In fall of 2024, US Equestrian announced two exciting new competitions for eventing athletes: The USEF Eventing National Championship League and the US Equestrian Eventing Open. Both programs will officially launch at the 2024 Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials in Leesburg, Va., in October and their inaugural finals will take place at the same event in 2025. However, they are distinct events with different specifications. The Frequently Asked Questions listed below are intended to help eventing athletes and fans understand these two initiatives.

Who can compete at the Eventing National Championship League and the US Equestrian Open?

The League is open to FEI eventing athletes who are U.S. citizens and compete at USEF-licensed competitions at the CCI1*, CCI2*, CCI3*, or CCI4* levels. Each level will have divisions for professionals, amateurs, and U25 athletes.

The Open is open to all FEI eventing athletes from any country who meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the CCI4*-S level through their national governing body and the FEI.

What is the purpose of each of these series?

The League will serve as the USEF Eventing National Championship for the CCI1* through CCI4* levels, replacing the previous system of bidding out each championship separately. While the series will have its official launch and final at Morven Park, the championships are awarded based on results at any FEI events licensed by USEF throughout the season. This removes geographic barriers and makes for a more inclusive and meaningful national championship title.

The League is limited to the FEI levels so as not to compete with the national-level championships held at the American Eventing Championships.

The US Equestrian Open is a top-tier series for the three Olympic disciplines designed to build excitement and grow the fanbase for equestrian sports in the lead up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Eventing, dressage, and jumping each have their own US Equestrian Open series offering significant prize money to draw elite athletes and coverage on ESPN to introduce new fans to these disciplines.

How do athletes qualify for the League and Open?

Scores earned at USEF-licensed FEI competitions throughout the participation period by athletes who are U.S. citizens will automatically be included for League standings—there is no need to opt-in. Athletes must complete at least three events at a level to qualify for awards, and at least one of those events must be a long-format for the CCI2* through CCI4* levels. The athlete’s three best scores will be used to determine their placing in the championship. Scores may be earned on one horse or multiple horses. Learn more about Eventing National Championship League qualifying here.

Athletes qualify for the US Equestrian Eventing Open by earning points throughout the qualifying period. Points will be awarded for results at CCI4*-S competitions at designated host events and are based on placings and number of competitors in the division. For a more detailed explanation of the points system, click here. Series placings will be determined by the athletes’ total points earned at their top six results at series events and may be earned with multiple horses. $50,000 in prize money will be awarded to the top three athletes.

Why are both finals being held at the same event?

While the League and Open are distinct from each other, they are both part of an effort to create excitement around the sport of eventing in the United States. Running the finals together at Morven Park will create a true championship atmosphere and a destination event for competitors and fans alike.

Morven Park was selected to host these events for their inaugural run from 2025 through 2027 for several reasons. It is a well-established eventing venue with excellent facilities and a world-class cross-country course. The organizing committee is enthusiastic about embracing these initiatives and making the finals truly an event to remember.

What happens at the finals?

The finals for both events at the 2025 Morven Park International will be a one-of-a-kind experience. League competitors do not need to attend the final at Morven Park to be eligible to win the a national championship title provided they have the three required scores. However, scores from the final may have an impact on overall standings. Trophies, awards, and top-ten ribbons for each division in the League will be awarded there.

Likewise, participation in the US Equestrian Open Eventing Final is not mandatory to win series prize money. However, an additional $200,000 in prize money will be awarded to qualified athletes competing at the final. To qualify, athletes must have met minimum eligibility requirements to compete at the CCI4*-L level and have completed a series qualifier. Note, there is a buy-in option if an athlete has not competed in one of the designated U.S. CCI4*-S events. The final will be broadcast to a worldwide audience on USEF Network and ClipMyHorse.TV and featured on ESPN.

Learn more about the USEF Eventing National Championship League here.

Read more about the launch of the US Equestrian Open Series here.