The US Equestrian Open Podcast
Dive into the world of the US Equestrian Open! This podcast delivers in-depth previews, post-competition analysis, and engaging stories from the heart of the equestrian community. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, there’s something here for you.
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Championship Prep, Flying Horses & a Conversation with Max Corcoran
08/05/2026
Championship Prep, Flying Horses & a Conversation with Max Corcoran
The horses are on their way to Aachen, but for the riders, grooms and support teams, the hardest part might already be behind them. Annie Bishop is joined by Max Corcoran to pull back the curtain on everything that happens before a championship begins. From the pressure of keeping a horse healthy after selection to packing trunks, flying horses across the Atlantic and solving problems before riders even know they exist, Max shares what life is really like behind the scenes of a championship campaign. They also discuss the unique community among grooms, the logistics of traveling internationally with horses, and why simply making it to the start of a championship is an achievement in itself. Highlights What the final weeks before a championship are really like Flying horses to Europe and the logistics behind the scenes Packing for Aachen: trunks, tack and travel essentials The role of a groom during championship week Why making the team is only the beginning Stories from Max's Olympic and World Championship experiences
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Aachen Shake-Ups, Millstreet Moments & a Conversation with Olivia Dutton
07/29/2026
Aachen Shake-Ups, Millstreet Moments & a Conversation with Olivia Dutton
Olivia Dutton started the final day in 12th. By the end of it, she was standing on the podium with an individual bronze medal. With D on holiday, Annie is joined by Ali Barrett to round up the latest stories across the US Equestrian Open. They discuss the late change to the U.S. jumping team for Aachen, Dublin selections, and why the inaugural Under-25 World Championships are already proving to be such an important pathway for the sport. Ali was on the ground at Millstreet and shares what it was like watching the championship unfold. Then Olivia joins Annie to relive an unforgettable week in Ireland. She reflects on the mistake at Tryon that nearly cost her selection, tackling one of the toughest cross-country tracks of the season, and the moment she realized her clear show jumping round had earned her an individual bronze medal. She also looks ahead to what's next for Julent and her exciting string of young horses. Highlights Team changes ahead of Aachen Dublin Nations Cup selections Why the Under-25 World Championships matter Ali Barrett's view from Millstreet Olivia Dutton's rise from 26th to bronze The mistake that nearly cost Olivia selection What's next for Olivia and Julent Guests Ali Barrett – EquiRatings AI & Sports Media Analyst Olivia Dutton – Individual bronze medallist at the inaugural FEI Under-25 Eventing World Championships
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Lovedance, Dual Threat & Making It a Double - A Conversation with Laine Ashker
07/22/2026
Lovedance, Dual Threat & Making It a Double - A Conversation with Laine Ashker
Laine Ashker is doing something no one else in the US Equestrian Open has done: competing in two disciplines at once. Annie sits down with her on this episode of the US Equestrian Open Podcast to talk about the road to a first four-star win at Maryland with Lovedance, and a Grand Prix dressage career built on Zeppelin that's already taken her to the Open Final in Thermal. Two horses, two sports, one rider trying to qualify for both finals in the same year. Laine talks through what changed after stepping back down a level with Lovedance, the affirmations practice that's turned her season around, and how eventing and dressage have quietly been making each other better all along. Highlights Winning at Maryland with Lovedance Building Zeppelin's Grand Prix freestyle The affirmations that changed her season Riding two sports at the top level What dressage and eventing teach each other Guests Laine Ashker – five-star eventer and Grand Prix dressage rider, the first athlete to compete in both disciplines of the US Equestrian Open
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Teams, Time & Tactical Calls
07/15/2026
Teams, Time & Tactical Calls
Four disciplines. Dozens of names. One long exhale as Aachen finally starts feeling real. Annie and D sit down with every world championship team announcement now in hand, and the dressage squad alone gives them plenty to chew on. A fifty-year gap between the youngest and oldest riders on one team? That's not a typo, that's just where this sport is right now. Ashley Holzer's four-decade arc from Seoul to Aachen sits next to Christian Simonson's early-twenties breakout, and somehow it all has to gel into a team. Then there's the strength-in-depth problem nobody but Germany gets to have: an Olympic champion sitting as second reserve. Annie and D can't decide whether to be impressed or worried for everyone else. And with Rebecca Farm kicking off, the languishing in-between period officially ends this weekend. Highlights Dutta Corp. US Dressage Team breakdown Fifty years, four riders, one team Germany's ridiculous reserve list Eventing, jumping, para, driving and vaulting round-up Mill Street Under 25s preview Rebecca Farm predictions kick off
