Thermal, Calif. – The US Equestrian Open Dressage Final will get underway tomorrow evening with the FEI Grand Prix, kicking off a weekend of exciting competition with the inaugural edition of the event hosted at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, Calif. The competition will see 13 combinations contest the qualification class before the highly anticipated FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI5* to determine the first-ever US Equestrian Open Dressage Final champion.
The US Equestrian Open Dressage Series, building into the Final, saw eligible combinations contest 25 different qualifying events around the country, which began in early 2025, accumulating points throughout the year to earn a spot in Final event in November. Points were accumulated through top placings in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle classes in CDI competitions, with combinations earning point through tenth place.
Anna Marek (Dunnellon, Fla.) earned the overall series winner title with 105 points, never finishing below third in her qualifying campaign, and averaging just over 75% with her two mounts Fire Fly and Fayvel. Marek ultimately earning the series winner bonus of $12,500 for her consistency throughout the season. She will ride Fayvel in the Final in Thermal this weekend and look build on their success with a competitive showing in the desert.
“This is really so special and has given me something to aim towards throughout the year which is something our sport and our country needed,” said Marek. “It’s been such an honor to participate and to ultimately come out to California to compete in the Final has been my biggest goal this year. We’re grateful for this opportunity and I’m so excited to get in the ring with Fayvel on Saturday. It’s going to be so much fun.”
Competition Information (PT):
Competition will begin tomorrow, Friday, November 14, with the FEI Grand Prix CDI5* beginning at 4:45 p.m. PT/7:45 p.m. ET. The highlight FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI5* will start at 4:45 p.m. PT/7:45 p.m. ET with both classes available for streaming on USEF Network live. A special re-air of the competition will be shown by ESPN on Sunday, November 22, at 12:00 p.m. ET.
The US Equestrian Open Series and Final is proudly supported by Great American Insurance Group, the official equine insurance of the US Equestrian Open.
Live Streaming
USEF Network will feature wall-to-wall coverage of the US Equestrian Open Dressage Final from Desert International Horse Park. Tune in to the action on USEF Network powered by ClipMyHorse.TV. Watch live for free with a USEF Fan account.
US Equestrian Open Fansite | Event Website | Schedule | Ride Times and Results
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