The 2026 equestrian season is in full swing, and the headlines are moving as fast as a show jumper in a jump-off. From FEI World Rankings shakeups and new scholarship programs to national championship announcements and governance changes at Equestrian Canada, there is no shortage of stories shaping the sport right now. Whether you follow dressage, eventing, or show jumping, staying informed matters. Here is your expert roundup of the biggest equestrian news stories of 2026, curated by the team at Horse Sport, Canada's equestrian authority for over 50 years.
FEI World Rankings Shake Up Dressage
The April 2026 FEI World Rankings delivered a major headline. Denmark's Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour was confirmed as the new world number one in dressage, jumping from 25th place to the top position. She is the only Danish athlete ever to hold the number-one spot, having previously led the rankings from February to May 2025.
Behind her, Belgium's Justin Verboomen moved into second, followed by Germany's Isabell Werth in third. Great Britain's Charlotte Fry holds fourth with 1,911 points, and compatriot Becky Moody rounds out the top five. On the horse side, Laudrup-Dufour's mount, Mount St John Freestyle, also climbed to the top of the FEI Dressage World Rankings for Horses. Read the full FEI World Rankings update on Horse Sport.
Spruce Meadows Continental Opens 2026 Summer Tour
The 2026 Spruce Meadows 'Continental' CSI5*/2* launched in Calgary with more than 300 rounds of competition on opening day. The first CSI5* event, Mission: Possible 1.45m, drew 66 athletes to the All Canada Ring with a course designed by FEI course designer Tom Holden of Ireland.
Saudi Arabia's Abdullah AlSharbatly and Atome Des Etisses delivered the fastest fault-free round, finishing in 55.68 seconds to claim victory. AlSharbatly placed first and second in the opening CSI5* class. Follow all the Spruce Meadows Continental coverage on Horse Sport.
What Is a CSI5* Competition?
A CSI5* competition is the highest tier of international show jumping event sanctioned by the FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale). These events attract the world's top-ranked riders and offer the most significant ranking points and prize money.
MARS Bromont Rising Supports the Next Generation
The MARS Bromont Rising U25 scholarship program, administered by the USEA Foundation, announced its 2026 grant recipients for riders competing at the MARS Bromont CCI in Quebec, June 4 to 7. Each rider receives a $2,500 grant to help cover travel and entry expenses, plus classroom sessions with leading industry figures.
Returning presenters include cross-country course designer Derek DiGrazia, FEI 5* judge Peter Gray, and Olympic medalist Bettina Hoy. New sessions cover stable management with former USEA president Max Corcoran, sponsor relations, and social license to operate. The 2026 event also offers $50,000 in total prize money across all FEI divisions. Read about the Bromont Rising recipients on Horse Sport.
2026 National Dressage and Para-Dressage Championships Announced
Equestrian Canada officially announced the 2026 National Dressage and Para Dressage Championships, split into Eastern and Western editions for geographic accessibility.
| Championship | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Championships | October 1 to 4, 2026 | Bécancour, Québec |
| Western Championships | October 9 to 11, 2026 | Thunderbird Show Park, British Columbia |
The qualification period runs from January 1 to August 31, 2026. Riders must earn at least two qualifying scores at EC Gold or Platinum sanctioned competitions in Canada. The top eight ranked combinations per division earn invitations. Notably, the judging panels will be identical at both events for consistency. Explore the full National Championships details on Horse Sport.
What Is Para-Dressage?
Para-Dressage is the Paralympic equestrian discipline in which athletes with physical impairments perform standardized dressage tests, evaluated on harmony, precision, and correct execution of movements.
Equestrian Canada Board Elections
Equestrian Canada's Nominating Committee presented seven candidates for its 2026 Board of Directors election. A total of 13 qualified individuals submitted nomination packages by the March 27 deadline. The election took place at the AGM on May 26, 2026, with results announced publicly on May 27.
An additional Director position was added following the resignation of Board Director Nathan Reeve, effective at the close of the AGM. Read the EC Board election coverage on Horse Sport.
Global Dressage Festival Highlights
The 2026 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) in Wellington, Florida, remains the only dressage circuit of its kind in the world, hosting seven weeks of CDI competition. American rider Christian Simonson, just 23 years old, extended his unbeaten streak on Indian Rock to seven wins, scoring a career-best 76.043% in the FEI World Cup Grand Prix.
Two Canadians also competed at the CDI3* Grand Prix: Alexandra Duncan with Hitmaker (65.109%) placed 7th, and Megan Shea with Sir Schiwago (65.087%) took 8th. The AGDF is a key qualifier on the road to the FEI World Championships in Aachen later this year.
FEI Welfare Rules and Industry Trends
Equine welfare continues to dominate the conversation in 2026. The FEI's draft rules for the year take a stronger approach to sanctions around horse abuse, though mixed messages remain about enforcement consistency. Separately, US Equestrian released a white paper on sport horse medicine best practices following a summit of 28 veterinarians in Ocala, Florida.
Social license to operate is the concept that an industry's continued existence depends on public trust and acceptance. It is increasingly central to how equestrian organizations frame their welfare policies, and it featured as a new educational topic at the 2026 Bromont Rising program.
Key Takeaways
- Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour claimed the world number-one dressage ranking in April 2026.
- Spruce Meadows opened its 2026 summer tour with a dominant performance by Abdullah AlSharbatly at the Continental CSI5*.
- The MARS Bromont Rising program awarded $2,500 grants plus mentorship to emerging U25 event riders.
- Canada's 2026 National Dressage and Para-Dressage Championships will be held at two venues in October.
- Equestrian Canada elected new Board members at its May 2026 AGM.
- Christian Simonson scored a career-best 76.043% at AGDF aboard Indian Rock.
- FEI welfare rules and social license to operate are shaping governance across the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the latest equestrian sports news from experts?
Horse Sport's news archive publishes daily stories written and sourced by industry experts across dressage, show jumping, eventing, and more. The publication has served as Canada's equestrian authority for over 50 years.
Who is ranked number one in dressage in 2026?
As of the April 2026 FEI World Rankings, Denmark's Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour holds the world number-one position in dressage, riding Mount St John Freestyle.
What is the MARS Bromont Rising program?
MARS Bromont Rising is a U25 scholarship program administered by the USEA Foundation. It provides $2,500 grants and educational sessions to young event riders competing at the MARS Bromont CCI in Quebec, Canada.
When are the 2026 Canadian National Dressage Championships?
The Eastern Championships take place October 1 to 4 in Bécancour, Québec, and the Western Championships run October 9 to 11 at Thunderbird Show Park in British Columbia.
What is social license to operate in equestrian sport?
Social license to operate refers to the ongoing acceptance and approval of an industry's practices by the general public. In equestrian sport, it relates to how organizations demonstrate ethical treatment of horses to maintain public trust.
How do I qualify for the Canadian National Dressage Championships?
Riders must earn at least two qualifying scores at EC Gold or Platinum sanctioned competitions in Canada between January 1 and August 31, 2026. The top eight ranked combinations in each division receive invitations.
What happened at the 2026 Spruce Meadows Continental?
The 2026 Spruce Meadows Continental CSI5*/2* opened in Calgary with 66 athletes in the first five-star class. Abdullah AlSharbatly won aboard Atome Des Etisses with a time of 55.68 seconds.
Where are the 2026 FEI World Championships being held?
The 2026 FEI World Championships are being held in Aachen, Germany. They represent the first major games of the new quadrennial cycle ahead of the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Stay Informed All Season Long
The 2026 equestrian calendar is packed with championship qualifiers, governance decisions, and welfare developments that will shape the sport for years to come. Bookmark the Horse Sport news page and subscribe to the Horse Sport magazine to get expert analysis delivered straight to your inbox. Do not miss a single headline this season.