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Team Talk, Tough Calls & Title Chances
07/08/2026
Team Talk, Tough Calls & Title Chances
The US eventing team for Aachen is out, and on this episode of the US Equestrian Open Podcast, Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne break down every name on the list. Cooley Nutcracker steps in where Commando 3 was expected, and the panel digs into why that shift might matter more than it first appears. Diabolo gets the underrated tag he's been quietly earning for two years, and Phillip Dutton's case for experience over exposure gets its own hearing. Then there's Lillet 3, the ten-year-old some fans already had down as a lock, and the gap between her ceiling and her floor. Annie and D close it out by weighing Great Britain, Germany and the US against each other heading into the championship, medal chances and all. Highlights The US Aachen team, name by name Cooley Nutcracker in, Commando 3 out The case for an underrated Diabolo Phillip Dutton's experience argument Lillet 3's high ceiling, low floor Early medal chances across nations
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Four-Star Wins, Team Talk & A Conversation with Claire Darnell
07/01/2026
Four-Star Wins, Team Talk & A Conversation with Claire Darnell
Christmas comes early as the first Aachen team is announced. Annie and Diarm react to the US jumping squad, discuss the biggest selection talking points, and look at what it means as World Championship teams begin to take shape. They also review the latest eventing action from Maryland, where Laine Ashker secured her first four-star victory, and discuss what the results could mean ahead of US team selection. Then Annie catches up with dressage rider Claire Darnell, currently third on the US Equestrian Open leaderboard. Claire reflects on the unexpected season she and Harold have enjoyed, why she nearly stepped away from the horse at the start of the year, the story behind her Hunger Games freestyle, and why an 80s soundtrack is next on the playlist. Highlights The US jumping team for Aachen is announced Maryland Horse Trials review and what it means for US eventing selection Claire Darnell on Harold, her breakout season and nearly taking a different path The story behind her Hunger Games freestyle and why it's changing this summer What makes a great freestyle, developing horses from young stock and life in Wellington Guest Claire Darnell - US Grand Prix dressage rider based in Wellington, Florida, currently third on the US Equestrian Open leaderboard with Harold
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Maryland, Rotterdam & Stephanie Goodman on Her Debut Win
06/24/2026
Maryland, Rotterdam & Stephanie Goodman on Her Debut Win
This week on the US Equestrian Open Podcast, Annie and Diarm look ahead to Maryland Horse Trials and what’s at stake in the latest eventing qualifier as the leaderboard battle continues. There’s also discussion around Rotterdam and another major statement from Marilyn Little and La Contessa as selection conversations continue. Plus, Annie catches up with Stephanie Goodman after becoming the first combination to win on their four-star Open debut at Aspen Farms. Stephanie reflects on building her program in Idaho, the horse that brought her back to the sport and why Elwenda keeps proving her wrong. Highlights: • Maryland Horse Trials preview • Open leaderboard implications • Rotterdam and jumping selection discussion • Stephanie Goodman on her Aspen Farms win • Elwenda’s journey to four-star success
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Aspen, Aachen & a Conversation with Ashley Holzer
06/17/2026
Aspen, Aachen & a Conversation with Ashley Holzer
A record-breaking weekend at Aspen, Aachen conversations getting louder and a reminder of why freestyle remains one of the sport’s biggest stages. This week Annie and Diarm look back on Aspen Farms, where Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP made history by becoming the first combination to win on their four-star debut at the Open. There’s discussion around what made the result so special, why Aspen continues to deliver moments people remember and how the series picture is starting to take shape. Then attention turns to jumping, with Nations Cup season heating up and the pressure building as Aachen selection edges closer. Plus, Annie sits down with current US Equestrian Open Dressage leaderboard leader Ashley Holzer for a conversation on partnership, building trust with Flo, the story behind her Neil Diamond freestyle and why she believes freestyle is one of the sport’s most powerful ways to connect with fans. Highlights • Aspen’s record-breaking four-star debut winner • What the result means for the Open standings • Aachen selection conversations begin • Nations Cup storylines to watch • Ashley Holzer on Flo and partnership • The story behind her Neil Diamond freestyle • Why freestyle matters
