The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has released a cascade of announcements that will shape the sport’s agenda through 2028. A rare parasitic fly has been confirmed in a working horse from Grant County, New Mexico, marking the second U.S. case of the dreaded New World Screwworm. At the same time, the federation has set dates for the 2027 Combined Driving National Championships, published selection procedures for the 2028 FEI Endurance and Driving World Championships, and named teams for international jumping and vaulting events.
These releases come amid a bustling fall calendar that includes the Tryon Fall Combined Driving Event (CDE) in North Carolina, a series of national championships across Florida and Kentucky, and a host of international team selections. The information is intended for athletes, owners, trainers, and anyone with a stake in the American equestrian landscape.
New World Screwworm confirmed in a New Mexico horse
On September 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) verified the presence of a New World Screwworm (NWS) larva in a leg wound of a ranch horse located in Grant County, New Mexico. This marks the second documented horse case in the United States during the current incursion. A specialized map outlining the infested zone has been released by state animal health officials, and detailed guidance for owners and veterinarians is available through the New Mexico Animal Health Department. USEF reiterated that the parasite spreads via fly migration and urged members to monitor livestock closely, especially during the warmer months when the adult flies are most active.
The federation continues to track the situation, coordinating with USDA and state agencies to disseminate updates. Horse owners in bordering states have been advised to inspect wounds promptly, apply appropriate wound care, and report any suspicious lesions to their local animal health officials.
2027 Combined Driving National Championships set for Tryon
The 2026 Tryon Fall Combined Driving Event kicked off on September 17 at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina, and concluded a week later with a full slate of national titles. Sixteen horse-pony combinations competed across ten divisions, ranging from Training Single Pony to Advanced Four-in-Hand Pony and Para Driving. The schedule featured dressage on Thursday, a marathon on Saturday over the Arjan Kleinjan-designed White Oak cross-country course, and a cones phase on Sunday, followed by awards ceremonies.
Highlights included Sarah Reitz and her 19-year-old Welsh pony gelding, Fferm Gwenffrwd Onyx Star, capturing the Advanced Single Pony title with a score of 144.66, and Mary Phelps driving an all-American-bred team to win the Advanced Four-in-Hand Pony championship. Para Driving champion Deborah Marcuccilli rode Fferm Gwenffrwd Duramax to a victorious finish, underscoring the inclusive nature of the sport. Detailed results, prize lists, and future schedules are posted on the official event website.
Selection procedures and team announcements for 2028 FEI championships
USEF has published the athlete selection memoranda for the 2028 FEI Endurance World Championship, slated for September 23, 2028, in Castiglione del Lago, Italy, as well as the 2028 FEI Driving World Championships. The endurance selection memo outlines eligible races, point-earning criteria, and timelines, giving athletes a clear roadmap toward qualification. The driving selection documents detail procedures for both Four-in-Hand and Single-Horse categories, with the Four-in-Hand event set for September 6–10, 2028, in Beekbergen, Netherlands, and the Single-Horse competition scheduled for September in Haras du Pin, France.
In parallel, the federation announced the Icon Global U.S. Jumping Team for the Longines League of Nations St. Tropez CSIO5* (September 16-20, 2026) and opened applications for the chef d’Equipe position for the 2027 FEI Vaulting World Championship for Juniors and Young Vaulters in Verolanuova, Italy (August 2-8, 2027). The jumping roster features seasoned athletes such as Laura Kraut and McKayla Langmeier, while the vaulting leadership role will oversee team preparation, competition logistics, and liaison duties with the international governing body.
Additionally, USEF confirmed dates and venues for the 2027 Combined Driving National Championships: the Para Driving National Championship will occur January 27-31, 2027, at TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City, Florida, and the Advanced Combined Driving events will be hosted March 9-14, 2027, at Live Oak International in Kentucky. These announcements aim to give competitors ample time to plan travel, training, and qualification attempts.
All athletes and stakeholders are encouraged to visit the USEF Preference Center to tailor the flow of official communications, ensuring they receive timely updates on competition schedules, health alerts, and selection criteria.
