The US Equestrian Open Podcast

Dressage takes the spotlight on the US Equestrian Open podcast as Annie Bishop welcomes Noah Rattner to talk freestyle, the last qualifiers, and the road to the Final in Thermal.

From Fresh Prince to 80s pop, freestyle music is giving the sport a fresh spark. Noah explains how riders plan their floorplans, raise the degree of difficulty using the FEI system, and play to their horses' strengths while keeping it creative.

With qualifiers ahead at Dressage at Devon, TerraNova, and Tryon, Noah shares what makes each venue unique and why they matter on the way to the US Equestrian Open Dressage Final at Desert International Horse Park in California.

Highlights

• How freestyle music connects with fans
• How riders use technology and floorplans to build difficulty and strategy
• Dressage at Devon's heritage and World Cup qualifier status in its 50th year
• TerraNova's modern setting and rider experience in Myakka City, FL
• Why Tryon could be the decisive stop for last points
• What makes Thermal a destination Final for riders and fans alike

Guest Noah Rattner, show announcer, competition manager, and dressage insider

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.

Aaron Vale is one of the most successful American show jumpers of his generation — and in this episode, he joins us fresh off a five-star victory at Dinard. He talks about the thrill of finally securing that milestone win, the years of hard work behind it, and why passion for the horses and the sport still drives him every day

Episode Highlights

• Dinard 5* victory: the detailed plan, the emotions, and the execution
• How Aaron balances the thrill of victory with the daily grind of producing and training horses
• His first memories of competing in Europe back in 1996 — and how those experiences shaped him
• The changes he's seen in the sport, from horse breeding to riding style, and what he'd do differently with horses from earlier in his career
• Personal reflections: inspirations, "perfect happiness," life on the farm, and even his greatest extravagance

Guest

• Aaron Vale

Host

• 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.

In this episode, host Annie is joined by Lucienne Bellissimo, fresh from a rollercoaster season. From Kentucky setbacks to promising young horses, Lucienne shares candid reflections on her highs and lows, fall plans, and the exciting future of her talented string.

Episode Highlights:

• Dyri's season so far — from Kentucky to Tryon to chasing redemption at Stable View and Morven Park
• Learning from setbacks — how Lucienne manages confidence, pressure, and rider choices after tough runs
• Rebecca Farm reflections — bringing forward a fiery nine-year-old mare, Kitsch Couture HPK, and watching her step up at 4*-L
• Exciting young horses — Duke's Jory and Qatar M, both tipped as future stars in Lucienne's barn
• The Morven Park factor — why the venue feels so special and how it shapes both riders and horses
• Balancing the business and the sport — producing, selling, and still keeping a string full of international prospects

Guest:

• Lucienne Bellissimo

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.

In this episode of the US Equestrian Open of Dressage Podcast, Annie and Diarm are joined by Devon Kane. From her early start in South Texas to representing her country on the international stage, Devon shares the journey, the lessons, and the moments that shaped her career. She talks about balancing elite sport with family life, competing alongside her husband Kevin, and developing her top horse Vamos into a confident, crowd-pleasing performer.

Episode Highlights

• From Quarter Horses to Grand Prix: Devon's path into dressage after an early start in Western riding and hunter jumpers
• Wearing the Flag: Why representing the US is a privilege, not a pressure.
• A Husband-and-Wife First: Competing on the same Nations Cup team with Kevin Kohmann.
• Building Vamos: Turning a quirky, nervous horse into a freestyle star.
• Music with Personality: From Gatsby swing to Enrique Iglesias in her custom freestyle.
• Hard Lessons: The missing element that cost her a win in Hagen — and how it's fixed.

Guest

• Devon Kane – US Dressage Rider

Host

• 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.

Phillip Dutton has held the top spot in the US Equestrian Open of Eventing since the third leg of the season — and with Morven Park just around the corner, he's not slowing down. In this episode, Annie and Diarm catch up with the veteran Olympic rider to talk about his approach to the series, the development of Denim and Possante, and the long-term game of staying competitive in a changing sport.

From training philosophies and series strategy to team depth and ownership partnerships, this conversation dives deep into what it takes to lead — and stay leading.

• How Phillip's been pacing the series: Using 4*-S events strategically, not running flat-out each weekend.
• Denim & Possante: Their journey through the 2025 season, standout performances at Kentucky & Aachen, and how trust and time built the partnership.
• The challenge of taking over a horse like Possante and reshaping the ride without rushing results.
• The importance of owners: Why long-time partnerships matter and how a small group of committed people can make big things happen.
• US team strength & the talent pipeline: Thoughts on where the U.S. stands now, what needs to grow, and why depth matters more than just top results.
• Eyes on Morven Park: Why Phillip's aiming both horses at the final and how the series standings could come down to the wire.

• Phillip Dutton
• 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.

With just 11 weeks to go until the U.S. Equestrian Open Final, Annie and Diarm are joined by Stacey Metcalfe and Hannah McSween from Morven Park. From rich equestrian history to fresh cross-country fences and free admission, this episode takes listeners behind the scenes of what makes Morven Park a one-of-a-kind venue—and why October's Final is set to be unforgettable.