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Bromont, Big Dreams & The Summer Stretch
06/10/2026
Bromont, Big Dreams & The Summer Stretch
This week, Annie returns from Bromont with reflections from one of North America’s most iconic venues and why places like Bromont continue to play such an important role in producing the next generation of championship and five-star horses. There’s discussion around standout performances across the weekend, exciting young horses coming through the levels, and what makes venues with terrain, history and progression opportunities so valuable to the future of the sport. Plus, attention turns west to Aspen Farms and another important qualifier weekend, with leaderboard movement, rising combinations and valuable points on the line as the season continues to take shape. Highlights Looking back on a special weekend at Bromont Why venues like Bromont and Morven remain so important Exciting young horses and combinations to watch The role of pathway programmes in developing future stars Aspen Farms preview and key combinations Leaderboard implications and qualification picture One eye already turning towards championships and the final
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Rome, Bicton & A Conversation with Noah Rattner
06/03/2026
Rome, Bicton & A Conversation with Noah Rattner
From Rome to Bicton, championship conversations are getting louder. Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne look back on a huge weekend across the US Equestrian Open, where underdogs delivered, established names kept the pressure on, and a few horses may have changed the picture heading into the summer. There’s discussion around La Contessa’s growing case for team selection, standout performances from the US eventing squad at Bicton, and why some of the sport’s most exciting stories might just be coming through the pathway. Plus, Noah Rattner joins the show to reflect on the Ginny Rattner Memorial Dressage CDI at DevonWood, and why creating memorable experiences around competition matters just as much as the sport itself. Highlights: Mexico’s upset win in Rome Why La Contessa is becoming impossible to ignore A standout weekend for the US team at Bicton The horses making names for themselves on the pathway Aspen Farm storylines to watch Noah Rattner on community, competition, and building for the future
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Aachen, Devonwood and What Comes Next
05/27/2026
Aachen, Devonwood and What Comes Next
Aachen delivered exactly what we hoped for, world-class sport, major championship clues, and a reminder that August is coming fast. Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne look back on a huge week in Germany, where Richard Vogel and United Touch S may have shifted the balance ahead of the World Championships. From Greya’s growing rivalry with Europe’s biggest stars to the US combinations making their case for Aachen selection, there is plenty to unpack as the summer picture starts to take shape. Plus, Tommy Greengard heads to Bicton for Nations Cup action, Tamie Smith’s summer plans take shape in Europe, and the US Equestrian Open storylines continue to build across jumping, eventing, and dressage. Highlights: Why Richard Vogel and United Touch S changed the conversation after Aachen The growing rivalry between Greya and Europe’s top combinations Lillie Keenan’s huge statement weekend in Germany Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z heading to Bicton Tamie Smith’s European summer plans with Lilette What the US Equestrian Open standings could look like through the summer
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Aachen Awaits & A Conversation with Isabelle Bosley
05/20/2026
Aachen Awaits & A Conversation with Isabelle Bosley
Championship season is starting to take shape. On this week’s U.S. Equestrian Open Podcast, Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne look ahead to a huge week at CHIO Aachen, as the U.S. jumping squad heads to one of the sport’s biggest stages and the road to Aachen in August starts to come into focus. There’s also reaction to the newly announced U.S. dressage long list, before Annie sits down with one of the most talked-about young riders in U.S. eventing, Isabelle Bosley. Fresh off an impressive Kentucky performance with Conner, Isabelle reflects on producing him from an unstarted five-year-old to four-star level, learning to trust the process, and why the bigger the atmosphere gets, the better he becomes. Highlights CHIO Aachen storylines across jumping and dressage The U.S. squad heading to Aachen U.S. dressage championship long list reactions Isabelle Bosley on Conner’s rise to four-star Riding at Kentucky for the first time Producing horses slowly and patiently
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Comebacks, Contenders & Championships
05/13/2026
Comebacks, Contenders & Championships
