News

Dressage team for the World Championships

Details: July 10, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the riders and horses selected to represent the U.S. Dressage Team for the 2026 FEI Dressage World Championships Aachen, hosted in Aachen, Germany, from Aug. 11-15.

Dressage team for WEG The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe and Technical Advisor Christine Traurig and Team Leader Laura Roberts.

The following have been selected to represent the U.S. Dressage Team for the 2026 FEI Dressage World Championships and are listed in alphabetical order.

Ashley Holzer of Wellington, Fla. with Hawtins San Floriana.

Jordan LaPlaca of Ledyard, Conn. with Gold Play.

Christian Simonson of Ventura, Calif. with Fleau de Baiana.

Genay Vaughn of Elk Grove, Calif. with Gino.

The following have been selected as the first and second reserves and are listed in ranked order.

Kasey Perry-Glass of Wellington, Fla. with Heartbeat W.P.

Meagan Davis of Loxahatchee, Fla. with Toronto Lightfoot.

Competition Information

The 2026 FEI Dressage World Championships will be a pinnacle of international dressage competition this season and hosted during the first week of the FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany.

Competition is set to begin on Tuesday, Aug. 11, with the first day of FEI Grand Prix team competition starting at 8:00 a.m., which is 2:00 a.m.Eastern.

The second day of FEI Grand Prix competition to determine team medals will begin at 8:00 a.m.. which is 2:00 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Dressage competition will get back underway in the Main Stadium at Aachen on Aug. 14, with the start of the FEI Grand Prix Special for individual medals, starting at 10:50 a.m., which is 4:50 a.m. Eastern.

The final day of competition, the highlight FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, will determine individual medals and is set to begin at 7:00 p.m., which is 1:00 p.m. Eastern under the lights in the main stadium to conclude dressage competition.

Para Dressage team for the World Championships

Details: July 9, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the riders and horses selected to represent the U.S. Para Dressage Team for the 2026 FEI Para Dressage World Championships hosted in Aachen, Germany, from Aug. 18-23.

Para Dressage WEG The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe and Technical Advisor, Michel Assouline, alongside Team Leader, Laureen Johnson.

The following have been selected to represent the U.S. Para Dressage Team for the 2026 FEI Para Dressage World Championships and are listed in alphabetical order:

Rebecca Hart of Wellington, Fla. with Floratina.

Fiona Howard of Boston, Mass. with Diamond Dunes.

Kate Shoemaker of Wellington, Fla. with Vianne.

Marie Vonderheyden of Wellington, Fla. with Fan Tastico H.

The following have been selected as alternates (listed in alphabetical order) to represent the U.S. Para Dressage Team for the 2026 FEI Para Dressage World Championships:

Eleanor Brimmer of Wellington, Fla with Langagers Krack I Love It.

Rebecca Hart of Wellington, Fla. with Liberation.

Fiona Howard of Boston, Mass. with Ferguston.

Kate Shoemaker of Wellington, Fla. with Ghandi.

Eventing team for the World Championships

Details: July 8, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the riders and horses selected to represent the U.S. Eventing Squad for the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championships hosted in Aachen, Germany, from Aug. 13-16.

Eventing team for WEG The four team riders and horses and individual riders and horses will be confirmed prior to the start of the Championship.

The Squad will be led by Chef d’Equipe and High Performance Manager, Leslie Law, alongside High Performance Advisor Karyn Shuter and Team Leader Christina Vaughn.

The following have been selected to represent the U.S. Eventing Squad for the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championships and are listed in alphabetical order.

Will Coleman of Ocala, Fla. with Diabolo, Off The Record and Very Dignified.

Phillip Dutton of West Grove, Pa. with Possante.

Boyd Martin of Cochranville, Pa. with Cooley Nutcracker.

Caroline Pamukcu of Springfield, Pa. with HSH Blake.

Tamie Smith of Murietta, Calif. with Lillet 3,

The following have been selected as alternates and are listed in alphabetical order.

Jennie Brannigan of West Grove, Pa. with FE Lifestyle.

