Sterling Pollard and Tinto, winners of the inaugural CCI3*-S U25 division at the October 2026 Bouckaert Farm International Horse Trials. Photo by Melina Velleman-White for Liz Crawley Photography.
Bouckaert Farm welcomed a new generation of eventing talent to its October International Horse Trials, October 23–25, introducing dedicated Under 25 (U25) divisions at the CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S levels. The inaugural competition marked the beginning of an expanded U25 initiative, with plans to offer young athletes additional competition and training opportunities throughout the 2027 season.
Held alongside the National Horse Trials, the weekend brought riders together for competition ranging from Beginner Novice through CCI4*-S, including seven young athletes competing for the inaugural U25 titles and podium placings.
Sterling Pollard and Tinto claimed the CCI3*-S U25 title, finishing on 31.5 penalties. The pair continued a successful season that included winning the USEF Eventing Young Rider CCIU253*-S National Championship at the Maryland International in June. Katelyn Smith and HSH Henry finished second on 42.0 penalties, followed closely by Mya Poulos and Cock A Doodle Doo in third on 42.7.
In the CCI2*-S U25 division, Ella Hubert and Ardeo Dance Monkey took the win on 36.1 penalties. Kaitlyn Cobey and Redfield Need For Speed secured second place on 42.4, while Jordan Reyes and Hacketts Cross finished third on 61.4.
Nicole Nair and Cooley Vita rounded out the inaugural champions, taking the CCI1*-S U25 title with a final score of 79.8 penalties.
Seven-time Olympian Phillip Dutton, USEF Eventing Development Program Advisor, was on site watching the U25 competition. Dutton’s role with US Equestrian includes supporting athletes through the Development 25 and Development programs as they work toward senior international competition.
For Bouckaert Farm owner and two-time Olympian Carl Bouckaert, creating opportunities for the next generation of riders is a longstanding priority.
“Developing young riders has always been important to me,” said Bouckaert. “These athletes are the future of our sport, and they need opportunities to gain experience and compete at a high level. We have a great facility here, and I want to see it used to help young riders move forward in the sport. We’re already looking at how we can build on this through 2030 and beyond.”
The weekend’s open FEI divisions brought together established international competitors, with Sharon White and Jaguars Duende claiming the CCI4*-S victory on a final score of 53.6 penalties.
Canadian Olympian Karl Slezak and SF Darc Justice won the CCI3*-S on 38.1 penalties, while Lauren Akers and Waverly secured the CCI2*-S title on 29.8. Susan Plumb and Cooley All In completed the FEI winners’ lineup, taking the CCI1*-S on 29.9 penalties.
Australian Olympian Clayton Fredericks designed the cross-country courses, introducing new tracks and challenges across Bouckaert Farm’s expansive terrain. National competition also ran throughout the weekend, with divisions from Beginner Novice through Advanced.
With the inaugural U25 competition complete, Bouckaert Farm is turning its attention to an expanded 2027 season. Dedicated U25 divisions are planned for all three international horse trials, giving young riders opportunities to compete against their peers throughout the year.
The farm is also pursuing approval to add CCI2*-L and CCI3*-L divisions to its international offerings in 2027 and exploring U25 development clinics that would provide additional training and educational opportunities with experienced professionals.
2027 Bouckaert Farm International Horse Trials Dates
- March 4–7, 2027
- August 19–23, 2027
- October 21–24, 2027
The upcoming season will build on Bouckaert Farm’s established competition calendar, with continued opportunities for riders at every stage of the sport, from grassroots schooling shows to international competition.
