The Full Gallop Farm Mid February Horse Trials 2026 is one of the early-season highlights on the Area 3 calendar. Throughout this article, I will refer to it simply as the Full Gallop Farm February Horse Trials, but there is no difference between the official listing and the commonly used name. It is a USEA-recognized competition that brings together riders from Starter to Preliminary levels for a full day of dressage, show jumping, and cross-country competition.
When we talk about this event, we are talking about more than just another horse trial. We are talking about a professionally organized competition held at one of the Southeast’s respected venues under the governance of the United States Eventing Association. That means structured divisions, certified officials, standardized safety policies, and strict entry procedures.
Just like riders sometimes struggle when they misunderstand how a convection oven works, many competitors struggle at early-season events because they underestimate how organized and detailed these competitions are. They arrive unprepared for paperwork, timing, safety rules, or course demands. It can feel overwhelming at first. Frustrating, for sure, but easily fixed when you understand how the event is structured.
What Is the Full Gallop Farm February Horse Trials 2026?
The Full Gallop Farm February Horse Trials 2026 is a USEA-recognized event held on February 18, 2026, in Aiken, South Carolina. The competition is hosted at Full Gallop Farm, located at 3828 Wagener Road, and is part of USEA Area 3.
This horse trials event includes dressage, cross-country, and show jumping phases conducted in a one-day format. Riders compete within their selected level, and placings are determined by lowest penalty score across all three phases.
The event also offers Dressage Tests of Choice the day before competition, giving riders the opportunity to ride in front of official event judges even if they are not entered in the horse trials itself.
Location and Venue: Full Gallop Farm in Aiken, SC
Full Gallop Farm is located in Aiken, South Carolina, a well-known equestrian hub in the United States. Aiken is famous for its strong eventing and hunter-jumper community, making it a natural host for USEA-recognized competitions.
The terrain at Full Gallop Farm includes rolling pastures, hills, and sections of wooded cross-country tracks. Footing is sand-based turf, which provides consistent traction and durability across all three phases. The cross-country course is described as average for horses with experience at their respective level, with substantial jumps that are not designed as move-up courses.
For early-season conditioning and competition readiness, this type of footing and terrain provides both a challenge and an opportunity for riders to test their preparation.
USEA Recognition and Governance
The event is governed under the rules of the United States Eventing Association and endorsed by the United States Equestrian Federation for specific divisions.
All classes covered by USEF regulations are conducted in accordance with the current USEF rulebook. Participants must adhere to SafeSport requirements and protective headgear regulations as mandated by federation policies.
This ensures that competition standards remain consistent nationwide and that safety remains the top priority.
Competition Divisions Offered
The Full Gallop Farm February Horse Trials 2026 offers multiple divisions to accommodate a wide range of riders and horses.
USEF Endorsed and USEA Recognized divisions include Preliminary (PT), Training (T), Training Novice (TN), Novice (N), and Beginner Novice (BN). Modified (M) and Preliminary (P) divisions are USEF and USEA recognized. Additionally, Starter and Pre-Starter divisions are offered under USEA recognition.
This structure allows competitors at nearly every stage of development to participate, from grassroots riders building experience to seasoned competitors refining their early-season performance.
Priority is given to Intermediate and Preliminary entries if space becomes limited, emphasizing the competitive depth of the event.
Tentative Schedule and Timeline
The event follows a structured timeline to maintain efficiency and flow.
On Tuesday, the cross-country and show jumping courses open at 3:00 PM for walking. Wednesday competition begins early, with dressage starting at 7:30 AM, show jumping at 9:00 AM, and cross-country beginning shortly after at 9:10 AM.
Starting times are made available by Sunday, February 15th, through the Full Gallop Farm website and via email communication from the secretary.
Understanding this timeline is critical. Riders who fail to check times or course access windows often create unnecessary stress for themselves. Preparation and awareness prevent that frustration.
