INFINITE INFINITE AMBITIONS INFINITE AMBITIONS AMBITIONS
ATHLETES & EQUINES
AIMING FOR LA 2028
EVENTING PATHWAY PROGRAM
EMERGING DEVELOPMENT
To learn more about the Eventing Pathway Programs, visit the USEF Eventing webpage. In addition to the information included within this booklet, Program membership lists, retention criteria, Program bene ts, and more can be found on the website.
Cover: Libby Law Photography
FOREWORD
In nite Ambitions: Athletes & Equines Aiming for LA 2028
In the world of equestrian sports, there exists a sacred bond between two athletes: the rider and their horse. Together, they embark on a journey of dedication, discipline, and unwavering determination. As the countdown to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics begins, this bond becomes even more profound, as athletes and horses strive for excellence on the grandest stage of them all.
In the pages that follow, you will meet the USEF Eventing Pathway Program Emerging and Development athletes lled with passion and perseverance in the pursuit of Olympic glory. This is not merely an introduction; it is a testament to the incredible partnership between athletes and their equine companions. The Programs represent athletes from all corners of the United States, each with a desire to represent their country and compete at the highest level.
This book is not only about the riders. It is also about the unsung heroes— the horses. These majestic creatures possess a grace and athleticism that captivates the imagination and inspires awe. They are more than just animals; they are partners, friends, and con dants. Together, athletes and horses form an unbreakable bond forged through countless hours of training, competition, and shared experiences.
This is more than a collection of pro les; it is a call to action. Within these pages lies an opportunity for aspiring athletes to connect with horses who have the potential to become stars of the LA 2028 Olympics. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or a newcomer to the sport, there is a place for you in this journey.
Join us as we embark on this unforgettable adventure—a journey fueled by passion, perseverance, and the unyielding belief that anything is possible when you dare to dream.
Sincerely,
Leslie Law
USEF Eventing
DEVELOPMENT
JENNY CARAS
Jenny Caras began riding at the early age of 4 years old and learned the ropes on a pony named Tally Ho. By age 6, she was foxhunting and galloping fearlessly across open elds. This was just the start as Jenny embarked on her eventing journey. With early success at the FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC), she has continued her journey, competing abroad in 5*s and on Nations Cup teams.
Jenny has been a member of the USEF Eventing Emerging and Development Pathway for more than ve years and recently was a part of the 2023 and 2024 European Development Tour. She is utilizing her Wilton Fair Grant to base in Europe as she campaigns for future Championship teams.
Photo Opposite: Libby Law Photography
• 2023 Won CCI4*-L Terrnanova
• 2023 2nd place team Strezgom CCIO4*-NC-S
• More than 7 FEI wins
• USEA Foundation’s Wilton Fair Grant recipient
• Previous USET Foundation Markham Trophy Winner
• Team gold and individual bronze at the 2013 NAJYRC CH-2* (now 3*)
Website: jennycaras.wordpress.com
DEVELOPMENT
MIA FARLEY
Mia Farley is an eventing athlete based between Ocala, Fla., and Lexington, Ky. She has been in the USEF Eventing Emerging and Development programs since 2014. While she has had many successes over the years, 2019 was an especially strong year where she placed in the top 15 in eight of the 12 FEI competitions entered. In 2023, Mia and Phelps completed their rst CCI5*-L with a top- ve nish and were the only pair to complete the cross-country phase double-clear. They followed up their debut with a second double-clear at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5* and a top-15 nish.
Photo Opposite: US Equestrian
• 2016 NAJYRC Team medalist and individual sixth
• 2019 Reserve Champion at the National Championship CCI4*L
• Top- ve nish at the 2023 Maryland CCI5*-L
• Sixteen top- ve FEI nishes
Instagram: @_miafarley
DEVELOPMENT
CORNELIA FLETCHER
Cornelia Fletcher is a 5* event rider based in Ocala, Fla., where she and her husband run a small business focusing on producing eventing and show jumping horses. Cornelia has ve FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships medals from the championships in 2016 and 2017. In 2022, Cornelia made her senior U.S. team debut in the Nations Cup in England followed by a 10th-place nish at Burghley 5* in the fall. Cornelia is welcoming her rst child in June 2024 and looks forward to balancing a high-performance career with family life.
