April 6, 2026
By KENNETH J. BRADDICK
Dressage and jumper riders and their horses went into the World Cup competition arena for the first time Monday to become familiar with what could be one of finest venues ever for the annual championships.
And unlike the six World Cups in the U.S. so far this century dressage will not be squeezed in but have a full size competition space and enough room to circle the ring before entering.
All three U.S. dressage riders took advantage of being able to work in the arena before the veterinary inspection Tuesday and the Grand Prix on Thursday to qualify for the weekend championship.
A giant video monitor above the center of the arena and strip banners above spectator seating provide glitter for the World Cups of dressage and jumping. The first time the two Olympic disciplines were staged together was in Las Vegas in 2005.
Christian, in his first senior championship at the age of 23, said he was “kind of speechless” being in the World Cup Final. “I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude and so thankful to be here.
“The venue’s been amazing. I really like the culture of the town. We just drove by the stockyards briefly on our way back. It just feels really special to be here, and I couldn’t be more thankful and happy.
“I just love cultures that have horses. Whether we’re in Europe and we get to experience that with, of course, the English disciplines, but being here, you realize how much horses are a part of Texas and a part of Fort Worth and a person that loves horses. I think that’s what I enjoy the most.”
