The Full Gallop Farm Wednesday Horse Trials 2026 returns to Aiken, South Carolina on February 25, 2026, offering riders across USEA Area III an early-season opportunity to compete on established sand-based footing in one of America’s most respected winter equestrian hubs. With schooling dressage tests available the day prior on February 24, this midweek horse trials event blends competitive structure with professional preparation in front of official judges.
Hosted at the renowned Full Gallop Farm, this USEA-recognized competition provides divisions from Pre-Starter through Preliminary and Modified, drawing amateur and professional riders alike who value well-built courses, efficient scheduling, and a venue known for quality footing and organization.
This comprehensive event guide covers everything competitors, trainers, owners, and supporters need to know about the 2026 edition.
Event Overview and Key Dates
The Full Gallop Farm Wednesday Horse Trials 2026 carries USEA Event ID 18935 and will be held in USEA Area III. The event officially opens for entries on January 13, 2026, and closes on February 10, 2026. Starting times will be available by Sunday, February 22, and posted both online and on the grounds.
Competition day is Wednesday, February 25, 2026. On Tuesday, February 24, riders may take advantage of schooling dressage tests ridden in front of official event judges. Importantly, riders are not required to be entered in the horse trials to participate in the dressage schooling day, making this an attractive opportunity for those seeking judge feedback without committing to the full three-phase format.
Location: Aiken, South Carolina – A Winter Eventing Destination
The event takes place at Full Gallop Farm, located at 3828 Wagener Road in Aiken, South Carolina.
Aiken has long been considered a premier winter training destination for eventers. Its sandy soil composition allows for excellent drainage and dependable footing during the winter competition season. Riders migrating south for winter circuits often include Aiken events as part of their preparation calendar.
Full Gallop Farm itself is known for rolling pastures, sand-based turf, and well-established permanent stabling facilities. Its cross-country courses are designed to test accuracy, rideability, and fitness without being considered move-up tracks, making them appropriate for horses with experience at their declared levels.
Divisions Offered at Full Gallop Farm Wednesday Horse Trials 2026
The event accommodates a wide range of competitors.
USEF Endorsed and USEA Recognized divisions include Preliminary (PT), Training (T), Training Novice (TN), Novice (N), and Beginner Novice (BN). USEF and USEA Recognized divisions include Preliminary (P) and Modified (M). USEA Recognized tests also include Starter and Pre-Starter levels.
Priority is typically given to Intermediate and Preliminary entries where applicable. Starter participants are exempt from USEA membership requirements and the USEA Starter/D&M fee does not apply to them, making the lower levels accessible to newcomers.
This tiered structure allows riders at various stages of development to compete at an appropriate technical level while benefiting from professional course design and officiating.
Dressage at Full Gallop Farm 2026
Dressage plays a critical role in shaping competitive outcomes at this horse trials. The event will use 2026 test versions appropriate to each level. Preliminary will ride USEF Preliminary Level Test A in a small arena, Modified competitors will perform USEF Modified Test A, and Training, Novice, Beginner Novice, Starter, and Pre-Starter levels will ride their corresponding 2026 USEA Test A versions.
Arenas are composed of sand/stone dust or sand-based turf. These surfaces are designed to provide secure footing while maintaining consistency across rides.
The added schooling dressage day on February 24 is particularly valuable. Riders may perform tests in front of official event judges, gaining actionable feedback before stepping into full competition. For young horses, green riders, or combinations returning from winter breaks, this opportunity can significantly enhance preparation.
Cross-Country Course Details and Terrain
Cross-country at Full Gallop Farm is regarded as average in difficulty for horses experienced at their respective levels. It is not considered a move-up course, meaning riders should enter only if their horse is properly prepared.
Preliminary distances range from approximately 2400 to 3100 meters at 520 meters per minute. Modified divisions range from 2200 to 3000 meters at 490 meters per minute. Training levels cover roughly 2200 to 2500 meters at 450 meters per minute. Novice divisions measure around 2025 meters at 400 meters per minute. Beginner Novice distances are approximately 1930 meters at 350 meters per minute. Starter and Pre-Starter divisions run about 1210 meters at 300 meters per minute.
Terrain includes rolling pastures, sand-based turf, gentle hills, and some wooded sections. The footing is widely praised for consistency and drainage, especially important during winter months.
The cross-country course will close on February 22, 2026, in preparation for competition.
Show Jumping and Technical Standards
Show jumping at the Full Gallop Farm Wednesday Horse Trials 2026 is conducted under current USEF rulebook specifications. The course designer is tasked with building tracks appropriate to each division’s height and technical demands.
Riders should expect fair but accurate courses that reward rideability, balance, and preparation rather than speed alone. Combined with cross-country performance, show jumping often plays a decisive role in final placings.
Entry Process and Requirements
Entries are managed by Secretary Lara Anderson. The preferred method of entry is online via EventEntries.com, where credit cards are accepted. Competitors may also submit paperwork by mail or email, but faxed entries are not accepted.
Negative Coggins tests dated within 12 months are required for all horses. Smartphone photos of Coggins are accepted only if all information is fully legible, including date drawn and accession number.
All USEA membership and horse registration requirements apply at recognized levels. Preliminary and Intermediate riders must include a copy of their USEF membership card.
Entries must be complete within five days of the closing date. Incomplete entries or entries postmarked after February 10 will incur a $50 late fee. The late fee policy is strictly enforced.
Fees and Refund Policies
Preliminary and Modified entries are priced at $250. PT, Training, and TN divisions are $225. Novice, Beginner Novice, and Starter entries are $200. Pre-Starter is $185.
Stabling is $100 per stall from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening. A $50 stall deposit is required and will be returned or voided if the stall is stripped and swept before departure. Additional nights are available for $25.
Grounds fees for non-stabled horses are $40. Camping is available with hookups, and larger RVs incur an additional nightly charge.
Refunds before the closing date are subject to a $25 non-refundable office fee. After closing, refunds are issued only if the place can be filled from a waitlist. In the event of competition cancellation, no refunds are issued, though cross-country schooling opportunities may be offered in the future.
Stabling and On-Site Amenities
The facility provides approximately 120 permanent 12×12 stalls. Stall doors are provided. Bulk shavings are no longer offered, but bagged shavings are available for purchase.
Veterinary services during the event are provided by Southern Equine, with contact details posted at the show office.
Food vendors will be available on the grounds, and portions of the grounds fees are donated to the local volunteer fire department, reinforcing community support.
Safety and Compliance
Protective headgear is mandatory whenever mounted. Riders must comply with SafeSport regulations as required by USEF and the U.S. Center for SafeSport. All participants must adhere to USEF Safe Sport Policy and Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies.
Due to insurance changes, Full Gallop Farm enforces a strict no-dog policy during events and schooling days. No motorized vehicles or bicycles are allowed on the cross-country course. Smoking is prohibited on the grounds.
Why Riders Choose Full Gallop Farm Wednesday Horse Trials
The appeal of the Full Gallop Farm Wednesday Horse Trials 2026 lies in its efficiency and professionalism. The midweek format reduces weekend crowding while allowing competitive exposure in a respected winter venue. The addition of schooling dressage in front of judges enhances development and readiness.
For professionals managing multiple horses, the scheduling allows strategic placement within busy winter circuits. For amateurs, the structure provides a supportive but technically solid competition environment.
Combined with Aiken’s equestrian culture, sand-based footing, and well-designed courses, Full Gallop Farm continues to be a dependable fixture in Area III’s early season calendar.
