In spring of 2024, US Equestrian announced the launch of the USEF Eventing National Championships League (“League”), with 2025 welcoming the inaugural year of action, which was a success by many measures and beginning an exciting new chapter for the sport in the U.S.
What Changed and Why?
The goal of restructuring the Championships was to provide access regardless of geographic location, a paramount factor in a country the size of the U.S., while also aiming to recognize consistent, quality performances of athletes by rewarding multiple low finishing scores throughout the season.
The previous format of the National Championships determined winners based on one performance at the designated Championship competition. Over the years, the host sites were allocated to different venues for each level, leaving the National Championships spread across multiple locations throughout the year.
“While we deeply appreciated the efforts and commitments of the National Championship hosts, it’s a goal of the change in format to the League to have the participation period culminate in a final competition at a singular host location - Morven Park. Athletes do not have to be present to be a League Champion. However, it’s an exciting opportunity to recognize the achievements of all the levels together at such a great event,” said Amber Braun, US Equestrian Managing Director of Eventing.
Additionally, the League expanded participation by including the CCI1* level whereas the previous National Championship format only encompassed the CCI2* level and above.
Previous champions were determined based on one division whereas the Leage has the levels broken into four divisions - Overall, U25, Amateur and Professional - to create a level playing field and recognize the efforts and performances of more athletes competing across the discipline. “[The League] improves the diversity of competitions and allows for more prizes and opportunities for young or amateur divisions that maybe wouldn’t be as competitive in the standings against professionals,” said U.S. CCI1* eventing athlete Elisabeth Tansey. Between 2019-2023, 90% of the previous national champions were professionals. In 2025, four Amateurs claimed the title of a League Champion.
How Do I Participate... and Win?
Organizers and athletes do not have to opt-in to participate. Every score at a U.S. FEI competition hosting a CCI1* through CCI4* during the participation period counts. An athlete's (not combination) three lowest finishing scores at the level determines their overall placing. For the CCI2* to CCI4* levels, one of the three scores must be from a long format event. The participation period began October 15, 2025, and will conclude October 11, 2026, at the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials. Follow progress on the leaderboards and on our social media platforms to stay up to date with the standings for each level and division.
How It Went in 2025
Sixteen athletes from six different states across the U.S. claimed the title of a League Champion, achieving a true national reach, and closing the distance between the East and West coast eventing communities. Since participation in the Final is not compulsory to win, athletes no longer must travel to contest a title.
While the first year of the League format showed a step in the right direction for recognizing professionals, amateurs, and young athletes, and reducing the divide between East and West coasts, refinement to the specifications and criteria will continue to be reviewed. "We want to create a product which is easy for our members to participate in and to follow along with, and we hope to achieve that through the leaderboards and coverage in creating excitement for eventers and their successes,” said Braun.
The League is underway for its second year and will once again conclude at Morven Park International & Fall H.T. in Leesburg, Va. October 11, 2026. Although athlete attendance is not compulsory, this competition is not one to miss. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate a year of achievement and to accept the League’s exciting awards and prizes.
More information about the USEF Eventing National Championships League and the current leaders for the 2025-2026 participation period can be found here.
The final results of the 2025 USEF Eventing National Championship League can be found here.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date on the Defender U.S. Eventing Team on Facebook and Instagram. Follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. Use #USAEventing.
The USEF International High Performances Programs and the USEF High Performance Pathway Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, the philanthropic partner to USEF. High Performance Program support is also provided by the USOPC and USEF sponsors and members.