Fresh off Mars Badminton Horse Trials, the focus shifts across the Atlantic, and the road to Aachen is starting to take shape. On this week’s U.S. Equestrian Open Podcast, Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne look back at a huge weekend for the U.S. eventing scene, as Will Coleman and Off The Record remind everyone exactly why great horses never go out of style, while Tamie Smith and Danito deliver a statement win at Tryon that could shape the rest of the Open season. There’s also a look at the current series leaderboard, why Tamie may already hold the winning hand, and what the next few months could mean for the race to the final. Plus, in jumping, Kent Farrington is back at world number one, new nine-year-old stars are emerging, and with Rome, Aachen, and championship selections on the horizon, the summer is starting to get very interesting. Highlights Will Coleman and Off The Record return in style Tamie Smith and Danito lay down a serious marker at Tryon Why Diarm thinks Tamie wins the Open from here The next generation of U.S. jumping stars starts to emerge Kent Farrington back to world number one Aachen storylines building across eventing, jumping, and dressage
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Kent Wins, Kevin Climbs, Tryon's Next
05/06/2026
Kent Wins, Kevin Climbs, Tryon's Next
A busy stretch across the US Equestrian Open, and the picture is starting to take shape. In jumping, Kent Farrington’s run continues, building momentum through the Major League season and bringing new horses into the spotlight alongside proven ones. The depth is growing, and so is the pressure around team selection heading into a championship summer. In eventing, Tryon delivers another strong four-star field, with established names, emerging combinations, and real questions around tactics, fitness, and timing as riders look ahead to what comes next. And in dressage, a shifting leaderboard after TerraNova sees new combinations stepping forward, with limited qualifiers left and every result starting to matter. Across all three disciplines, the same theme is emerging. Depth, momentum, and decisions that will shape the rest of the season. Highlights Kent Farrington’s form and the emergence of new jumping stars Major League momentum and the race toward team selection Strong, competitive fields continuing at four-star level in eventing Tryon as a key checkpoint for horses and riders building toward summer goals A tightening dressage leaderboard with fewer chances to qualify The growing importance of each result across all disciplines
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Kentucky Review & New Names at the Top of the Leaderboard
04/29/2026
Kentucky Review & New Names at the Top of the Leaderboard
Kentucky reshapes the US Equestrian Open. Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne break down a weekend that delivered across all fronts, with Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 taking the four-star win and making a major move in the standings as the series passes halfway. From a dressage phase that ran higher than expected, to a cross-country test where time became decisive, to a final day that proved costly, this was a competition that kept building. Lillet answers the biggest questions, while others show both promise and pressure at the level. Beyond eventing, the weekend also delivered in jumping and dressage, with Kent Farrington taking a major win in a stacked field, and Ashley Holzer moving into the lead in the dressage standings. Highlights Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 take the four-star win and maximum Open points How Kentucky reshapes the Open leaderboard Dressage trends, scoring higher than expected Cross-country time as the key influence on the result Standout performances from rising combinations Kent Farrington wins in a top-level jumping field Ashley Holzer moves into the lead in the dressage standings
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Greya the Greatest & Kentucky Preview
04/22/2026
Greya the Greatest & Kentucky Preview
From Greya rising to the top of the Elo rankings to a wide-open Kentucky ahead, this is the moment the U.S. Equestrian Open starts to take shape. The four-star short takes centre stage as one of the most competitive qualifiers of the series, while the five-star arrives without its usual repeat winners, leaving the door open for a new name to step forward. Across dressage and jumping, recent results continue to shift the leaderboard and build momentum toward the final. Highlights Greya becomes the highest-rated horse on Elo in the U.S. Why Kentucky is a defining week in the Open calendar A deep, unpredictable four-star short field A five-star set for a new winner Leaderboard movement across all three disciplines
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World Cup Wins, Freestyle Favourites & Kentucky Calling
04/15/2026
World Cup Wins, Freestyle Favourites & Kentucky Calling
A World Cup final on home soil, and Kent Farrington gets it done with Greya the Great. They lead from day one and see it through, while Katie Dinan works her way onto the podium and the US field shows just how much depth there is right now. From there, attention turns to Kentucky, with final prep runs at Ocala and Fair Hill and plenty still to take shape. Highlights Kent Farrington and Greya win the World Cup Final Why leading after day one continues to matter Katie Dinan’s podium finish Strength in depth across the US field Kentucky prep runs at Ocala and Fair Hill