Hallie Coon of Ocala, Fla. with Kapriccio.

Tiana Coudray of Santa Barbara, Calif. with D’Artagnan.

Phillip Dutton of West Grove, Pa. with Denim.

Sydney Elliott of Hoffman, N.C. with QC Diamantaire.

Emily Hamel of Aiken, S.C. with Corvett.

Allie Knowles of Lexington, Ky. with Montpellier Scais.

Boyd Martin of Cochranville, Pa. with Shanroe Cooley.

Competition Information

The FEI Eventing World Championships will be the highlight of international eventing competition on this year’s calendar and will be hosted during the first week of the 2026 FEI World Championships pn Aachen.

Competition will begin on Thursday, Aug, 13, with the first day of dressage beginning at 9:30 a.m., which is 3:30 a.m. Eastern.

The second day of dressage on Friday, Aug. 14, also beginning at 9:30 a.m., which is 3:30 a.m. Eastern.

Cross-country will begin at 9:15 a.m., which is 3:15 a.m. Eastern on Saturday, Aug. 15.

Show jumping will begin at 12:30 p.m., which is 6:30 a.m. Eastern on Aug. 16..

Competition concludes on Aug. 16 with the awarding both team and individual medals following the show jumping.

Four-in-hand driving team for the World Equestrian Games

Details: July 8, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the whips selected to represent the U.S. Driving Team at the 2026 FEI Driving World Championship for Four-in-Hand Horses hosted in Aachen, Germany, from Aug. 19-23.

WEG driving team The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Marcie Quist and Team Leader Steven Morrissey.

The following have been selected to represent the U.S. Driving Team at the 2026 FEI Driving World Championship for Four-in-Hand Horses and are listed in alphabetical order.

James Fairclough of Newton, N.J.

Taren Lester of Citra, Fla.

Chester Weber of Ocala, Fla.

The following has been selected as the first alternate.

Jean Thornton of De Lion Springs, Fla.

Competition Information

The 2026 FEI Driving World Championships for Four-in-Hands will be the first of two driving world championships this year and will be hosted during the second week of the 2026 FEI World Championships Aachen.

Competition will begin on Thursday, Aug, 20, with the first day of dressage beginning at 11:00 a.m, which is 5:00 a.m. Eastern.

The second day of dressage is Friday, Aug. 21, also beginning at 11:00 a.m., which is 5:00 a.m. Eastern.

The Marathon will begin at 11:00 a.m., which is 5:00 a.m. Eastern on Saturday, Aug. 22.

Competition concludes on Aug. 23, awarding both team and individual medals following the cones phase, which will begin at 9:30 a.m..which is 3:30 a.m. Eastern.

World no. 1 Kent Farrington declined to compete for the U.S. in the World Championships

Details: July 7, 2026; By SARA CAVANAGH

The U.S. has a very good and, at least on paper, competitive jumping team for the World Championships at the World Equestrian Games, but an extraordinary piece is missing.

McLain Ward on High StarHero Jenny Abrahamsson McLain Ward on High Star Hero at Aachen last year (Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson)World no. 1 Kent Farrington is not on the team after he withdrew the world's top mare from consideration for the team.

Farrington posted on social media:

“After giving a great deal of thought to this season and what I believe is the best long-term management for my horses, I have decided to withdraw from consideration for the World Equestrian Games.
“Greya has already contested a championship on home soil this year, and we were fortunate enough to come away with the victory,”
Whle Descartes SR, has delivered some outstanding performances this season, I believe he is still developing and that a championship of this magnitude comes a bit too soon in his career.”
“With the Olympics on home soil in Los Angeles in 2028, I believe the right decision is to prioritize that goal and continue developing both horses with their long-term future in mind. This approach gives them the best opportunity for sustained success while allowing each horse to progress at the right pace.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be considered and I wish the US team every success at the World Equestrian Games."

Tamie Smith leads the Open of Eventing, but Coleman and Martin can catch her

Details: June 27, 2026; By Staff Writers

Tamie Smith leads the 2026 US Equestrian Open of Eventing by 20 points with all six counting slots filled.

