The Athletes Selected for the 2026 USEF Dressage Training Series represent the next wave of American dressage talent, identified through performance, potential, and commitment to excellence. Organized by US Equestrian, the annual Dressage Training Series plays a crucial role in the national development pathway, bridging the gap between youth championships and future international team representation.
For 2026, USEF has again divided the program into East Coast and West Coast training sessions, ensuring geographic balance while delivering consistent, high-level education. The selected athletes will benefit from intensive mounted instruction, unmounted seminars, and direct mentorship from some of the most respected names in U.S. dressage.
This article covers everything you need to know about the 2026 USEF Dressage Training Series: program objectives, selection criteria, coaches, full athlete rosters, and why this initiative matters for the future of American dressage.
What Is the USEF Dressage Training Series?
The USEF Dressage Training Series is a high-performance development program designed to identify, educate, and support emerging dressage athletes in the United States. Unlike one-off clinics, the series is strategically positioned within the USEF Dressage Pathway, helping riders transition from junior and young rider levels toward U25, senior, and international competition.
Key goals of the program include:
- Developing correct fundamentals and long-term horse-rider partnerships
- Teaching competition strategy and ring craft
- Reinforcing horse welfare, soundness, and longevity
- Building a strong understanding of international dressage standards
Participation is by invitation or application, making selection a meaningful milestone in an athlete’s career.
Selection Criteria for the 2026 Series
Athletes chosen for the 2026 USEF Dressage Training Series were selected based on a combination of competitive results and demonstrated potential. USEF evaluates candidates using several benchmarks, including:
- Top placings at USEF Dressage Championships
- Results from North American Youth Championships (NAYC)
- Performances in Junior, Young Rider, and Pony divisions
- Demonstrated commitment to correct training principles
- Coach recommendations and athlete applications
The selection process aims to balance current achievement with future promise, ensuring that riders with long-term international potential receive early, structured support.
Coaches and Clinicians for 2026
One of the defining strengths of the USEF Dressage Training Series is the caliber of instruction. For 2026, USEF has again assembled a world-class coaching team to guide the selected athletes.
East Coast Coaches
- Olivia LaGoy-Weltz
- George Williams
West Coast Coaches
- George Williams
- Sabine Schut-Kery
- Guenter Seidel
These coaches bring Olympic, World Championship, and Nations Cup experience, offering athletes direct insight into what is required at the highest levels of the sport.
Athletes Selected for the 2026 USEF Dressage Training Series
USEF named 30 athletes for the 2026 program, evenly split between East Coast and West Coast training opportunities.
East Coast Athletes
The East Coast roster reflects a strong concentration of riders from traditional dressage hubs such as Florida, Georgia, and the Southeast, alongside talent from the Northeast and Midwest.
Selected athletes include:
- Katherine Bright (Auburn, Alabama)
- Grace Christianson (Noblesville, Indiana)
- McKenzie Dicks (Gorham, Maine)
- Laila Edwards (Annapolis, Maryland)
- Eila Fisk (Aiken, South Carolina)
- Gianna Foley (Ocala, Florida)
- Lark Heckman (Ocala, Florida)
- Ava Hobbs (Lake City, Florida)
- Harper Kane (Wellington, Florida)
- Hayden Kane (Wellington, Florida)
- Bennett McWhorter (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
- Elena Moffitt (Atlanta, Georgia)
- Ava Noone (Gibsonia, Pennsylvania)
- Alexis Troutman (Gainesville, Georgia)
- Virginia Woodcock (Atlanta, Georgia)
This group showcases a blend of established junior competitors and rising young riders, many of whom have already represented the U.S. at major youth championships.
West Coast Athletes
The West Coast roster highlights the growing depth of dressage talent in California, Arizona, and the Pacific Northwest, with representation extending into the Midwest.
Selected athletes include:
- Josh Albrecht (Oroville, California)
- Ellanor Boehning (Rancho Santa Fe, California)
- Sage Chacon (Riverside, California)
- Emme Chisholm (Ramona, California)
- Tayla Damyanovich (Hibbing, Minnesota)
- Tiggy Gates (Encinitas, California)
- Samantha MacDonald (Phoenix, Arizona)
- McKenzie Milburn (San Diego, California)
- Gwenyth Miller (Carlsbad, California)
- Emma Schneider (Sunland, California)
- Haley Smith (San Diego, California)
- Claire Tucker (Lincoln, Nebraska)
- Nicola Valentine (Scottsdale, Arizona)
- Maverick Wright (Milton-Freewater, Oregon)
- Miki Yang (Los Altos Hills, California)
The West Coast cohort reflects USEF’s continued investment in regional diversity, ensuring that elite training opportunities are accessible beyond traditional East Coast centers.
What Athletes Will Learn During the Series
The 2026 USEF Dressage Training Series is designed as a holistic education experience, not just a riding clinic. Athletes can expect:
Mounted Training
- Individual and small-group lessons
- Focus on correct basics, balance, and suppleness
- Horse-appropriate training tailored to age and development
Unmounted Education
- Competition preparation and mental skills
- Horse management, soundness, and welfare
- Long-term planning for athlete and horse partnerships
Performance Evaluation
- Direct feedback from national-level coaches
- Guidance on strengths, weaknesses, and next steps
- Alignment with USEF’s long-term high-performance vision
Why the 2026 Selection Matters
Being named to the USEF Dressage Training Series is more than an honor—it is a signal of national recognition. Historically, many athletes who progressed through this program later advanced to:
- U25 national teams
- FEI Young Rider and Senior divisions
- Nations Cup and championship representation
For parents, trainers, and owners, selection confirms that an athlete is on a credible pathway toward elite sport, supported by the national federation.
The Bigger Picture: U.S. Dressage Development
The 2026 USEF Dressage Training Series reflects US Equestrian’s broader strategy to strengthen the American dressage pipeline. By identifying talent earlier and offering structured education, USEF aims to:
- Increase international competitiveness
- Improve horse longevity and welfare
- Develop riders with strong technical foundations
As global dressage standards continue to rise, programs like this are essential to ensuring the United States remains competitive on the world stage.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
For the athletes selected, the 2026 USEF Dressage Training Series is both a reward and a responsibility. It offers access to elite coaching, but also sets expectations for professionalism, discipline, and long-term commitment.
As these riders progress through the season and beyond, many will be closely watched by selectors, coaches, and fans alike. Their development will help shape the future of American dressage—one training session at a time.
