There are less than three weeks to go until the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at the Morven Park Equestrian Center and if you’re not hyped, you’re sleeping on a seriously exciting moment for the world of American eventing. In addition to CCI5* events like the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event and the MARS Maryland 5 Star, the US Open has the possibility of becoming our Stanley Cup, our Superbowl, our PGA Championship.
If this is the first you’re hearing of the US Equestrian Open of Eventing, welcome to a whole new world of competition, all hosted against the gorgeous backdrop of Morven Park International Equestrian Center iN Leesburg, VA.
Think of the series as two separate but interconnected competitions: the qualifying series and the final. Only CCI4*-S events are eligible for the qualifying series. Riders earn points to move up and down the leaderboard based on final placings; these points are weighted to compensate for the size of the individual event and accumulate per rider, no matter how many horses they ride. Whoever accumulates the most points wins $25,000, with a total of $50,000 in prize money distributed among the top three combinations on the leaderboard.
So far, Australians-turned-Americans Boyd Martin and Phillip Dutton are at the top of the leaderboard, with Jessie Phoenix rounding out the top three. Boyd is leading the way with 260 points, while Philip has 235 points and Jessie is equal with James Alliston with 185. These are still subject to change though, with Boyd entered at the last East coast chance to earn points at Stable View Oktoberfest this weekend. There also remains one final qualifier at Woodside Horse Park the first weekend of October, where current top-10 riders Tamie Smith and Megan McIver stand to collect some final points. Tamie is entered in the Final with Kynan as this goes to publication.
Phillip Dutton and Possante will come into the Final on fire form. They’ve finished off the podium just once all season — and that was at CHIO Aachen, where they were 11th individually and helped bring home a silver medal for the U.S. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Now, wipe everything you just learned about the qualifying series from your memory. That no longer exists. When it comes to the $200,000 Final, everyone starts from scratch. Just like any other event, whoever wins the division wins the whole shebang… but with a near-show jumping level of prize money and twice as much competition as usual. No big deal.
Riders qualify for the series final by completing one qualifier with an MER. Alternatively, they can buy their way in for an additional $5,000, which is contributed to the purse. As eventers are notoriously not living a life of luxury and rolling in dough, I highly doubt we’ll see many (if any) riders buying their way in, unless any internationally-based riders want to come and play (and they are able to, with the buy-in).
The prize purse for the final is a whopping $200,000. Comparing that to the purse for the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, which was only $50,000, the Eventing Final is approaching 5* level prize money.
Last year, there were 16 entries in the CCI4*-L at the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials. This year, riders have come out of the woodwork with their best horses to compete for the chance to win such a big chunk of change. In 2024, the biggest four-star in the country was the CCI4*-L at The Fork at Tryon Equestrian Center with 27 entries. Morven Park’s 2025 International & Fall Horse Trials have already broken that threshold and are poised to continue growing through the entry closing date of September 23.
Jessie Phoenix and Freedom GS pose enter the Final as jumping phase threats. Photo by Sally Spickard.
So far, over 30 riders have entered in the final, including leaderboard top contenders Boyd Martin and Philip Dutton. Boyd is coming to Virginia with two of Liz Halliday’s horses, Shanroe Cooley and Miks Master C. Philip is bringing his two powerhouses, Possante and Denim. Jessica Phoenix has also now joined the line-up, and with entries closing soon there should yet be other names stepping up to vie for the title.
If you haven’t attended the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials, this is your sign to get to Leesburg this autumn. Morven Park creates a stunning backdrop for eventing, with pairs galloping through the woods and over serious terrain, all against vibrant fall leaves in the Appalachian mountains. Even better, this year the leaves are supposed to peak between October 13th to the 20th– perfect timing for this event’s running dates of October 9-13.
Morven Park knows how to cater to eventing fans. We’re talking tailgating right on the cross country course, a VIP tent overlooking the dressage and show jumping rings— plus, they’re right next to the vendors. If you choose a VIP pass, you can expect top-notch appetizers and light meals throughout the day, as well as non-alcoholic drinks. If you’re hankering for a beer, glass of wine, or favorite cocktail, order up at the cash bar.
Tailgating is still available! Don’t forget your passes. Photo by Annan Hepner.
Tailgating at the Morven Park International is on my personal bucket list. Camp out with friends for a Saturday while watching the best riders in the country compete for $200,000? Sign me up. Please note, if you do decide to tailgate, do it up! Break out the fall decorations. Bring your own bar and make sure the food looks so good your neighbors will be jealous.
Historically, legends have been made within the rolling grounds of Morven Park Equestrian Center. Even so, this iconic course hasn’t seen anything like the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final. With fall foliage at its peak and a location in the middle of Virginia’s thriving horse community, it’s only fitting that the grand finale will add to the glory of these storied grounds.
Whether you’re a casual spectator or die-hard eventing fan, mark October 9th through the 13th on your calendar. You’re officially busy those days.
Go eventing.
