Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is announcing a substitution for the Icon Global U.S. Jumping Team ahead of the 2026 FEI Jumping World Championships. Marilyn Little (West Palm Beach Fla.) and La Contessa have formally withdrawn and will be replaced by Natalie Dean (Palo Alto Calif.) and Mr Boombastic.
La Contessa sustained a minor injury in pre-preparation for the championships, and in prioritizing her best interests, Little and her team have made the decision to withdraw.
“Timing is everything. Unfortunately, Contessa has had a minor injury which has set back our preparations for the World Games at Aachen. With the interest of my incredible partner in mind, I have withdrawn her from competition to give her any time she needs to rest and feel her best again,” said Little. “Though disappointing for today, I look forward to getting back in the ring with her when the time is right. It is the greatest honor to be selected to represent the Team USA at a major championship and I wish USA Jumping very best of luck next month.”
The Icon Global U.S. Jumping Team for the 2026 FEI Jumping World Championships will now include the following combinations.
Natalie Dean (Palo Alto, Calif.) and Mr Boombastic, a 2014 Selle Français gelding (Vigo Cece x Sable Rose) owned by Marigold Sporthorses, LLC and cared for by Luis Guarneros
Katie Dinan (New York, N.Y.) and Out of the Blue SCF, a 2014 Belgian Warmblood mare (Verdi TN x San Patrignano Cassini) owned by Grant Road Partners LLC, and cared for by Lou Beudin
Lillie Keenan (New York, N.Y.) and Fasther, a 2010 KWPN gelding (Vigo d’Arsouilles STX x Farmer) owned by Chansonette Farm, LLC, and cared for by Anna Halász
Laura Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and Bisquetta, a 2014 Zangersheide mare (Bisquet Balou C x Takashi van Berkenbroek) owned by Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc., and cared for by Alex Tyler Morris
McLain Ward (Brewster, N.Y.) and High Star Hero, a 2013 Belgian Sport Horse gelding (I Am Moerhoeve’s Star x Darco) owned by Michael Smith, and cared for by Caroline Holmberg and Edvin Soto
Competition Information
The 2026 FEI Jumping World Championships will be the highlight of the international competition year and will be hosted during week two of the 2026 FEI World Championships Aachen. Competition will begin on August 19, at 10:30 a.m. GMT+2/4:30 a.m. ET with the faults converted Speed Round. The first round of team competition will start at 10:30 a.m. GMT+2/4:30 a.m. ET on Thursday August 20, with the top ten teams advancing to the second round, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. GMT+2/12:30 p.m. ET on Friday, August 21, determining team medals. Competition for individual medals will start with Round A at 2:20 p.m. GMT+2/8:20 a.m. ET and conclude with the final individual jumping around at 4:20 p.m. GMT+2/10:20 a.m. ET on Sunday, August 23, to conclude the two-week long championship.
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