The US Equestrian Open Podcast

The US Equestrian Open is back for 2026. With the new season underway and ten weeks to the first jumping final, Annie Bishop catches up with Diarm Byrne to unpack where the Open stands one year on, how the mission is evolving, and why the off-season thinking matters just as much as in-season competition. From unified storytelling across dressage, jumping and eventing to the early movers, breakout names and pathway shifts already shaping the year ahead, it's a state-of-play conversation to kick off the season. Highlights A 2025 debrief and what the Open learned in year one The calendar: ten weeks to the Jumping Final, dressage wall-to-wall, and eventing six weeks out Early jumping storylines: Lilli Keenan's string, Richard Vogel's choices, Vogel vs Farrington vs Brash Dressage shake-ups: Indian Rock's record run, scoring changes, and Genay Vaughn's coast-to-coast trip Eventing preview: Lucienne Bellissimo out early, Coleman's depth, and a rising U25 generation What fans should watch next and why the season starts now Guests • Diarm Byrne, EquiRatings co-founder • Hosted by Annie Bishop

There is something special about talking to a rider who has brought a horse all the way up the levels. The patience, the instinct, the thousand quiet decisions that shape a partnership long before the big results ever appear on a scoreboard. And for Kate Sand, 2024 was the year all those years came into focus. From the three-year-old off the track with no real record to speak of, to a second place finish at Bouckaert, and a rise into the top four of the US Equestrian Open standings. This is a story built on feel, faith, and a horse who keeps proving he is more than anyone expected. A once in a lifetime type, even if he has not quite figured that out himself. Highlights The Facebook ad that started it all  How a self described kick ride rewrote Kate's idea of what she wanted in a horse Training with Ali Knowles and the early hints from Karen O'Connor that this might be a top level horse The first step up to four star, what went wrong, and how the pair rebuilt with more confidence Bouckaert, the test tweaks, the show jumping accuracy, and the cross country run that put them second fastest of the day The plan for 2025, intermediate to advanced in Aiken, a likely return to Carolina, aiming at long formats, and why Morven, Bromont, and Rebecca Farm are each on the table A look at Kate's small Kentucky program, her love of developing horses, and why keeping it manageable matters Guests Kate Sand, US Equestrian Open rider, joined by host Annie Bishop. Stay Connected For the most up-to-date series calendar and latest standings, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at usequestrianopen.org. Engage with us on Instagram and Facebook — and use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.

It's Thanksgiving Eve and we've dragged Jon Holling away from his turkeys, his Packers jersey and his very detailed holiday schedule. Between Bloody Mary debates, and the yearly "do we have enough food" panic, we get a real glimpse into Jon's world. We talk horses stepping up, young ones learning the ropes, the long road to making them competitive, and what it actually feels like to build your own string from the ground up.  A Thanksgiving special with all the good bits. Highlights Thanksgiving in the Holling house, from two turkeys to 25 guests Why Zelda feels like the horse who changes everything Producing horses from scratch and the long game behind it The emotional whiplash between "I love this" and "why do I do this" Friends, loyalty, and the people who keep you sane in this sport What Jon would be doing if he hadn't ended up an eventer Guests Jon Holling - rider, coach, host of the John & Rick Show, professional Thanksgiving over-caterer and currently two horses deep into building his next top string.   Stay Connected For the most up-to-date series calendar and latest standings, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at usequestrianopen.org. Engage with us on Instagram and Facebook — and use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.

TerraNova gave us blue skies, big movement and a four star that absolutely shaped the conversation. Annie was there watching it unfold. Diarmuid was in the desert watching the Dressage Final under very un-California weather. And between the two weekends we learned a lot. About form. About depth. And about who is heading into the winter with momentum. Settle in. There's plenty to talk about. Highlights What TerraNova told us about the depth in the four star short How the Dressage Final played out and why the result mattered Who delivered at the right time and who signalled big things for 2026 The young guns making serious moves and why that matters for the US and Canada Time penalties, tough show jumping and the class dynamics you might have missed What the winter break means for big names and big ambitions Guests Annie Bishop with all the key details from on the ground at TerraNova Diarmuid Byrne with the view from the Dressage Final in the desert Stay Connected For the most up-to-date series calendar and latest standings, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at usequestrianopen.org. Engage with us on Instagram and Facebook — and use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.

