United States Eventing Association

The United States Eventing Association’s (USEA) Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) is delighted to announce that the 2026 ECP Symposium will take place Jan. 13–15 at Malvern House Farm in Citra, Florida, the beautiful property owned by Robin Walker and Kara Andrew.

While ECP-certified coaches are strongly encouraged to attend, the Symposium is open to anyone interested in learning more about coaching and training within the sport of eventing. Riders, parents, owners, and dedicated supporters are all welcome to take part in this three-day experience

At its heart, the ECP is committed to improving the way coaches evaluate horse-and-rider combinations. The emphasis is on recognizing incremental steps of progression unique to each partnership. Since every pair brings a different background, strengths, and challenges, the ECP encourages coaches at all levels to build the ability to assess what they see in real time and adjust their approach accordingly.

The 2026 Symposium has been carefully structured to provide hands-on, interactive learning opportunities. Participants will engage in a working-group model, where small groups will observe live horse-and-rider demonstrations. Together, they will analyze and discuss four areas:

1. The current level and abilities of the pair
2. Key challenges or areas needing improvement
3. Possible underlying causes behind those challenges, and
4. The logical next steps in training progression

Groups will then present their insights, guided by ECP Faculty, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and the exchange of diverse perspectives.

One of the Symposium’s greatest strengths is the mix of experience in the room. Attendees range from those instructing beginner-level riders to seasoned professionals coaching at the Advanced level. This combination creates a valuable environment where ideas can be exchanged freely, and where coaches at every stage of their careers can learn from one another.

Riders, too, benefit from the program. By stepping into the perspective of a coach, they gain new insights into their own training journeys, better understanding the progression process and appreciating the challenges faced at every level.

Beyond the core working-group sessions, the Symposium will feature special guest speakers and demonstrations. These may include industry professionals such as sports psychologists, Olympic-level judges, and top riders and trainers who bring a wealth of specialized knowledge. Presentations will be delivered both in-person and virtually, ensuring access to a wide range of expertise. A finalized schedule of speakers and topics will be shared closer to the event

Registration and Fees

The Symposium is a three-day event running Jan. 13–15, 2026 at Malvern House Farm. Fees are as follows:

• ECP Certified Coaches and/or USEF Licensed Officials: $60/day or $180 for all three days
• General Public: $100/day or $300 for the full event
• Boxed lunches: $15/day

How to Register and Get More Information

Registration is open now, simply follow this link: USEA | Educational Activity Event Registration.

For questions regarding the Eventing Coaches Program or the 2026 ECP Symposium, please reach out to:

• Nancy Knight, Senior Director of Education – [email protected]
• Brandi Bishop – [email protected]
  
  About the USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP)
  Coaches are essential to the training of riders and horses for safe and educated participation in the sport of eventing. The USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP), formerly known as the Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP), was initiated in 2002 to educate all levels of eventing coaches with crucial training principles upon which they can continue to build throughout their teaching careers. ECP offers educational workshops and assessments by which both regular coaches, Level I through Level V, Young Event Horse (YEH) coaches, and Young Event Horse professional horse trainers can become ECP certified. Additional information about ECP’s goals, benefits, workshops, and assessments as well as names and contact information for current ECP certified coaches, YEH coaches, and YEH professional horse trainers are available on the USEA website. Click here to learn more about the USEA Eventing Coaches Program.
  The USEA would like to thank Marshall+Sterling, Stable Secretary, Strider, and the United States Pony Clubs, for their support of the Eventing Coaches Program.