One Big Thing: Cassie Sanger presented with 2026 Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy at USET Benefit Gala
Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Newly-debuted 5* rider and 2026 USEF Eventing Development Program member Cassie Sanger was presented with the 2026 Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy at the US Equestrian Team Foundation’s “Aachen” benefit gala on January 16, 2026. The award is presented annually to a junior or young rider in an Olympic discipline who exemplifies the US Team’s ideals of sportsmanship and horsemanship.
Cassie is the first eventer to win the Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy since 2011, when it was presented to Tiana Coudray, and has previously been honored by the USET Foundation when awarded the 2023 Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant, which allowed her to participate in that year’s US Eventing European Development tour on Fernhill Zoro.
“The USET Foundation has been a huge part of my recent success,” Cassie stated. “My first trip overseas… was huge for me. I was able to put [the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant] toward the experience of going abroad, and that lit a fire in me for what I want to do. It would not have been possible without the support. I am so grateful for the way they want to show up for riders and horses.”
What’s next for Cassie?
During a stellar 2025 season — which included top-20 finishes at both Kentucky and Burghley — 21 year-old Cassie made a huge decision to move her entire string of horses to England, where she now bases with Olympic gold medalist Ros Canter. Cassie’s new home provides her with great proximity to some of the best instruction in the world, with only more team and competition opportunities to come — including her placement as one of three riders chosen for the 2026 USEF Eventing Development Program. Cassie and her top horse Redfield Fyre will join Mia Farley and Jenny Caras as they challenge the Bicton CCIO4*-NC-S this May.
In 2026, Sanger plans to apply again to the US Eventing European Development Tour with Fernhill Zoro. Her England-based season plans include a Badminton Horse Trials debut for Redfield Fyre as well as the Young Horse Championships at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials for her up-and-coming horses. She also hopes to contest the Under-25 Eventing World Championship, a new competition, taking place at Millstreet International Horse Trials in Ireland in July 2026.
Photo courtesy of Aachen 2026.
More about the USET Foundation’s “Aachen” Benefit Gala
The “Aachen” benefit gala on January 16th raised nearly $1.2 million in support of US equestrian sport ahead of the 2026 FEI World Championships, which this year will be held at the revered equestrian venue in Aachen, Germany. The gala featured a live auction, where everything from luxury retreats to World Championship hospitality packages to a 2024 Paris Olympic jump were put up to bid. Other awards were also presented at the gala, including the 2026 Whitney Stone Cup to US show jumper Lillie Keenan, which acknowledges her as “an active competitor whose consistent excellence in international competition and sportsmanlike conduct as an ambassador for the sport exemplify the USET Foundation’s and USEF’s highest ideals and traditions.”
With many members of the equestrian and philanthropic communities in attendance, the funds raised will not only enable the attendance of US athletes at the 2026 World Championships, but will also support the USEF High Performance Programs and Pathways and the athletes being developed to represent the United States.
“Sustaining competitive excellence at the highest levels of equestrian sport requires hard work, unwavering commitment, and meaningful resources,” said USET Foundation Chairman, President, and CEO Kristi Mitchem. “Unlike many other countries, the United States does not receive government funding for equestrian sport. Our teams rely largely on support from the USET Foundation and our dedicated donors. We are tremendously grateful for the generosity shown at this year’s benefit.”
US Events This Weekend
Rocking Horse Winter I HT (FL): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Ram Tap Combined Test (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Live Scores]
Full Gallop Farm January HT (SC) — postponed to Wed, Jan 28: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times]
Other Links and Reading
- In response to affiliate, Licensed Official, and member feedback, USEF Board agrees to adjust schedule for general rule updates
- Opinion piece: Richard Davison calls for extra steps to ensure riders suspended for horse abuse change their training methods
- US Equestrian announces the 2025 Higher Education Equestrian Scholarship Recipients for incoming first-year college students
Sponsor Corner: Stable View
Aubrey Eisenman, a winter boarder at Stable View Equestrian, was instrumental in creating Stable View’s first Bluegrass Festival in 2025. Outside of riding, training, and running her own boarding facility, Aubrey also plays in her own bluegrass band “Aubrey and the Clydes” — who you’ll be able to catch performing at Stable View’s next Bluegrass Festival on Sunday, May 24th!
Get tickets to the 2026 Aiken Bluegrass Festival [here]. You can also learn more about Aubrey and the festival in the January edition of Stable View’s monthly updates magazine [here].
Training Tip of the Day
Elisa Wallace has been sharing her system as she works with her newest Mustang partner, Baci. This is Part 1 of her second day of pen work with the nervous mare:
Go Eventing
Meet U25 Quebec riders Cassandre Leblanc and Emma McHugh:
