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 a single international class — a career-defining weekend. Karma Rising: His grey mare keeps stacking results, with her sights firmly on Morven Park and beyond. The team: Behind every great rider is a great team — and in James’ case, it starts with his wife Helen, who’s played a central role in producing much of the string. West Coast Power: Why the Series is breathing new life into California competitions — and helping shine a spotlight on the next generation. From Britain to the Bay: James shares how a gap year with Bruce Davidson turned into a lifelong US career.   📣 Resources 📲 Dive deeper into the series: 🌐 Fan Website: USEquestrianOpen.org 📖 Read the recent article about James here 📸 Social Media: Instagram 🙌 Like, rate, and share the podcast — this series is for the fans, and we couldn’t do it without you.

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 storylines unfolding in the Open Series, and what it all means on the path to LA 2028. 📌 Episode Highlights: Boyd Martin & Tsetserleg TSF: Why Tsetserleg TSF remains one of the most iconic U.S. horses in the field—and how a win here could bolster Boyd’s Open Series campaign and world ranking. Next Gen on the Rise: Jaguars Duende (Sharon White) and Cooley Corraghy Diamond (Kim Severson) return for just their second CCI4*-S, with eyes on the future. Names You Know: Updates on Rock Phantom, Direct Advance, Redfield Dexter, HSH Tolan King, and other proven campaigners. Laine Ashker is Back: Lovedance steps into the spotlight, marking an exciting moment in Laine’s comeback season. Why Tryon Matters: With only one leg of the Series in May, this event could prove decisive heading into summer. Podium Picks: Annie and Diarmuid go head-to-head with predictions—only one point separates them in the standings. 📱 Get the full Form Guide later this week at USEquestrianOpen.org  📖 Read the most recent article about Tryon here 📊 Follow us on social media for live updates 🎧 Subscribe now to never miss an episode!

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 and a brilliant cross-country round secured Will his second career Lexington 4*-S victory. Phillip Dutton’s Big Weekend: Strong top finishes with Passant (2nd) and Denim (4th) move Phillip into the overall Series lead on 215 points. Jess Phoenix’s Breakthrough Season: A podium at Lexington boosts Jess into second in the US Open Series standings, with Freedom GS and Jaguars Duende delivering standout performances. Series Momentum Building: With Lexington being just over the halfway mark in trhe series, the leaderboard is tightening — and the $50,000 series prize is firmly in sight. No May Moon's Star Turn: Alison Springer’s rising star delivered one of the fastest cross-country rounds of the weekend and keeps climbing. Eyes Toward Morven Park: As riders plan their seasons, attention is turning to the $200,000 Morven Park finale, where the final Series battle will be decided. Hosts Annie Bishop Diarmuid Byrne 📣 Resources Dive deeper into the series: 🌐 Fan Website: USEquestrianOpen.org 📱 Social Media: Instagram Read the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S Review article here. Like, rate, and share the podcast — this series is for the fans, and we couldn't do it without you.  

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 impacting footing and influencing strategy Analysis of Derek di Grazia’s CCI4*-S track and its toughest combinations Predictions on who might make the time, including big names like Will Coleman and Philip Dutton The challenge of balancing speed and precision on a course demanding frequent gear changes Insights into the CCI5*-L, including key questions at Pete's Hollow and the Head of the Lake Why Kentucky’s dual four-star and five-star offering has elevated the US Eventing calendar 🎧 Listen now to hear all the predictions, analysis, and excitement as the team gears up for a thrilling weekend of sport at USEquestrianOpen.org. Subscribe to the US Equestrian Podcast! Never miss an episode – follow the show here. More from US Equestrian: Website: https://www.usequestrianopen.org Magazine: https://www.usequestrianopen.org/magazines Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/

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 Three: Why Caroline Pamukcu & HSH Blake, Will Coleman & Off The Record, and Alyssa Phillips & Oskar are dominating the Prediction Centre. Underdogs with Bite: Who could surprise us? From No May Moon to Cute Girl and Possante, these contenders might shake up the leaderboard. West Coast vs East Coast: Why the arrival of horses like That’s Me Z, Regalla, and Disco Traveler matters for fans and selectors alike.   📣 Resources:   Dive deeper into the series: 🌐 Fan Website: USEquestrianOpen.org 📖 Fan Guide: Will be released later this week here 📱 Social Media: Instagram   Don’t miss a second of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event — streaming live on the USEF Network. All USEF members, including free Fan account holders, can watch the action without any added costs. Join now at usef.org. Like, rate, and share the podcast - this series is for the fans, and we couldn't do it without you.

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 performance and speculate on how the next two weeks could completely reshape the series. With leaderboard math, predictions, and a whole lot of heart, this episode is your essential pre-Ocala listen. Follow along as the series reaches its halfway mark — the leaderboard just got serious.   📣 Resources 📲 Dive deeper into the series: 🌐 Fan Website: USEquestrianOpen.org 📖 Fan Guide: Latest for Ocala here 📸 Social Media: Instagram Key articles:  1. All eyes on Ocala 2. Jaguars Duende Interview 🙌 Like, rate, and share the podcast — this series is for the fans, and we couldn’t do it without you.

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 James Alliston’s strong track record and Tammie Smith’s highly anticipated ride on Lilet 3. Annie and Diarm make their podium picks, discuss exciting emerging talents like Molly Duda, and delve into the potential strategic plays ahead of Kentucky. Stay connected: Website: https://www.usequestrianopen.org/ Latest Fan Guide: https://www.usequestrianopen.org/magazines Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/usequestrianopen/  

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 Boyd Martin enters with the top three Elo-rated horses. A huge chance for points scoring.   Who’s rising, who’s falling, and what does it all mean for Kentucky and then the final at Morven? Tune in for predictions, win chances, and big-time storylines from the next installment of the Open . 🌐 Explore the official website 📖 Read the latest Fan Guide 📸 Follow on Instagram

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 – What makes this final one of Wellington’s strongest fields ever Plus, Kim gives us insight into the buzz on the ground and what the riders are really saying behind the scenes. 📊 Download the fan guide at usequestrian.org 📲 Follow @usequestrianopen for results, stats & reactions all night long

🥇 Can Will Coleman and Off The Record Start Strong? A past 22.1 dressage test shows potential, but recent scores have hovered around 30. Smooth, fast, experienced—Off The Record is a top pick, but Annie isn’t convinced he’ll win. 📈 Caroline Pamukcu’s Double Threat With Redfield Dexter and HSH Double 16, Caroline is a real podium contender. Both horses are fast across the ground, and Double 16’s 6RA (Six Run Average) of 35.2 suggests consistency. Diarmuid says she’s the only rider likely to place twice in the top five. 🎯 Alyssa Phillips Defending Her Title Oscar won this event last year, starting on a 29.3 and finishing on 34.1 with a couple of time penalties. Alyssa could easily repeat, and her name is on both hosts’ podiums. 📉 Big Prediction: No Podium for Philip? Despite bringing four solid horses (Denim, Passant, Jule, Quasi Cool), Diarmuid makes a bold call: none of them crack the top five. Why? Time penalties—big, consistent ones.