The US Equestrian Open series has announced its new dressage Series for 2025, introducing a total of 23 qualifying events nationwide, culminating in a final competition at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California, from November 13-16. This initiative aims to provide unique opportunities for athletes and enhance the visibility of dressage within the United States, with an impressive prize pool of $250,000 available for participants.
Notably, the series is strategically timed to build momentum toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. According to Laura Roberts, the Managing Director of dressage for US Equestrian, the series will play a crucial role in showcasing elite dressage talent across the country. The series will span numerous prestigious venues, offering competitions throughout the year and featuring a diverse lineup of events.
Participants will have the chance to qualify for the grand final at the Desert dressage II CDI5* event, where the first-ever champion of this new series will be crowned. Through these competitions, the series seeks to significantly elevate the competitive landscape of dressage in the U.S., encouraging athletes to participate and excel in the sport while preparing for future international competitions.