Photo Opposite: Libby Law Photography
• 2023 Reserve Champion USEF/USEA Developing Horse Championship with DHI Qyaracolle Z
• 2022 2nd place team Houghton Hall CCIO4*-NC-S
• 2022 Top-10 nish at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials CCI5*-L
• More than 15 top-5 FEI nishes Instagram: @corneliadorr etcher
EMILY HAMEL DEVELOPMENT
Emily Hamel took her rst o cial riding lesson at age 8, became hooked, begged her parents for regular lessons, and eventually her own horse. She grew up in rural Wisconsin, showing at local 4-H and breed shows and competing in anything from Western pleasure to hunter seat equitation to competitive trail class and everything in between. She eventually discovered eventing when her 4-H club took a trip to the Kentucky Three-Day Event, and that was when she decided that she would compete there one day. In 2016, she began her partnership with the quirky Corvett, and they haven’t looked back. After lots of training, competing, and riding the rollercoaster that is eventing, the pair have cemented themselves as consistent competitors. He has never started a CCI5*-L that he hasn’t nished. 2024 looks very exciting with Corvett in ne form and a lovely set of young horses developing well at her new base in Aiken, at her Good Fortunes Farm.
Photo Opposite: Leslie Potter/US Equestrian
• With Corvett, six CCI5*-L nishes and four CCI4*-L nishes
• Eight top-10 FEI nishes
• Three top-15 nishes at CCI5*-Ls
Website: emilyhameleventing.com
Instagram: @hameleventing
Facebook: facebook.com/emilyhameleventing
DEVELOPMENT
ALYSSA PHILLIPS
By the time Alyssa Phillips was 14 years old, she represented Area 5 at the 2011 FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) and won both individual and team gold. Over the years, she continued to represent Area 5 three more times at the NAJYC and contributed to two team golds and a team silver. She operates AP Eventing out of her Ocala, Fla., farm. Since graduating from Texas Christian University with a Strategic Communication major and Business minor, you can almost always nd her focusing on her string of top horses on the East Coast. As an equestrian athlete, Alyssa has become known for her passion-driven dedication to the sport and mental toughness when it comes to competition.
Photos: Libby Law Photography
• 2023 Pan American Games Traveling Reserve
• Sixteen FEI Wins
• Five-time NAJYRC medalist
Website: alyssaphillipseventing.com
EMERGING MADDIE HALE
Maddie Hale is originally from Carmel, California, but is now based in Lexington, Kentucky. She is an Advanced-level competitor and has her eyes set on being a part of a senior team. She is incredibly grateful to be a part of the USEF Eventing Emerging Program and have the invaluable guidance from Leslie Law. Representing the nation has always been a dream of Hale's, and she is dedicated to making that dream a reality.
SUCCESSES
• 2024 OA Rocking Horse - 5th
• 2023 CCI 3*S Maryland International - 6th
• 2022 CCI 2*L Bromont - Top Ten
• 2021 Youth Team Challenge 2* Team Gold
Photo: Devyn Trethewey/US
ALEXA GARTENBERG
Like many athletes, Alexa Gartenberg found her niche for riding at a summer camp. She continued lessons and moved up the levels of eventing. Having graduated from the University of Delaware and committing to progressing up the levels with her horses, she decided to move to the UK to train. Alexa is currently based with Kevin McNab and looks forward to returning to the U.S. with a wealth of experience from her two years abroad.
SUCCESSES
• Won U25 CCI3*-S at Bromont
• Multiple top- ve nishes in CCI3*s
Photo:
Libby Law Photography
Cosby Green began riding at the age of 4 just down the road from her house in Lexington, Ky. That program brought her to the CCI3* level and helped her achieve her rst successes. Having graduated from the University of Kentucky, Cosby embarked on a twoyear training opportunity in the UK. As she completes her time abroad, she is looking forward to returning to the U.S. and establishing her program and continuing to achieve successes.
COSBY GREEN EMERGING
SUCCESSES
• USEA Foundation’s Wilton Fair Grant recipient
• Nineteen top-10 FEI nishes
• Individual bronze medal at NAJYRC
Instagram: @ccgequestrian
Photo: Libby Law Photography
ALEXANDRA BAUGH
A native of Lexington, Ky., Alex Baugh rst started riding at 4 years old with riding lessons as a birthday gift. Her love of horses has only grown since then. With numerous accolades to her credit, Alex has also had to overcome challenging times, making her a stronger athlete and person.
