USET Foundation and US Equestrian “Building the Pathway” Event Educates Emerging Talent

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation and US Equestrian (USEF) hosted educational and inspirational sessions for developing jumping athletes across two days at its “Building the Pathway Reception and Course Walk” event at the Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) in Thermal, California, on January 31 and February 1, 2025. As the philanthropic partner of USEF, the USET Foundation provides vital funding that helps support USEF’s high performance programs, which include the USEF Pathway Programs that are often key components in the career trajectories of up-and-coming U.S. equestrian athletes.

On Friday, January 31, USEF Managing Director of Jumping Lizzy Chesson led a panel discussion with U.S. Jumping Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, U.S. Jumping Development Program Chef d’Equipe Anne Kursinski, and Olympic jumping team gold medalist Laura Kraut. The panelists discussed the role of the high performance pathway to ensure that top young athletes have access to training, competition, and educational opportunities that assist riders in fostering their skills as they aim to represent the country at the highest levels. Chesson, Ridland, and Kursinski detailed how the varied and unique pathway experiences provide tangible value for athletes, while Kraut shared her path to being a U.S. team member.

Following the panel session, the young riders had the opportunity to speak with the panelists and other senior athletes in attendance, including the 2024 Paris Olympic team silver medalist Karl Cook, 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic team silver medalist Kent Farrington, and 2016 FEI Nations Cup™ Final bronze medalist Lillie Keenan.

On Saturday night, Ridland and Kursinski led a guided course walk for 25 young riders along the $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ – Thermal track. They explained the format differences between regular grand prix classes and Nations Cup team competitions, as well as the role that Nations Cup competitions play in developing athletes at the highest levels.

“The U.S. Jumping High Performance Pathway Programs aim to prepare talented up-and-coming athletes with the tools they need to succeed in Team competition,” said Chesson. “Connecting with and educating young athletes who are eager to progress along this pathway are key to what we do.  It was great to see so many new faces in California interested in the U.S. Jumping Pathway Programs." 

“We are proud to support USEF’s high performance programs, and we are particularly excited to support the dreams and aspirations of our rising stars,” said USET Foundation Director of Development Lisa Munro. “Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and beyond, we are committed to partnering with USEF as we aim to inspire the next generation of U.S. equestrian athletes.”

About US Equestrian
The United States Equestrian Federation (US Equestrian) is the national governing body for equestrian sport and its mission is to provide access to and increase participation in equestrian sports at all levels by ensuring fairness, safety, and enjoyment. Since its creation in 2003, US Equestrian has been bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible. US Equestrian trains, selects, and funds the United States Equestrian Team, which consistently wins medals at the highest level of international competition, including the Olympic Games.

About the USET Foundation
The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel, and educational needs of America's elite and developing international, high performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation. Learn more at www.uset.org.