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Wellington Today
By the People, for the People
Five New Riders Added to U.S. Dressage Pathway Program
Expanded squad aims to develop top American dressage talent for international competition.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:00am
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The U.S. Equestrian Federation has announced the addition of five new combinations to its 2026 Dressage Pathway Program, which serves as a development pipeline for the country's top dressage talent. The new riders and horses were promoted or added to the Elite, Pre-Elite, and Development squads based on meeting eligibility criteria.
Why it matters
The Dressage Pathway Program is a crucial initiative for identifying and nurturing the next generation of U.S. dressage stars. By providing a structured system of training, competition, and support, the program aims to elevate American dressage on the global stage and prepare riders for major international events like the Olympics.
The details
The five new additions to the program include Geñay Vaughn and Gino, a KWPN gelding, who were promoted to the Pre-Elite squad. Other new members include Hope Cooper and O Romeo S, a KWPN stallion, and Jennifer Hoffmann with Fandiamo 4, an Oldenburg gelding, who joined the Development squad. Ashley Holzer and Hawtins San Floriana, a Hanoverian mare, as well as Jordan LaPlaca and Gold Play, an Oldenburg gelding, also received Development squad selections.
- The USEF announced the updated 2026 Dressage Pathway Program roster on March 30, 2026.
The players
Christine Traurig
Chef d'Equipe and Technical Advisor for the USEF Dressage Pathway Program.
Geñay Vaughn
A rider from Elk Grove, California who was promoted to the Pre-Elite squad with her horse Gino, a 2011 KWPN gelding.
Hope Cooper
A rider from Concord, Massachusetts who was added to the Development squad with her horse O Romeo S, a 2019 USA-bred KWPN stallion.
Jennifer Hoffmann
A rider from Wellington, Florida who was added to the Development squad with her horse Fandiamo 4, a 2019 Oldenburg gelding.
Ashley Holzer
A rider from Wellington, Florida who was added to the Development squad with her horse Hawtins San Floriana, a 2012 Hanoverian mare.
Jordan LaPlaca
A rider from Ledyard, Connecticut who was added to the Development squad with her horse Gold Play, a 2015 Oldenburg gelding.
What they’re saying
“It's been exciting to see such positive results early in the 2026 season, particularly with so many athletes and horses moving through the program. The USEF Dressage Pathway Program serves as a valuable guide for athletes, owners, and coaches; helping them understand where each horse should be at every stage of development.”
— Christine Traurig, Chef d'Equipe and Technical Advisor
What’s next
The newly promoted and added riders will now begin training and competing within their respective squads, with the goal of advancing through the pathway program and representing the United States in major international dressage competitions.
The takeaway
The expansion of the USEF Dressage Pathway Program demonstrates the organization's commitment to developing the next generation of American dressage talent. By providing structured support and guidance, the program aims to elevate the sport's profile in the U.S. and position the country as a global powerhouse in the discipline.
