Christine Traurig Signs as U.S. Chef d'Equipe until 2028 L.A. Olympics

Dressage

U.S.A.

US Equestrian has announced that Christine Traurig will lead the U.S. Dressage Team through the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games quadrennial as Chef d’Equipe, while overseeing the Elite/Pre-Elite and Development programs.

George Williams will support Traurig as the USEF Dressage Program Pathway Development Advisor.

Traurig and Williams

Both Traurig and Williams will continue to support the Emerging Young Horse and Emerging Athlete programs respectively. USEF will focus efforts on identifying additional coaches to support the programs in the early part of 2025. The USA Dressage team will continue to be supported by veterinarian Dr. Laura Faulkner.

“I am excited about the next several years leading up to LA. The updated requirements for the Pathway Programs are in line with and support our goals on the road to the Olympics. There is no lack of talent in riders and horses in our country. It’s about bringing out the best in them. We have a plan, and our eyes are very much on the ball,” said Traurig.

No Clear Squads but a Dressage Program Pathway

U.S. Equestrian does not work with clear "squads" like most nations in the dressage world do, but works with groups of riders/horses on the "USEF Dressage Program Pathway".

Following thorough debriefs and in-depth program assessments after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the USEF Dressage coaches, team staff, and key stakeholders have reviewed the structure and criteria of the pathway programs. Entering the start of the new home quadrennial period leading into the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games the vision is set on realistic and achievable goals for sustainable success and improvements

Effective December 1, 2024, changes have been made to the USEF Dressage Program Pathway criteria across all programs. To allow time to adjust to the new criteria specifications, USEF anticipates new program membership lists will be published no later than May 12, 2025, following the U.S. winter CDI season.

The "groups" are "Elite" (scoring over 74% at GP CDI's), Pre-Elite (scoring 71%+ at GP CDI's), Development (7-YO to GP), Emerging Youth and Young Horse (youth riders up to U25 and young horses). Full description here.

Clinics and Meetings

In 2025, USEF will launch the Dressage Training Series, which previously included Program Pathway clinics, and will consist of USEF funded clinics open to all FEI levels, except for two clinics restricted to youth participants only. These clinics will be taught under the guidance of USEF coaching staff and Coaches Support Network members.

Led by George Williams, through the continued development of the USEF Dressage Coaches Support Network, quarterly meetings will be held throughout 2025 to increase collaboration amongst USEF coaching staff and personal coaches within the United States to provide more comprehensive and aligned support for program combinations.