U25 World Championships individual bronze medalist Olivia Dutton competes at Bouckaert Farm. Photo by Liz Crawley Photography.
Developing riders heading to Bouckaert Farm (Georgia) this fall will have a new chance to compete against riders of similar age. The long-standing equestrian venue, which has committed to a future of equestrian sport in the coming years (and has stated on its website that a “permanent solution” for the venue’s equestrian future is in the works), will debut dedicated U25 divisions at the CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S levels at Bouckaert Equestrian International Horse Trials, October 23–25, and will carry those divisions through all three of its international events in 2027.
For Carl Bouckaert, a two-time Olympian for Belgium, the new divisions address a familiar problem for young riders at FEI events.
“A young rider can have an excellent result at an FEI event and still finish well down the leaderboard because they are competing against some of the most experienced professionals in the sport,” he said in a press release. “Dedicated U25 competition gives those riders a chance to see how they compare with others in their generation and have strong performances recognized as they move through the levels. Bouckaert Farm is an exceptional venue, and with three International Horse Trials on the calendar each year, we have an opportunity to make U25 competition a real part of what we offer. We want developing riders to have a place where they can gain experience, build results and keep progressing through the international levels.”
USEF Eventing Selector Michael Pollard sees the initiative as a building block for the U.S. pathway.
“The U25 years are one of the most important transition points in an athlete’s development,” Michael said. “These riders need FEI mileage, experience competing under pressure and opportunities to measure themselves against their peers. Dedicated U25 divisions create meaningful competition at that stage, raise the standard within the next generation and help develop a deeper pool of athletes capable of progressing into senior international competition. That ultimately strengthens the U.S. eventing pathway and our ability to produce competitive teams in the future.”
The October 23–25 International will run CCI1*-S through CCI4*-S, the new U25 divisions at the 1*, 2* and 3* levels, and National Horse Trials from Beginner Novice through Advanced, over a cross country track designed by Clayton Fredericks.
Dedicated CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S U25 divisions will be offered at each of the following, alongside open FEI competition through CCI4*-S and National Horse Trials from Beginner Novice through Advanced:
- March 4–7, 2027
- August 19–23, 2027
- October 21–24, 2027
The Internationals sit within a larger Bouckaert calendar of schooling shows and national events, which Carl says is designed to keep horses and riders coming back as they progress. “Our goal is to provide consistency throughout the season,” he said. “Whether someone is developing a young horse, moving through the national levels or progressing through FEI competition, we want Bouckaert to be a venue they can return to throughout the year. With schooling shows, National Horse Trials and International Horse Trials across the calendar, horses and riders can keep gaining experience and progressing at whatever level they are at.”
Learn more about Bouckaert Farm and its competition calendar here.