Entry Information and Registration Process
Entry for the Full Gallop Farm February Horse Trials 2026 can be completed online through EventEntries.com, which is the preferred method.
All entries must include original signatures, copies of negative Coggins tests within 12 months, and applicable USEF memberships. Smartphone photos of Coggins are accepted only if all information is clearly visible, including the date drawn and accession number.
Late entries incur a $50 fee, and incomplete electronic entries not finalized within five days of closing are also considered late. Funds must be received or postmarked by 11:59 PM on the closing date to avoid penalties.
These strict policies exist for administrative efficiency. When riders understand them in advance, the process becomes straightforward and manageable.
Fees and Refund Policies
Entry fees vary by division, with Preliminary and Modified at $250, Training levels at $225, and lower levels ranging from $185 to $200. A $25 non-refundable office fee is included in all entries.
Stabling costs $100 per stall, with a $50 refundable stall deposit. Camping is available for $55 per night, with additional fees for larger RVs.
Refunds before the closing date are issued minus the office fee. After closing, refunds are only granted if the rider’s spot can be filled from the waitlist. In the case of competition cancellation, no refund is offered, but a free future cross-country schooling is provided.
Understanding refund structures ahead of time eliminates confusion and sets proper expectations.
Dressage Phase Details
Dressage tests for 2026 include USEF Preliminary Level Test A and Modified Level Test A, as well as USEA tests for Training, Novice, Beginner Novice, and Starter divisions.
All dressage arenas are sand-based turf, providing consistent footing and professional presentation.
The inclusion of Dressage Tests of Choice on February 17th allows riders to gain valuable judge feedback prior to the main competition day.
Cross-Country Course Specifications
Cross-country distances vary by level, ranging from approximately 1,210 meters at Starter to over 3,000 meters at Preliminary.
Speeds increase according to division standards, from 300 meters per minute at Starter to 520 meters per minute at Preliminary.
The terrain includes rolling hills, open galloping tracks, and wooded sections. Jumps are described as substantial and appropriate for horses with experience at their level.
Riders must wear protective headgear in accordance with federation safety regulations.
Stabling and On-Site Amenities
Full Gallop Farm provides approximately 120 permanent 12×12 stalls with track screen doors. Additional nights are available for extended stays, and off-site stabling may be assigned if needed.
Bulk shavings are no longer offered, but bagged shavings are available for purchase. Feed, bedding, and hay can also be arranged through the secretary.
Camping with hookups is available by reservation, and strict policies prohibit dogs, smoking, and motorized vehicles on the cross-country course.
These rules are enforced to ensure safety and maintain facility integrity.
Awards and Recognition
Each division awards prizes and six ribbons. The event is a TIP-sponsored competition, providing special ribbons and prizes to eligible Thoroughbreds registered with the TIP program.
This additional recognition encourages breed participation and competitive diversity.
Why the Full Gallop Farm February Horse Trials Matters
Early-season horse trials set the tone for the competitive year. Riders evaluate winter training progress, test conditioning levels, and identify areas needing refinement.
Much like understanding how a convection oven cooks differently than a traditional oven prevents baking disasters, understanding how a USEA-recognized horse trial operates prevents competition-day chaos.
The structure, rules, safety requirements, and detailed policies are not obstacles. They are systems designed to create fairness and professionalism.
When riders approach the Full Gallop Farm February Horse Trials 2026 prepared and informed, the experience becomes rewarding rather than stressful.
Final Thoughts on Competing at Full Gallop Farm
The Full Gallop Farm February Horse Trials 2026 in Aiken, South Carolina, offers a professionally run USEA-recognized event with multiple divisions, well-maintained footing, structured scheduling, and comprehensive administrative oversight.
For riders seeking a competitive yet organized early-season challenge in Area 3, this event provides an excellent opportunity.
Preparation eliminates frustration. Knowledge builds confidence. And confidence allows horse and rider to perform at their best.
