Feb 03, 2020

USEF Futures Team Challenge Competitions Announced for 2020

By USEF - Edited Press Release
USEF Futures Team Challenge members walking their cross-country course together along with U.S. Performance Director Erik Duvander in 2019. Taylor Pence/US Equestrian photo

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the 2020 competitions for the USEF Futures Team Challenge, which will continue to offer eventing athletes the experience of competing in a team environment in the program’s second year. The USEF Futures Team Challenge will return to The Cloud 11~Gavilan North LLC Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial, held March 19-22 in Raeford, N.C., and expand to the West Coast at the Galway Downs International Three-Day Event, held October 29-November 1 in Temecula, Calif.

Launched in 2019, the USEF Futures Team Challenge is a key component of the new U.S. Eventing Pathway Program and gives two teams of four athletes the opportunity to compete in a simulated team competition under the guidance of U.S. Performance Director Erik Duvander and U.S. Developing and Emerging Coach Leslie Law. All eventing athletes are eligible to apply for the USEF Futures Team Challenge.

“Last year was a trial of the program and the feedback was super-positive,” explained Duvander. “I found it very valuable because it gave me the opportunity to work with athletes outside the training lists, and it gave those athletes the chance to put themselves forward for this program. We will constantly keep tweaking the program and continue improving it.”

Athletes can submit applications for consideration by the USEF Performance Advisory Team beginning on Monday, February 3. Applications must be submitted no later than Monday, February 24. Following the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ selection criteria, athletes will be selected based on their results, potential, willingness to learn, and commitment to developing into future team athletes.

“It’s a great opportunity to expose athletes in this country to a team experience,” said Law. “In Europe, athletes get a lot of experience with the Nations Cups, and we’re limited in the U.S. by how much team experience we can give to our athletes. This program aims to give our athletes the same opportunity to get exposure to a team competition. I think it’s really valuable to give our athletes this opportunity so that when we go up against the rest of the world in team competitions, they’ve already had experience in a team environment.”

The Cloud 11~Gavilan North LLC Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial CCI4*-S and CCI3*-S will serve as a USEF Futures Team Challenge competition for the second consecutive year.

“The Carolina International is excited to once again host the Futures Team Challenge,” said Jane Murray, Co-Chair of the Carolina International Organizing Committee. “At Carolina we strive to educate and prepare all of our competitors for upcoming long formats and championships; therefore, it is great to align ourselves with an essential development program such as the Futures Team Challenge. We look forward to a rewarding and developmental experience for all athletes involved."

The USEF Futures Team Challenge will expand to the West Coast in 2020 at the Galway Downs International Three-Day Event CCI4*-L and CCI3*-L.

“The Futures Team Challenge has so many elements of excitement and team-building,” said Robert Kellerhouse, Organizer of the Galway Downs International. “We are looking forward to it paying dividends in the future for our U.S. Eventing Team, as well as providing our community with some incredible competition. All of this is only because of the USEF High Performance efforts to bring the Futures to Galway, and we are really looking forward to making it a huge success.”

For more information about the USEF Futures Team Challenge, contact Christina Vaughn, Director of Eventing Performance and Program Support, at [email protected] or at (859) 225-6917.

The 2020 USEF Futures Team Challenge is subject to funding. USEF International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and USEF sponsors and members.

Apr 22, 2025 Competitions

Fast Facts: 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

They don't call it the "Best Weekend All Year" for no reason! If you love the sport of eventing (or just horses in general) the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is most likely a staple on your calendar or a must-see on your bucket list. This week, thousands of eventing lovers will flock to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, for one of two U.S.-based five-stars that takes place each year, as well as top-shelf CCI4*-S competition and two nights of spectacular show jumping.

Apr 22, 2025 Adult Riders

USEA Adult Riders Program to Host Course Walk with Derek di Grazia at 2025 #K3DE

Will you be at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event this year? Are you a member of the USEA Adult Rider Program? Then you will not want to miss out on this exciting opportunity to join cross-country course designer Derek di Grazia on a walk of the CCI5*-L cross-country course. The USEA-hosted event will take place at 8:30 a.m. EST on Thursday, April 24.

Apr 21, 2025 Eventing News

How to Watch the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

Can't make it to the Kentucky Horse Park this week for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event? Never fear! We've got all the details you need on how to access the livestream for both the CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L taking place this week.

Apr 21, 2025 Competitions

USEA Podcast #385: Kicking Off Kentucky Week

Have your travels to Kentucky for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event begun yet? We've got the perfect podcast episode to help you make the time on the plane or in the car pass by as you prepare for all of the excitement of the CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L that will take place this week. USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown sits down with Will Coleman to talk all about this iconic week in U.S. eventing, his plans for the four-star this year (including an adorable homage to long-term partner Off the Record), his first ever time competing at Kentucky, and so much more!

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shock Wave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA