The Morven Specialists: Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri

Returning for the third year in a row for the CCI4*-L, Lucienne Bellissimo and the 13-year-old gelding Dyri have proven that they can perform at this venue. Last year, they led the CCI4*-L after dressage (30.7) only to drop to second with 4.8 cross-country time penalties. The year before, they finished 4th.

"He's done the four-star long at Morven twice now. He sadly didn't win it last year. He finished up second... He deserved to win it. I found a gallop that suited him and I left him alone and it was the right choice by the horse. But I will definitely be aiming him for the four long there again."

In fact, this will be their 5th year in a row at this venue and their track record speaks for itself. With results like this, Bellissimo and Dyri are a serious threat even though they may not instantly make the headlines or top the EquiRatings Prediction Center.

Their 2025 Season

The season started brilliantly with two top-five finishes at CCI4*-S but then came challenges. At Kentucky, their first attempt at five-star, Bellissimo made a tough call: 

"I could feel him saying, I'm not enjoying this. So I put my hand up and did the walk of shame and brought him home, but it was the right choice because he doesn't deserve to get spooked."

A few weeks later, what should have been a confidence-building run at Tryon's four-star long turned into an unlucky fall at a double of corners when Dyri hit the back rail after an open distance. 

"Horses, it's a humbling sport," Bellissimo admits. Two difficult outings in a row for a usually reliable partnership.

The Rebuild

Rather than push through, Bellissimo took the approach of stepping back a few levels and giving Dyri a spin around some smaller events. The strategy worked - winning their last two events, albeit at the CCI2*-S level. With two FODs, it seems the partnership is clicking again - just in time for Morven Park 2025.

The Morven Threat

Because of this inconsistent start to the season, Dyri doesn't feature high on the Prediction Center. But knowing the full story, the rebuild, and the track record - this combination could be a real threat.

In the dressage, you can expect this pair to score around the 30 mark - which was enough to lead this exact competition last year. As long as their cross country stays back on track, they are in with a good chance. Dyri's showjumping record is excellent - having only had one pole across their last 8 international runs.

Bellissimo discussed how the US Equestrian Open adds extra pressure: "It does suddenly make you think, maybe I should go a bit quicker today," and with time penalties being the only thing that cost them victory at Morven last year? The pressure may benefit this pair this time around.

Listen to Lucienne Bellissimo on the US Equestrian Open Podcast now.

Don't Miss Out on Bragging Rights

With the US Eq. Open, Boekelo, Maryland, and Pau all packed into October, it’s the biggest month yet on Eventing Manager 2.0. Four big events and four massive chances to score points - but only one can take the crown. Can you rise above the rest and be crowned Manager of the Month?

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