USA 2026 Grand Prix Championship for Ocala’s World Equestrian Center May 13-17.
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Aug. 14, 2025
The 2026 United States Grand Prix Championships will be staged at Ocala’s World Equestrian Center May 13-17, three months ahead of the World Championships in Aachen, Germany.
US Equestrian on Thursday announced the location in WEC’s Grand Arena and dates of the stand-alone national event that will be a key in selecting a four-member team for the World Championships.
Qualifying for the World Championships begins Sept. 1 counting results of CDI3* and above anywhere, though 25 events are scheduled in the United States through the beginning of May, 2026.
“It was important for us to make our Grand Prix National Championship a standalone event, as it should be one of the most highlighted events for the qualified combinations, said Christine Traurig, chef d’equipe. “It’s also our intention to make it part of our selection process for the World Championships.
“It is essential we see the top combinations on the same field of play with the same panel of judges in a comparable setting to what our experience will feel like in Aachen, Germany, at the Championships. WEC provides us with everything we need to best prepare our combinations for just that, while also attracting spectators and ensuring a memorable championship.”
Roby Roberts on behalf of the Roberts family that owns and operates WEC said: “We are honored to host the USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. This prestigious event represents the pinnacle of American dressage, and we are excited to provide a stage that reflects the caliber of the athletes competing.
“With our world-class facilities and commitment to quality, class and distinction, WEC is uniquely positioned to deliver an unforgettable championship experience for competitors, horses, and fans alike. We look forward to welcoming the equestrian community to Ocala and celebrating the best in U.S. dressage.”
The qualification period for the championship will begin on September 1, 2025, and combinations vying for the championship must earn required scores at FEI events.
A total of 25 qualifying events are on the calendar for the U.S. through the beginning of next May.
Of the total, 17 will be in Florida–eight in Wellington/West Palm Beach, six at WEC Ocala and three at TerraNova in Myakka City near Sarasota. Five are scheduled for California–three in Del Mar and two in Thermal, including the US Open Final in mid-November. Others are at Devon, Pennsylvania, Tryon, North Carolina and the World Cup Final in Fort Worth, Texas.
The World Championships in Aachen are a qualifying event for the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. However, as host nation, USA is automatically qualified for LA28.
