US Equestrian has announced the bid application process for the 2026 USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship. The decision to hold the championship as a standalone event early in the season follows discussions with various stakeholders, aiming to enhance competition among U.S. athletes before the FEI Dressage World Championships.
Laura Roberts, Managing Director of Dressage at US Equestrian, emphasized the strategic shift of the Grand Prix Championship to support the U.S. team’s preparation for the upcoming European tour and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The bidding process for the 2026 event will be exclusive to that year and scheduled between April and May. Interested hosts can access the complete bid requirements and application details on the US Equestrian website.
Furthermore, a preliminary memo outlining the championship’s qualifying criteria has been released, with additional information on the application process, ranking system, and event format set to be disclosed in the near future.
The 2026 USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship is expected to serve as an official Observation Event for the 2026 U.S. FEI Dressage World Championship Team, which will compete in Aachen, Germany, in August 2026. Selection procedures for the national team will be outlined in autumn 2025.
For inquiries regarding the championship or bid submissions, individuals can reach out to Kristen Brett, the USEF Director of Dressage Special Events, via email at [email protected] or by phone at (859) 225-6919.
Details concerning the development of selection procedures for the 2026 U.S. FEI Dressage World Championship Team can be obtained from Laura Roberts, the USEF Managing Director of Dressage, by contacting her at [email protected] or (859) 225-6986.
The 2026 USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship is poised to be a significant event in the equestrian calendar, offering riders a platform to showcase their skills and compete for a coveted spot on the U.S. FEI Dressage World Championship Team.
This strategic move by US Equestrian reflects a commitment to nurturing talent and elevating the level of competition within the equestrian community, aligning with broader goals of international success and podium placements at prestigious events like the FEI Dressage World Championships and the Olympic Games.
As the equestrian world eagerly anticipates the unfolding of the 2026 USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship, all eyes will be on the athletes vying for top honors and the opportunity to represent the United States on the global stage of dressage.