The US Equestrian Open Podcast

The US Equestrian Open Final in Wellington is upon us.
We break down the contenders, where the US challenge really sits on home soil, and which combinations come in with the kind of form that usually wins a class like this. There's a close look at the jump-off picture too, and how the order of go could shape the result before a fence is even jumped.
Highlights:
The depth of this Wellington field
The main contenders and current form
The US challenge on home soil
The jump-off picture and order of go
Podium predictions

The final week in Wellington has arrived, and with it, the US Equestrian Open Jumping Final. A field building towards something potentially historic, where strength, depth and strategy all collide.
This episode sets the stage. From how the qualifiers will shape the final field, to the riders and horses already circling this as a target, it's a look at what makes this week different, and why it matters.
Beyond Wellington, there's a standout weekend across the other Open disciplines. Carolina delivered one of the strongest four-star fields seen in the US, with Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 stepping forward in a big way, while the leaderboard begins to take shape. In dressage, momentum continues to build, with new names rising and combinations improving week by week.

Read about Wellington's field strength: https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/stand-by-for-the-strongest-ever-wellington-grand-prix
Read The Open Weekly: https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-grand-prix-arrives-new-series-leaders
Highlights
What defines the Wellington final and why this week stands apart
How qualifiers and rider strategy will shape Saturday night
Key contenders, storylines and horses to watch
Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 win a stacked Carolina four-star
Frederic Wandres leads dressage after back-to-back wins
Follow the US Equestrian Open coverage: https://www.usequestrianopen.org

The final is nearly here.
After weeks of five-star form, big moments, and small clues, everything now points to Wellington. The Rolex US Equestrian Open Jumping Final is just around the corner, and the field is starting to take shape.
In this episode, the focus is on what we've seen so far, the horses building momentum, and the riders who could be peaking at exactly the right time. From standout form across the Atlantic to the names consistently delivering in Wellington, the picture is becoming clearer.
Alongside that, attention turns to Carolina International, where a stacked four-star field brings together returning winners, rising combinations, and key Kentucky contenders in one of the most competitive early-season tests.
Highlights
The form lines shaping the Jumping Final
Horses and riders building momentum at the right time
What to watch in the final weeks before Wellington
A deep dive into the Carolina International field
Guests
Annie Bishop – US Equestrian Open host
Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder

A busy weekend across the US Equestrian Open delivered plenty of storylines.
In eventing, Caroline Pamukcu claimed the Bouckaert CCI4*-S with HSH Connor, moving her level at the top of the series standings with Lucienne Bellissimo. Boyd Martin also had a big weekend, finishing second with Commando 3 and placing three horses inside the top ten.
In dressage, Claire Darnell and Harald S returned to winning form in Ocala, delivering the performance many expected as the Open season continues to take shape.
And in Wellington show jumping, Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue landed the final five-star before the Open Final. Behind them, a rare tie in the jump-off saw Marilyn Little and La Contessa share second place with Thaisa Erwin and Hialita B.
The Open Weekly: https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-pamukcu-kenny-darnell
Highlights
Caroline Pamukcu wins the Bouckaert CCI4*-S with HSH Connor
Boyd Martin places three horses inside the top ten
Claire Darnell and Harald S win in Ocala dressage
Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue take the Wellington five-star
A rare tie for second place in the jump-off
Guests
Annie Bishop – Co-host of the US Equestrian Open podcast
Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder

The Jumping Final is only three weeks away and the momentum across the US Equestrian Open is building.
Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne unpack a busy weekend across the disciplines. In dressage, Genay Vaughn and Gino take over the lead in the series after another big result, while the Nations Cup in Wellington offers a glimpse of the form building among the American contenders ahead of the Jumping Final.
Plus, eventing returns this weekend at Bouckaert with a stacked four-star field. Boyd Martin arrives with four entries, Lucienne Bellissimo looks to defend her lead in the standings, and several exciting younger combinations step up to the level.
Highlights
Genay Vaughn and Gino move to the top of the Dressage leaderboard
Momentum building for the US ahead of the Jumping Final
Eventing returns with the Bouckaert four-star qualifier
Early podium picks from Annie and Diarm
The Open Weekly: https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-open-weekly-bouckaert-opens-vaughn-takes-the-lead-and-cook-shines-at-wef
Shane Sweetnam article: https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/only-80-seconds-stand-between-shane-sweetnam-and-a-podium-finish
Guests
Annie Bishop – Co-host of the US Equestrian Open podcast
Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder