The US Equestrian Open Podcast

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 s...

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...

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....

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. Episode Highlights The Histo...

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. Episode Highlights: Mai Baum's legendary farewell : A record-breaking 22.0 in d...

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 f...

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 unkn...

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...

In this episode, Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne look ahead to one of the most unpredictable four-star shorts of the US season, where tight tactics, hot conditions, and first-time four-stars could produce surprises across the leaderboard. Episode Highlights Annie and Diarmuid dive into the exciting mix of experienced names like Phillip Dutton and Jenny Brannigan alongside up-and-comers tackling th...

What makes a hidden gem like Aspen Farms shine? In this episode, Max Corcoran joins Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne to reflect on a standout weekend in the Pacific Northwest — from the charm of a family-run venue to breakout performances and big-picture takeaways for the US Equestrian Open Series. Episode Highlights Max shares what makes Aspen Farms special — top-level footing, stunning scenery, a...

What does it take to go undefeated in the U.S. Equestrian Open so far? Genay Vaughn joins us from her California farm to talk about the special bond with her horse Gino, the power of musical expression in freestyle, and the support system behind her standout season. From childhood Pony Club memories to European tours and a family that demands excellence, this is a conversation full of grit, joy, a...

Annie and Diarmuid sit down with  Jonathan Elliot , the force behind Aspen Farms Horse Trials, one of the most beloved stops in the US Equestrian Open Series. From its cross-country roots in Florida to its current home in Washington, Aspen's story is a tale of family, community, and the enduring power of horses to shape lives. Jonathan opens up about the show's early days, the legacy of his horse...

Diarmuid and Annie are joined by Noah Rattner - a key figure in the Series and the host of this weekend's DevenWood qualifier. From honoring family legacy to growing a destination event in the Pacific Northwest, this episode highlights what makes this stop so meaningful. 📌 Episode Highlights Honoring the legacy of Ginny Rattner Building the DevenWood event into a true destination What makes the P...

Jessica Phoenix joins the US Equestrian Open Podcast for a conversation full of heart, resilience, and Olympic-level ambition. From juggling international travel and family life to chasing big dreams with a fiery Grand Prix mare, Jess takes us inside a season that's shaping up to be one of her most exciting yet. 📌 Episode Highlights: Competing at the top while raising a future star -Jordan & Pava...

This week on the US Equestrian Open of Eventing podcast, Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne break down all the drama, data, and standout stories from the Tryon CCI4*-S. From Sharon White's win with Jaguars Duende to comeback moments and rising stars, it's an episode packed with insight, excitement, and a look ahead to what's next. Episode Highlights: Jaguars Duende Delivers: Sharon White's impressive...

In this episode of the US Equestrian Open Podcast, Annie sits down with Grand Prix rider Ben Ebeling. From building trust with his mare Belena to the creative process behind his freestyle music, Ben shares a thoughtful and personal look at his journey in the sport - and what makes this season feel different. With the US Open series in full swing, he also shares why he believes it's changing dressa...

He made history at Twin Rivers — and now he's gunning for the US Equestrian Open crown. James Alliston joins Annie and Diarmuid to talk through his massive spring season, the horses powering his leaderboard rise, and why the Series is changing the game for West Coast eventing. Episode Highlights Twin Rivers Sweep: James became just the fifth rider in 17 years to land four horses in the top five of...

In this episode, Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne dive into the upcoming leg of the US Equestrian Open Series at Tryon. From seasoned stars like Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF to rising four-star combinations like Jaguars Duende and Cooley Corraghy Diamond, it's a field full of intrigue and talent. The pair also break down Boyd's milestone moment as the new FEI World Number One, the broader storyli...

It was a huge weekend at the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S. Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne break down all the big storylines from this four-star short in the US Equestrian Open of Eventing season — from a major win for Will Coleman to key leaderboard shifts in the race for the $50,000 series title. Episode Highlights Will Coleman and Off The Record's Statement Win: A record-setting dressage test an...

As torrential rain sweeps across the Kentucky Horse Park, Annie, Diarm and Jon Holling gather around the table to dive into a jam-packed preview of Saturday's cross-country action. The team breaks down the effects of the weather, the challenges of Derek di Grazia's course designs, and who they think might conquer the clock in both the CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L. In this episode: How relentless rain is im...

This week, it's a full house as Annie Bishop is joined by Sally Spickard (Eventing Nation), Sinead Maynard, and EquiRatings' Diarmuid Byrne to preview the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S—one of the most exciting stops on the US Equestrian Open Series calendar. From podium predictions to dark horse debates, this is your ultimate fan-first preview of the weekend ahead.   🔍 Episode Highlights: The Big T...

Ocala is here! In this episode, Annie and Diarm are back breaking down the latest drama in the US Equestrian Open series — from James Alliston's jaw-dropping sweep at Twin Rivers to the leaderboard-shifting potential of Caroline Pamukcu's double entry at Ocala. They dig into the long-awaited series (and level) debut of Sharon White and Jaguars Duende, dissect how prep-run strategy affects performa...

Join Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne as they recap a thrilling weekend at Stable View, where Boyd Martin delivered a standout performance to leapfrog into second place on the U.S. Equestrian Open leaderboard. Hear their insights on Boyd's impressive one-two-four finish and its impact on the race against Phillip Dutton at the top. They also preview the upcoming CCI4*-S at Twin Rivers, highlighting...

Jess Phoenix lights up TerraNova with a historic 1-2 finish, you can find out more about this unique achievement in US Equestrian Open Fan Site. Galway Downs brought West Coast flair and lots of time penalites with Bec braitling taking the win. Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne break down all the drama—from leaderboard surprises to record-breaking stats—and preview a now-stacked Stable View, where B...

It's the final day of the US Equestrian Open Rolex Grand Prix — and the field is stacked with Olympic champions, Grand Prix winners, and American hopefuls. Kim Prince is joined by EquiRatings' Diarmuid Byrne to break down the final preview: – Why Kent Farrington and Greya top the prediction model – The cases for Checker , Ilex , and Bisquetta – The heartwarming story behind Alex Matz and Ikigai –...