The annual Adequan®/USDF FEI-Level Trainers Conference provides an ideal opportunity for dressage trainers and professionals from around the U.S. to gain fresh training insights and explore new teaching methods from top clinicians in the sport. And the 2026 USDF Trainers Conference, held on January 19 and 20 at the late Mary Anne McPhail’s scenic High Meadow Farm in Loxahatchee, Florida, didn’t disappoint!

This year, German dressage legends 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, partnered to headline the event.

Over the two-day conference, both Kemmer and Umbach emphasized the crucial importance of taking the time to instill the basics, especially with younger horses, to achieve and maintain the classical principles of dressage. The dynamic duo, who not only educated the audience but also entertained attendees with their humor and witty analogies, also stressed the importance of teaching horses how to stretch on a long rein while still maintaining a connection, as new tests will require more of this skill. Additionally, they encouraged riders and trainers to incorporate plenty of walk breaks throughout training sessions to ensure horses are relaxed in both their bodies and minds.

This year’s conference saw the following eight horse-and-rider combinations:

  • Lauren Chumley and Leeloo Dallas
  • Lehua Custer and Splendido
  • Emily Donaldson and Franco 32
  • Emily Donaldson and Supersonic
  • Charell Garcia & MW Virtuous
  • Maren Hanson & Ovation
  • Hannah Irons and Ein Traum
  • Sophia Schults and M. Revelation de Jus

In addition to its plethora of learning opportunities, the USDF Trainers Conference also gives us the chance to watch the beautiful equine athletes in action and behind-the-scenes’ glimpses of the special bonds the riders share with their dressage partners. Enjoy this inside look from the 2026 conference and be on the lookout for Kemmer and Umbach’s key takeaways from this year’s event.

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

Scenes from the 2026 USDF Trainers Conference

Hannah Irons, a USDF bronze and silver medalist, and E.T. returned to the USDF Trainers Conference after participating in last year’s event. ©Alana Harrison
USDF bronze and silver medalist Maren Hanson rode her own 8-year-old American Warmblood Ovation for the conference. ©Alana Harrison
Five-year-old Oldenburg stallion MW Virtuous, Charell Garcia’s partner for the conference, was quite vocal about the new experience. ©Alana Harrison
Franco 32, one of the two horses Emily Donaldson rode at this year’s USDF Trainers Conference, shares a quiet moment with his groom. ©Alana Harrison
We were thrilled to see E.T. sporting another unique hindquarter clip featuring musical notes and stars this year (last year’s clip included a moon). ©Alana Harrison
Emily Donaldson prepares to mount 7-year-old Supersonic, the first horse she rode at this year’s conference. ©Alana Harrison
Conference attendees share a laugh at one of clinician Heike Kemmer’s many humorous dressage analogies. ©Alana Harrison
Olympian Heike Kemmer, who partnered with renowned dressage judge Christof Umbach to headline this year’s conference, provided hands-on instruction throughout the event. ©Alana Harrison
Sophia Schults, who rode 8-year-old KWPM mare M. Revelation de Jus, poses with Micha Knol (left) and Lars Petersen of Helgstrand Dressage USA. ©Alana Harrison
USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist Lehua Custer and her team tend to 6-year-old Hanoverian gelding Splendido following their second session at the USDF Trainers Conference. ©Alana Harrison
Franco 32 stretches his legs after the trailer ride before getting tacked up for his and Emily Donaldson’s second session. ©Alana Harrison
Team Prac member Stephany Fish Crossman chats with her mentor international dressage trainer Kathy Connelly while waiting in line for lunch. ©Alana Harrison
Charell Garcia untacks a very sparkly MW Virtuous after their first session at the conference. ©Alana Harrison
Sophia Schults and M. Revelation de Jus, owned by Helgstrand Dressage, warm up before their first session with Kemmer and Umbach. ©Alana Harrison
Hannah Irons and E.T. work on improving their connection and impulsion at the trot during the conference. ©Alana Harrison
USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist Lauren Chumley, who rode KWPN Leeloo Dallas at the conference, chats with her frequent coach Michael Bragdell following her first session. ©Alana Harrison
Splendido hopes for a treat after he and Lehua Custer finished their second session at the conference. ©Alana Harrison
Even though E.T. worked in the dressage arena at High Meadow Farm last year, Hannah Irons familiarized him with it again before their first session. ©Alana Harrison
Emily Donaldson and Franco 32 warm up before their first session with Kemmer and Umbach. ©Alana Harrison
Our video team was back at High Meadow Farm this year to film every moment of the action. You’ll be able watch the full conference on Dressage Today+ soon! ©Alana Harrison
Maren Hanson, who won the Cynthia Aspden Youth and Young Adult Development Grant, works with Ovation during the second day. ©Alana Harrison
Maren Hanson receives instruction from Heike Kemmer as she and Ovation work on achieving a proper stretching position. ©Alana Harrison
Sophie Schults gives M. Revelation de Jus a big pat after a job well done during the second day of the conference. ©Alana Harrison
Hannah Irons and E.T. were first on deck for both days. Even though the mornings started out chilly, the Sunshine State delivered warmer temps by the afternoons. ©Alana Harrison
Sophia Schults checks in with M. Revelation de Jus following their second session at the conference, as she and Micha Knol of Helgstrand Dressage head back to the trailer. ©Alana Harrison
Hannah Irons and E.T. prepare to kick of the 2026 USDF Trainers Conference. ©Alana Harrison
Christof Umbach explains how position affects a horse’s movement to Maren Hanson. ©Alana Harrison
Emily Donaldson saddles Franco 32 for the second session at the conference. ©Alana Harrison
MW Virtuous watches the arena action as Charell Garcia prepares to mount for their first ride. ©Alana Harrison
Maren Hanson untacks Ovation after an excellent first session this year. ©Alana Harrison
Lauren Chumley, who specializes in developing young horses for dressage, shares a laugh-out-loud moment with Michael Bragdell as they wander back to the trailer after the first session. ©Alana Harrison
Frequent Dressage Today contributor Stephany Fish Crossman and Dressage Today Digital Managing Editor Alana Harrison pose for quick pic during the conference. ©Alana Harrison
Maren Hanson gives Ovation some love after their first ride. ©Alana Harrison

For More:

  • Learn more about the 2026 USDF Trainers Conference clinicians and participating horse-and-rider combinations here.
  • Watch the 2025 USDF Trainers Conference on Dressage Today+.
  • Coming soon: Watch the full conference for Kemmer and Umbach’s training exercises and top tips on Dressage Today+.
  • Learn more about all the benefits you’ll enjoy as a Dressage Today+ member—including free swag—for only $3.99 a month here!
  • Introducing Team Prac! Meet your new personal dressage trainers and learn how you can submit your training or riding questions here.