Big week ahead. The very first US Equestrian Open Dressage Final lands in Thermal and it already feels like a proper championship moment. Annie is with Noah Rattner and DiarmByrne to size up the field, the atmosphere and the storylines building as fourteen combinations head for the desert. This one has everything. Top Americans hitting form at the right time. Felicitas Hendricks back on US soil. Jan and Ben Ebeling lining up together. Riders still tweaking floorplans, pushing their degree of difficulty and deciding where to take the risks. And a venue that gives you that big-stage feeling the minute you walk in. Highlights Why Thermal delivers a true championship atmosphere The degree of difficulty choices that can swing the result Joker lines, late edits and the tactics behind a winning freestyle The combinations bringing serious momentum How this final feeds into Aachen 2026 and LA 2028 Music, pressure and the feel of a first-ever title on the line Guests Noah Rattner, international dressage commentator Stay Connected For the most up-to-date series calendar and latest standings, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at usequestrianopen.org. Engage with us on Instagram and Facebook — and use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.

It is Terranova week and there is a lot on the line. Annie and Diarm look ahead to a field stacked with returning stars, big step-ups, and the last chance to score crucial Open points before the winter break. From Diabolo's long-awaited comeback, to Dyri's red-hot momentum, to the rise of Meg Pellegrini and the next wave of US riders, this is a weekend with stories everywhere you turn. They break down the Prediction Centre, the tactics at play, the form horses, and the key combinations shaping the early 2026 landscape. Plus, a quick look at the four-long, where qualifications are on the line. Highlights Why Terranova is the most influential late-season qualifier Diabolo's return and what Will Coleman needs heading into 2026 Dyri's surge toward series leadership Meg Pellegrini's three-horse step-up and what it signals for the under-25 landscape Who could shake up the standings and who needs a result Tactical reads from the Prediction Centre and the form horses to watch A four-long with championship implications Guests: Hosted by Annie Bishop and Diarm Byrne Stay Connected For the most up-to-date series calendar and latest standings, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at usequestrianopen.org. Engage with us on Instagram and Facebook — and use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.

The 2025–2026 U.S. Equestrian Open season is underway, and Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri have started on top. Annie and Diarm break down a win that reinforces Lucienne's 2025 form, makes it eight international victories this year, and gives her an early lead in the Open standings. The team reviews the key results from Bouckaert, including Kate Sand and Top Shelf in second, Buck Davidson and Cerafino in third, and updates on Hot Bobo and Fernhill Salt Lake ahead of TerraNova. With points already on the board, the leaderboard is beginning to take shape. Highlights: Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri open the season with a clear win Lucienne's 2025 record puts her ahead for international wins by a British rider Kate Sand and Top Shelf deliver a strong second-place finish Buck Davidson and Cerafino continue to build form Hot Bobo and Fernhill Salt Lake updates as riders plan their next runs Early leaderboard picture and what to expect at TerraNova Guests: Hosted by Annie Bishop and Diarm Byrne

Listeners, we're back and can you believe the 2026 U.S. Equestrian Open season is officially underway. Annie Bishop and Diarm Byrne are diving into the first qualifier at Bouckaert, looking at the stories, the riders, and the horses that could shape the season ahead. Lucienne Bellissimo's Dyri headlines the field, Hot Bobo is back for Karl Slezak and Canada, and Buck Davidson's Carafino D is one to keep an eye on. They talk form, predictions, and a Bouckaert track that's only seen four clear inside the time. It might be early in the year, but every point counts. Highlights Include: Dyri back in business and looking sharp for Lucienne Bellissimo Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo return after 15 months away from the level Buck Davidson's Carafino D catches Annie's attention as one to watch The challenge of Bouckaert: who can make the time? Early-season tactics and the first points of the 2026 leaderboard Guests: Hosted by Annie Bishop and Diarm Byrne, with a special message from Lucienne Bellissimo on Dyri, confidence, and what's ahead this winter. Stay Connected For the most up-to-date series calendar and latest standings, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at usequestrianopen.org. Engage with us on Instagram and Facebook — and use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.

At just 24, Germany's Felicitas Hendricks has already made her mark on the international dressage stage. From her first junior CDIs in Wellington to European medals and a standout U.S. Open season with her beloved Drombusch, her rise has been shaped by patience, partnership, and personality. In this episode, Annie sits down with Felicitas to talk about the journey behind the results, building trust with a horse she's produced since six, how disco beats became the soundtrack to their freestyle, and what it means to take that partnership across the Atlantic for the U.S. Equestrian Open Final in Thermal, California. Highlights Include From Wellington to Hagen: the rhythm of two continents Drombusch's personality and the story behind their 80s freestyle Lessons from a European gold and bronze medal season Preparing for Thermal and what it takes to travel horses worldwide How a pipeline of young horses shapes the future Guests Felicitas Hendricks — German international dressage rider and U25 European medalist Stay Connected Follow the US Equestrian Open for series updates, results, and highlights at usequestrianopen.org and on Instagram and Facebook.

