Nearly $500,000 Raised in Support of U.S. Equestrian Athletes and Teams Ahead of 2026 FEI World Championships
February 2, 2026 – Thermal, CA – Held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) in Thermal, California, the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation’s benefit event, “A Night for Aachen,” raised $485,000 to support US Equestrian (USEF) High Performance Programs ahead of the 2026 FEI World Championships, which will be held in Aachen, Germany.
The highlight of the event featured inspiring and emotional performances by California-based U.S. athletes, including FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Youth Final Young Rider Team gold medalist Skylar Wireman, Olympic jumping silver medalist Karl Cook, triple Olympic dressage bronze medalist Guenter Seidel, USEF’s 2025 Vaulters of the Year, Kylynn Ghafouri and Emi Yang, as well as noted American dressage athletes Steven Paulson and Tina Caldwell.
One of the most popular silent auction items was an autographed U.S. team “pinque coat.” Photo by DIHP/Megan Giese Media
Supporters of the USET Foundation and U.S. equestrian sport gathered in The Palm Club at DIHP, which was transformed into a German-inspired beer garden, and enjoyed an evening of camaraderie featuring a lively 25-item silent auction as well as an exciting live auction, both of which raised funds that directly support the USET Foundation’s mission of providing critical resources to USEF High Performance Programs.
In addition to raising funds to support the teams heading to the FEI World Championships, the USET Foundation plays a crucial role in strengthening the development and pathway programs that help young athletes and horses progress from the emerging ranks to the world stage. Cook briefly addressed guests sharing his passion for supporting the next generation of U.S. equestrian talent and emphasizing the importance of funding the pathways that help produce future U.S. team athletes and fulfill the dreams of deserving young athletes, such as Wireman, who was a recipient of the USET Foundation’s 2025 Pathway Performance Jumping Grant.
U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Karl Cook addresses the crowd. Photo by DIHP/Megan Giese Media
He noted, “What the USET Foundation does is sustain support. Building teams takes time; building horses takes time. Without the USET Foundation, that continued, sustained support doesn’t allow our teams to flourish.
“We have to think of the goal, because I grew up, and a lot of you grew up, thinking about showing for the U.S. team,” he continued. “Without the support of the USET Foundation, that wouldn’t be possible. It was a dream come true to be on the team in Paris, and it’s a week I’ll never forget. I can’t wait for 2028.”
US Equestrian’s 2025 Vaulter of the Year Emi Yang was part of the emotional athlete performance. Photo by DIHP/Megan Giese Media
USET Foundation Trustee and Secretary Akiko Yamazaki recalled how special it was to attend the CHIO Aachen show for the first time, vowing to herself that she would become a part of the sport at that level. She often returned to Aachen with dressage rider Steffen Peters and her daughter, Miki Yang, who competed there in vaulting and dressage as a young athlete.
“Aachen is a really special place for me. It’s magical,” she expressed, “and even more so in a World Championships year. We’re here to raise funds for the athletes vying for a spot to represent the USA. Let’s support them with everything in our power.”
Kylynn Ghafouri, also US Equestrian’s 2025 Vaulter of the Year, gave a beautiful vaulting performance. Photo by DIHP/Megan Giese Media
Enthusiastic bidders during the live auction played a key role in the evening’s success. A noteworthy moment was the donation of a SoFi Stadium suite, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers NFL teams, donated by the Meadows family, who generously added a second suite to the auction as a surprise during the event. Additional auction items included the opportunity to own a piece of equestrian history with a 2024 Paris Olympic jump, as well as a private chef dinner in your home, and a trip to the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany.
The Berry family was among the enthusiastic bidders during the live auction. Photo by DIHP/Megan Giese Media
Sandy Meadows was among the enthusiastic bidders during the live auction. Photo by DIHP/Megan Giese Media
“The West Coast equestrian community showed up in force, and we are incredibly grateful to every supporter who has helped our U.S. equestrian athletes achieve success on the most impressive stages in the sport,” shared USET Foundation Director of Development Lisa Munro.
Munro added, “The USET Foundation is always looking toward the future, which means investing in pathway programs and developing athletes. The breadth and depth of West Coast talent were highlighted at the event during the demonstration by young stars Emi, Kylynn, and Skylar, joined by more veteran riders Karl and Guenter. Our high performance pathway is thriving and effective within U.S. equestrian sport.”
U.S. jumping athlete Skylar Wireman, shown here over the Paris Olympic Games jump that was auctioned, was part of an inspiring jumping demonstration. Photo by DIHP/Megan Giese Media
Signe Ostby and Carly Vasan enjoyed a beautiful night in the desert celebrating U.S. equestrian sport. Photo by DIHP/Megan Giese Media
The USET Foundation extends special thanks to Desert International Horse Park, the evening’s supporters, event committee members, athletes, and volunteers whose contributions helped make the night a success and ensured that U.S. athletes have the resources needed to represent the country with distinction in international competition.
As U.S. teams look ahead to an exciting season of high performance sport and a championship year, the USET Foundation remains committed to providing the financial support needed for training, coaching, travel, and educational opportunities for the U.S.’s top riders and horses.
Veteran U.S. dressage athlete Guenter Seidel enjoys the German-themed evening with pretzels. Photo by DIHP/Megan Giese Media
The USET Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, mentorship, travel, and educational needs of the U.S.’s elite and developing international equestrian athletes and horses in partnership with USEF. For additional information or to support the USET Foundation and U.S. equestrian athletes and horses, visit https://www.uset.org/donate/.