The Review Show | Morven Park | Eventing

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The Venue: A Special, Sunny Weekend in Virginia

Annie Bishop, who has been steeped in equestrian tradition since birth, described Morven Park as a venue that effortlessly blends the old with the new. From meticulously maintained arenas to the timeless natural landscape, Morven Park has long been a favorite among top riders. "The surfaces are beautiful. They have walking paths for the horses, barns, and this really old turf with beautiful trees," Bishop said. "It’s really the only place like it in North America."

Much of the talk over the weekend centered around the park's unique combination of history and state-of-the-art facilities created an ideal setting for the launch of the US Equestrian Open. David O'Connor, who we speak to at the end of the podcast, described it a possible World Games venue in the future. 

The US Equestrian Open: A New Era for Eventing

The launch of the US Equestrian Open marks a new era for American eventing, bringing continuity and structure to the sport with 18 calendar events leading to a final showdown at Morven Park in 2025. 

This weekend, we were offered a glimpse into the future of the series, with stories emerging around top riders like Hannah Sue Hollberg, Jenny Brannigan, and Emily Beshear. 

Riders to Watch: Hannah Sue Hollberg, Jenny Brannigan, and Emily Beshear

Hannah Sue Hollberg and her mount, Business Ben, were among the main contenders after Friday's dressage and Saturday's cross-country phases. Hollberg's bold, fast round on Saturday showed her intent to take the lead, as she and Business Ben demonstrated their partnership's potential. However, in an unfortunate twist of fate - which probably sums up the season Hannah Sue is having, Business Ben was withdrawn before the final show jumping phase due to a minor injury. "It was tough news to hear," Byrne said. "We were all rooting for them."

Jenny Brannigan also had her fair share of drama, as a mistake at the 13th fence during cross-country knocked her down the leaderboard. However, her exceptional show jumping skills allowed her and Connery to recover and secure a sixth-place finish, ensuring some Series points.

The star of the weekend was Emily Beshear, riding the 15-year-old Rio de Janeiro. Beshear's calm and calculated stadium jumping on Sunday earned her a clear round - and when Ema Klugman had one down, it meant Emily had won her first CCI4*-S. "The horse just looked like he was saying, ‘Okay, there's another jump,’ and it was all so easy," Bishop said of the winning round. Beshear, who has long been a respected figure in the sport, secured her first four-star win after 34 attempts at the level, a testament to her perseverance and dedication.

New Faces and Rising Talent

The series not only highlights established stars but also gives fans a reason to follow up-and-coming talent. Ema Klugman and Arden Wildasin both delivered standout performances, finishing second and third, respectively. Klugman, riding RF Redfern, had one down while Wildasin's Billy Beaufort made a debut at the level, showing that they are riders to watch as the series progresses.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the US Equestrian Open Final

With Morven Park in the rearview mirror, all eyes are on the next two events in the series: Bouckaert and Terra Nova. Riders like Philip Dutton, Boyd Martin, and Will Coleman are expected to join the fray, adding even more excitement to the competition. "We are tracking these riders in a way we haven't in the past," Bishop said. "It's exciting to see how it all unfolds."

As the US Equestrian Open continues to build momentum, fans and riders alike are embracing the new format, which promises to elevate eventing in the US by connecting stories across multiple events. From veteran riders to new talent, the series is set to captivate audiences and create lasting memories.

Stay tuned to the US Equestrian Open fan site for leaderboards, updates, and all the latest stories as the competition heats up.