The first-ever U.S. Equestrian Open Final delivered everything you could hope for from a season finale. From Boyd Martin's emotional win with Miks Master C to Will Coleman's class performances across his string, Morven Park set the stage for a weekend of real sport. Annie and Diarm look back on the moments that defined it, Sharon White's standout test with Claus 63, Caroline Pamukcu once again proving her pace, and the depth of form that shows just how strong U.S. eventing has become. Highlights Include Boyd Martin and Miks Master C making history Will Coleman's trio of top-level rides Sharon White's brilliant start with Claus 63 Caroline Pamukcu and the rise of U.S. speed Why Morven Park delivered the perfect finish Guests Annie Bishop and Diarm Byrne Stay Connected For the most up-to-date series calendar and latest standings, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at usequestrianopen.org. Engage with us on Instagram and Facebook — and use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.

Dressage is done and dusted at Morven Park and what a day it was. Sharon White and Claus 63 threw down a personal best, 25.2, her best ever at four-star level, and slotted straight into second behind Will Coleman and Off The Record. It was one of those moments that just felt big. Sharon's had a tough season, she's at her home venue, the crowd was buzzing, and she absolutely delivered when it counted. At the top, it's the "old shoe" himself, Will Coleman and Timmy, who've taken the early advantage. A 25.1, classy, calm, and confident. The Achen winner, the fastest horse in the field, and now the one they've all got to catch. But as Diarm and Annie remind us, no one wins it on Friday night at Morven. The real battle comes on Saturday, and making the time here is a tall order. Highlights Sharon White's career-best 25.2 with Claus 63, her third-best score ever and a home-soil high Will Coleman and Off The Record lead after the first phase, looking every bit the old pro Boyd Martin, Phillip Dutton, and Tamie Smith all within striking distance heading into cross country Why Morven's Leaf Pit could be the question that defines the weekend Derek Di Grazia's course: tight time, bold lines, and classic "ride the line, not the stride" questions Predictions and podium picks: who's built for speed, who's built for survival Guests Diarm Byrne & Annie Bishop On the ground at Morven Park with reaction from Sharon White, Will Coleman Stay Connected For the most up-to-date series calendar and latest standings, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at usequestrianopen.org. Engage with us on Instagram and Facebook — and use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.

It's the one we've been building toward all season. The US Equestrian Open Final at Morven Park is this weekend, and we have the Preview Show ready for you. The field is deep, the form is fascinating, and for the first time, we'll see how the year's biggest combinations measure up head-to-head. Annie Bishop, Diarm Byrne, and Sinead Maynard look at what's on the line this weekend, from Off The Record arriving as joint favourite to Miks Master C stepping up with Boyd Martin, and Lauren Nicholson's growing connection with Larco Z. With Will Coleman, Phillip Dutton, Caroline Pamukcu, and Tamie Smith all in the mix, it's a field that feels both competitive and defining for the direction of US eventing right now. Highlights The form horses heading into the US Equestrian Open Final Will Coleman's dual chances with Off The Record and Very Dignified Lauren Nicholson's momentum with Larco Z after Arville Boyd Martin's new chapter with Miks Master C Caroline Pamukcu's pace with Double Sixteen How the Open series has sharpened US competitiveness this season Guests Annie Bishop, Diarm Byrne, and Sinead Maynard Stay Connected For the most up-to-date series calendar and latest standings, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at usequestrianopen.org. Engage with us on Instagram and Facebook — and use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.

He swooped in late, stole the series, and left Phillip Dutton wondering where the prize money went. Now Boyd Martin rolls into Morven Park as the first ever US Open Eventing Series Champion, and he's not done yet. Boyd joins Diarm Byrne and Annie Bishop to talk about winning the inaugural title, the pressure of leading into Morven, and why the US Open is shaking up American eventing for good. Highlights Boyd on what it really felt like to take the series from Phillip Dutton at the last minute Managing risk, fitness, and MERs ahead of Morven Park Inside his rides: Mix Master C and Shanroe Cooley How the US Open is changing the game for U.S. riders From Aachen to Maryland, how America became the "promised land" for eventing Guests Boyd Martin, US Open Series Champion Diarm Byrne, EquiRatings Annie Bishop, U.S. Equestrian Open podcast host Stay Connected For the most up-to-date series calendar and latest standings, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at usequestrianopen.org. Engage with us on Instagram and Facebook — and use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.  

