3*-L | Rider: Jennie Brannigan | Owner: Nina Gardner
Kismet is a little under the radar right now but with an Elo of 516 and big performances in the first half of 2024 (including a podium finish in the Bromont CCI3*-L, just behind ChinTonic 3), we think Kismet is very likely to make a breakthrough at the CCI4* level.&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c7273e29-f876-4db5-8e2b-9fe19720fc1c?width=988&amp;height=1014" alt="Table showing the top 5 U.S. Breakthrough Candidates by Elo rating with their ELo rating, Opposition Beaten Percentage and best result at their highest completed level of competition">
<h2 dir="ltr">The Top 5 Horses by OBP: Consistent Performers</h2>
The Opposition Beaten Percentage (OBP) is the percentage of opponents a horse has beaten across its last six international competitions. This statistic accounts for the size of the field, making it a valuable predictor of success on the big stages.
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">1. Jaguars Duende</h3>
Horse age: 9 | Max level reached: CCI3*-L | Rider &amp; owner: Sharon White
Leading the OBP rankings on 95%, Jaguars Duende has exceled in large, competitive fields. The mare also appears in the above Elo list (crossover is expected), so with a high Elo&nbsp;and OBP, we are constantly talking about Jaguars Duende here at EquiRatings.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">2. Cooley Corraghy Diamond</h3>
Horse age: 8 | Max level reached: CCI3*-L | Rider: Kim Severson | Owners: William Johnson, Roslyn Johnson
This 8-year-old has an OBP of 87%, showcasing its ability to outperform its competition. He and Kim have seven career internationals and have only once been outside the top 5 (9th in the 2024 Stable View&nbsp;Oktoberfest CCI3*-S). Under Kim's guidance, Cooley Corraghy Diamond is one to watch this season.&nbsp;
<h3>3. Kismet</h3>
Horse age: 10 | Max level reached: CCI3*-L | Rider: Jennie Brannigan | Owner: Nina Gardner
Like Jaguars Duende, Kismet has crossover with the top Elo-rated horses. Kismet's 85% OBP is largely due to placing top 3 in four of his last six internationals. Two of those podiums were at the CCI3* level, reinforcing Kismet and Jennie's podium potential at the CCI4* level this season.
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">4. Cooley Chromatic</h3>
Horse age: 9 | Max level reached: CCI3*-L | Rider &amp; owner: Sara Schulman
Apart from one blip at Kentucky back in 2022 (having won at Bromont next time out), this horse has never been outside the top 10 in his nine international starts. With an OBP of 83%, Cooley Chromatic is a consistent performer at CCI3* and finished 2024 with a second-place finish in the Maryland 5 Star CCI3*-L (behind Jaguars Duende). One to track for sure.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">5. Gillou</h3>
Horse age: 9 | Max level reached: CCI3*-L | Rider &amp; owner: Devin Robel
Gillou&rsquo;s OBP of 81% comes from five international starts. They were on the podium in Ocala last April alongside Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis &amp; Flower Girl, who went on to pick up series points at TerraNova). We haven&rsquo;t seen Gillou since but if they come back as we hope they will, it's a 9-year-old who is well-positioned for a breakthrough season. 
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/87a50853-0a3d-4976-87d2-ffdd1818492c?width=1000&amp;height=1032" alt="Table showing the top 5 Breakthrough Candidates by Opposition Beaten Percentage. Shown also with their Elo rating, highest level reached &amp; best placing at that level.">
<h2 dir="ltr">Why This Matters</h2>
The journey to international success is built on incremental achievements, and these horses represent the next wave of U.S. talent ready to break through. As fans, riders, and sponsors look ahead to the 2025 season, keep an eye on these rising stars&mdash;each one has the potential to shape the future of the series and of the sport in the US.&nbsp;
Stay tuned for updates as we follow their progress through the year!
<h3>Series Standings at the End of 2024:</h3>
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>.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d85de2e9-4a7d-4cdc-9eb6-538d9de32553?width=1080&amp;height=1682" alt="Table Showing the Top 10 Athletes on the Us Open of Eventing Leaderboard as of the End of 2024">
For continual leaderboard updates, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">usequestrianopen.org</a>. The hub is also the best place for the most up-to-date series calendar as it's subject to change.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/83a19dee-925b-4fef-bc95-741180113e6b?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Table of the Event Calendar for the 2024-2025 U.S. Equestrian Open of Eventing Series">
Stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Instagram</a>, and follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.
<hr>
For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;

Close-up profile image of Jennie Brannigan in her dressage phase competition attire. Jennie is smiling very broadly.

US Horses Poised for a Breakout Season in 2025

The inaugural US Equestrian Open of Eventing may well be dominated by a home hero who is yet to feature in the qualifiers. Looking at the global stage of eventing, there is no rider performing with more precision and consistency than U.S. stalwart Will Coleman.
Eventing has many challenges &ndash; multiple phases to master &ndash; and none is more testing than cross-country. To win, it may come down to fine margins, but a quick scan of any final leaderboard will show the other side of the story too. Scoring low on any day is tough, but scoring low on a consistent basis is almost unheard of for any top-level competitor, except one.
<h2>51% of Competitors Fail to Finish Below 60</h2>
At the top levels of the sport (4*/5*) over the past three seasons, over half (51%) of starters failed to post a finishing score below 60 penalties. Only 14% finished below a score of 40.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c558e72c-57fb-45f7-a858-8c7b73038858?width=1324&amp;height=1046" alt="Bar chart showing the number of four- and five-star results in each of 9 scoring brackets (2022-2024)">
<h2>The U.S. Outlier</h2>
The competitor who "looks different" than any other rider on the global stage over the past two years, for all the right reasons, is Will Coleman.
Two years ago, Will started the 2023 season with an incredible finishing score of 19.4 (Chin Tonic HS, Carolina CCI4*-S). Starting with that result and over the next two seasons, Will contested the cross-country phase in 16 four- or five-star events. In 14 of those 16 runs, he finished on a sub-40 score. &nbsp;That&rsquo;s a hit rate of 87.5% which is over 6 times the global average.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/08d7cc6b-9cff-4f99-a075-3b27658cea44?width=1324&amp;height=1062" alt="Bar chart showing Will Coleman's number of four- and five-star results in each of 9 scoring brackets (2023-2024)"> 
<h2>How He Compares</h2>
To be the best you have to beat the best. So how does &ldquo;Clinical Coleman&rdquo; compare to some of the other top riders in the sport that are also renowned for their precision and consistency?
Individual medalists from the Paris Olympics, Michael Jung and Laura Collett, are both known for being competitive every time they set foot on the international stage. They both boast a sub-40 rate of 48% <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-IE; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">&ndash; &nbsp;exceptional, but nothing close to Coleman&rsquo;s current level.
The 2024 Aachen winner and the sport&rsquo;s one and only female Olympic individual champion, Julia Krajewski, shows the closest top-level &ldquo;balance&rdquo; to the USA&rsquo;s &ldquo;King of Clinical.&rdquo; Krajewski has a sub-40 rate of 70% which is still lower than Coleman, and she also has a 20% DNF (did not finish) rate.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/8a5d1084-5754-4c84-8106-153d852daf74?width=1156&amp;height=1228" alt="Table showing the four- and five-star zone analysis of Laura Collet, Michael Jung, Julia Krajewski and Will Coleman. It shows what percentage of their results fall in each of nine scoring brackets.">
<h2>What This Means?</h2>
The US Equestrian Open is an innovative new series that will not only elevate US equestrian sport, but it will reward both quality AND consistency. Phillip Dutton currently holds the series lead on 75 points, but if anyone is going to emerge as a real and persistent threat in 2025, then look no further than Will Coleman.
<h3>Series Standings at the End of 2024:</h3>
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>.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d85de2e9-4a7d-4cdc-9eb6-538d9de32553?width=1080&amp;height=1682" alt="Table Showing the Top 10 Athletes on the Us Open of Eventing Leaderboard as of the End of 2024">
For continual leaderboard updates, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">usequestrianopen.org</a>. The hub is also the best place for the most up-to-date series calendar as it's subject to change.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/3a5ed1a6-9a37-4e0f-ab64-e740e86f2cb4?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Table of the Event Calendar for the 2024-2025 US Equestrian Open of Eventing Series">
Stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Instagram</a>, and follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.
<hr>
For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;

Photo of Will Coleman during a horse inspection of Chin Tonic HS. Will is wearing sunglasses with a focused express. Chin Tonic looks into the distance with his ears pricked forward & a pleasant expression. Image is a close-up from in front of them. 

