US Equestrian Open

So, I think we are all thinking the same thing… “What the heck is the deal with the US Open?” Will this change our sport for the better? Who is going? How do you go? When? Lots of questions emerge when new championships hop on the circuit, and us riders wait eagerly to see how it will play out. Luckily, we have done some research to answer all of your questions, so that it’s easy to follow along: from the qualification process and understanding how it will affect our sport going forward to everything in between.

We went straight to the source.

Hoping to not only hone in on the functionality of the event, we were curious about how it may shape the future of equestrian sports. Carly Weilminster, Senior Director of Sport Communications and Social Media, on behalf of all of US Equestrian and the contributors behind the creation of the Open, shared some incredible insight. Now, we’re passing it onto you!

The Basics

The U.S. Equestrian Open is a brand-new elite national championship designed to bring together the best of American equestrian sport under one banner. It’s the first of its kind to feature all three Olympic disciplines—Dressage, Show Jumping, and Eventing—at one major event.

Think of it as a unified showcase: world-class sport, big-time fan engagement, and a whole new level of visibility for riders and horses alike. Hosted and overseen by USEF, the Open aims to become a pinnacle moment in the U.S. equestrian season—one that celebrates talent, encourages growth, and reaches new audiences.

The inaugural U.S. Open is an exciting moment for each discipline. Here are the when, where, and what’s for each:

Show Jumping

• When: March 25–30, 2025

• Where: Wellington International, Florida (during the Winter Equestrian Festival)

• What: $750,000 Grand Prix CSI5* — and the first equestrian competition in U.S. history to air on ESPN

Eventing

• When: October 9–12, 2025

• Where: Morven Park, Virginia

• What: A CCI4*-L level competition with $200,000 in prize money

Dressage

• When: November 13–16, 2025

• Where: Desert International Horse Park, California

• What: A top-level Grand Prix Freestyle with $200,000 in prize money

The Qualifying Process

Qualification is discipline-specific and designed to ensure that the U.S. Open attracts the best, most competitive combinations in the country. Here’s each discipline broken down:

Show Jumping

Riders must earn qualifying points or rankings through USEF and FEI-sanctioned competitions, typically at the 1.40m+ level. Grand Prix results, national ranking lists, and performance consistency across the season will play a major role.

Dressage

Dressage riders must earn qualifying scores at a designated Open qualifier CDI3* or higher in the Grand Prix Freestyle classes. Scores must meet specific thresholds, and consistency will be key.

Eventing

Eventers need to achieve qualifying scores at Advanced horse trials or CCI3/CCI4 competitions**. Riders must demonstrate safety, effectiveness, and strong performance across all three phases to secure a place in the Open field.

USEF will release the full list of qualifying events and score requirements for each division, so riders can plan their seasons accordingly.

Spectator Info

Attending the U.S. Equestrian Open isn't just about watching top-tier equestrian sport—it's about immersing yourself in a vibrant, fan-friendly atmosphere. Whether you're a lifelong equestrian enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, the Open offers something for everyone.

Diverse Equestrian Competitions

Experience the excitement of all three Olympic disciplines—Dressage, Show Jumping, and Eventing—competing at the highest level. Each discipline brings its own unique flair:

• Dressage: Witness the elegance and precision of horse and rider as they perform intricate movements to music.

• Show Jumping: Feel the thrill as riders navigate challenging courses, aiming for speed and accuracy.

• Eventing: Enjoy the dynamic combination of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping in this triathlon of equestrian sports.

Fan Engagement Activities

Beyond the competitions, the U.S. Equestrian Open offers a variety of activities to enhance your experience:

Vendor Village: Explore a diverse range of equestrian brands, local artisans, and food vendors.

• Meet & Greets: Interact with top riders and industry professionals during scheduled autograph sessions and Q&A panels.

• Interactive Exhibits: Learn more about the sport through engaging displays and demonstrations.

• Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music, entertainment, and family-friendly activities throughout the event.

Livestreaming for Remote Viewers

Can't make it to the event in person? Don't worry! The U.S. Equestrian Open will be livestreamed to ensure fans worldwide can enjoy the action:

• USEF Network: Watch the competitions live on the USEF Network, providing comprehensive coverage of all events.

• ESPN Broadcast: For the first time, select events from the U.S. Equestrian Open will be broadcast on ESPN, bringing equestrian sports to a broader audience.

ESPN Coverage: A Milestone for Equestrian Sports

In a significant development for the sport, the U.S. Equestrian Open will be the first event to be covered on ESPN. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in the promotion of equestrian sports, offering unprecedented visibility and recognition on a major sports network.

How to Buy Tickets

Tickets will be available for individual days or full-week passes, with pricing tiers based on seating preferences. General admission offers access to all arenas and vendor areas, while VIP packages include premium seating, catered hospitality, and behind-the-scenes experiences.

Tickets will be sold through the USEF website and affiliated partners, with early-bird pricing expected for USEF members.

What to Expect

Spectators can enjoy:

• Live competition across three arenas

• A vendor village with equestrian brands and local artisans

• Clinics, demos, and autograph sessions with top riders

• Food trucks, live music, and family-friendly zones

• A livestream option for those watching from home

  
  

Whether you’re a hardcore equestrian or just curious about the sport, the Open promises to be an experience—not just a horse show.

Want to Get Involved as a Sponsor?

One of the most exciting aspects of the U.S. Equestrian Open is how it’s inviting brands—both inside and outside the horse world—to get involved as sponsors.

Whether you're an equestrian brand, a tech company, or a lifestyle label, there are plenty of ways to support and benefit from sponsorship:

Sponsor Packages Include:

Naming rights for classes, arenas, or fan zones

• Branded content and social media exposure

• On-site signage, vendor booths, and product placement

• VIP access and hospitality packages

• Collaboration with top riders and influencers

USEF has created sponsor tiers that work for both major corporate sponsors and smaller boutique brands. If you're interested, reach out to us and we can help you work with  USEF’s sponsorship team to create a custom sponsorship plan, maximizing your marketing ROI from this new event.

This isn’t just a chance to market your business—it’s a way to be part of growing the sport at a critical moment.

How the Open Could Change the Future of the Sport

The U.S. Equestrian Open isn’t just another show—it’s a strategic and innovative step forward for the sport in the United States.

By combining all three Olympic disciplines into one high-profile, spectator-focused event, the Open is setting a new standard for how equestrian sports are presented, promoted, and experienced by fans.

“The U.S. Equestrian Open is a game-changer for our sport,” said Tom O’Mara, President of US Equestrian. “It's not just about competition; it's about creating a platform that showcases the excellence and dedication of our athletes. This initiative is about building a sustainable future for equestrian sports in the U.S.”

This vision aligns with USEF’s broader mission: to grow the sport’s visibility, create more competitive opportunities, and connect with new audiences.

For younger riders, the U.S. Open becomes a new dream to work toward. For spectators and families, it’s an accessible entry point into the excitement and passion of equestrian competition. And for the sport, it represents a chance to redefine what national success looks like—on the field and in the industry.

Whether you’re aiming to qualify, thinking about attending, or just cheering from afar, the U.S. Equestrian Open is something to watch. It’s a bold move for a sport that’s ready for fresh energy, and the possibilities are as exciting as the competition itself.

Stay tuned for official announcements, mark your calendars, and most importantly—start dreaming big. Because this Open isn’t just another show. It’s a chance to be part of equestrian sport’s future.

Get in touch today to work with an expert consultant for your equestrian business!