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One Big Thing: Bouckaert marks the first US Equestrian Open qualifier of 2026
After two initial 4*-S qualifiers in the fall of 2025, the Bouckaert Equestrian HT International CCI4*-S this weekend will mark the first 2026 qualifier for the second year of the US Equestrian Open of Eventing.
Reigning Bouckaert 4*-S winner and current Open leader Lucienne Bellissimo — whose official nationality change was finalized in late 2025 and now flies the US flag — returns again to the 4*-S, this time with Horse Scout Eventing’s Kitsch Couture HPK. In addition to her October win, Lucienne also graced the podium for Bouckaert’s 4*-S in March 2025, where she and Dyri took 2nd place to Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Double Sixteen — another returning combination contesting this weekend. Other interesting entries include two of Boyd Martin’s newest additions: Kolbeinn and Fetiche des Rouges, both of whom will see their first cross-country runs at the 4* level this weekend
Currently, Bouckaert International’s 4*-S entries are squeaking right under the point qualification threshold with 24 starters, meaning the most Series Leaderboard Points a first-place finish can earn a rider at this event will be 40 points, with second place earning 35, third place earning 30, and so on. The current Top 5 of the Series Leaderboard are Lucienne Bellissimo (80 points), Will Coleman (60), Waylon Roberts (55), Kate Sand (35), and Buck Davidson Jr. (30); — and with Lucienne, Waylon, and Buck all gracing the Bouckaert 4*-S entry list, we’re likely to see a shuffle of placements after this weekend.
You can find all applicable links below under US Events This Weekend — and as always, we will have a full competition report on Monday to recap all the happenings from the event. Watch this space, and best of luck to all our Open riders!
[Find the full Bouckaert 4*-S US Equestrian Open Fan Guide here]
Full Calendar for the 2026 US Equestrian Open.
International Events This Weekend
Mata do Duque (POR): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]
Tonimbuk Horse Trials (AUS): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
US Events This Weekend
Bouckaert Equestrian HT International (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Southern Pines HT I (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
SAzEA Spring HT I (AZ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Full Gallop Farm March I HT (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Other Links and Reading
- Time is running out to enter our Horse Heroes contest with Five Star Eventing Tours — You could win an all-inclusive trip to this year’s Defender Burghley 5*!
- Before this weekend’s qualifier, brush up on the biggest narratives shaping the series right now — Five Storylines Discussed on This Week’s US Equestrian Open Podcast
- Finalists for the 2026 Equine Industry Vision Award announced
- United States Pony Club Announces President, First Vice President, and New Members of Board of Governors and National Youth Board Roster for 2026 and Beyond
Sponsor Corner: Stable View
If you’re planning to attend or compete at the Stable View Spring International and HT, make sure to sign up for their incredible VIP Experience!
Starting with a portable Gourmet Picnic Lunch from the Stable View Bistro featuring Stable View’s signature Charcuterie Board. Gourmet items may include Antipasto Skewers, Southern Pickled Shrimp, Crab Dip Stuffed Peppadew Peppers, and a Selection of Dessert Bites. Cool off with a cold beverage from a selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options on site. Each guest also receives Stable View swag to take home.
Watch some of the top international eventers compete in the CCI1*, CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S divisions in addition to national levels from Beginner Novice through Advanced. Cheer on our competitors!
- Vendor Row is full of local and national vendors featuring equestrian and non-equestrians’ gifts and goods.
- End the day with friends at the Graze & Gaze happy hour from 5pm-7pm! The Graze & Gaze is hosted downstairs in the Pavilion at Ollie’s Pub. Complimentary food and beverages (beer, wine, non-alcoholic options) for VIP guests, competitors, and families.
VIP Luncheon tickets are $75 per person are available — scan or click the QR code below to treat yourself!
Training Tip of the Day
A quick MacGyver barn hack tip for this week: how to repair a torn blanket with only a hair dryer, Gorilla tape, and scissors!
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Go Eventing
Sending healing vibes and wishes for a smooth recovery to eventer Chris Talley after a radical L4/L5 disk replacement surgery:
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