Coleman, The King of Clinical

This analysis compares data from two perspectives: the 2024 data for venues selected for the 2025 US Equestrian Open and their performance over the past 10 years, including the length of time these venues have been part of the 4*-S calendars. The results reveal fascinating details about these premier locations.
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><hr align="center" size="0" width="100%"></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Overall cross-country clear rates at CCI4*-S: How do the venues compare?</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">US Open Venues (2024): 69%</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">All US Venues (2024): 68%</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">US Open Venues (Last 10 Years): 71%</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">All US Venues (Last 10 Years): 70%</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">All Venues Worldwide (Last 10 Years): 69%</li>
</ul>
Globally, at the CCI4*-S level over the last 10 years, the cross-country clear rate is 69%, meaning just shy of 7 in every 10 horses jump clear in this phase. This is exactly on par with how cross-country played out in the US Equestrian Open venues in 2024 and aligns closely with the 70% clear rate for all US venues over the past decade. These figures highlight that the US is in step with global trends at this level of competition.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">So where does cross-country hold the most influence in the US Open?</h2>
The table below highlights cross-country clear rates at 4*-S competitions for the 2024 US Open venues.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/f6f01d53-255b-4233-bf15-a01d3b51b9ee?width=1390&amp;height=1194" alt="3 M3 Nc 2024 Xcj Clear Rates at Us Open 2025 Venues">
Stable View (62%) and Tryon (56%) were the most notable influential cross-country courses of the US Equestrian Open in 2024, especially given the higher number of starters at each of those events.&nbsp; 
Tryon was a stiff cross-country test of time too. Only two horses came home with single-figure time faults, Will Coleman and Off The Record (8.4) and Dan Kreitl and Carmango (9.6), the eventual first and second place finishers. We&rsquo;ll do a deep dive into the toughest time-tests soon, but it highlights a day when brilliant cross-country horses truly relished the challenge. 
Carolina (88%) stands out as the venue whose cross-country course had the least influence last season. 
As a new addition to the calendar, and with a smaller number of starters, Aspen Farm (50%) is the one to watch in 2025 to see how the competition evolves, and how the clear rate might play out. The US Equestrian Open heads to Aspen Farm 12-15 June; one not to miss!
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><hr align="center" size="0" width="100%"></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Last 10 Years: Trends Across All US Open Venues </h2>
The extended 10 year data set reveals a broader picture of performance across the US Open venues over the past decade at the CCI4*-S level.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/dad9f412-d769-4a07-ae42-af0b41b77299?width=1538&amp;height=1240" alt="Ll D to Last 10 Years Xcj Clear Rates at Us Open 2025 Venues (1)">
Rather than rely on just a snapshot of data from one event in one year, we&rsquo;ve looked back at the US Equestrian Open venues running at the CCI4*-S level over the last 10 years to see how they shaped up. 
Bouckaert Farm and Stable View (both 70%) are the two most in line with the global average and have two of the strongest data sets to analyze given the number of horses to have run their since they started running at this level.&nbsp; 
Rebecca Farm (61%) emerges as one to watch for the 2025 US Equestrian Open, as it historically poses a greater challenge in the cross-country phase.
Twin Rivers (79%), Tryon (78%), Carolina (75%) and TerraNova (74%) are the venues that have offered up higher than average clear rates in the cross-country phase over the past 10 years.&nbsp; 
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><hr align="center" size="0" width="100%"></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Final Thoughts</h2>
The 2024 US Equestrian Open venues offer a balanced mix of opportunity and challenge, and this reflects careful curation of locations that highlight the best of American eventing. As the competition grows, these trends will serve as a benchmark for understanding the dynamics of cross-country performance at the highest level.
Stay tuned as we dive deeper into venue-specific trends over the coming months, including the toughest time tests across the US Equestrian Open venues!
&nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/654d6124-e4cf-4c54-8879-23291c2d5334?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Table of the Event Calendar for the 2024-2025 Us Equestrian Open of Eventing Series">
For continual leaderboard updates, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">usequestrianopen.org</a>.
Stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Instagram</a>, and follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.
<hr>
For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;

Photograph of Will Coleman and the bay horse Off The Record galloping on a cross country course during competition. It is a close-up, action shot from in front of the pair. Both horse and rider look focused.

Analyzing Cross-Country Clear Rates at US Equestrian Open Venues

The inaugural US Equestrian Open Series is reaching its exciting conclusion with three prestigious finals events across the country. Here's your complete guide to the finals for each discipline, including qualification pathways and prize money details.
<h2>Jumping Final: WEF Rolex Finale Week</h2>
When: March 25-30, 2025 Where: Winter Equestrian Festival, Wellington, Florida Prize Money: $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix CSI5*
<h3>How to Qualify</h3>
The jumping final features two qualification pathways:
<ul>
<li>WEF Challenge Class: Top 30 athletes qualify for the Final</li>
<li>1.50 Speed Class: Top 10 athletes qualify for the Final</li>
</ul>
The Grand Prix will feature 40 athletes from the qualifiers plus pre-qualified combinations competing for the prestigious title and substantial prize purse.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a2b5dafc-f7ee-4d30-b144-389d4fabbcfa.png?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Listing of the Participating Classes for the 2025 Us Equestrian Open of Jumping">
<h2>Eventing Final: Morven Park</h2>
When: October 9-12, 2025 Where: Morven Park, Virginia Prize Money: $200,000 final prize money plus $50,000 series award
<h3>How to Qualify</h3>
Athletes can earn points at CCI4*-S level competitions throughout the year at designated qualifying events, including:
<ul>
<li>Notable venues: Tryon, Stable View, TerraNova, and Plantation Field</li>
<li>All qualifiers are at the CCI4*-S level</li>
<li>The final will be contested at the CCI4*-L level</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/01567dc0-9f76-44d3-94f1-89c6675657b5.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Eventin Gqualifinal">
<h2>Dressage Final: Desert International Horse Park</h2>
When: November 13-16, 2025 Where: Desert International Horse Park, California Prize Money: $200,000 final prize money plus $50,000 series award
<h3>How to Qualify</h3>
Qualification opportunities are available at numerous shows throughout 2025, including:
<ul>
<li>Global Dressage Festival series</li>
<li>WEC Dressage events</li>
<li>TerraNova competitions</li>
<li>Del Mar shows</li>
</ul>
The Grand Prix Freestyle to Music (3* or higher) serves as the Series class at each qualifying show.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/4d17c7b1-a53e-4de7-89f7-670b5abd23fa.jpeg?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Img 0074">
<h2>Watching the Finals</h2>
Fans can catch all the action live on:
<ul>
<li>ESPN</li>
<li>USEF Network</li>
<li>Follow along on social media using #USEquestrianOpen</li>
</ul>
This groundbreaking series, featuring a combined prize purse of $1.25 million, represents a significant milestone in U.S. equestrian sport, providing unprecedented opportunities for athletes while bringing the sport to a broader audience.
For the latest updates, leaderboard standings, and more information about each final, visit the US Equestrian Open microsite or follow US Equestrian on social media platforms.
&nbsp;
<hr>
About the Series Born from a commitment by the US Equestrian Board in July 2023, the US Equestrian Open aims to grow the sport's awareness, exposure, and fan engagement. With $1 million in prize money and extensive media coverage on ESPN and the USEF Network, this series is designed to:
<ul>
<li>Provide a structured, prestigious championship format.</li>
<li>Attract a broader audience.</li>
<li>Enhance competition opportunities for athletes.</li>
</ul>
Stay connected with the US Equestrian Open on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and the USEF Network for live event updates, stories, and results. Use #USEquestrianOpen to share your own experiences and connect with fellow fans.
For sponsorship and media inquiries, please contact:
Carly Weilminster: cweilminster@usef.org Layson Griffin: lgriffin@usef.org

