USEF Announces Updates to 2026 Eventing Elite Programs

The United States Equestrian Federation has revealed new details regarding the 2026 USEF Eventing Elite Programs as preparations for the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen intensify.

Boyd Martin, currently ranked World Number 2 in eventing, is prominently featured with four horses listed in the U.S. Eventing Elite Program. This follows his recent successes, including two podium finishes at 5* events in Les Etoiles de Pau and Maryland, in addition to winning the CCI4*-L at the US Equestrian Open at Morven Park.

The following combinations are recognized in the USEF Eventing Elite Program: Will Coleman aboard the 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Off The Record, Sydney Elliott with QC Diamantaire, a 15-year-old Oldenburg gelding, and Boyd Martin's mounts, including Commando 3, Fedarman B, Miks Master C, and Cooley Nutcracker—all varying in age and breeding.

Additionally, Will Coleman continues with Chin Tonic HS, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding due to spring 2025 competition results. Boyd Martin also has another horse, Luke 140, participating in the Pre-Elite Program.

Other combinations that meet the criteria for the Eventing Pre-Elite Program are listed in alphabetical order, featuring riders such as Cosby Green with Highly Suspicious and Caroline Pamukcu with HSH Blake. Several athletes, like Phillip Dutton—who rides Possante and Denim—will sustain their positions in the USEF Eventing Pre-Elite Program based on their recent performances.

The comprehensive list of all participating horse-and-rider combinations is accessible through the USEF website.

Photo by Stefan Lafrentz