Tamie Smith Will Coleman Boyd Martin Tamie Smith, Will Coleman and Boyd MartinOnly two more qualifiers are expected to pay the big points but Smith is unlikely to be at either.

So can anyone catch her?

Smith has 235 points with 13 of 20 qualifiers complete.

Seven remain, and only two of them are likely to pay the big points.

Smith may not be at either, so the lead is more catchable than the gap suggests.

Smith leads with 235 points, and the gap is 20.

William Coleman is closest, but only two large fields remain.

There are seven qualifiers left, four East Coast, three West Coast, before the Morven Park Final.

This how the scoring works.

Each rider counts their six best qualifier placings.

The top five riders in the standings have all six slots filled, so to gain a single point now, they cannot just add a result, they have to beat one they already own.

U.S. Jumping Team for the World Championships

Details: June 26, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky,--US Equestrian announced the riders and their horses selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team at the 2026 FEI Jumping World Championships to be hosted in Aachen, Germany, from Aug. 11-23.

world ch team Jumping competition will begin on Wednesday, Aug. 19, and conclude on Sunday, Aug. 23.

The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and Team Leader Lizzy Chesson.

The following riders and their horses have been selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team and are listed in alphabetical order.

Katie Dinan of New York, N.Y. on Out of the Blue SCF, a 2014 Belgian Warmblood mare.

Lillie Keenan of New York, N.Y. on Fasther, a 2010 KWPN gelding.

Laura Kraut of Royal Palm Beach, Fla. on Bisquetta, a 2014 Zangersheide mare.

Marilyn Little of West Palm Beach, Fla. on La Contessa, a 2015 Mecklenburger mare.

McLain Ward of Brewster, N.Y. on High Star Hero, a 2013 Belgian Sport Horse gelding.

Competition Information

Farrington leads U.S. team for Falsterbo Nations Cup

Details: June 25, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team for the Falsterbo Nations Cup CSIO5*, hosted in Falsterbo, Sweden, from July 8-12

Falsterbo N C team The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and supported by Team Leader Lizzy Chesson, with horses to be confirmed the week of the event.

The following riders have been selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team and are listed in alphabetical order.

Natalie Dean of Palo Alto, Calif.

Kent Farrington of Wellington, Fla.

Mimi Gochman of Palm Beach, Fla.

Charlotte Jacobs of Wellington, Fla.

Competition Information

Competition in Falsterbo will begin on Thursday, July 9, with the first class of the week to open CSIO5* competition.

The Agria Falsterbo Nations Cup CSIO5* will take place on Friday, July 10, beginning at 2:00 p.m., which is 8:00 a.m. Eastern.

The competition will conclude with the €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix of Sweden CSIO5* on Sunday, July 12, starting at 2:00 p.m., which is 8:00 a.m. Eastern.

WEF expands to 215 acres

Details: June 18, 2026; By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Wellington International, home to the Winter Equestrian Festival, the Global Dressage Festival and Annual Series horse shows, announced the expansion of its equestrian footprint to 215 acres with the development of 98 acres into Wellington International South.

new Wellington area Set to open for competition in the fall of 2026, Wellington International South is being designed as a world-class venue for equestrian sport in North America, featuring green space, landscaping, ample shade for horses and spectators, and state-of-the-art competition facilities.

The new venue will serve as the future home of the Global Dressage Festival while also hosting FEI show jumping, hunter derbies, Under 25 jumping competitions, and seasonal events.

“This project represents the next chapter for equestrian sports in Wellington,” said Michael Stone, President of Wellington International. “We are building a venue that prioritizes the experience for horses, riders, owners, grooms, and spectators alike while continuing to elevate Wellington International as the premier horse sports destination in the world.”

Wellington International South has been planned to create an elevated and welcoming environment that blends elite equestrian sport with park-like surroundings.