Quick Guide to the US Equestrian Open Finals: Everything You Need to Know

As the start of the eventing season approaches, anticipation builds for the next generation of rising stars. Among them are horses who delivered standout performances in 2024 with the best CCI3* finishing scores on US soil. From seasoned campaigners to breakthrough talents, these horses are poised to make their mark in the 2025 US Equestrian Open.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Tamie Smith&rsquo;s Leading Contender: Kynan</h2>
Horse age: 10 | Owners: Kynan Syndicate LLC
Kynan delivered two CCI3* wins in 2024, including last season's best finishing score at the level on U.S. soil (27.4 at Woodside 3*-S). Finding form at the CCI4* level, Kynan is set to be a top contender for Tamie Smith if she targets the US Equestrian Open.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">A Rising Star in Tamie&rsquo;s String: Sumas Tina Turner</h2>
Horse age: 9 |&nbsp;Owner: Julianne Guariglia
The nine-year-old Sumas Tina Turner made a strong transition to US competition in 2024 under Tamie Smith's guidance, winning the Rebecca Farm 3*-S on her dressage score (27.9) and finishing third in the Stable View Oktoberfest 3*-S two months later. Previously produced in the UK by Kevin McNab and Isabel English, this talented mare is poised to make a significant impact in the coming season.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/261893f2-667a-4181-80c5-fa352ac2d342?width=4256&amp;height=2832" alt="Photo of Tamie Smith leaving the dressage arena after completing her test. She is smiling very broadly as she sits on her horse. Only Tamie is visible in the photo, from the waist up. ">
Tamie Smith. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">The Exciting Prospect: Lillet 3</h2>
Horse age: 9 | Owner: Molly Duda
With the highest EquiRatings Elo score (551) among Tamie Smith&rsquo;s young prospects, Lillet 3 turned heads in 2024 as one of the most exciting additions to her string. Of the mare's three international starts with Tamie last season, Lillet finished top three in all of them, including a win in October's Galway Downs 3*-L where she finished on her dressage score of 29.0.
Tamie is expected to rack up leaderboard points with the depth of young talent in her string, especially when the Open heads to the West Coast in April.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Will Coleman&rsquo;s Under-the-Radar Contender: Cold Red Rum</h2>
Horse age: 12 | Owners: Cold Red Rum Syndicate
Will Coleman&rsquo;s Cold Red Rum, a lightly campaigned 12-year-old, secured a CCI3* win in 2024 (The Fork 3*-S). Now qualified for the CCI4* level, this horse may make a splash in the early stages of the US Equestrian Open as Will bids to get some points on the board in his Open campaign.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7c74cec0-ee8d-4ce0-86ff-780d17d76a10?width=1080&amp;height=820" alt="Will Coleman looks at the camera while in the show jumping arena during competition. He looks focused.">
Will Coleman. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Lauren Nicholson&rsquo;s Show Jumping Star: Larcot Z</h2>
Horse age: 12 | Owner: Jacqueline B. Mars
Larcot Z impressed with a win at TerraNova 3*-S in spring 2024, finishing on a competitive score of 28.7. After stepping up to the CCI4* level later in the year, the horse remains a top prospect, bolstered by an incredible streak of 15 consecutive clear show jumping rounds at the international level (he hasn't knocked an international rail since October 2021).
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Sharon White&rsquo;s Breakthrough Talent: Jaguars Duende</h2>
Horse age: 9 | Owner: Sharon White
Jaguars Duende is the highest rated nine-year-old in the USA according to the EquiRatings Elo (603). Of the mare&rsquo;s nine international completions, she has been on the podium every&nbsp;time, including four wins (Virginia 2*-S 2022, Carolina 3*-S 2024, Tryon 3*-L 2024, Maryland 3*-L 2024). With those&nbsp;three 2024 victories at the CCI3* level, Jaguars Duende's transition to CCI4* is one of the most highly anticipated developments of the year and she's likely to earn Sharon points in any Open qualifier they enter together.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Alexandra Baugh's Breakthrough in the Making: Hubert des 3 Arbres</h2>
Horse age: 12 | Owner: Altorac Farm LLC&nbsp;
Despite a quiet end to the 2024 season, Hubert des 3 Arbres and Alexandra Baugh showed potential at CCI3* with two strong sub-30 finishes last year: they won the Stable View Spring 3*-S on a 29.3 after adding just 0.4 cross-country time penalties, and they placed second at Plantation 3*-S by finishing on their 29.6 dressage score. A breakthrough year at the CCI4* level could be on the horizon for this combination.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Consistent Performers: RF Redfern, Rock Phantom, and Landmark&rsquo;s Monaco</h2>
With&nbsp;Ema Klugman,&nbsp;RF Redfern (12 YO owned by Team Fern)&nbsp;made her mark in 2024 with a second-place finish in the US Equestrian Open qualifier at Morven Park, securing 35 <a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leaderboard</a> points heading into 2025 (sitting equal-fifth currently).
Rock Phantom (14 YO owned by Edith Rameika) partnered with Sara Kozumplik to claim victory at Bouckaert this past autumn, registering 40 points for Sara who now sits equal-third in the Series standings. Look for "Rocky" and Sara to reliably register Series points as 2025 unfolds.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/841c502f-47cc-4d0f-bce8-bf3aae9ffbf5?width=1274&amp;height=1488" alt="Table showing the current Series Leaderboard for the US Equestrian Open of Eventing (the top 10)">
See the full series standings, which are continually updated, <a href="https://equestrian-hub-usef.pages.dev/us-equestrian-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
Meanwhile, Landmark&rsquo;s Monaco (18 YO owned by Jacqueline B. Mars) and Kimmy Cecere produced three top-three placings at the CCI3* level last year, including a win in October's Bouckaert 3*-S to wrap up their season. A reliable campaigner with two sub-30 finishes at CCI3*, Landmark's Monaco is another to watch at the CCI4* level in the coming season.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Who Will Make Their Mark?</h2>
The 2025 US Equestrian Open is shaping up to be an unforgettable season. Will one of these rising stars seize the spotlight, or will an unexpected contender emerge to steal the show? Stay tuned for all the action and updates throughout the season.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/654d6124-e4cf-4c54-8879-23291c2d5334?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Table of the Event Calendar for the 2024-2025 Us Equestrian Open of Eventing Series">
For continual leaderboard updates, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">usequestrianopen.org</a>.
Stay connected with the latest news and standings on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Instagram</a>, and follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>. Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.
<hr>
For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at <a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;

