Wellington’s star-studded winter season comes to a close tomorrow night with the final US Equestrian Open of Dressage qualifier at this iconic venue. Even without some of the biggest names in attendance, there’s plenty of intrigue as we close the chapter on Wellington's dressage circuit. From leaderboard shakeups to career milestones, here’s what to keep your eye on at AGDF 12.

1. Evelyn Eger’s new ride could reclaim the lead

After a commanding season aboard 11-year-old Oldenburg mare Tabledance 3, Evelyn Eger brings a new horse to the stage—Dancing Darkness 4. While this will be their freestyle debut, the pair logged a 72.326% in the Grand Prix Special earlier this month, suggesting they have the chops to land in the top five. That’s all it would take for Eger to retake the series lead from Anna Marek. If it works out, she’d join Marek as one of just two riders this season to lead the standings on two different horses.

2. Camille Carier Bergeron’s tenth freestyle could be her best yet

With nine FEI Grand Prix Freestyles under their belt, Camille Carier Bergeron and Finnländerin will hit double digits this weekend—and they’re doing it with momentum. Their personal best of 77.280% is second-highest in the field, and their most recent outing here earned a 75.325%. That score placed them just behind World Cup–bound Kevin Kohmann and series leader Anna Marek. A repeat performance could not only earn them the win, but also launch them into the top five on the Series leaderboard.

3. Naima and Statesman bring 113 tests of experience to the ring

While Naima Moreira Laliberté and Statesman are new to the US Equestrian Open Series, they’re far from inexperienced. Statesman has logged 113 FEI-level tests—this weekend will be his 114th. That kind of mileage, paired with a personal best of 77.860%, makes them serious contenders. Their average (73.379%) already places them in the top five of this field. A win wouldn’t change the leaderboard standings—but it could throw a wrench in the climb for Eger, Carier Bergeron, and Karen Lipp.

4. Karen Lipp could move into third with another solid ride

Karen Lipp may not be the flashiest name on paper, but she’s quietly become one of the Series’ most consistent performers. With 60 points from five starts, she’s already in fourth place—and a top-five finish this weekend could move her into third. Riding Infinity, she’s averaging 71.676% and has proven that steady, solid performances are a powerful strategy in a Series that rewards persistence as much as brilliance.

5. Susan Dutta joins the double-digit freestyle club

Susan Dutta and her 14-year-old gelding Don Design DC will notch their 10th FEI Grand Prix Freestyle together this weekend. With a personal best of 73.950%, the pair are poised to contend for a top-five finish. Dutta has developed Don Design from a five-year-old to a seasoned international competitor over the years. And yes—that’s the Susan Dutta behind the Dutta Corporation, one of the most recognized names in global horse transport.

6. Kasey Perry-Glass returns aboard Heartbeat W.P.

Best known for her Olympic team bronze in Rio and team silver at the 2018 World Equestrian Games aboard Goerklintgaards Dublet, Kasey Perry-Glass is back in international competition with a new mount: Heartbeat W.P., a 13-year-old KWPN gelding. The pair debuted in February with back-to-back wins in the CDI3* Grand Prix and Special, and recently posted a personal best of 76.290% in the Freestyle. With the highest average in the field (74.728%), Perry-Glass could be a podium spoiler if she continues this upward trajectory. She may not be chasing Series points—but don’t be surprised if she makes headlines anyway.

While it may not have the headline names of earlier qualifiers, this weekend’s field is full of riders with something to prove—and plenty of chances to shake up the Series standings. It’s the last AGDF qualifier, and for some, it could be their last best shot before the season’s second half kicks off.

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