Dr. Marvin Beeman, former President of MFHA, died June 14

Details: June 16, 2026; By SARA CAVANAGH

KIOWA, Colo.--Dr. Marvin Beeman, former President of the Masters of Foxhounds Association, veterinarian and huntsman at Arapahoe Hunt in Colorado died June 14.

Dr. Beeman"Dr Beeman passed away today when his horse tripped and fell on him," said Jeanne Sharpe, a longtime reader of and contributor to The Horse of Delaware Valley. "He was out with hounds."

The Masters of Foxhounds Association sent out a notice to its members:

"It is with great sadness that the MFHA announces the passing of its beloved and respected Dr. Marvin Beeman.

Dr. Beeman was President of this Association from 2008 to 2011.

He served for many years and up to the present as Chairman of the Veterinary Committee.

As such he was the chief proponent of the award winning MFHA funded research concerning leishmania and tick-borne diseases that has had a profound effect on hound as well as human health.

We sendour deepest sympathy to his cherished wife, Eunice.

We will miss Marvin's strong and quiet leadership that led u to achievements beyond our imagination.

Details to follow on how Dr. Beeman's life will be celebrated."

U.S. team for Rotterdam Nations Cup

Details: June 15, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky,--US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the Jumping Team for the Longines League of Nations Rotterdam CSIO5*, hosted in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, from June 18-21.

Rotterdam team The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and supported by Team Leader Lizzy Chesson, with horses to be confirmed the week of the event.

The following riders have been selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team and are listed in alphabetical order.

Karl Cook of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

Katie Dinan of New York, N.Y.

Marilyn Little of West Palm Beach, Fla.

Callie Schott of Wellington, Fla.

Competition Information

Competition in Rotterdam will begin on Thursday, June 18, with the first class of the week.

The Longines League of Nations Rotterdam CSIO5* two-round team competition will begin on Friday, June 19, with the first round beginning at 4:30 p.m., which is 10:30 a.m. Eastern, while the second round will start at 8:30 p.m., which is 2:30 p.m. Eastern.

The competition will conclude with the Longines League of Nations Rotterdam CSIO5* on Sunday, June 21, starting at 2:30 p.m., which is 8:30 a.m. Eastern.

Judy Cousins, a reporter who covered point-to-point racing, died June 3

Details: June 11, 2026; By Staff Writers

WEST CHESTER, Pa.--Judith (Freehafer) Cousins, 94, of West Chester, Pennsylvania and Bernard, Maine, passed away peacefully in her home on June 3..

Judy CousinsCousins was a well known. well liked and respected figure on the point-to-point circuit.

For many years, she covered point-to-point racing for The Chronicle.

She was predeceased by her husband Samuel Cousins with whom she shared 56 years of marriage.

She was born on April 12, 1932 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,

She graduated from Baldwin School, Mount Holyoke College, and completed graduate school at Bryn Mawr College.

She later earned a degree from Longwood Gardens Horticultural School.

She worked at the family business, Thermal Pipe Systems with headquarters in Wilmington, Del., and a manufacturing plant in Durant, Okla.

She was a dedicated member of the Pocopson township planning committee for many years and was passionate about preserving open space.

Teams for Rotterdam, third leg of the League of Nations series

Details: June 10, 2026; By Staff Writers

The Longines League of Nations returns to CHIO Rotterdam next week for the third qualifying leg of the 2026 season.

Karl Cook on Caracole de la Roque, shown here at the Olympics, will lead the U.S. teamAt the halfway point of the qualifying campaign, Germany is leading on 190 points, giving them a 35-point cushion over France with 155 points and a 40-point lead over Ireland with 150 points.

Anchored by reigning FEI Jumping European Champion Richard Vogel, Germany' team in Rotterdam includes Rene Dittmer, while Mario Stevens and Michael Jung make their series debuts.

Winners of the opening leg in Abu Dhabi, France's team of Antoine Ermann, Jeanne Sadran, Nina Mallevaey and Kevin Staut offer a blend of youth and experience.