Behind every great event horse is a team of owners who make the dream possible. In this episode, Annie sits down with longtime supporters of Phillip Dutton, David and Patricia Vos and Caroline Moran, to celebrate the stories the highs and lows and the unforgettable memories of ownership as we count down to the US Equestrian Open Final at Morven Park. From first lessons to Olympic medals, syndicate dinners to Aachen silver, the owners share what has kept them passionate about the sport and why community, travel, and trust are at the heart of it all. Highlights Caroline Moran on her first leap into event horse ownership with Mr. Medicott and how eventing's culture differs from racing and hunters David and Patricia Vos on going "all in" from their first up down lessons to joining syndicates and traveling the world with Phillip's horses Reflections on ownership highs from Mighty Nice's Olympic bronze in Rio, to memorable trips to Aachen and Badminton How syndicates build community and why eventing's resilience makes the journey worthwhile, win or lose Looking ahead to Morven Park with Passant and Denim leading Phillip's string into the US Open Final Guests Caroline Moran - Owner of multiple top event horses including Mr. Medicott, Denim and Zee David and Patricia Vos - Longtime owners and syndicate members with Phillip Dutton supporting horses including Mighty Nice and Passant Stay Connected Check the latest standings and calendar on the US Equestrian Open hub. Join the conversation on Instagram and Facebook with #USEquestrianOpen.

Stable View confirmed the series podium with Boyd Martin, Phillip Dutton and Caroline Pamukcu leading the way, but it also gave us a glimpse of what's to come. Caroline and HSH Double Sixteen delivered one of only two clear rounds inside the time in the last five years at Stable View and that kind of speed changes the picture heading into Morven Park. Now attention shifts west as Woodside hosts the final qualifier where Tamie Smith brings Danito and Lillet 3, James Alliston lines up with HMR Rolan and Molly Duda returns from Europe with Disco Traveler and Carlingford's He's A Clover. Highlights Stable View review including Caroline's breakout with Double Sixteen and Mary Bess Davis impressing with Imperio Magic Consistent form from Emily Hamel and Corvett plus mixed fortunes for Boyd Martin and Brooke Burchianti with Cooley Space Grey Woodside preview with Tamie Smith, James Alliston and Molly Duda headlining a strong West Coast field What these performances tell us about form and momentum heading into the Morven Park Final Guests Diarm Byrne, EquiRatings Annie Bishop, U.S. Equestrian Open podcast host Stay Connected For the most up-to-date series calendar and latest standings, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at usequestrianopen.org. Engage with us on Instagram and Facebook — and use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.

As one of the most respected course designers in eventing, Derek di Grazia has shaped some of the sport's most memorable tracks from Fair Hill to Burghley, Kentucky, and now Morven Park. With the US Open Final just around the corner, Annie and Diarm sit down with Derek to explore his journey from rider to designer and the philosophy behind the courses that challenge and educate horses while inspiring confidence in riders. Derek reflects on his early days at Pebble Beach, his competition career on both coasts, and the transition into course building that has defined the past two decades of his life. He also shares what makes Morven Park such a special venue, why terrain and footing matter as much as fences, and how he balances risk and reward when setting the questions at the highest level. Episode Highlights How Derek's background as a rider influences his approach to design Stories from Pebble Beach, and his first major events The evolution from competitor to course designer Why Morven Park is reemerging as a premier venue in the US What riders can expect at this year's US Open Final Guests Derek di Grazia - former international event rider and one of the world's leading course designers Stay Connected For the most up-to-date series calendar and latest standings, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at usequestrianopen.org. Engage with us on Instagram and Facebook — and use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.