A photograph of Tamie Smith patting the bay horse Kyan on the neck after a dressage test in competition. Kynan's ears are pricked forward and Tamie looks content.

Rising Stars to Watch: Horses Ready to Shine in the 2025 US Equestrian Open

The US Equestrian Open of Eventing is three events in. Once we get to Bouckaert in March, we begin a run of six events over a two month period. The series is in its opening season and at the heart of the project is helping fans find and follow the superstars of the sport. As an early guide, we took a look back at some of the stand-out scores from CCI4*-S (every qualifier is at this level) and CCI4*-L (the final at Morven is a long format).&nbsp; Top of the list was that score from Liz Halliday at Carolina with Miks Master C. Liz was injured in a fall later in the season and her recovery continues. No doubt we will see some of her stars on show over the course of the series.&nbsp; 
<h2 dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/d6611263-adcb-4f64-8f2c-c9e5e981dbb4?width=1518&amp;height=1640" alt=" Top 10 Finishing Scores From Us Riders at Cci4 Cci5 Events Last Year (1)" loading="lazy"> Lilet 3 to shine for Tamie?</h2>
Mai Baum, ridden by Tamie Smith, returns to competition on home soil. They've historically started strong, with a 23.0 dressage score last year and a 22.2 the year before, often securing victories. Notably, Mai Baum retired as the highest-rated U.S. event horse since 2010, being the only one to surpass the 800 mark.
If Mai Baum competes at the CCI4*-S level, they're likely to earn points. Otherwise, Tamie will focus on Lilet 3, who won the CCI3*-L at the same venue in late October.
<h2 dir="ltr">Dancing with Diabolo&nbsp;</h2>
In our simulation of the U.S. Equestrian Open based on the previous season, Will Coleman emerged as the clear winner. With a string of horses including Off The Record, Chin Tonic, and Diabolo, he dominated the CCI4S level in the first half of last year. In April, Diabolo and Coleman clinched first place at the Cosequin Lexington CCI4-S in Kentucky, finishing on their dressage score of 29.9. This achievement marked them as only the second pair in the event's history to finish on their dressage score.
Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate Diabolo's continued success, with promising prospects like Box Como and Fahrenheit Addict also in the mix.
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/c8779127-8508-4b4d-b88e-cbc604f408f5?width=2048&amp;height=1844" alt="Hsh Blake">
<h2 dir="ltr">The Next Olympic Champion?</h2>
In early 2024, a titanic battle unfolded between Liz Halliday with Miks Master C and Caroline Pamukcu with HSH Blake. Blake had previously beaten Miks and won the Pan-Ams in late 2023. They met again at the Carolina CCI4*-S in March, where Miks Master C emerged victorious, finishing on their dressage score of 22.5. They faced off once more in Kentucky, where Blake delivered a standout performance&mdash;fast, controlled, and visually impressive&mdash;which arguably secured their spot for Paris.
However, Paris didn't go as planned for Blake due to an unfortunate error as the U.S. Pathfinder. Subsequently, Liz Halliday was also present at Paris, but with Cooley Nutcracker. We remain huge fans of HSH Blake at EquiRatings, and<a href="https://news.equiratings.com/stories/how-paris-proved-the-power-of-data-in-eventing-lessons-for-la-2028" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> if ratings are anything to go by</a>, we expect to see them as contenders again in LA.
<h2 dir="ltr"><img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/6fc183e8-d351-437e-b99c-52f04d27618f?width=1792&amp;height=1614" alt="Commando 3"></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Commando 3 to star</h2>
The Kentucky CCI4*-S class was full of stories. Will Coleman and Boyd Martin shared the first four places, with Diabolo winning&mdash;but not from the front. Three seconds cross-country (1.2 time penalties) cost Commando 3 and Boyd the win, despite a better dressage score (28.9). They are now well-established at the upper levels of the sport and made a CCI5* debut at Maryland in October.
Commando 3 starts strong (always in the twenties in their last six internationals), has an almost perfect cross-country record, and has had only one rail in their last eight internationals. Commando 3 is poised to be a star in 2025.
<h2 dir="ltr">Cute Girl Performing Well in Europe</h2>
Cute Girl (Hallie Coon) arrived in the US with a big reputation, having won the Seven-Year-Old World Championship at Le Lion d'Angers in 2021 with Australian rider Kevin McNab. They had two significant CCI4*-S wins in the Netherlands in 2024 at Oudkarspel and Kronenberg before a podium finish at Boekelo. That Boekelo score is the only one in the list achieved by a US rider in Europe. Time will tell if we see her at the Open but a contender at Morven for the final if she goes.
<h2 dir="ltr">Mama&rsquo;s Magic Way Making a Play</h2>
Will Faudree's Tryon performance with Mama's Magic Way at the end of the year was huge and another one of only three in the list achieved in the long format. One of their best-ever dressage tests, fast, and they kept the rails up. It was a brilliant finish to the season and it is enough to put them on all of our radars again for the Open Championship.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Looking Ahead</h2>
The U.S. Equestrian Open series runs at CCI4*-S level until the final&mdash;a $200k prize pot at Morven in October. We are three events in and look forward to following some of the superstars&mdash;and watching new ones emerge. We will get going again in March at Bouckaert. <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/91a202fc-4e77-4bac-94e8-8d8b1deca6de?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="US Equestrian Open Eventing Qualifier List">
<h2 dir="ltr">Stay Connected</h2>
Don&rsquo;t miss a moment of the action as the U.S. Equestrian Open unfolds across its 2024-2025 season. We will follow these riders and horses between now and when we get going again in March.
Stay up to date with the latest news, standings, and updates on the U.S. Equestrian Open Series by following us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
Be part of the conversation using #USEquestrianOpen.
For media inquiries: Contact Carly Weilminster at cweilminster@usef.org For sponsorship opportunities: Contact Layson Griffin at lgriffin@usef.org
The journey to the final at Morven Park CCI4*-L in October 2025 is just beginning&mdash;be sure to follow along as the series continues to deliver high-stakes excitement and unforgettable moments!
&nbsp;

