Excitement Mounts for Inaugural US Equestrian Open Series Qualifier at Morven Park

Morven Park: A Venue Steeped in History
Morven Park has long been a cornerstone in the eventing calendar, and this year's competition adds another chapter to its rich history. This marks the 10th CCI4*-S at Morven Park since 2008, cementing its place as a venue of choice for top-tier eventing.

Records on the Line
As riders and horses gear up for the challenge, several intriguing statistics set the stage for potential record-breaking performances:

1. Hannah Sue Hollberg aims for her 15th international win this weekend, a testament to her consistency and skill at the highest level.
   
   
2. The combination of Kim Severson & Cooley Cross Border stands alone in Morven Park's history books. They are the only pair to have won the Morven 4*-S finishing on their dressage score - a rare feat that showcases exceptional performance across all three phases.
   
   
3. The cross-country time has been a formidable challenge, with only three horses beating the clock in the event's history. However, the last instance of this achievement date back to 2019, leaving spectators wondering if this will be the year the record will be broken again.
   
   
4. Interestingly, 33% of Morven 4*-S winners have added faults in the cross-country phase, highlighting the technical difficulty of the course and the unpredictable nature of the sport.

Riders to Watch
Morven Park CC+4* promises to showcase top equestrian talent, with Hannah Sue Hollberg emerging as a formidable contender, boasting an impressive record of 20 starts at the sport's pinnacle 5* level, with five top-ten finishes to her name. Her international pedigree shines through with two Pan American medals – an individual silver and a team gold – both claimed at Guadalajara in 2011. Hollberg's presence at Morven Park signals her continued competitive edge at the highest echelons of the sport.

Jennie Brannigan stands out as another top prospect, bringing a wealth of experience to the field. With a remarkable 21 starts at the 5* level and three top-10 placings, Brannigan has consistently proven her mettle against the world's best. Her dominance at the 4* level is particularly noteworthy, with an impressive 11 wins demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure. Brannigan's track record makes her a serious contender for top honors at this event.

Completing this trio of exceptional talent is Erin Kanara. With 12 starts at the 5* level, Kanara has shown she belongs among the elite. Her recent 6th place finish at a 5* event underscores her current form and readiness for Morven Park. Add to this her four wins at the 4* level, and Kanara emerges as a rider capable of delivering when it counts.

These three riders, each with their unique strengths and impressive accomplishments, are set to make the Morven Park CC+4* an event to remember. Their presence ensures fierce competition and world-class performances, making them the definitive riders to watch.

For more ones to watch this weekend, scroll through the Morven Park CCI4*-S Fan Guide and follow their live results here.

Prediction Center: Top Contenders
As the excitement builds, the EquiRatings Prediction Center has released its pre-competition win chances for the top 10 riders, offering fans a data-driven glimpse into possible outcomes while preserving the thrilling uncertainty that makes live competition so captivating.

All eyes are on Jennie Brannigan and Connory, leading the pack with a 16% chance to clinch victory. But don't count out Mia Farley and Invictus, hot on their heels at 13%! The field is incredibly tight, with Hannah Sue Hollberg, Ema Klugman, and Arden Wildasin all tied at 11% - any of them could make a spectacular run for the top spot! With such a competitive field, every phase of the event will be crucial.

A New Chapter in US Eventing

The inaugural qualifier at Morven Park represents more than just another competition; it's the beginning of a new era in US eventing. As part of the US Equestrian Open Series, this event sets the tone for what's to come, promising high-stakes competition, world-class performances, and unforgettable moments.

With records on the line, international talent pushing the boundaries, and the unpredictable nature of equestrian sports, the stage is set for an exhilarating four days of competition. Equestrian fans around the world will be watching closely as history unfolds at the inaugural series qualifier at Morven Park.

Tune into the USEFNetwork, powered by ClipMyHorse.TV or through our streaming partner ESPN3 to catch all the excitement in real-time.

Stay Connected
Stay up to date with news and standings of the US Equestrian Open Series on Facebook and Instagram. Follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Use #USEquestrianOpen.

Get the live Morven Park 4*-S results here and be in the know (and entertained) by the fan guide.

For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at cweilminster@usef.org . For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at lgriffin@usef.org.