The countdown to the $750,000 US Equestrian Open Final, CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix of Wellington, officially begins with Thursday’s $116,100 FEI 5* Adequan WEF Challenge Round 12. This 1.55m class is the first of two qualifiers, where the top 30 riders will secure their place in Saturday’s finale. With four pre-qualified names already in the mix — McLain Ward, Kent Farrington, Christian Kukuk, and Henrik von Eckermann — the pressure is on for the rest of the field to deliver their best.

Rising and Reigning: US Contenders to Watch

Karl Cook & Caracole de la Roque

Karl Cook and Caracole de la Roque are back in action after a well-earned break, ready to pick up where they left off following major wins in the Rolex Grand Prix of Rome and the World Cup of Arcadia. As part of the Team USA silver medal squad at the Paris Olympic Games, this pair’s class and consistency are undeniable. Cook was on the podium here last year on Kalinka van’t Zorgvliet — can he go one better this week? 

Laura Kraut & Bisquetta

Laura Kraut has been at the top of US showjumping for the last decades. On Bisquetta, she made the jump-off in last year’s Rolex Grand Prix of Wellington to finish eighth and will be motivated today to get their qualification to try and match or improve on that performance.

Mimi Gochman & Inclen BH

Mimi Gochman and Inclen BH have kicked off 2025 on fire, with two top-five finishes in five-star Grands Prix already under their belts. A third-place finish in the CSI5* Grand Prix of Wellington during WEF 8 and a fourth-place in Ocala last week show they’re riding a serious wave of form. Inclen BH ranks as the fourth-highest rated US horse in the field — expect them to make an impact.

Alex Matz & Ikigai

Rising talent Alex Matz has been turning heads, capturing his first major international victory with Ikigai in Toronto’s World Cup late last year. A strong performance here could be another milestone moment in a fast-developing career.

Pre-Qualified Powerhouses

Kent Farrington & Toulayna

Pre-qualified but never one to sit back, Kent Farrington will be a major threat with Toulayna. Currently ranked #2 in the world, Kent’s 2025 campaign includes nine international wins already — three with Toulayna, including the CSI5* World Cup of Thermal. Don’t be surprised to see them at the top of the podium again.

McLain Ward & Callas

A Wellington legend with over 60 international victories at WEF since 2010, McLain Ward needs little introduction. Eight podium finishes with Callas at four- and five-star level make this combination one to watch for the class win.

The Challengers to Watch

Ben Maher & Point Break

The highest-rated horse in the class and third in the world rankings, Point Break is an absolute powerhouse. With Ben Maher in the saddle, this is a pair that could easily steal the show.

Lorenzo de Luca & Denver de Talma

Fast, reliable, and always in the mix, Denver de Talma has one of the strongest CSI5* 160 clear rates from 2024. Lorenzo de Luca will be keen to lock in his qualification spot for Saturday’s Final.

Nicola Philippaerts & Derby de Riverland

This pair has been incredibly competitive over the course of the 2025 season so far, having already picked up six international podiums including a win in the WEF Challenge Cup Round 4 two months ago. On the back of two victories in Ocala last weekend, this is a pair on form.

With top talent from around the globe and major stakes on the line, the first qualifier for the US Equestrian Open Final promises edge-of-your-seat action. Stay tuned — this one is going to be electric.

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The Jumping Final is now just days away. Action continues in the qualifiers in both Eventing and Dressage. 

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