The US Equestrian Open Podcast

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

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

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

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

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