• The History of Morven Park: How a 1,000-acre estate once home to Governor Westmoreland Davis became a cornerstone of American eventing.
• A Legacy of Learning: The Morven Park International Training Institute's deep roots in producing top trainers, riders, and coaches from 1968 to 1991.
• Final Prep Mode: Hannah and Stacey reveal what's happening day-to-day at the venue, from spectator planning to barn makeovers and course building.
• Spectators Welcome: Why free entry, local food vendors, and strong community ties make Morven Park feel like home to fans and riders alike.
• Sporting Storylines: Diarm teases the potential headliners, including Boyd Martin & Commando 3 and Tamie Smith & Lillet 3, plus how the leaderboard is still shifting.
• Destination Leesburg: Why Morven Park's location—complete with top restaurants, hotels, and Virginia charm—is a huge draw for riders and visitors alike.

• Stacey Metcalfe – Morven Park
• Hannah McSween – Morven Park

• Annie Bishop
• Diarmuid Byrne

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum deliver a fairytale fairwell ending at Rebecca Farm, winning their final upper-level competition together — 10 years after their first 4*-S victory at the same venue. In this episode, Annie and Diarm catch up on the emotional highs, the series impact, and what's next for the US Equestrian Open.

• Mai Baum's legendary farewell: A record-breaking 22.0 in dressage, double clear, and the fairy tale win to finish.
• What if…Paris?: Reflections on Mai Baum's Olympic absence and his undeniable medal potential.
• Tamie's domination: First and second in the 4*-S with Mai Baum and Jutopia, plus a win in the 4*-L with Lillet 3.
• Post-Mai Baum era: Lillette's rising profile and what it means for Tammy's future in the series.
• Tommy Greenguard & That's Me Z: Major progress, growing confidence, and series leaderboard potential.
• Rebecca as a proving ground: Standout step-ups from Luska Candy Clover, Jess Phoenix's leaderboard move, and the evolving West Coast impact.
• What's next in the series: Eyes on Jess Phoenix, the Woodside showdown, and who might shape the final at Morven Park.

• 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 conversatio

In this episode, Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne preview one of the most emotionally charged stops on the US Equestrian Open calendar, as the series heads to Rebecca Farm. At the center of the action is Mai Baum, making his final upper-level appearance after an iconic career with Tamie Smith.

Episode Highlights

• Annie and Diarmuid reflect on Mai Baum's legacy and what makes this the perfect venue for his farewell.
• The pair break down the stats: Mai Baum tops the Prediction Centre with a 61% win chance and a formidable first-phase average of 24.
• Expect fireworks across the field—Rebecca Farm's wide-open terrain makes time a major factor.
• Big performances are needed from names like James Alliston, Tommy Greengard, and young gun Jack Curtis.
• The leaderboard is wide open heading into the break—will this be the shake-up weekend?
• Insights into course dynamics, home-field advantage, and the West Coast vs. East Coast narrative.

Guests Annie Bishop Diarmuid Byrne

Listen to the James Alliston interview here.

Listen to the Mai Baum episode here.

Read the Mai Baum article here.

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.

In this special episode, we celebrate the remarkable journey of Mai Baum as he prepares for his farewell at Rebecca Farm. Tamie Smith, Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell join the team to relive the moments that made Lexus unforgettable: from a German auction to Kentucky glory, from heartbreak to heroics.

• A spontaneous trip to a German auction led the Ahearn family to Lexus — and unknowingly to the start of a legendary journey.
• Alex's decision to step back and let Mai Baum become a US team horse paved the way for a once-in-a-lifetime partnership with Tammy.
• The team opens up about the challenges behind the scenes — from injuries and rare infections to the relentless rehab that brought Lexus back stronger.
• They reflect on pivotal moments like the choice to go to Badminton over Kentucky, the heartbreak of Tokyo, and the glory of finally winning a 5* on home soil.
• With his final upper-level start at Rebecca Farm ahead, the group shares what it means to retire him on their terms — and what he's taught them along the way.

Guests:

• Tamie Smith: Five-star event rider
• Ellen Ahearn: Mai Baum's owner
• Eric Markell: : Mai Baum's owner
• Alexandra Ahearn: : Mai Baum's previous rider and owner

Hosts:

• 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.

Caroline Pamukcu's wire-to-wire victory at Maryland not only shook up the leaderboard — it marked her sixth counting score and a firm statement heading into the business end of the US Equestrian Open Series.

In this episode, Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne break down the hot conditions, big time penalties, and leaderboard changes that made Maryland such a turning point. From on-the-ground context to what the data says about the season so far, this one is packed with insight.

Highlights

• Caroline's Climb – Now 3rd in the series standings after a dominant win with She's the One
• Time Trouble – 9 of 10 picked up show jumping time faults
• Canadian Surprise – Lisa Marie Fergusson and Trinity Thank Q jump from 5th to 2nd with their fast showjumping round for their first four-star
• Series Standings Shift – Phillip Dutton and Caroline become the first riders to complete six scores
• Jess Phoenix Watch – Still to gain a sixth counting score, eyes now turn to Aachen and Rebecca Farm
• Aachen Preview – With the top three riders in the Open headed to Germany, can Team USA make a statement before next year's World Championships?

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.