Will Coleman and Diabolo winning Kentucky CCI4-S

The Top 10 US Scores From 2024 and What It Means For the U.S. Equestrian Open

Eventing: US Equestrian Open Quick Guide

<h2>Quick Links</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Where are the finals?</li>
<li>How does points scoring work?</li>
<li>Where are the qualifiers? <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/dressage-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[Dressage]</a> <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[Eventing]</a> <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/jumping-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[Jumping]</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>About the Series</h2>
Born from a commitment by the US Equestrian Board in July 2023, the US Equestrian Open aims to grow the sport's awareness, exposure, and fan engagement. With $1 million in prize money and extensive media coverage on ESPN and the USEF Network, this series is designed to:
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Provide a structured, prestigious championship format.</li>
<li>Attract a broader audience.</li>
<li>Enhance competition opportunities for athletes.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>Finals</h2>
Where and when are the finals?
<ul>
<li>Eventing Final: Morven Park, Virginia, Oct 9-12, 2025</li>
<li>Dressage Final: Desert International Horse Park, California, Nov 13-16, 2025</li>
<li>Jumping Final: Winter Equestrian Festival, Wellington, Florida, WEF Rolex Finale Week, March 25-30, 2025 </li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>Points Scoring</h2>
How does the points system work? In both eventing and dressage, athletes earn points based on their performance at qualifying events. Points contribute to leaderboard rankings which, in turn, determine prize money.
In dressage, season-end leaderboard rankings also determine eligibility for the final. In eventing, qualification for the final is achieved with MER at a qualifier.
Qualification for the jumping final in the Rolex Finale Week at Wellington will be based on FEI rules around pre-qualified athletes and qualifiers earlier in the week.
<h3>Learn more about points scoring here: <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/dressage-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[Dressage]</a> <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/eventing-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[Eventing]</a> <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/jumping-us-equestrian-open-quick-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[Jumping]</a></h3>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2>Qualifiers</h2>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/01567dc0-9f76-44d3-94f1-89c6675657b5.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Eventin Gqualifinal">
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<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">
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/a2b5dafc-f7ee-4d30-b144-389d4fabbcfa.png?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Listing of the Participating Classes for the 2025 Us Equestrian Open of Jumping">
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h3>Fan Engagement</h3>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Watch live on ESPN and the USEF Network.</li>
<li>Follow leaderboards, rider profiles, and event updates on our <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/">dedicated microsite</a>.</li>
<li>Join the conversation on social media using #USEquestrianOpen.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h3>Prize Money </h3>
The US Equestrian Open offers a total of $1.25 million in prize money:
<ul>
<li>Eventing: $200,000 in final prize money plus $50,000 series award.</li>
<li>Dressage: $200,000 in final prize money plus $50,000 series award.</li>
<li>Jumping: $750,000 Rolex Grand Prix, $750,000 in final (and additional $250,000 added by USEF to the original Prize Pot.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<hr>
Stay connected with the US Equestrian Open on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Instagram;</a>&nbsp;follow US Equestrian on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usequestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/usequestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>; and follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usefnetwork/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USEF Network</a> for live event updates, stories, and results. Use #USEquestrianOpen to share your own experiences and connect with fellow fans.
For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:USEquestrianOpen@usef.org">USEquestrianOpen@usef.org</a>.
For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at <a href="mailto:cweilminster@usef.org">cweilminster@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lgriffin@usef.org">lgriffin@usef.org</a>.&nbsp;

About the US Equestrian Open

In many ways, Qualifier 3 followed the expected script&mdash;though Sara Kozumplik&rsquo;s retirement with Rock Phantom yesterday added an unexpected twist. Coming in as the strong favorite, Phillip capitalized on his horses&rsquo; CCI5* experience and prior wins at this level, showcasing why he&rsquo;s one of the most consistent performers in the sport. &nbsp;
<img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/e7a632c3-958c-4efc-ab8b-e28826b6eee9?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Results Qualifer 3">
The course at TerraNova once again highlighted cross-country speed as the defining factor. Azure, the fastest horse in the field based on EquiRatings Speed Ratings, was the only horse to keep time penalties in single digits, adding just 9.6. This speed, combined with solid performances in the earlier phases, was decisive in securing victory. It&rsquo;s worth noting that the only rider ever to jump clear and make the time on this course remains Lauren Nicholson with I'll Have Another, who accomplished the feat in March this year. &nbsp;
Over the coming days, the US Equestrian Open Podcast Review (stay tuned to this fan site for updates) will take a deeper dive into not only Phillip&rsquo;s performance but also the standout rides from Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis and Briggs Surratt, who delivered big final-phase efforts to secure third and fourth, respectively. Corture, Briggs Surratt&rsquo;s mount, boasts a stellar cross-country record, and the big climb we anticipated materialized, thanks to their exceptional performance across all phases. Jennie&rsquo;s consistent ride with Flower Girl further cements her position as a strong contender in the series.
Like Morven in Leg 1, TerraNova proved to be a venue where cross-country prowess is king&mdash;a hallmark of this exciting series. &nbsp;
You can view the full updated leaderboard for the series <a href="https://usef.equestrian-hub.com/public/championship/eventing/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/5ca5ebf5-5f76-4d17-a609-4ec294989dbb?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Leaders Top 10 Q3">
<h2>Looking Ahead&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
The US Equestrian Open series format, designed to reward both participation and performance across multiple qualifiers, continues to attract top talent and deliver compelling storylines. With its innovative structure, the series offers an incredible platform for both seasoned professionals and emerging competitors to showcase their skills and make their mark.&nbsp;
So far, the season has highlighted the exceptional depth of talent across the field, with both rising stars and established names delivering standout performances. TerraNova's CCI4*-S was no exception, providing yet another example of how the series is shaping the future of equestrian sport. We will be back for a busy March!&nbsp; <img src="https://usef-admin.fly.dev/assets/7e946c08-591d-4a7b-9920-e4e5e71928fd?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Open Events">
&nbsp;
<h2>Stay Connected</h2>
Don&rsquo;t miss a moment of the action as the US Equestrian Open unfolds across its 2024-2025 season. We will following these riders and horses between now and when we get going again in March.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Stay up to date with the latest news, standings, and updates on the US Equestrian Open Series by following us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Be part of the conversation using #USEquestrianOpen.&nbsp;&nbsp;
For media inquiries: Contact Carly Weilminster at **cweilminster@usef.org&nbsp;&nbsp; For sponsorship opportunities: Contact Layson Griffin at **lgriffin@usef.org&nbsp;&nbsp;
The journey to the final at Morven Park CCI4*-L in October 2025 is just beginning&mdash;be sure to follow along as the series continues to deliver high-stakes excitement and unforgettable moments! &nbsp;

