United States Eventing Association

Fairburn, Ga.—Sept. 24—Bouckaert Farm at Chattahoochee Hills will launch dedicated U25 divisions at CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S at the Bouckaert Equestrian International Horse Trials, October 23–25, 2026, and will continue the divisions at all three of its International Horse Trials in 2027.

The commitment will give U25 athletes three opportunities each season at Bouckaert to compete against their peers while building FEI experience and progressing through the international levels.

For Bouckaert Farm owner and two-time Olympian Carl Bouckaert, the initiative is about creating opportunities for developing riders in the sport.

“A young rider can have an excellent result at an FEI event and still finish well down the leaderboard because they are competing against some of the most experienced professionals in the sport,” Bouckaert said. “Dedicated U25 competition gives those riders a chance to see how they compare with others in their generation and have strong performances recognized as they move through the levels.

“Bouckaert Farm is an exceptional venue, and with three International Horse Trials on the calendar each year, we have an opportunity to make U25 competition a real part of what we offer. We want developing riders to have a place where they can gain experience, build results and keep progressing through the international levels.”

Michael Pollard, USEF Eventing Selector, sees dedicated U25 competition as an important part of developing the next generation of senior athletes.

“The U25 years are one of the most important transition points in an athlete’s development,” Pollard said. “These riders need FEI mileage, experience competing under pressure and opportunities to measure themselves against their peers.

Dedicated U25 divisions create meaningful competition at that stage, raise the standard within the next generation and help develop a deeper pool of athletes capable of progressing into senior international competition. That ultimately strengthens the U.S. eventing pathway and our ability to produce competitive teams in the future.”

U25 Divisions Begin This October

The October 23–25 Bouckaert International will offer CCI1*-S through CCI4*-S, dedicated U25 divisions at CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S, and National Horse Trials from Beginner Novice through Advanced.

Three U25 Opportunities in 2027

Dedicated CCI1*-S U25, CCI2*-S U25 and CCI3*-S U25 divisions will be offered at each of Bouckaert’s three 2027 International Horse Trials:

March 4–7, 2027
Bouckaert Equestrian International Horse Trials

August 19–23, 2027
Bouckaert Equestrian International Horse Trials

October 21–24, 2027
Bouckaert Equestrian International Horse Trials

Each International will also offer open FEI competition through CCI4*-S and National Horse Trials from Beginner Novice through Advanced.

The International Horse Trials are part of a broader Bouckaert competition calendar that includes schooling shows and National Horse Trials throughout the season, giving horses and riders opportunities to return to the venue as they develop and move through the levels.

“Our goal is to provide consistency throughout the season,” Bouckaert said. “Whether someone is developing a young horse, moving through the national levels or progressing through FEI competition, we want Bouckaert to be a venue they can return to throughout the year. With schooling shows, National Horse Trials and International Horse Trials across the calendar, horses and riders can keep gaining experience and progressing at whatever level they are at.”