The Top 10 Elo-Rated Horses at the US Equestrian Open Final

The US Equestrian Open Final at Morven Park is about to brings together some of the best horses in the US but also globally to compete for the largest prize pot at the CCI4*-L level in history. While traditional rankings focus on who finished on the podium, the Elo digs deeper - rewarding horses who've consistently tackled tough competition and delivered when it mattered most.

Elo is a rating system that tracks how strong a horse's results are over time — kind of like a world ranking, but based on performance quality, not just placings. Big results in tough fields send your Elo up faster. Smaller wins or mistakes in easier company might hold you steady or even knock you down. It's how we measure long-term class.

From veterans to 10-year-olds already posting world-class numbers, the field at Morven is stacked with depth. Here are the 10 horses with the highest Elo ratings heading into Morven Park.

1. Off The Record | Elo: 779 | 16 years old | William Coleman

Off The Record sits atop not just this field but the entire American eventing landscape. With an Elo of 779, this 16-year-old is the highest-rated horse in the US currently and the second-highest rated US horse on record, trailing only the legendary Mai Baum. Currently ranked 13th in the world, Off The Record has built his Elo through his ultimate consistency at the highest level.

2. Miks Master C | Elo: 742 | 13 years old | Boyd Martin

The 13-year-old Miks Master C earned his 742 Elo rating while partnered with Liz Halliday before joining Boyd Martin's string. He's currently the third-highest rated horse in the US, sitting behind only Off The Record and 'Mikki's' stablemate, Commando 3. Miks Master C is currently ranked 25th globally.

3. HSH Blake | Elo: 662 | 10 years old | Caroline Pamukcu

At just 10 years old, HSH Blake has established himself as the second-highest rated 10-year-old in the world, behind only Clarke Johnston's Rocketman. With an Elo of 662, this young horse may represent the future of American eventing.

4. Shanroe Cooley | Elo: 661 | 10 years old | Boyd Martin

Shanroe Cooley ranks as the third-highest rated 10-year-old, coming in a mere 1 point behind HSH Blake Also produced by Liz Halliday, 'Dallas'' steep Elo ascent is a credit to his almost perfect cross-country record: 21 clear rounds out of 22 starts (one elimination).

5. Denim | Elo: 649 | 10 years old | Phillip Dutton

Denim ranks fifth worldwide among 10-year-olds. Since 2023, this horse has only gained Elo points through nearly always finishing in the top 10. Remarkably, Denim has never won an event, proving you don't need victories to build an elite rating. 

6. Larcot Z | Elo: 649 | 12 years old | Lauren Nicholson

The 12-year-old Larcot Z has quickly moved up the rankings with his recent form. In Lauren's last three international starts with Larcot Z, they've won two: an 18-point gain at Bromont CCI4*-L, followed by a withdrawal at Hartpury (which doesn't affect Elo), and then a massive 26-point gain from winning a competitive CCI4*-S section at Arville.

7. QC Diamantaire | Elo: 649 | 15 years old | Sydney Elliott

At 15 years old, QC Diamantaire has had more time than some younger horses to build an impressive resume. This partnership has competed in 46 international events together dating back to 2016. Standout performances include a podium finish at Kentucky CCI4*-S in 2023 and another top-10 result at Kentucky in 2024, cementing their place on this list.

8. Possante | Elo: 648 | 12 years old | Phillip Dutton

Denim's stablemate, the 12-year-old Possante, benefits from Phillip Dutton's masterful cross-country riding. Dutton has never incurred a cross-country penalty with this horse, allowing for consistent Elo increases built on reliability and clean rounds.

9. Freedom GS | Elo: 636 | 13 years old | Jessica Phoenix

Freedom GS, the only mare on the list, carries Canadian hopes into Morven Park as the third-highest rated Canadian horse currently and the fifth-highest rated Canadian horse of all time. With an Elo of 636, Freedom GS sits just seven points behind the highest-rated Candian horse - Kilcandra OceanPower (643 Elo with Nicolas Helayel). A strong performance at Morven could see Freedom GS claim the title of the highest-rated Canadian horse.

10. Dyri | Elo: 581 | 13 years old | Lucienne Bellissimo

The 13-year-old Dyri has recently experienced the volatility of the Elo rating. Previously eared as high as 614, an unlucky start to the season, including an elimination and a retirement, has dropped the rating. But before this rough patch, Dyri had won a CCI4*-S and earned three additional four-star podiums. The class is clearly there, and Morven Park offers a chance to rebuild that elite rating.

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 extremely 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