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Weekend wins, World Cup Finals and a chat with Tommy Greengard
04/08/2026
Weekend wins, World Cup Finals and a chat with Tommy Greengard
It’s been one of those weekends where the leaderboard didn’t just hold… it shifted. At Stable View, Lucienne Bellissimo went out and did exactly what she said she would, win. A finish on her dressage score, which we know is very hard to do in this series, and suddenly the gap at the top feels a lot tighter. Now the focus turns to Fort Worth and the World Cup Finals. A different kind of pressure, a championship format, and a chance to see how some familiar Open names stack up on a bigger stage. Plus, we chat with Tommy Greengard, who's season is off to a strong start. From time spent in the UK to the way he’s producing his horses now, this is a conversation about building confidence, gaining experience, and putting the pieces in place for what comes next. Highlights Lucienne Bellissimo wins at Stable View, finishing on her dressage score in a rare FOD Major leaderboard shake-up as the Open race tightens heading into spring World Cup Finals preview, format, key contenders, and what to expect in Fort Worth Tommy Greengard on his early-season form, UK experience, and producing horses for the top level Guests Charlotte Smet - EquiRatings Jumping Analyst & Podcast Host Ali Barrett - EquiRatings AI & Sports Media Analyst Tommy Greengard - West Coast event rider producing top-level horses
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Wellington Wins and What Comes Next
04/01/2026
Wellington Wins and What Comes Next
It came down to the final fence. The U.S. Equestrian Open Final delivered exactly what the sport hopes for, a packed crowd, real atmosphere, and a finish that could have gone either way. In the end, it stayed at home, with Kent Farrington and Greya taking the title in front of a crowd that felt every stride. This episode looks back at what made Wellington work, from fan engagement to the feeling of a true showpiece event, and why moments like this matter for the sport. There’s also a look ahead, following the key combinations as the season builds towards Aachen, and checking in on the Open standings across eventing and dressage. Highlights Kent Farrington and Greya’s win under pressure The jump-off that came down to one moment Why Wellington feels different and why it works The next challengers, and where the season goes from here Updates from eventing and dressage Open divisions
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All Roads Lead to Wellington
03/28/2026
All Roads Lead to Wellington
The US Equestrian Open Final in Wellington is upon us. We break down the contenders, where the US challenge really sits on home soil, and which combinations come in with the kind of form that usually wins a class like this. There’s a close look at the jump-off picture too, and how the order of go could shape the result before a fence is even jumped. Highlights: The depth of this Wellington field The main contenders and current form The US challenge on home soil The jump-off picture and order of go Podium predictions
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Wellington Builds, Carolina Delivers, Dressage Steps Up
03/25/2026
Wellington Builds, Carolina Delivers, Dressage Steps Up
The final week in Wellington has arrived, and with it, the US Equestrian Open Jumping Final. A field building towards something potentially historic, where strength, depth and strategy all collide. This episode sets the stage. From how the qualifiers will shape the final field, to the riders and horses already circling this as a target, it’s a look at what makes this week different, and why it matters. Beyond Wellington, there’s a standout weekend across the other Open disciplines. Carolina delivered one of the strongest four-star fields seen in the US, with Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 stepping forward in a big way, while the leaderboard begins to take shape. In dressage, momentum continues to build, with new names rising and combinations improving week by week. Read about Wellington's field strength: Read The Open Weekly: Highlights What defines the Wellington final and why this week stands apart How qualifiers and rider strategy will shape Saturday night Key contenders, storylines and horses to watch Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 win a stacked Carolina four-star Frederic Wandres leads dressage after back-to-back wins Follow the US Equestrian Open coverage:
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Countdown, Contenders, and Carolina
03/18/2026
Countdown, Contenders, and Carolina