75-point haul for Dutton and outright Series lead at the turn of the year 

Emily Mastervich Beshear and Rio De Janeiro are becoming a familiar sight at the top of the standings at U.S. events.&nbsp;&nbsp;In October 2024, Beshear and &ldquo;Rio&rdquo; won the Morven Park International CCI4*-S, the first of 20 qualifying events for the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final in 2025, earning 40 points towards the Series. 
While currently based in Virginia, Beshear began riding while growing up in Michigan. Her mother's interest in horses got her into riding in a lesson program, which happened to be at an eventing barn. &ldquo;I got my first taste of eventing by going to spectate at the Kentucky Three-Day Event when I was probably 10 or 11 years old,&rdquo; said Beshear. &ldquo;My love for this sport was instant, so developed from there and I&rsquo;ve been doing it ever since.&rdquo;
With over 100 FEI starts since her first in 2004, Beshear gained experience working her way up the levels on several different horses. Her partnership with her most recent upper-level mount, Rio, came to fruition in a not-so-typical way.
Rio was bred in Michigan by the Daratony family to be an event horse for their daughters who were passionate about the sport. As he developed as an event horse, Cierra Daratony took the ride on him and rode up through the CCI2* level. &ldquo;I got to know him coaching Cierra through the young rider program,&rdquo; said Beshear. 
When the time came for Daratony to head off to college, the family made the decision to have Beshear take over the ride in 2021. &ldquo;We didn&rsquo;t quite know for sure what his potential was,&rdquo; said Beshear. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s quite lazy and acts a bit like a pony so we weren&rsquo;t sure if he&rsquo;d have the motivation to do the upper levels.&rdquo;
After completing two events together as a pair, Beshear was sidelined with a non-riding related accident that resulted in knee reconstruction. Having a fit and ready horse needing intermediate miles, she asked her son Nicholas Beshear to take over the ride while she healed. Together they won their first CCI2* and CCI3* together, which posed the question of whether Emily would get the ride back. 
By early 2024, Rio and Emily came back in top form and hit the ground running, winning two CCI3*-S in the spring at Fair Hill and Virginia. 
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve never been on a horse that is as genuine and truly loves the cross-country as much as he does,&rdquo; said Emily. &ldquo;He thinks it&rsquo;s a game. He&rsquo;s one of those that really does look for the flags, and he thinks it&rsquo;s great fun.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
The pair had just one run at the CCI4* level coming into Morven. They did this only two weeks prior at Stable View where together they had a top-10 finish. 
&ldquo;Knowing he can be quite a fast horse, I wasn&rsquo;t really sure how he would handle some of the bigger questions at the 4* level, so I&rsquo;ve given him plenty of preparation to make sure he understood everything,&rdquo; said Beshear. 
Rio does not find the dressage phase to be his favorite, and Beshear made a point of not putting a lot of pressure on through this past year to ensure he enjoys his work, which paid off during their dressage test. 
Beshear has competed at Morven Park since her days as a young rider competing at the upper levels. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s truly one of my favorite cross-country venues,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;I feel like there&rsquo;s a lot of natural cross-country aspects to it with the terrain, and they&rsquo;ve done such a beautiful job the way the course runs now.&rdquo;
While eager to go out and ride the cross-country course, she had a lot of respect for it as well, particularly with the questions that required more scope and boldness that were prevalent on the course. But Beshear felt like Rio was up for the challenge. &ldquo;I was certainly a little bit reserved at the start of the course, and then once I realized he was really comfortable out there, I let him gallop on quite a lot at the end,&rdquo; said Beshear. 
&ldquo;I always know that there&rsquo;s the possibility that we could do well if I don&rsquo;t do anything,&rdquo; said Beshear. &ldquo;My goal usually is just to not do anything too stupid, and to try not to make his job any harder than it needs to be, so that was my goal for cross country.&rdquo; Rio being a reliable show jumper makes him a very competitive horse, allowing him to take the win at many events including Morven, where the pair went double clear.
Though tempted to run a couple more US Equestrian Open qualifiers, Beshear and her team made the plan to give Rio down time until the spring following his great result at Morven. &ldquo;I had not really planned to do a lot on him because of his age, but he is handling it all really well, and it&rsquo;s certainly enticing to think about [running more events with him in the future] knowing that he liked the course at Morven as well as he did,&rdquo; said Beshear. 
The pair plan to compete at a few events at the CCI4* level in the spring and plan their season one event at a time after that. Beshear hopes to compete at the US Equestrian Open Final at Morven Park International in October of 2025, knowing how well he performed there this year. After gaining the attention of many after their result at Morven, Beshear and Rio De Janeiro are ones to watch this upcoming season.

Eventing