He's a six-time Olympian, a multi-medalist for Team USA, and the rider who turned millions of new fans onto dressage with the viral "Rave Horse." In this episode, Annie is joined by Steffen Peters to revisit the story of Mopsy's freestyle, how a near mix-up in Tokyo almost kept it from happening, and why that performance still resonates today. Steffen talks through building a freestyle that feels like a party, the atmosphere American crowds bring to big occasions, and the lessons he's learned about balancing pressure with empathy for the horse. From career-defining moments to advice for riders fine-tuning their own freestyles, this is a candid conversation with one of the sport's most admired figures. Episode Highlights The Tokyo freestyle that almost didn't happen Mopsy's rise as the "Rave Horse" and what it meant for the sport How atmosphere and audience can lift a performance Emotional intelligence in training and competition prep Reflections on gratitude, teamwork, and what horses give back Guests Steffen Peters — Six-time Olympian, US dressage legend, and rider of "Rave Horse" Mopsy Annie Bishop — Host, US Equestrian Open Podcast Stay Connected Follow the US Equestrian Open for series updates, results, and highlights at usequestrianopen.org and on Instagram and Facebook.

Only two qualifiers left in the US Equestrian Open of Eventing and Stable View is shaping up to be one of the most interesting yet. Boyd Martin doesn't need the points but he's still here with Cooley Nutcracker. Hot Bobo is back on the Canadian bench. And a string of up and comers from Kimmy Cecere and OS Hermitage to Sara Beth Anton with Go Go are ready to make things lively. Diarm and Annie dig into who's climbing, who's coming back after time off, and why a few of the outsiders could make this weekend very fun to watch. Episode Highlights Boyd Martin: Cooley Nutcracker stepping in while Federman B sits this one out Canadian comeback: Hot Bobo returns to the four star stage Dark horses: OS Hermitage, Go Go, and a few that could surprise Veteran stars: Corvette and Emily Hamel keeping Maryland in sight First phase shuffles: who can actually lead the dressage in this field Time matters: why Stable View rarely sees clears inside the time Guests • Annie Bishop – USEA Podcast Host • Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings Co Founder   Stay Connected Check the latest standings and calendar on the US Equestrian Open hub. Join the conversation on Instagram and Facebook with #USEquestrianOpen.

What a weekend. Between Twin Rivers, Plantation Field, and trying to keep half an eye on the Europeans, there was no shortage of storylines. James Alliston did what James does at Twin, made the time when nobody else could and added another win to his California record. Tamie Smith and Kynan had a 20, not in the plan, but still plenty to talk about ahead of Morven. Out East, Phillip Dutton and Possante led from the front at Plantation, Commando 3 and Boyd Martin looked sharp, and Caroline Pamukcu's HSH Blake gave one of his best runs of the year. Annie and Diarm catch up on the hours of action, who climbed the leaderboard, who might be kicking themselves, and why the final stretch of the Open is going to be fascinating. Episode Highlights James Alliston, the only one to make time at Twin, tightening up the series race Tamie Smith and Kynan, a cross-country 20 that wasn't in the plan, but all eyes now Morven Plantation takeaways, Possante's clear, Boyd's Commando 3, and Blake looking back to his speedy best  Movers on the table, how Jess Phoenix and James Alliston are tied up behind Boyd and Phillip West Coast notes, Megan McIver and Igor B stepping up, Molly Duda right in the mix East Coast sparks, Monica Spencer's Marvel and Sydney Elliott's QC Diamantaire adding depth to the picture Guests Annie Bishop, reporting from Plantation with first-hand impressions Diarmuid Byrne, pulling up the leaderboards and putting results into series context Stay Connected Check the latest standings and calendar on the US Equestrian Open hub. Join the conversation on Instagram and Facebook with #USEquestrianOpen.

It's a doubleheader on the US Equestrian Open of Eventing calendar with Twin Rivers out West and Plantation Field on the East Coast. Boyd Martin still looks every inch the series leader, but there's plenty going on behind him. James Alliston knows how to win at Twin, Tamie Smith is fine-tuning Kynan on the road to Morven, and Molly Duda is stepping up with Carlingfords Hes a Clover. At Plantation, Commando 3, HSH Blake, Deniro Z, Artist and more are using the weekend to show where they're at before the final push. Annie and Diarm talk who's chasing points, who's keeping horses in hand, and what these runs will tell us with Morven Park just around the corner. Episode Highlights Twin talk: James Alliston's record here, Tamie's Kynan prep, and Molly Duda stepping up. Series picture: how points from Twin could change the table behind Boyd. Plantation preview: Commando 3, HSH Blake, Deniro Z, Artist and plenty more on show. Prep runs vs. big efforts: who's going for it and who's saving legs. Ground matters: why the conditions could shape both weekends. Podium picks coast to coast. Guests Annie Bishop Diarmuid Byrne Stay Connected For the most up-to-date series calendar and latest standings, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at usequestrianopen.org. Engage with us on Instagram and Facebook — and use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.