The Twin Rivers Winter H.T. 2026 returns to Paso Robles, California, from February 26 through March 1, bringing together riders from Starter level to Advanced in one of Area VI’s most anticipated early-season competitions. Hosted at Twin Rivers Horse Park, this USEA-recognized horse trials event continues its reputation for top-tier footing, well-designed cross-country courses, and professional organization.
As one of the most established West Coast venues, Twin Rivers Winter H.T. serves as a benchmark event for riders preparing for spring campaigns. With updated microchip requirements for 2026, expanded entry guidelines, and structured divisions across multiple experience levels, the event promises both competitive excellence and regulatory compliance aligned with national standards.
Event Overview and Key Dates
The official event dates for Twin Rivers Winter H.T. 2026 are February 26 through March 1, 2026. Entries opened January 13 and officially closed February 10. Post entries were accepted under structured late-fee conditions, emphasizing the organizer’s commitment to accommodating competitors while maintaining event efficiency.
The event is identified under USEA Event ID 18937 and takes place at 8715 North River Road, Paso Robles, California 93446, within Area VI. This location offers gently rolling terrain and sandy loam footing that supports optimal horse performance across all three phases of eventing.
Starting times are scheduled to be available on February 23 via the official Twin Rivers Horse Park website.
New 2026 Microchip Requirement for BN and Above
A major update for Twin Rivers Winter H.T. 2026 is the mandatory microchip requirement for all Beginner Novice (BN) and above horses. All eligible horses must have their microchip registered through USEA and USEF at the time of entry submission.
This regulation enhances traceability, improves horse identification standards, strengthens welfare oversight, and ensures alignment with national competition policies. Riders are strongly encouraged to verify microchip documentation well before entry submission to avoid processing delays.
Starter-level participants remain exempt from certain USEA membership requirements, but BN and higher divisions must strictly comply with microchip registration rules.
Divisions Offered at Twin Rivers Winter H.T. 2026
The Twin Rivers Winter H.T. 2026 offers a broad range of divisions to accommodate developing riders and seasoned professionals.
USEF Endorsed and USEA Recognized divisions include Training, Training Amateur, Training Junior Rider, Training Senior Rider, Novice, Novice Amateur, Novice Horse, Novice Junior Rider, Novice Senior Rider, Beginner Novice, Beginner Novice Junior Rider, and Beginner Novice Senior Rider.
Upper-level divisions recognized by both USEF and USEA include Intermediate, Preliminary, Preliminary Rider, Modified, Modified Rider, and Advanced.
Additionally, USEA-recognized Starter and Starter Rider divisions allow entry-level competitors to participate in a professionally organized horse trials environment.
This wide range of divisions reinforces the event’s inclusive structure while maintaining competitive standards appropriate for each level.
Tentative Competition Schedule
The Twin Rivers Winter H.T. 2026 follows a structured multi-day schedule designed to ensure balanced competition flow.
Thursday marks the opening of the cross-country course at 3:00 PM, alongside dressage and show jumping schooling tests from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Friday begins dressage competition at 8:00 AM.
Saturday features cross-country for Modified, Preliminary, Advanced, and Intermediate divisions starting at 9:00 AM. Show jumping for Training, Novice, Beginner Novice, and Starter also begins at 9:00 AM.
Sunday hosts cross-country for Training, Novice, Beginner Novice, and Starter at 8:30 AM, followed by show jumping for Modified, Preliminary, Intermediate, and Advanced at 9:00 AM.
Twin Rivers reserves the right to adjust scheduling based on conditions or operational needs.
Dressage Phase Specifications
Dressage at Twin Rivers Winter H.T. 2026 utilizes 2026 USEF and USEA tests appropriate to each division.
Advanced and Intermediate divisions compete in standard arenas, while Preliminary through Starter levels use small arenas. All arenas feature sand footing, supporting consistent movement and reliable traction.
The structured dressage environment reflects Twin Rivers’ commitment to fairness and performance quality.
Cross-Country Course Details
The cross-country phase at Twin Rivers Winter H.T. 2026 highlights the venue’s reputation for excellent design and safe, progressive challenges.
Advanced riders will complete a 3200-meter course at 570 meters per minute. Intermediate competitors face 3100 meters at 550 mpm. Preliminary divisions cover 2800 meters at 520 mpm. Modified courses span 2600 meters at 490 mpm.