With her newest partner, Hubert Des 3 Arbres, she had a formidable start to the 2024 season with wins at multiple competitions. Alex is also a key member of Phillip Dutton’s support team.
SUCCESSES
• Six-time NAJYRC medalist
• Former Young Rider of the Year and Young Adult
Advanced Rider of the Year
Instagram: @altorac_eventing
Photo: Leslie Potter/US Equestrian
Ben Noonan stumbled across the sport of eventing while trail riding across the street from his family’s farm during the Queeny Park Horse Trials. While he had an unconventional start to the sport, his career has soared since he acquired his rst horse, Keep Kitty. The pair topped the Youth Team Championships in 2021, preparing Ben for his latest ride, Street Fighter. Ben and Street Fighter have achieved top nishes in the past two years. Ben is taking some time to focus on school and young mounts but looks to be at the top of the sport for years to come.
BEN NOONAN EMERGING
SUCCESSES
• Top-10 nish at 2023 Maryland CCI3*-L
• Four-time Young Rider Championship medalist
• 2020 USEA Young Rider of the Year
• 2021 USEA Intermediate Young Rider of the Year
Instagram: @ben_jammin19
CASSIE SANGER
Cassie Sanger caught the horse bug when she was in second grade and hasn’t looked back. Progressing from di cult ponies to a seasoned, but tricky, Danger Mouse, cemented her spot on the eventing scene. Her partnership with Fernhill Zorro was instantaneous and has taken them up the levels and across the ocean, representing the U.S. in two Nations Cup competitions in 2022 and additional opportunities in 2023. While balancing classes at the University of Richmond and a competition schedule takes organization and dedication, she is committed to her future as a professional. With additional horses in the pipeline, Cassie looks to be a member of U.S. teams for the future.
• 2022 3rd at the Maryland CCI3*-L
• 2022 RevitaVet USEA Young Rider of the Year
• 2023 USEA Advanced Young Adult Rider of the Year
• 2023 2nd place team Strezgom CCIO4*-NC-S
Instagram: @kcsanger.eventing
Photo:
Libby Law Photography
EMERGING ELSA WARBLE
Elsa Warble is a 16 year old young rider from California and began riding at the age of 8 after a week at summer camp. As one of the two newest and youngest members of the Emerging program, she has been able to achieve several successes in her short time at the FEI levels. With each event, she continues to showcase her talent, resilience, and unwavering bond with her own FE Unlimited (“Axel”). In addition to her participation on the USEF Emerging Athlete Program in 2024, she has been a part of the USEA Emerging Athlete U21 program.
SUCCESSES
• Silver medal at 2023 Young Rider Championships CCI3*-L
• Has only nished outside of the top 10 two times in her FEI career
Photo: Avery Wallace/US Equestrian
MADISON TEMKIN
Madison has been a long-time member of the USEF Eventing Emerging Program. She recently relocated to Lexington, Ky. From northern California to further her business and competitive goals. She represented Area 6 at NAJYRC in 2015 placing 5th, in 2017 nishing in the top 10 individually, and in 2018 where she was on the bronze medal winning Area 6 team in the CCI3*-S-YR and nished top 10 individually. She has been competing at the Advanced/4* level since 2018. She currently has two very exciting young horses for the future that are beginning to move up the levels, as well as a 4* horse. She considers herself a student of the sport and hopes to represent the United States on senior teams in the years to come.
SUCCESSES
• More than 15 top 5 FEI nishes
• Brought her mare, MVP Madbum, from the young horse classes through the CCI4* level
• Bronze medal from NAJYRC
Instagram: @maddytemkineventing
Photo: Tina Fitch Photography
EMERGING MOLLY DUDA
When she started her eventing career in 2019, Molly Duda thought that competing past the lower levels might not ever be in the cards for her. A California native, Molly was riding with Mickayla Howard when she met Disco Traveler, a quirky Swedish Warmblood gelding. The pair instantly clicked, with the sometimes-di cult "Disco" seeming to decide that Molly was his person. They moved rapidly up the levels, from Training Level to CCI4* in less than two years. 2023 proved to be Molly’s year, with a series of wins followed by an individual gold medal in the CCI3*-L at the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships at Galway Downs with Disco Traveler. Additionally, she was reserve champion with Carlingford’s He’s A Clover in the USEF CCI2*-L Eventing National Championships. Now a freshman at the University of California, Los Angeles, Molly is studying microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics while continuing to pursue her eventing goals.
