US Equestrian has announced the combinations selected to compete in the 2024 USEF Futures Team Challenge at the Carolina International CCI and Horse Trials, from March 14-17 in Raeford, N.C. The Challenge is designed to replicate the experience of competing within a team environment and thus is a training opportunity embedded within an existing competition at the CCI3* and CCI4* levels.
The 2024 USEF Futures Team Challenge is administered by US Equestrian to complement the Eventing Pathway Programs. Selection to a team under this Challenge does not represent selection to a recognized U.S. team. Selected combinations will attend the pre-competition training taking place two days before the start of competition. Two teams of four combinations led by Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor Bobby Costello and Emerging and Development Coach Leslie Law will contest the unofficial, simulated team competition.
The following combinations have been named to Team Bobby and are listed in alphabetical order:
• Christina Henriksen (Keswick, Va.) and Cisco’s Calor Z, her own 2015 Zangersheide gelding (Carrera VDL x Zamira)
• Andrew McConnon (Vass, N.C.) and FVF Top Gun, a 2013 Dutch Warmblood gelding (C. Quito x Vignette) owned by FVF Top Gun LLC
• Caroline Pamukcu (Springtown, Pa.) and She’s the One, a 2015 Anglo-European mare (Jaguar Mail x One to Watch) owned by Sherrie Martin, Mollie Hoff, Caroline Pamukcu, and Andy Hoff
• Direct Reserve: HSH Blake, a 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tolan R x Doughiska Lass) owned by Caroline Pamukcu, Sherrie Martin, Mollie Hoff, and Deniz Pamukcu
• Sharon White (Summit Point, W.Va.) and Claus 63, her own 2012 Holsteiner gelding (Catoo x Tina II)
The following combinations have been named to Team Leslie and are listed in alphabetical order:
• Jenny Caras (Buckhead, Ga.) and Sommersby, a 2012 Holsteiner gelding (Sergeant Pepper x d’Mademoiselle) owned by Jenny Caras and Jerry Hollis
• Emily Hamel (Aiken, S.C.) and Corvett, a 2007 Holsteiner gelding (Corrido x Tina XII) owned by Black Flag Option, LLC
• Lauren Lambert (Flower Mound, Texas) and Biscotti, her own 2012 RPSI gelding (Benidetto x Hey Nurse)
• Cassie Sanger (Wilmington, Del.) and Fernhill Zoro, her own 2008 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Verdi x Oronia Z)
The following combinations have been named as alternates and are listed in alphabetical order:
• Lea Adams-Blackmore (Norwich, Vt.) and Frostbite, her own 2013 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Zirocco Blue VDL x Zanna)
• Alexandra Knowles (Lexington, Ky.) and Morswood, a 2008 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Ricardo Z x Princess in Arms) owned by Katherine O’Brien
Find out more information on the USEF Futures Team Challenge here.
Overview: The 2024 USEF Futures Team Challenge is administered by the USEF to complement the Eventing High Performance Program. Selection to a team under this Challenge does not represent selection to a recognized U.S. team. The program is designed to replicate the experience of competing on and within a team environment and thus is a training opportunity embedded within an existing competition.
Objective: To prepare future senior team athletes by providing Emerging and Development athletes with two days of team training, education and experience in an unofficial team competition environment at North American competitions. Athletes will experience working within a team structure and competing as a team under the guidance of U.S. Technical Advisor, Bobby Costello, and U.S. Development and Emerging Coach, Leslie Law.
For more information on Carolina International, click here.