Training riders navigate 2400 meters at 450 mpm. Novice competitors ride 2100 meters at 400 mpm. Beginner Novice covers 2000 meters at 350 mpm with a maximum height of 2 feet 7 inches and approximately 18 efforts. Starter division rides 1500 meters at 300 mpm with a maximum height of 2 feet 3 inches and 12 to 15 efforts.
The terrain remains level to gently rolling, with sandy loam footing that supports safe galloping and confident jumping. The cross-country course officially closed February 13 at sundown to preserve footing integrity before competition.
Entry Requirements and Membership Compliance
All entries must be received by the closing date and include full payment to be accepted. Each entry includes a $35 non-refundable office fee. Entries submitted after closing are subject to late fees as structured by date.
Vaccination compliance is mandatory. Horses must have been vaccinated for Equine Influenza Virus and Equine Herpes Virus within six months of entering show grounds, in accordance with USEF GR845 regulations.
Out-of-state horses must provide a current negative Coggins test within 12 months and a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection within 30 days. In-state horses are exempt from these specific requirements.
USEA membership and horse registration are required for all levels except Starter. Modified and above divisions must also submit USEF cards for rider, trainer, and owner.
All eligible participants must comply with SafeSport training requirements and adhere to USEF Safe Sport policies.
Fee Structure for Twin Rivers Winter H.T. 2026
Entry fees vary by division. Advanced entries are $450. Intermediate, Preliminary, and Modified entries are $400. Training, Novice, and Beginner Novice entries are $350. Starter entries are $300.
Stabling costs $260 from Thursday noon through Monday noon, with additional nights priced at $50 per night. A haul-in fee of $100 applies for weekend non-stabled horses.
RV water and power hookups from Thursday through Sunday cost $400, with additional nights priced at $100 per day. Water-only hookups cost $140 for the same period, with additional nights at $35 per day. Dry camping is available at no charge.
Change fees after February 10 are $25, and incomplete entries incur a $15 fee.
Refunds prior to the closing date are issued minus the $35 office fee. After closing, refunds depend on waitlist replacement and include a $70 office fee deduction. The USEA Starter/D&M fee is refundable if the rider does not start dressage.
Stabling and Veterinary Services
Twin Rivers Winter H.T. 2026 offers 100 temporary stalls and 202 permanent 12-foot by 12-foot stalls. Initial bedding is provided, with additional bedding available for purchase at $15 per bag.
Priority stabling is given to Twin Rivers Ranch members and select barn award recipients. Competitors are prohibited from tying horses to barns to prevent facility damage.
Veterinary services are provided by Dr. Sadie Zeil, available on call before the event, with on-site support during competition.
Accommodations and Camping Options
Paso Robles provides several nearby lodging options, including Black Oak Motor Lodge and Holiday Inn Express, both approximately seven miles from the venue. Western States Inn is located two miles away.
Onsite camping is permitted, with structured hookup options available. Competitors must ensure responsible use of electrical and water systems, as damages are the renter’s responsibility.
Why Twin Rivers Winter H.T. 2026 Is a Must-Attend Event
Twin Rivers Winter H.T. 2026 represents more than just an early-season competition. It functions as a strategic launching point for riders preparing for national campaigns, championships, and upper-level qualifications.
The venue’s footing, professional management, and progressive course design consistently attract riders seeking quality competition under standardized regulatory frameworks. The addition of the microchip requirement for BN and above further demonstrates alignment with evolving national identification standards.
From Starter competitors gaining foundational experience to Advanced riders refining performance margins, the event supports a broad competitive spectrum while maintaining operational precision.
Final Thoughts on Twin Rivers Winter H.T. 2026
As one of California’s premier winter horse trials, Twin Rivers Winter H.T. 2026 combines regulatory compliance, structured scheduling, and high-caliber competition in a single, professionally managed event.
Riders planning to participate should prioritize microchip registration, vaccination documentation, membership compliance, and timely entry submission. With a comprehensive schedule and multi-level divisions, the event continues to strengthen its standing within Area VI and beyond.
The Twin Rivers Winter H.T. 2026 is positioned not only as a competition but as a foundational event shaping the trajectory of the 2026 eventing season.