SUCCESSES
• 2023 RevitaVet USEA Young Rider of the Year
• Individual gold medal at the CCI3*-L at the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships at Galway Downs
Photo: Libby Law Photography
TOMMY GREENGARD
Tommy Greengard began riding when he was 6 years old and trained with Robyn Fisher in Malibu, Calif., for nearly nine years. When he moved to northern California to attend college at the University of California, Berkeley, he began training with Andrea Pfei er. After graduating in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science, Tommy decided to make horses a career and began to work as a full-time trainer at Pfei er’s Chocolate Horse Farm in Petaluma, Calif. Tommy has had success at the four-star level with his own Joshuay MBF, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, including winning the CCI4*-S at Woodside Fall International in October 2023, and placing third in the CCI4*-L at the USEF Eventing Championships at Galway Downs in November 2023. Working closely with Pfei er, Tommy has been focused on building a string of promising, young eventing horses and plans to leverage the Amanda Piri Warrington Grant to support the development of one particular horse, That’s Me Z, his and Pfei er’s 7-year-old Zangersheide gelding.
SUCCESSES
• Recipient of USET Foundation's Amanda Piri Warrington Grant
• With only 28 FEI starts, 20 of them are in the top 10 and 14 in the top- ve
Photo: Avery Wallace/US Equestrian
EMERGING JULIA BEACHAMP CRANDON
At only 17 years old, Julia Beachamp Crandon is an up-and-coming emerging athlete who is making her presence known on the West Coast eventing scene. She is based out of Portola Valley, Calif., with Mickayla Howard (Avon Eventing). Julia moved up to the FEI levels in 2021 and already has four top-three nishes. Julia's goals extend beyond the arena; she aspires to make a lasting impact on the sport of eventing, both as a rider and a mentor to future generations of equestrians. With her determination, talent, and unwavering passion, Julia is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of eventing for years to come equestrians with her position on the USEF Youth Advisory Board. She has also taken part in the inaugural National Camp for the EA21’s in 2022 as well as 2023.
SUCCESSES
• Has not nished outside of the top 10 in her FEI starts with more than half in the top ve
• Has not had a cross-country jumping penalty in her FEI starts
• Team Gold and Individual Silver at the 2023 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships
Photo: Avery Wallace/US Equestrian
MEG PELLEGRINI
Meg Pellegrini began her riding journey at the age of 5 when her family lived in Tulsa, Okla. After a few years, she found her rst pony, Ganymede, who would eventually take her to many venues around the country and gave her a glimpse of upper-level eventing. Meg believes Ganymede, also known as “Luna,” deserves the most credit for her competitive nature and desire to prove what she is capable of, even when the odds might be against her! Eventually, Meg collected a small string of horses that helped her complete her goals of competing at some of the most prestigious events in the country, including the Young Rider Championships. These horses also assisted in her being named to USEF Emerging Athletes Lists since 2018 and USEF Futures Team Challenges. In 2020, Meg moved to Malvern, Pa., to continue her journey in eventing and work towards her goal of representing the U.S. on the international stage.
• Recipient of USET Foundation's Amanda Piri Warrington Grant
EMERGING & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SUCCESSES
13 DEVELOPMENT ATHLETES HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR A NATIONS CUP TEAM more than 60
EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT TOUR ATHLETES AND HORSES SECURED TEAM SILVER AT THE 2024 FEI EVENTING NATIONS CUP IRELAND CCIO4*-NC-S
5 ATHLETES HAVE PROGRESSED FROM THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TO THE PRE-ELITE PROGRAM
DEVELOPMENT ATHLETES MADE SENIOR TEAMS (PAN AMERICAN GAMES, OLYMPIC GAMES, WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS)
USEF STAFF
Leslie Law
USEF Eventing Emerging & Development Coach
David O’Connor Chief of Sport
Hallye Gri n Director, FEI Sport
Amber Braun Managing Director, Eventing
Gemma Stobbs Director, Eventing Elite Program
Christina Vaughn Director, Eventing Emerging & Development Programs
Alison Lloyd Director, Eventing Sport Administration
Julianna Olcott Sport Programs Specialist