Dressage trainers and professionals from around the U.S. gathered at the late Mary Anne McPhail’s High Meadow Farm in Loxahatchee, Florida, earlier this week seeking fresh training insights, sport camaraderie and sunshine at the annual Adequan^®/USDF FEI-Level Trainers Conference.  

Designed to provide continuing education for dressage trainers and instructors, the conference gives participants the opportunity to explore new teaching methods from top clinicians. Attendees and riders left with fresh perspectives and new tools in their training repertoire to pass along to their horses and students, and unlike last year’s conference that was plagued by chilly temps and rain, the Sunshine State delivered beautiful weather over this year’s two-day event.

This year’s presenters included Heike Kemmer, a 2004 and 2008 Olympic team gold medalist and 2008 individual Olympic bronze medalist, and Christof Umbach, an L4/FEI 5* judge and President of the Ground Jury for the 2026 FEI World Cup Finals in Fort Worth, Texas.

“In addition to being an Olympic champion, Heike is one of the world’s elite dressage riders and her partnering with Christof, one of the most respected judges in the world, for this conference was sure to deliver an equally elite experience for all our attendees,” USDF President Kevin Reinig said. “It’s a rare opportunity to have such talent presenting together on American soil.”

Coming soon: Watch the full conference for top tips and training exercises from Kemmer and Umbach on Dressage Today+.

2026 USDF Trainers Conference Horse-and-Rider Combinations

The clinicians focused on educating participating horse-and-rider combinations and attendees in the classical system of dressage with an emphasis on the Training Scale or Pyramid of Training. Over the two-day conference, Kemmer and Umbach provided training exercises and advice that trainers and instructors can apply in their own programs. Meet this year’s horse-and-rider teams:

Lauren Chumley & Leeloo Dallas

A USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist all with distinction, Lauren Chumley, of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, has a number regional and national championship wins to her name and her program specializes in developing young horses. She rode 9-year-old KWPN mare Leeloo Dallas, who she purchased as foal.

Lehua Custer & Splendido

Lehua Custer, of Wellington, Florida, is a veteran USDF Trainers Conference rider and returned this year with Splendido, a 6-year-old Hanoverian gelding, owned by Victora Reeder. A USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist, Custer is also a graduate of the L Program, a USDF Certified Instructor and a member of the USDF Sport Horse Prospect Development Faculty. She has many regional and national championships under her belt and also works with Para Dressage athletes and has attended several Paralympics as an owner and coach.

Emily Donaldson With Supersonic & Franco 32

After expanding her equestrian education by competing in hunters, jumpers and eventing, Emily Donaldson of Parkesburg, Pennsylvania, returned to her true passion of dressage. She is a USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist and has competed successfully at the regional and national levels. At this year’s conference, Donaldson is riding two horses: 7-year-old Hanoverian gelding Supersonic, owned by Andrea Jenkins, and her own Franco 32, a 6-year-old Oldenburg gelding.

Charell Garcia & MW Virtuous

Born and raised in the Netherlands, Charell Garcia, recently became a U.S. citizen and is now the head trainer at Maplewood Warmbloods in Middletown, New York. She rode 5-year-old Oldenburg stallion MW Virtuous, owned by Jennifer Vanover.

Maren Hanson & Ovation

A USDF bronze medalist with distinction and a USDF silver medalist, Maren Hanson, of Colbert, Georgia, started in the children’s divisions and worked her way up through the FEI Youth division. She was the recipient of the 2020 Cynthia Aspden Youth and Young Adult Development Grant and has also been successful in Dressage Seat Equitation. She rode her own 8-year-old American Warmblood Ovation.

Hannah Irons & Ein Traum

Hannah Irons of Queenstown, Maryland, and her 6-year-old Westphalian gelding Ein Traum (E.T.), owned by Irons Sporthorses LLC, returned to the USDF Trainers Conference again this year. We enjoyed watching the pair at last year’s event and were thrilled to see E.T. sporting another unique hindquarter clip featuring musical notes and stars (last year’s clip included a moon). A USDF bronze and silver medalist, both with distinction, Irons has competed successfully at the regional, national and international levels through the FEI North American Youth Dressage Championships.

Sophia Schults & M. Revelation de Jus

Sophia Schults of Ocala, Florida, is a USDF bronze and silver medalist, a member of the USDF National Youth Committee and is active with Dressage4Kids. After achieving success through the youth pipeline, Schults turned professional and continued her winning ways in the regional, national and international competition arena. She rode M. Revelation de Jus, an 8-year-old KWPM mare, owned by Helgstrand Dressage.

In Honor of Mary Anne McPhail

The 2026 USDF Trainers Conference was dedicated to the McPhail family in honor of lifelong dressage supporter Mary Anne McPhail, who passed away last year. A respected judge, dedicated competitor and tireless advocate for equine welfare and education, Mary Anne’s legacy is far-reaching in the sport.

She was a driving force in advancing judge education and professional development, most notably through the Mary Anne and Walter McPhail Judges’ Education Fund at The Dressage Foundation. This initiative continues to elevate the sport through integrity, knowledge and a commitment to excellence.

To honor all her contributions to the sport, attendees at this year’s conference were invited to leave a tribute to Mary Anne for her loved ones to enjoy.

Coming Soon:

• Top insights from the 2026 USDF Trainers Conference to help you and your dressage horse improve in your journey together.
• Watch the full conference for Kemmer and Umbach’s training exercises and top tips on Dressage Today+.
• Behind-the-scenes glimpses from this year’s conference and exclusive interviews with the riders.