Lexington, Ky. – The 2025 USEF Dressage Training Series came to a conclusion in October of this year, delivering comprehensive educational opportunities for dressage athletes of all levels across both coasts. Building on the success of the 2024 Pathway Program sessions, this year’s series featured expanded participation, new learning components, and deeper engagement with top professionals across all facets of the sport.
This year, U.S. dressage athletes competing at all levels of the sport had the opportunity to participate in clinics and training sessions hosted across the country, which included sessions in Wellington, Fla., Del Mar, Calif., Evergreen, Colo., Woodside, Calif., Lexington, Ky., and Gladstone, N.J.
“One of our biggest challenges has always been geography and reaching all parts of the country,” said George Williams, USEF Dressage High Performance Pathway Development Advisor and Youth Coach. “These training sessions allow us to connect with athletes nationwide, assess where they are in their training, and provide meaningful education that supports both their growth and the sport’s long-term success.”
The 2026 USEF Dressage Training Series will continue the program’s missions to develop athletes through education, mentorship, elite coaching and training opportunities.
For U.S. Dressage Assistant Pathway Coach, OIivia LaGoy-Weltz, the USEF Dressage Training Series represents a cornerstone in the program’s efforts to make high-level education more accessible to aspiring athletes around the country.
“What’s really valuable about this program is that it’s open to a broad range of riders, not just those already in the Pathway,” said LaGoy-Weltz. “It gives athletes the chance to receive top-level feedback, understand where they are in their development, and identify the next steps for their riding. Having these clinics in different regions is critical to increasing our reach.”
Four USEF Dressage Training Series clinics are tentatively scheduled in 2026 which will be open to applications from all FEI levels. These will be taught by USEF Dressage Coaching staff or other identified Coaching Support Network members.
- March 7-8, 2026 – Woodside, Calif. – Open to all FEI levels
- May 9-10, 2026 – Tucson, Ariz. – Open to all FEI levels
- October 10-11, 2026 – Lexington, Ky. – Open to all FEI levels
- October 17-18, 2026 – Gladstone, N.J. – Open to all FEI levels
“That’s what these sessions are about,” added Williams. “They’re not just clinics, they’re an investment in the sport’s future, helping riders set goals, refine their skills, and carry forward the standards that make U.S. dressage stronger every year.”
“A big part of what we do is encourage athletes to understand what it takes to meet international standards,” Williams added. “We’ve seen tremendous progress in the overall quality of horsemanship and training across the board.”
Three USEF Dressage Pathway Program Training and Evaluation Sessions are scheduled for early 2026, offering continued support for program members and prospective program members. Additional opportunities will be added for later in the year and available as confirmed on the USEF website.
- January 26–27, 2026 – Wellington, Fla. – Open to Development and Young Horse athletes
- February 23–24, 2026 – Wellington, Fla. – Open to Development and Young Horse athletes
- March 30-31, 2026 – Southern California – Open to all program levels
LaGoy-Weltz will lead the Wellington sessions, with U.S. Dressage Chef d’Equipe and Technical Advisor Christine Traurig expected to collaborate on the first day of each clinic. Guenter Seidel, U.S. Dressage Assistant Pathway Coach, will lead the California clinics, providing further regional access to high-level instruction and evaluation opportunities. Additional dates for 2026 will be announced in the coming months.
“We’re building on the momentum this year by ensuring athletes have multiple chances to engage with top coaches early in the competition season,” said Williams. “The more we can offer consistent, high-quality training across regions, the stronger our national foundation becomes.”
In addition to these scheduled sessions, USEF Dressage Pathway Program members will have the opportunity to participate in regularly scheduled training days and home visits with USEF coaching staff throughout the winter season. Members will receive additional details directly from the USEF Dressage Department.
“If you’re motivated to participate and want to do good work with horses, USEF wants to help you,” said LaGoy-Weltz. “Until you’re in the system, it can feel daunting to know how to get there, but we have an open-door policy. We want to know you, we want to support you, and we want riders of all levels to succeed in this country.”
To learn more about the USEF Dressage Training Series, click here.
Clinic requirements and application details can be found on the USEF Dressage Program Pathway webpage. Applications are available through each athlete’s USEF Athlete Dashboard.
The USEF Dressage Pathway Programs are made possible through the generous support of Akiko Yamazaki and Four Winds Farm, whose ongoing commitment fosters the growth of U.S. dressage talent from the grassroots to the elite level, as well as the USET Foundation.
For more information about the USEF Dressage Pathway Programs and upcoming Training opportunities, click here.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date on U.S. Dressage by following USA Dressage on Facebook and Instagram and US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. Use #USADressage
