US Equestrian is announcing a substitution to the U.S. Dressage Team ahead of the 2026 FEI Dressage World Championships.
Jordan LaPlaca (Ledyard, Ct.) and Gold Play have formally withdrawn and will be replaced by Kasey Perry-Glass (Wellington, Fla.) and Heartbeat W.P.
“In the spirit of staying true to my core convictions as a horseman and as a committed partner to my horse, Gold Play, I have decided to withdraw from this year's FEI Dressage World Championships. Gold Play is OK and that is the most important thing. But as a member of the U.S. team, I have to do what is best not only for my horse, but for the entire team as well.” said LaPlaca. “This is not the end, just the beginning of great things still to come.”
Perry-Glass last represented the U.S.A. at a major championships in 2019 when she rode her career making horse Gorklintgaards Dublet at the World Cup Finals in Gothenburg. She also represented the USA at the 2016 Olympics and 2018 World Equestrian Games.
The U.S. team now includes
- Ashley Holzer (Wellington, Fla.) and Hawtins San Floriana, a 2012 Hanoverian mare (San Amour I x Florestan I) owned by Dr. Diane Fellows and Ashley Holzer, and cared for by Allie Conti
- Kasey Perry-Glass (Wellington, Fla.) and Heartbeat W.P.,a 2012 KWPN gelding (Charmeur x Olympic Ferro) owned by Diane Perry, and cared for by Meghan Laffin
- Christian Simonson (Ventura, Calif.) and Fleau de Baian, a 2010 KWPN stallion (Broere Jazz x Ulft) owned by Zen Elite Equestrian Center, and cared for by Georgia Morgan
- Genay Vaughn (Elk Grove, Calif.) and Gino, a 2011 KWPN gelding (Bretton Woods x Haarlem) owned by Michele Vaughn, and cared for by Alex Levine-Nevel
The following combination has been selected as the first reserve.
- Meagan Davis (Loxahatchee, Fla.) and Toronto Lightfoot, a 2013 Oldenburg gelding (Totilas x Onassis) owned by Scott Durkin, and cared for by Bill Davis
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
U.S. Team for 2026 World Championships Announced
Eurodressage Coverage of the World Championships Dressage