US Equestrian is pleased to announce updates to the USEF Dressage Pathway Program lists. The following combinations have met the necessary eligibility criteria and have been added to the respective program lists

Photo – Geñay Vaughn and her partner, Gino, the newest additions to the USEF Dressage Pre-Elite Program. (©Terri Miller)

“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,” said Chef d’Equipe and Technical Advisor, Christine Traurig. “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.”

The program remains focused on building greater depth at the Grand Prix level to sustain its current momentum, with an emphasis on developing combinations capable of delivering consistent, top performances on the world stage. This approach is designed to ensure a strong pipeline of talent leading into future World Championships, Pan American Games, and Olympic Games.

“It’s especially exciting to see combinations like Geñay Vaughn and Gino move up to the Pre-Elite level,” said Traurig. “We’re also thrilled to welcome new partnerships into the Development Program and look forward to watching them continue to grow and succeed together.”

Updates to the USEF Dressage Pathway Program lists include:

USEF Dressage Pre-Elite Program

Geñay Vaughn (Elk Grove, Calif.) and Gino, a 2011 KWPN gelding (Bretton Woods x Lugienna x Haarlem) owned by Michele Vaughn

USEF Dressage Development Program

Hope Cooper (Concord, Mass.) and O Romeo S, a 2019 USA-bred KWPN stallion (Charmeur x Evanta III MMW x UB 40) owned by Tammy Richard

Jennifer Hoffmann (Wellington, Fla.) and Fandiamo 4, a 2019 Oldenburg gelding (Foundation 2 x Lasira x Londonderry 3) owned by Hof Kasselmann GMBH & Co.KG.

Ashley Holzer (Wellington, Fla.) and Hawtins San Floriana, a 2012 Hanoverian mare (San Amour x Floriana Elite x Florestan I) co-owned by Holzer and Diane Fellows

Jordan LaPlaca (Ledyard, Conn.) and Gold Play, a 2015 Oldenburg gelding (Grey Flanell x Shangra La x Sir Donnerhall I) co-owned by LaPlaca and Nancy Hutson

To view the full program lists, please click here.

To learn more about the USEF Dressage Pathway Program criteria and benefits, please click here.

The USEF Dressage Pathway Program is made possible in part through the generosity of Akiko Yamazaki and Four Winds Farm, whose support is instrumental in fostering the development of dressage talent in the United States.

Follow US Equestrian    
Stay up to date on U.S. Dressage by following USA Dressage on Facebook and Instagram and US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.