The final is nearly here. After weeks of five-star form, big moments, and small clues, everything now points to Wellington. The Rolex US Equestrian Open Jumping Final is just around the corner, and the field is starting to take shape. In this episode, the focus is on what we’ve seen so far, the horses building momentum, and the riders who could be peaking at exactly the right time. From standout form across the Atlantic to the names consistently delivering in Wellington, the picture is becoming clearer. Alongside that, attention turns to Carolina International, where a stacked four-star field brings together returning winners, rising combinations, and key Kentucky contenders in one of the most competitive early-season tests. Highlights The form lines shaping the Jumping Final Horses and riders building momentum at the right time What to watch in the final weeks before Wellington A deep dive into the Carolina International field Guests Annie Bishop – US Equestrian Open host Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder
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Eventing Tie at the Top, Dressage Brilliance, and Jumping Drama
03/11/2026
Eventing Tie at the Top, Dressage Brilliance, and Jumping Drama
A busy weekend across the US Equestrian Open delivered plenty of storylines. In eventing, Caroline Pamukcu claimed the Bouckaert CCI4*-S with HSH Connor, moving her level at the top of the series standings with Lucienne Bellissimo. Boyd Martin also had a big weekend, finishing second with Commando 3 and placing three horses inside the top ten. In dressage, Claire Darnell and Harald S returned to winning form in Ocala, delivering the performance many expected as the Open season continues to take shape. And in Wellington show jumping, Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue landed the final five-star before the Open Final. Behind them, a rare tie in the jump-off saw Marilyn Little and La Contessa share second place with Thaisa Erwin and Hialita B. The Open Weekly: Highlights Caroline Pamukcu wins the Bouckaert CCI4*-S with HSH Connor Boyd Martin places three horses inside the top ten Claire Darnell and Harald S win in Ocala dressage Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue take the Wellington five-star A rare tie for second place in the jump-off Guests Annie Bishop – Co-host of the US Equestrian Open podcast Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder
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Dressage Double, Jumping Countdown, Eventing Returns
03/04/2026
Dressage Double, Jumping Countdown, Eventing Returns
The Jumping Final is only three weeks away and the momentum across the US Equestrian Open is building. Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne unpack a busy weekend across the disciplines. In dressage, Genay Vaughn and Gino take over the lead in the series after another big result, while the Nations Cup in Wellington offers a glimpse of the form building among the American contenders ahead of the Jumping Final. Plus, eventing returns this weekend at Bouckaert with a stacked four-star field. Boyd Martin arrives with four entries, Lucienne Bellissimo looks to defend her lead in the standings, and several exciting younger combinations step up to the level. Highlights Genay Vaughn and Gino move to the top of the Dressage leaderboard Momentum building for the US ahead of the Jumping Final Eventing returns with the Bouckaert four-star qualifier Early podium picks from Annie and Diarm The Open Weekly: Shane Sweetnam article: Guests Annie Bishop – Co-host of the US Equestrian Open podcast Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder
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Isabell's Night, McLain's Win & a Conversation with Brooke Burchianti
02/25/2026
Isabell's Night, McLain's Win & a Conversation with Brooke Burchianti
It was a weekend that felt like momentum. In Wellington, Isabell Werth delivered an 82 percent freestyle under Friday Night Lights aboard Special Blend. A late call-up horse. A borrowed test. A record score in front of a packed stadium. Behind her, Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu produced a personal best, while Julio Mendoza Loor and Jewel’s Goldstrike continued one of the sport’s great partnership stories. In the five-star jumping, McLain Ward added another Wellington win to his record, James Kann Cruz extended a remarkable podium streak, and Nina Mallevaey’s Dynastie de Beaufour entered rare statistical territory. Plus, Brooke Burchianti reflects on her first five-star eventing season, producing Cooley Space Grey, and building the next chapter. Highlights Werth’s record-setting US Open freestyle A globally diverse dressage podium McLain Ward’s five-star triumph James Kann Cruz’s extraordinary consistency Nina Mallevaey’s historic run Brooke Burchianti on five-star ambition Guests Brooke Burchianti – US five-star event rider and producer of Cooley Space Grey
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Pressure, Points and Possibility
02/18/2026
Pressure, Points and Possibility
