Legends Assemble at Morven Park
The inaugural US Equestrian Open Final at Morven Park brings together one of the most experienced fields in US eventing. With legends chasing new career milestones and decades of experience on display, this weekend promises a showcase from some of the very best.
This weekend's CCI4*-L at Morven Park is many things - one being the inaugural US Equestrian Open Final and one being a showcase of some of the most accomplished riders in US eventing history.
The Numbers Don't Lie
The entry list reads like a who's who of American eventing royalty. Between just three riders—Boyd Martin, Buck Davidson, and Phillip Dutton—they have 274 combined completions at 4*-L and 5* level since 2008. This is testament not only to their talent and consistency, but to their horsemanship and management behind decades of keeping horses fit, sound, and competitive at the highest level.
Boyd Martin leads the pack with 94 completions and arrives with two rides: Miks Master C and Shanroe Cooley. More significantly, Martin sits on 10 career wins at 4*-L level - tied for the most in the sport (since 2008). A win this weekend would make him the outright record holder with 11. He also has two wins at the CCI5* level - Adelaide 2003 and Maryland 2021.
Phillip Dutton, US eventing icon, brings Denim and Possante to Morven Park. Since our records began in 2008, Dutton has racked up 89 completions, putting him on the verge of hitting the 90 mark this weekend. He has had 4 wins at CCI4*-L level and one win at the 5* level back in 2008 at Kentucky.
Buck Davidson continues the family legacy established by his father Bruce. The Davidson name is synonymous with American eventing excellence, and Buck has carved out his own legendary status with 91 completions and four wins at four-star. He arrives with Cooley Candyman, ready to add to that tally.
Beyond the Big Three
The depth doesn't stop there. The field if filled with riders who bring impressive credentials and experience
- Jess Phoenix - 50 completions, 2 wins
- Will Coleman - 41 completions, 2 wins.
- Jennie Brannigan - 34 completions, 5 wins
- Tamra Smith - 33 completions, 3 wins at CCI4*L, including a 2022 Morven Park victory, and one at 5*
- Ryan Wood - 20 completions, 2 wins
Why It Matters
At a venue where the cross-country clear rate sits under 50% and only eight combinations have finished inside the optimum time across the last 80 starters, experience is a going to be a huge advantage.
Morven Park is to host one of the most experienced fields assembled at any 4*L event on US Soil since 2015. Legends will compete, milestones will be reached, history will be made.
Don't Miss Out on Bragging Rights
With the US Eq. Open and Boekelo on the same weekend - it's the first double header weekend of Eventing Manager 2.0. To celebrate, YETI are gifting the overall combined winner a prize - read more here.
Play Eventing Manager 2.0 here.
Stay Connected with the US Equestrian Open
The final of the US Equestrian Open is running at Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia from the 9th-12th of October. It is the culmination of the series that has been running at CCI4*-S competitions in the US over the past year. With $200,000 on the line in prize money, it is going to be an exciting and competitive competition.
If you want to know more about the US Equestrian Open:
- Follow the Instagram page: @usequestrianopen
- Listen to the podcast: The US Equestrian Open Podcast
- Check out the website: usequestrianopen.org