Ireland's chef d'equipe Jessica Kürten has Shane Sweetnam, Jordan Coyle, Michael Duffy and Niamh McEvoy.

Back competing in the League of Nations for 2026 and currently fourth in the standings with 130 points, Brazil's team includes Rodrigo Pessoa, whose family has a remarkable connection with CHIO Rotterdam.

U.S. team for La Baule Nations Cup

Details: June 9, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky,-- US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team at the Nations Cup La Baule CSIO5* to be hosted in La Baule-Escoublac, France, from June 11-14, 2026.

La Baule Nations Cup teamThe team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and supported by Team Leader Lizzy Chesson, with horses to be confirmed the week of the event.

The following riders have been selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team and are listed in alphabetical order.

Natalie Dean of Wellington, Fla.

Lillie Keenan of New York, N.Y.

Laura Kraut of Royal Palm Beach, Fla.

Jessica Springsteen of Los Angeles, Calif.

McLain Ward of Brewster, N.Y.

Competition Information

The competition at Jumping International de La Baule will begin on Thursday, June 11 at 8:30 a.m. , which is 2:30 a.m. Eastern

The two-round €250,000 Nations Cup CSIO5* is set to take place on Friday, June 12 at 1:30 p.m., which is 7:30 a.m. Eastern.

The €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule will begin on Sunday, June 14 at 2:30 p.m., which is 8:30 a.m. Eastern.

U.S. team for St. Gallen Nations Cup

Details: June 1, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.-–US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team at the Jumping Nations Cup St. Gallen CSIO5* to be hosted in St. Gallen, Switzerland, from June 4-7.

St. Gallen Nations Cup team The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and Team Leader Lizzy Chesson, with horses to be confirmed the week of the event.

The following riders have been selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team and are listed in alphabetical order.

Katie Dinan of New York, N.Y.

Mimi Gochman of Palm Beach, Fla.

Charlotte Jacobs of Wellington, Fla.

Paris Sellon of Los Angeles, Calif.

Aaron Vale of Williston, Fla.

This is an observation competition for those on the short list for the World Championships , and Aaron Vale and Katie Dinan are on the short list, the other three are not on the short list.

Competition Information

The Jumping Nations Cup St. Gallen CSIO5* will begin on Thursday, June 4, and will feature the two-round €250,000 Range Rover Nations Cup of Switzerland CSIO5* on Friday, June 5, at 3:30 p.m., which is 9:30 a.m. ET.

The €500,000 Longines Grand Prix of Switzerland CSIO5* will start at 2:30 p.m., which is 8:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, June 7.

Grant to Thorncroft funds purchase of two lesson horses

Details: May 28, 2026; By Staff Writers

MALVERN, Pa.--Thorncroft Equestrian Center has announced a first-time grant awarded from Foxwynd Foundation partners designed to fund the purchase and first-year care of two specially trained adaptive lesson horses, Bentley and Flash, helping expand access to its renowned Adaptive/Therapeutic Horsemanship Program.

Thorn 1 BentleyThrough a partnership with Thorncroft, the Foxwynd Foundation will directly support the acquisition, veterinary care, training, feeding, and first-year maintenance of Bentley and Flash, two carefully selected horses chosen for their temperament, health, training, and suitability for riders with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.

Bentley is a versatile, beginner-friendly horse whose calm temperament and strong foundational training make him an ideal partner for riders beginning their horsemanship journey.

Flash’s smooth gait, balanced build, and specialized training make him uniquely suited for riders living with neurological and mobility challenges, including Cerebral Palsy, traumatic and non-acquired brain injuries, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Both horses will also serve individuals with developmental disorders, neurodivergent learners, and riders with a wide range of support needs.

Bentley and Flash possess the steady disposition and advanced training required to safely support adaptive riders alongside instructional teams.

“The growing demand for adaptive riding services continues to outpace available lesson horses,” said Tiffany Meyer, President of Thorncroft Equestrian Center. “The addition of Bentley and Flash will allow us to reduce waitlists and provide more riders with access to the life-changing benefits of adaptive horsemanship.”