Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo compete for Canada at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
It’s time to start thinking about the next round of championships, and this coming summer is the next Pan American Games. The 2027 Games will be held in Lima, Peru — also the site of the 2019 Games. Two Olympic spots are up for grabs for teams, and individual nations can rank up their riders in hopes of a coveted spot as well.
One country that will be vying for that Olympic team spot is Canada, and Equestrian Canada has released the qualification criteria for these Pan American Games. Interested parties are responsible for knowing this packet thoroughly, as there are several things to achieve. The list includes:
- An MER completion of a CCI3*-L, CCI4*-L or CCI5* between January 1, 2026 and June 14, 2027
- An MER completion of at least one CCI4*-S within the qualification period
- Declaration of interest submitted by January 7
- Submission of competition and training plan by January 13
All requirements can be found in full here. Bromont (June 3-6) will be the final available offering of CCI3*-L within this qualifying period in North America.
For the U.S., the Pan Ams is less impactful from an Olympic standpoint (the host nation automatically receives a berth), so this cycle stands as a perfect opportunity to send a developing team. Three-star entry numbers were swelling this season, which bodes well for the four- and five-star levels over the coming handful of years. There should be no shortage of qualified horses and riders worthy of a short at a major team appearance in order to develop greater depth for the future.
Full qualification criteria has not yet been released by US Equestrian, but when it is available it’ll be found here. Applications are, however, currently open for the new Pan American Equestrian Confederation Championship of the Americas, which will be held in January at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala and Florida Horse Park at the CCI2*-S level. US Equestrian is accepting applications for this new competition through December 1; more information can be found here.
U.S. Events This Weekend
Majestic Oaks H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]
Fleur de Leap H.T. (LA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]
River Glen H.T. (TN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scores]
Other News & Recommended Reading
- Meet the third FEI presidential candidate, Canadian Mark Samuel, in this interview with World of Show Jumping
- How well do you understand a horse’s thirst response? Knowing more could help you hydrate your horse more effectively
- Another rule refresher: Microchips will be required for all horses registered to the US Equestrian Federation starting December 1. This is final enforcement, as this deadline comes after a one-year postponement from its original date of enactment.
- Researchers at The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, in Columbus, invite horse owners and riders from all backgrounds and disciplines to share their perspectives in a nationwide, five-minute, completely anonymous survey. Take the survey here.
- One US sport horse costs $36,229 a year. It takes about 65 separate bookings to spend it. Break down the math.
Coaching Corner
- Learn to ride to time
- How to hot cloth, with expert tips from a top groom
- The most underrated walk exercise for your walk
Go Eventing
Will Coleman stopped by the National Sporting Library in Middleburg, VA:
