The US Equestrian Open Podcast

It was a huge weekend at the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S. Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne break down all the big storylines from this four-star short in the US Equestrian Open of Eventing season — from a major win for Will Coleman to key leaderboard shifts in the race for the $50,000 series title.

• Will Coleman and Off The Record's Statement Win: A record-setting dressage test and a brilliant cross-country round secured Will his second career Lexington 4*-S victory.

• Phillip Dutton's Big Weekend: Strong top finishes with Passant (2nd) and Denim (4th) move Phillip into the overall Series lead on 215 points.

• Jess Phoenix's Breakthrough Season: A podium at Lexington boosts Jess into second in the US Open Series standings, with Freedom GS and Jaguars Duende delivering standout performances.

• Series Momentum Building: With Lexington being just over the halfway mark in trhe series, the leaderboard is tightening — and the $50,000 series prize is firmly in sight.

• No May Moon's Star Turn: Alison Springer's rising star delivered one of the fastest cross-country rounds of the weekend and keeps climbing.

• Eyes Toward Morven Park: As riders plan their seasons, attention is turning to the $200,000 Morven Park finale, where the final Series battle will be decided.

• Annie Bishop
• Diarmuid Byrne

📣 Resources

Dive deeper into the series:

🌐 Fan Website: USEquestrianOpen.org 📱 Social Media: Instagram

Read the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S Review article here.

Like, rate, and share the podcast — this series is for the fans, and we couldn't do it without you.

As torrential rain sweeps across the Kentucky Horse Park, Annie, Diarm and Jon Holling gather around the table to dive into a jam-packed preview of Saturday's cross-country action. The team breaks down the effects of the weather, the challenges of Derek di Grazia's course designs, and who they think might conquer the clock in both the CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L.

In this episode:

• How relentless rain is impacting footing and influencing strategy

• Analysis of Derek di Grazia's CCI4*-S track and its toughest combinations

• Predictions on who might make the time, including big names like Will Coleman and Philip Dutton

• The challenge of balancing speed and precision on a course demanding frequent gear changes

• Insights into the CCI5*-L, including key questions at Pete's Hollow and the Head of the Lake

• Why Kentucky's dual four-star and five-star offering has elevated the US Eventing calendar

🎧 Listen now to hear all the predictions, analysis, and excitement as the team gears up for a thrilling weekend of sport at USEquestrianOpen.org.

Subscribe to the US Equestrian Podcast! Never miss an episode – follow the show here.

More from US Equestrian:

• Website: https://www.usequestrianopen.org

• Magazine: https://www.usequestrianopen.org/magazines

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/

This week, it's a full house as Annie Bishop is joined by Sally Spickard (Eventing Nation), Sinead Maynard, and EquiRatings' Diarmuid Byrne to preview the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S—one of the most exciting stops on the US Equestrian Open Series calendar. From podium predictions to dark horse debates, this is your ultimate fan-first preview of the weekend ahead.

• The Big Three: Why Caroline Pamukcu & HSH Blake, Will Coleman & Off The Record, and Alyssa Phillips & Oskar are dominating the Prediction Centre.

• Underdogs with Bite: Who could surprise us? From No May Moon to Cute Girl and Possante, these contenders might shake up the leaderboard.

• West Coast vs East Coast: Why the arrival of horses like That's Me Z, Regalla, and Disco Traveler matters for fans and selectors alike.

📣 Resources:

Dive deeper into the series:

🌐 Fan Website: USEquestrianOpen.org 📖 Fan Guide: Will be released later this week here 📱 Social Media: Instagram

Don't miss a second of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event — streaming live on the USEF Network. All USEF members, including free Fan account holders, can watch the action without any added costs. Join now at usef.org.

Like, rate, and share the podcast - this series is for the fans, and we couldn't do it without you.

Ocala is here! In this episode, Annie and Diarm are back breaking down the latest drama in the US Equestrian Open series — from James Alliston's jaw-dropping sweep at Twin Rivers to the leaderboard-shifting potential of Caroline Pamukcu's double entry at Ocala.

They dig into the long-awaited series (and level) debut of Sharon White and Jaguars Duende, dissect how prep-run strategy affects performance and speculate on how the next two weeks could completely reshape the series. With leaderboard math, predictions, and a whole lot of heart, this episode is your essential pre-Ocala listen.

Follow along as the series reaches its halfway mark — the leaderboard just got serious.

