The Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. 2026 is one of the most anticipated early-season competitions on the USEA Area III calendar. Scheduled for February 26 through March 1, 2026, this multi-level horse trials event brings together riders from Starter through Intermediate divisions at the respected venue of Rocking Horse Stables in Altoona, Florida.

With an entry cap of 175 competitors, professionally designed courses, permanent stabling, and a structured winter competition atmosphere, this event serves as a critical stepping stone for riders preparing for spring championships and three-day events. Whether competitors are building mileage at Beginner Novice or sharpening performance at Intermediate, Rocking Horse Winter III offers a well-organized, competitive environment in the heart of Florida’s winter eventing circuit.

Event Overview and Key Dates

The Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. 2026 carries USEA Event ID 18936 and runs from February 26 to March 1, 2026. Entries open January 13 and close February 10, making early planning essential due to limited availability.

Located at 44200 S.R. 19 North, Altoona, Florida, the venue sits within USEA Area III and is accessible from Ocala, Jacksonville, and Orlando. Competitors traveling from Orlando International Airport can reach the venue via Florida’s Turnpike and State Road 19, while those coming from northern Florida or Georgia will find straightforward highway access.

The competition strictly enforces entry deadlines and refund policies, so riders must ensure paperwork, health documentation, and membership compliance are completed before the closing date.

Divisions Offered at Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. 2026

Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. 2026 accommodates a wide range of competitive levels, making it attractive to developing riders and seasoned professionals alike.

The event includes USEF Endorsed and USEA Recognized divisions at Training, Novice, and Beginner Novice levels, including horse and rider subdivisions. USEF and USEA Recognized divisions are offered at Intermediate, Preliminary, and Modified levels, including rider and horse categories. Additionally, the USEA Recognized Starter division provides an accessible entry point for newer combinations beginning their recognized competition journey.

This diversity of levels allows trainers to bring multiple horses across divisions while maintaining competitive integrity and organization.

Tentative Competition Schedule

The schedule for Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. 2026 is structured to accommodate both one-day and traditional multi-day formats.

On Wednesday afternoon, the cross-country course opens at 3:00 p.m. for walking, giving competitors valuable preparation time. Thursday features one-day divisions including Open Intermediate, Open Preliminary, Open Modified, Open Training, and Open Novice. These riders complete dressage in the morning, show jumping mid-morning, and cross-country by late morning or midday.

Friday begins traditional formats for Intermediate, Preliminary, Modified, and Training divisions, with dressage and show jumping scheduled. Saturday features cross-country for upper divisions while Modified Rider, Training Rider, Novice, Beginner Novice, and Starter divisions complete dressage and show jumping. Sunday concludes the weekend with cross-country for those remaining divisions.

Starting times will be available February 24 and are distributed electronically rather than by mail.

Dressage Phase Details

Dressage at Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. 2026 uses the 2026 test versions appropriate for each level. Intermediate competitors ride USEF Intermediate Test B in a large arena, while Preliminary rides USEF Preliminary Test B in a small arena. Modified, Training, Novice, Beginner Novice, and Starter divisions perform their respective USEA Test B in small arenas.

The venue offers three permanent clay, sand, and fiber mix arenas designed to provide consistent footing throughout the winter season. Grass rings may be used if necessary, and a designated grass warm-up area supports riders preparing for their tests.

Importantly, arenas are not open for schooling at any time during the event, reinforcing the competition’s professional standards.

Cross-Country Course Specifications

Cross-country is a defining feature of Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. 2026. The courses are built on relatively flat Florida terrain but incorporate technical elements designed to test adjustability, accuracy, and rider decision-making.

Intermediate competitors tackle approximately 3575 meters at 550 meters per minute. Preliminary runs approximately 3120 meters at 520 meters per minute. Modified covers about 3000 meters at 490 meters per minute, while Training rides 2600 meters at 470 meters per minute. Novice, Beginner Novice, and Starter courses scale appropriately in both distance and speed, with Starter running 1400 meters at 300 meters per minute.

Riders should expect water complexes, banks, ditches, and suitable combinations throughout. While more challenging than very early-season courses, the tracks are described as fair and appropriate for horses with established experience at their level.

The cross-country course closes for schooling on February 12.

Show Jumping Phase

Show jumping takes place in a 250-by-150-foot arena with clay, sand, and fiber footing. The warm-up arena measures 240 by 150 feet and features the same surface composition. The consistent footing across both arenas supports optimal performance and horse confidence.

As with dressage, show jumping arenas are not open for schooling during the competition.

Entry Information and Policies

Entries for Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. 2026 must be submitted online via Event Entries. Checks are payable to Rocking Horse Stables, and major credit cards are accepted without processing fees when entered electronically.

Entry fees range from $215 for Starter to $265 for Intermediate. Each entry includes a $25 non-refundable office fee. Late entries, if space permits, incur a $50 late fee.

Competitors must hold current USEA memberships appropriate to their level, and horses must have proper registration status. A negative Coggins test within 12 months and a 30-day health certificate are required for entry into Florida.

Refunds before the closing date are granted minus the office fee. After closing date, refunds are only issued if a waiting list exists and the spot is filled. No phone withdrawals are accepted, and competition cancellation results in no refund.

Stabling and On-Site Services

Permanent wooden stalls measuring 10 by 10 or 12 by 12 feet are available for $250 for the duration of the event from Wednesday through Sunday. Each stall includes one bag of shavings, with additional bags available for purchase.

Stalls must be cleaned thoroughly at the conclusion of the event and leveled flat. Straw, cardboard, and newspaper shavings are prohibited. Early arrivals or late departures incur additional nightly fees.

Ship-in competitors pay a $50 fee for the duration. Limited RV spaces are available for $50 per day on a first-come, first-served basis.

On-site services include a veterinarian present daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and a farrier available during the same hours. Sharps containers are located in barns, and feed is available nearby.

Awards and Recognition

Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. 2026 offers eight ribbons per division, with first-place winners selecting from prize offerings. Thoroughbred Incentive Program High Point and Reserve awards are presented per division, adding recognition for eligible Thoroughbreds.

Accommodations and Travel Planning

Several hotel options are located within reasonable driving distance in Tavares, Mount Dora, and Umatilla. On-site RV hookups and camping are available, as well as nearby RV parks for competitors preferring extended stays.

Competitors must use designated entrances depending on whether they are stabling or shipping in, as venue traffic flow is strictly managed.

Why Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. 2026 Matters

For many riders, Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. 2026 is more than a seasonal competition. It represents a strategic opportunity to gain qualification scores, test winter conditioning programs, and evaluate new partnerships in a structured, professionally managed environment.

With respected course designers, experienced officials, and permanent facilities, the event continues to attract dedicated eventers from across the Southeast and beyond. Its balance of technical challenge and fair presentation makes it a reliable fixture on the winter calendar.

As February approaches, riders targeting spring three-days or championship qualifications will find this event an essential benchmark in their competitive season.