Geñay Vaughn and Gino Get the Win in Inaugural US Equestrian Open of Dressage Qualifier
The US Equestrian Open of Dressage kicked off on Saturday, January 4, 2025, in the same location where the new series will hold its inaugural finale in November: the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, CA.
From January 2-5, DIHP hosted Desert Dressage II, with the event’s CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle counting as the first of 23 US Equestrian Open of Dressage Qualifiers. Taking home the win in the Freestyle, sponsored by Adequan – and automatically moving to the top of the US Equestrian Open standings – were Geñay Vaughn and Gino.
On their way to the win, Vaughn, of Elk Grove, CA, and the Dutch Warmblood gelding earned a personal best score for their freestyle of 75.150%. Second place with a score of 72.715% went to the USA’s Kristina Harrison-Antell and Finley.
“I’m just so happy with how he performed,” said Vaughn, 30. “It was really fun. I love our music, and I think he loves his freestyle too. It’s his favorite test.”
Saturday marked only the pair’s third time performing this particular freestyle, which they debuted last year, but it was one of nearly eight years’ worth of rides together for Vaughn and the now 14-year-old Gino.
“My mom purchased Gino when he was 6 years old,” explained Vaughn. “It’s been a journey getting to grow together and know each other. He’s an amazing, amazing horse, and I feel like each time we come out, we’re just getting more confident at this level and performing at the Big Tour. I’m really excited for what’s to come in the future.”
Vaughn continued, “I think it’s amazing that they’re doing [the US Equestrian Open]; it’s really exciting, and we’re definitely going to go for that.”
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