Galway Downs: West Coast Firepower and Rising Stars
This weekend, the spotlight turns west. Galway Downs is up next on the US Equestrian Open calendar, and while the field might be compact, it’s packed with intrigue. From seasoned pros to exciting young combinations stepping up, it’s a weekend of questions—and maybe some breakout answers.
🐴 Can Tammie Do It Again?
Tammie Smith is back at Galway, where she’s won the last two years with Mai Baum. This time, it’s Kynan under the saddle. A recent national score of 21 in the dressage caught attention, but there are still questions over the cross-country.
“Tammie has something to figure out with this horse,” Annie noted. “But you can never count her out.”
Diarmuid was more cautious:
“I think we automatically associate Tammie with success here, but Kynan’s past performances at Galway include cross-country penalties. It’s not a home run.”
If the cross-country clicks, Kynan is a top contender. But it’s not guaranteed.
🌱 Stars on the Rise
One of the joys of the US Open format is seeing new faces step up, and Tommy Greengard with That’s Me Z is on everyone's radar.
“Rob Burk has been talking about him for a while,” said Annie. “This horse has the numbers at three-star and experience in Europe. That will help.”
Another exciting mover is Megan McIver and Igor B. With a strong OBP of 82% at three-star, steady dressage in the low 30s, and a history of clean rounds, this duo could be ready to shine.
“I love this pick,” Diarmuid said. “They’ve taken five or six marks off the dressage since teaming up, and the jumping phases are solid. It’s a strong trajectory.”
🧠 Experience Matters
Bec Breitling and Caravaggio bring top-level experience to the weekend, likely using Galway as a prep for Kentucky.
“She might not push the button yet,” Annie observed, “but she’s hugely respected, and this horse is awesome.”
Diarmuid agreed but emphasized the dressage:
“The first phase will decide it. If she can move that 36 down a couple of points, a podium is absolutely on.”
🏆 Podium Picks
With a competitive edge creeping in, the two hosts laid out their podium predictions:
Diarmuid’s Podium
-
Taren Hoffos & Regala – “Course form, proven at Galway, ready to win.”
-
Tommy Greengard & That’s Me Z
-
Megan McIver & Igor B
(Tammie and Kynan just miss out…)
Annie’s Podium
-
Megan McIver & Igor B – “They get it done.”
-
Bec Breitling & Caravaggio – “Steady and classy.”
-
Tammie Smith & Kynan – “I think she figures it out.”
🎥 How to Follow
With a doubleheader at Galway and TerraNova, this is one of the busiest and most exciting weekends yet in the US Equestrian Open.
📺 Livestreams are available at both venues
🌐 Visit usequestrianopen.org
📱 Follow @usequestrianopen on social media
“This is real sport,” Diarmuid said. “And the pressure is starting to build—in the best possible way.”
🎧 Want More?
Catch the full episode wherever you get your podcasts, and stay tuned next week as Annie and Diarmuid check in on whose picks held up. Don’t forget to like, follow, and share—because this is the sport we all believe in.
