United States Eventing Association

CHATTAHOOCHEE HILLS, Ga. — October 27, 2026 — Bouckaert Farm welcomed a new generation of eventing talent to its October International Horse Trials, October 23–25, introducing dedicated Under 25 (U25) divisions at the CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S, and CCI3*-S levels. The inaugural competition marked the beginning of an expanded U25 initiative, with plans to offer young athletes additional competition and training opportunities throughout the 2027 season.

Held alongside the National Horse Trials, the weekend brought riders together for competition ranging from Beginner Novice through CCI4*-S, including seven young athletes competing for the inaugural U25 titles and podium placings.

Celebrating the Inaugural U25 Competitors

Sterling Pollard and Tinto (Bremen Plan x Pieke van de Achterhoek), owned by Michael Pollard, claimed the CCI3*-S U25 title, finishing on 31.5 penalties. The pair continued a successful season that included winning the USEF Eventing Young Rider CCIU253*-S National Championship at the Maryland International in June. Katelyn Smith and HSH Henry (Sligo Candy Boy x Silverfoot), owned by K Smith Farm LLC, finished second on 42.0 penalties, followed closely by Mya Poulos and Cock A Doodle Doo (Clarimo Ask x Cheeky Monkey), owned by Mya Poulos, in third on 42.7.

In the CCI2*-S U25 division, Ella Hubert and her own Ardeo Dance Monkey (Stetter x Kingstona) took the win on 36.1 penalties. Kaitlyn Cobey riding her own Redfield Need For Speed (Gaspahr x Evita) secured second place on 42.4, while Jordan Reyes and her own Hacketts Cross (Coroner x Bellews Beauty) finished third on 61.4.

Nicole Nair and her own Cooley Vita (Quantino x Dolmen Denial) rounded out the inaugural champions, taking the CCI1*-S U25 title with a final score of 79.8 penalties.

Seven-time Olympian Phillip Dutton, USEF Eventing Development Program Advisor, was on site watching the U25 competition. Dutton's role with US Equestrian includes supporting athletes through the Development 25 and Development programs as they work toward senior international competition.

For Bouckaert Farm owner and two-time Olympian Carl Bouckaert, creating opportunities for the next generation of riders is a longstanding priority.

“Developing young riders has always been important to me,” said Bouckaert. “These athletes are the future of our sport, and they need opportunities to gain experience and compete at a high level. We have a great facility here, and I want to see it used to help young riders move forward in the sport. We're already looking at how we can build on this through 2030 and beyond.”

International Competition Highlights

The weekend's open FEI divisions brought together established international competitors, with Sharon White piloting her own Jaguars Duende (Jaguar Mail x Latina) claiming the CCI4*-S victory on a final score of 53.6 penalties.

Canadian Olympian Karl Slezak and SF Darc Justice (NKH Darco Son x SF J-Lo), owned by Lindsay Bouscaren and Katlyn Hewson-Slezak, won the CCI3*-S on 38.1 penalties, while Lauren Akers and aboard her own Waverly (Widmark x Queen’s Gambit) secured the CCI2*-S title on 29.8. Susan Plumb and CDP Stables LLC's Cooley All In (Chello III VDL x Lady Glider) completed the FEI winners' lineup, taking the CCI1*-S on 29.9 penalties.

Australian Olympian Clayton Fredericks designed the cross-country courses, introducing new tracks and challenges across Bouckaert Farm's expansive terrain. National competition also ran throughout the weekend, with divisions from Beginner Novice through Advanced.

Looking Ahead

With the inaugural U25 competition complete, Bouckaert Farm is turning its attention to an expanded 2027 season. Dedicated U25 divisions are planned for all three international horse trials, giving young riders opportunities to compete against their peers throughout the year.

The farm is also pursuing approval to add CCI2*-L and CCI3*-L divisions to its international offerings in 2027 and exploring U25 development clinics that would provide additional training and educational opportunities with experienced professionals.

2027 Bouckaert Farm International Horse Trials

• March 4–7, 2027
• August 19–23, 2027
• October 21–24, 2027

The upcoming season will build on Bouckaert Farm's established competition calendar, with continued opportunities for riders at every stage of the sport, from grassroots schooling shows to international competition.

About Bouckaert Farm

Located in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, southwest of Atlanta, Bouckaert Farm hosts international and national horse trials, as well as schooling shows for eventing riders of all levels. Known for its extensive cross-country terrain and competition facilities, the venue has a longstanding commitment to eventing, providing opportunities for horses and riders from grassroots through FEI competition.