📲 Dive deeper into the series: 🌐 Fan Website: USEquestrianOpen.org 📖 Fan Guide: Latest for Ocala here 📸 Social Media: Instagram Key articles: 1. All eyes on Ocala 2. Jaguars Duende Interview

🙌 Like, rate, and share the podcast — this series is for the fans, and we couldn't do it without you.

Join Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne as they recap a thrilling weekend at Stable View, where Boyd Martin delivered a standout performance to leapfrog into second place on the U.S. Equestrian Open leaderboard. Hear their insights on Boyd's impressive one-two-four finish and its impact on the race against Phillip Dutton at the top.

They also preview the upcoming CCI4*-S at Twin Rivers, highlighting James Alliston's strong track record and Tammie Smith's highly anticipated ride on Lilet 3. Annie and Diarm make their podium picks, discuss exciting emerging talents like Molly Duda, and delve into the potential strategic plays ahead of Kentucky.

Stay connected:

• Website: https://www.usequestrianopen.org/

• Latest Fan Guide: https://www.usequestrianopen.org/magazines

• Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/

Jess Phoenix lights up TerraNova with a historic 1-2 finish, you can find out more about this unique achievement in US Equestrian Open Fan Site. Galway Downs brought West Coast flair and lots of time penalites with Bec braitling taking the win. Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne break down all the drama—from leaderboard surprises to record-breaking stats—and preview a now-stacked Stable View, where Boyd Martin enters with the top three Elo-rated horses. A huge chance for points scoring. Who's rising, who's falling, and what does it all mean for Kentucky and then the final at Morven? Tune in for predictions, win chances, and big-time storylines from the next installment of the Open .

🌐 Explore the official website 📖 Read the latest Fan Guide 📸 Follow on Instagram

It's the final day of the US Equestrian Open Rolex Grand Prix — and the field is stacked with Olympic champions, Grand Prix winners, and American hopefuls.

Kim Prince is joined by EquiRatings' Diarmuid Byrne to break down the final preview: – Why Kent Farrington and Greya top the prediction model – The cases for Checker, Ilex, and Bisquetta – The heartwarming story behind Alex Matz and Ikigai – What makes this final one of Wellington's strongest fields ever

Plus, Kim gives us insight into the buzz on the ground and what the riders are really saying behind the scenes.

📊 Download the fan guide at usequestrian.org 📲 Follow @usequestrianopen for results, stats & reactions all night long

🥇 Can Will Coleman and Off The Record Start Strong? A past 22.1 dressage test shows potential, but recent scores have hovered around 30. Smooth, fast, experienced—Off The Record is a top pick, but Annie isn't convinced he'll win.

📈 Caroline Pamukcu's Double Threat With Redfield Dexter and HSH Double 16, Caroline is a real podium contender. Both horses are fast across the ground, and Double 16's 6RA (Six Run Average) of 35.2 suggests consistency. Diarmuid says she's the only rider likely to place twice in the top five.

🎯 Alyssa Phillips Defending Her Title Oscar won this event last year, starting on a 29.3 and finishing on 34.1 with a couple of time penalties. Alyssa could easily repeat, and her name is on both hosts' podiums.

📉 Big Prediction: No Podium for Philip? Despite bringing four solid horses (Denim, Passant, Jule, Quasi Cool), Diarmuid makes a bold call: none of them crack the top five. Why? Time penalties—big, consistent ones.

Galway Downs takes center stage in this week's US Equestrian Open preview. Annie and Diarmuid break down the key contenders, rising stars, and big questions—can Tammie Smith and Kynan deliver? Who's ready to surprise us? And which bold podium picks could shake up the leaderboard?

In this episode of the US Equestrian Open Jumping Podcast, we catch up with rising American talent Alex Matz as he prepares for the inaugural US Equestrian Open Final.

Alex shares his path into professional show jumping—why he waited until after college to go all-in, what drives him today, and how he's building a career his own way. He reflects on standout moments like his triple win in Toronto, the comeback journey of his top horse Ikigai, and what it would mean to win the Open.

There's also a glimpse into the support behind the scenes—from the McNeil family's long-standing belief in him, to the quiet consistency of his parents. His father, Olympic legend Michael Matz, still starts his mornings at the racetrack before heading to the show ring to help Alex school horses.

🎧 In this episode:

• Alex on finding his own path in a family of champions
• How Toronto shaped his belief in Ikigai
• Why he believes the US Equestrian Open is a major moment for the sport
• The mix of pressure, patience, and partnership that drives success

A must-listen for anyone who loves a rider with ambition, humility, and heart.