Mimi Gochman wins her first five-star 160 at WEC with Iron Maiden, the only double clear in a class that demanded everything. At 22, she adds five-star winner to a résumé already stacked with results and suddenly the season looks very different. Diarmuid Byrne and Annie Bishop unpack what it takes to win at this level, why clear rates matter, and what this means for the U.S. team picture as the US Equestrian Open Final approaches. Attention then turns to a heavyweight Dressage Freestyle qualifier at Global. Isabel Werth returns. Susan Pape brings the highest Open score of the season. The leaderboard could change again. As Devin Kane lines up this weekend, Annie and Diarm also revisit her competition mindset and what it is like to compete at the top level alongside her husband. You can revisit Annie’s previous conversation with Devon Kane, Plus, Annie sits down with West Coast event rider Megan McIver to talk long-term goals, building a system, and saying your ambitions out loud. Highlights Mimi Gochman’s first five-star 160 victory What this means for the U.S. team race Dressage leaderboard shake-up at Global Megan McIver on ambition and planning for the future Guests Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder Annie Bishop – Co-host of the US Equestrian Open podcast Megan McIver – U.S. event rider and seventh-place finisher in the 2025 US Equestrian Open series
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From Dressage Lights to Five-Star Heights
02/11/2026
From Dressage Lights to Five-Star Heights
Friday night dressage under the lights. A packed Wellington crowd. And the first five-star Grand Prix of the season setting the tone. Annie Bishop reports back from WEF with what it actually felt like to be there, from the atmosphere at Global to the buzz around Saturday night’s Fidelity Investments Five Star. Together with Diarm Byrne, they break down the standout dressage moments, the pressure points in the Grand Prix, and what the result tells us about the road to the US Equestrian Open Final. With Ocala next on the calendar and early eventing entries starting to land, the storylines are beginning to take shape across dressage, jumping, and eventing. Highlights Friday night dressage at Global, atmosphere and standout performances The first five-star Grand Prix of the WEF season What the result means for the US Equestrian Open race Ocala dressage preview and Valentine’s weekend ahead Early Bouckaert eventing entries and fan favourites to watch Hosts Annie Bishop Diarmuid Byrne
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Super Bowl Special
02/04/2026
Super Bowl Special
It’s Super Bowl week, and we couldn’t resist bringing sport and fandom together. Annie is joined by a panel of die-hard Seahawks and Patriots supporters from across the equestrian world for a lively, opinionated, and occasionally ruthless debate. Expect strong loyalties, big predictions, and a reminder of why sport pulls us in long before kickoff. Highlights Seahawks vs Patriots, broken down by people who care a lot Predictions, point spreads, and zero agreement Dynasty talk, underdogs, and playoff pressure What the Super Bowl gets right about fandom, storytelling, and spectacle Why sport pulls us in long before kickoff Guests Annie Bishop – US Equestrian Open host and analyst. Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder Max Corcoran – International groom and industry pro Jonathan Elliott – Event organizer and course designer Morgan Rowsell – Event organizer and selector Joanie Morris– U.S. event owner and long-time supporter of American eventing
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Personal Bests and Early Season Markers
01/28/2026
Personal Bests and Early Season Markers
Personal bests in Dressage, a returning star in Eventing, and early clues from Wellington as Jumping inches toward its first five-star week. Susan Pape resets the Open benchmark, Jaguars Duende reminds everyone she’s still here, and Lillie Keenan’s depth becomes impossible to ignore nine weeks from the Final. Highlights Giulilanta goes top of the Open leaderboard Jaguar Duende returns with a win The 3* pipeline: why it keeps predicting future 5* horses Week 5 WEF preview: who arrives and why it matter Guests Diarm Byrne, EquiRatings co-founder Hosted by Annie Bishop
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Opening Statements: Highway Shines & Fayvel Returns
01/21/2026
Opening Statements: Highway Shines & Fayvel Returns
The new season is taking shape. With dressage already scoring, nine weeks to the first jumping final, and six weeks to the first four-star short, Annie Bishop and Diarm Byrne break down the early movers, the storyline shifts and the names establishing momentum across the Open’s three Olympic disciplines. From new partnerships winning straight out of the gate to returning eventers and a strengthening dressage field, it’s the first real read on 2026 form and how the year may unfold. Highlights Lillie Keenan & Highway make an immediate statement in Florida Scott Brash vs Kent Farrington vs string strength Eventing entries resurface: Jaguars Duende, Possante, Cooley Candyman Boyd Martin named International Rider of the Year and what that signals for 2026 Dressage heats up: Marek & Fayvel debut, leaderboard context, scheduling dynamics The Open ecosystem: points, invitations, depth, and how pathways evolve Guests Diarm Byrne, EquiRatings co-founder Hosted by Annie Bishop
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