Phillip Dutton and Jewelent. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
We’re just about halfway to the $200,000 Final of the US Equestrian Open of Eventing, and the leaderboard is starting to take shape — though if we’ve learned anything from the first few qualifier legs, it’s that anything can happen in this exciting new game.
The most recent qualifier, held at Tryon International Equestrian Center, added a fresh twist to the standings as Sharon White and her MARS Maryland 5 Star CCI3*-L winner Jaguars Duende clinched the win and picked up 40 points toward the Open leaderboard to bring her total to 90.
If you’re just catching up: the US Equestrian Open is a brand-new high-stakes series aimed at raising the profile — and the prize money — of eventing in the U.S. The format is straightforward: compete in designated CCI4*-S qualifiers across the country, earn points based on your finish, and earn your spot in the Final, held at Morven Park’s CCI4*-L this October. That Final carries a $200,000 purse — the biggest ever awarded at this level in the U.S. (and really, just about anywhere in the world). On top of that, the top points earners are eligible for an additional $50,000 in prize money. To keep things fair, riders can use their top six finishes toward the series prize.
Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Here’s how it works:
- Each qualifier is worth up to 50 points for the winner of the CCI4*-S division, depending on the number of starters.
- Points are awarded through 10th place in divisions with 25+ starters, and through 8th in divisions with 25 or fewer starters.
- Your best six results count toward your final score — meaning consistency is key, but there’s room to rebound if one weekend doesn’t go to plan.
- Riders can also buy in to the Final for a $5,000 fee (which is contributed to the overall prize fund), which opens this competition up to riders who missed qualifiers or even international riders who want to come from overseas. We could see some riders bring a 4* horse over for Morven and a 5* horse over for the Maryland 5 Star the following weekend.
James Alliston and Karma. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
So far, we’ve seen qualifiers at venues such as TerraNova, Stable View, Ocala, Kentucky, Aspen Farms and Tryon. Next is Maryland International (MD) this weekend. From there, it’s on to the final stretch: six qualifiers will remain before we turn toward the season finale in Leesburg, VA. The final qualifier will be held at Woodside International in California.
And what a finale it promises to be — a championship-style atmosphere, a big crowd, and that eye-popping prize pot. For many riders, this is a rare chance to ride for serious money at a level that develops our future 5* stars and team horses.
Looking to the current leaderboard, U.S. Olympic medalist Phillip Dutton is currently sitting atop the standings, with 215 points accumulated toward the leaderboard bonus to date. Dutton has completed his minimum of six qualifiers, but can still add more points by replacing one or some of those six results with better finishes at future events. Right behind Dutton is Canadian Olympic rider Jessica Phoenix, who has earned 185 points with five qualifying results. Brit-turned-American rider James Alliston is in third overall currently with 145 points across five qualifying results.
Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Want to dive deeper?
🧠 Here’s a quick guide to how the series works
📊 Check the current leaderboard — and get ready to hit refresh after every qualifier
We’ll be watching closely as the summer season kicks off — and we’ll keep bringing you the stories behind the points, the partnerships that are building momentum, and the nail-biters yet to come. Who will punch their ticket to Morven Park? We’ve only a short time to wait to find out.
Hold onto your helmet covers — this one’s only just heating up.
This article is brought to you with support from the Virginia Horse Industry Board, championing the Commonwealth’s vibrant equine community.
The Virginia Horse Industry Board (VHIB) was established to promote the economic development of the state’s horse industry through education, marketing, and research. Funded by fees collected from feed sales, the VHIB reinvests in programs that benefit horse owners, breeders, and enthusiasts across all disciplines. From supporting local events and youth initiatives to advancing equine health and industry sustainability, the Board plays a key role in preserving and growing Virginia’s rich horse heritage. Learn more here.
