The first-ever US Equestrian Open Eventing Final wrapped up with a thrilling conclusion at Morven Park International Equestrian Center, where four-time Olympian Boyd Martin and Miks Master C delivered a standout clear round in the final jumping phase to claim the historic win.
Their performance capped off a week of elite competition and was ultimately decided by the technical triple combination in the final line of the course. Martin and Miks Master C secured their place at the top of the leaderboard with a faultless round in the Grand Prix Arena, finishing on a score of 28.7.
“It’s an incredible feeling to win here,” said Martin. “This event has been so well organized, and Morven Park is one of the best venues in the world. For years, we’ve all seen the potential here — the cross-country courses are spectacular, the rings are top-notch, and the facility is world-class. The US Equestrian Open has raised the bar with great prize money and top-level riders. To win the first edition of this event is a huge honor.”
Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) rode Miks Master C — a 2012 U.S.-bred Swedish Warmblood gelding (Mighty Magic x Qui Luma CBF), owned by Ocala Horse Properties LLC, Deborah Palmer, and Rachael Isaacson, and cared for by Stephanie Simpson — to top honors and the lion’s share of the $200,000 prize fund. Their names will be the first etched onto the US Equestrian Open Eventing Final’s perpetual trophy. Martin also earned the MARS American Bred Talent Trophy, awarded to the highest-placed U.S.-bred horse in the CCI4*-L division.
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Miks Master C, affectionately known as “Mikki,” joined Martin’s string just over a year ago after being campaigned by U.S. teammate Liz Halliday. Following Halliday’s accident in 2024, Martin took over the ride and has since developed a strong connection with the talented gelding.
“I’m really thankful to the owners for trusting me with one of Liz’s top horses,” Martin shared. “Miks Master C is a legend. He was Liz’s top prospect, and this year has been all about building our partnership. He’s got that ideal mix of power, grit, and heart.”
Martin joked about having always admired Mikki, even before he was part of his team. “When Liz bought him, I was jealous! He’s totally my type of horse — moves like a Warmblood but thinks like a Thoroughbred. He’s a true three-day event horse with an incredible gallop.”
The win came after a suspenseful final phase, where overnight leader Will Coleman and Off The Record dropped a rail at the B element of the triple combination, opening the door for Martin to move into first. Coleman, a Virginia native, still delivered an impressive weekend, finishing both second and third with his mounts.
Off The Record, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding (VDL Arkansas x Drumagoland Bay), finished on a final score of 29.1 for second place. Coleman also piloted Very Dignified, a 2015 Irish Sport Horse mare (Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet x Kateys Gem), to third in their CCI4*-L debut with a final score of 35.4. Both horses, cared for by groom Erin Jarboe, were among the few to jump clear on the demanding cross-country course designed by Derek di Grazia (USA).
“The cross-country course here is incredible — one of the best in the country,” Coleman said. “For anyone curious about eventing or looking to understand what it’s all about, this weekend at Morven Park offered the perfect showcase.”
Both Martin and Coleman praised the final show jumping course, designed by Chris Barnard (USA), for its tight time and technical demands that kept the pressure high until the very last ride.
“The course was quite technical,” Martin said. “You had to ride it like a jump-off — forward, efficient, and accurate. It shows how important it is to practice proper show jumping as part of your training.”
Looking ahead, Coleman expressed excitement about the future of the US Equestrian Open series.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “US Equestrian has created something really special here. I think this event will only grow, bringing bigger crowds, more prize money, and even more excitement for athletes, owners, and fans.”
