USEF Young Rider European Tour 2026:

Behind the Scenes – Part 1

Settling into Europe

By the time I arrived in Belgium, each of the horses had already been in Europe for several weeks, allowing them time to adjust after their overseas flights. They were based at training facilities in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany before regrouping at the competition venue.

Our destination was HofAzul Equestrian Center in Lier, an outstanding facility that regularly hosts international competition. Like so many European venues, it combines world-class footing, beautiful stabling, and an atmosphere where top-level horses and riders are simply part of everyday life.

Overall, the horses settled in exceptionally well. One horse arrived feeling a little flat after traveling, but with careful monitoring and supportive IV fluid therapy over the course of the week, quickly returned to normal and was ready to compete.



Keeping horses healthy and performing their best throughout an international tour is about much more than treating illness. Careful attention to hydration, recovery, nutrition, travel stress, overall comfort, and daily monitoring helps keep elite equine athletes performing at their best.

Learning to Compete in Europe

For 2 of the 3 riders, this was their first time competing in Europe.

While dressage may look the same on paper regardless of where you are in the world, the experience is very different. New venues, unfamiliar routines, different judging perspectives, international competitors, and the pressure of representing your country all add layers of complexity that simply can't be replicated at home.

Throughout the week the riders competed in the:

• Team Test
• Individual Test
• Freestyle

While the competition itself mattered, the real takeaway was learning to adapt to the distinct atmosphere of European events—an experience that was eased by sharing it with teammates. Every ride built confidence that would serve them well at the next stop on the tour.

A Team in Every Sense

One of my favorite parts of the week wasn't found inside the competition arena.

It was watching the relationships develop.

The riders genuinely celebrated one another's successes, supported each other through the inevitable challenges, and created an atmosphere that felt like a true team. Their parents, coaches, and support staff contributed to that environment as well, making the experience enjoyable for everyone involved.

I always enjoy working alongside USEF Chef d'Equipe George Williams and Team Manager Lauren Moore, whose leadership, organization, and positive attitude help create an environment where the riders can focus on doing their best.

While we didn't leave Belgium with the biggest ribbons, every horse-and-rider combination had solid performances and valuable experience. By the end of the week, everyone left feeling optimistic about what was ahead.

With the horses settled back at their European training bases, our focus shifted to preparing for the next major event on the tour: Future Champions in Germany. Four weeks later, the tour's second stop brought us to Germany for Future Champions at Hof Kasselmann, the so-called "Aachen for the youth.".