The 2026 Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final combinations got a chance to experience the full arena set-up on Wednesday in Dickies Arena with the official dressage familiarization. Sixteen horse-and-rider pairs came into the arena in groups of five or six for 45 minutes of schooling in the atmosphere before tomorrow’s Grand Prix. Several riders were welcomed into the ring with applause from the group of spectators in attendance for the session. The riders were also appreciative of the support from the spectators, often waving as they exited the arena.

The First Group Into the Arena

The first group consisted of Ben Ebeling (USA) and Bellena, Alexa Fairchild (BEL) and Fairplay, Serena Ireland (AUS) and Royalty R, Bettina Kendlbacher (AUT) and Broadmoars Don Alfredo AWO and Julio Mendoza Loor (ECU) and Jewel’s Goldstrike. Ebeling performed various trot and canter work with Bellena, taking walk breaks on a long rein that demonstrated the mare’s relaxation despite the big occasion. After working in the dressage arena, Mendoza Loor walked Jewel’s Goldstrike around the decorations and broadcast cameras to get him completely comfortable in the environment.

Ben Ebeling’s Bellena shines in the main arena. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Julio Mendoza Loor (ECU) walked Jewel’s Goldstrike near broadcast cameras during the official dressage familiarization. ©Amy K. Dragoo

Next up, the Second Group

Morgan Barbançon (FRA) and Sir Donnerhall II OLD, Kevin Kohmann (USA) and Duenensee, Becky Moody (GBR) and Jagerbomb, Moritz Treffinger (GER) and Fiderdance and Justina Vanagaite-Samuile (LTU) and Nabab were the second group of competitors into the arena. During his ride, Treffinger did 10-meter circles in the corners before practicing tempi changes across the diagonal. Vanagaite-Samuile worked on a shoulder-in to haunches-in to passage exercise down the long side with Nabab.

Justina Vanagaite-Samuile (LTU) converses with fans as she walks by with Nabab. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Becky Moody (GBR) and Jagerbomb perform a trot half-pass during their session. ©Amy K. Dragoo

The Final Group

The third group consisted of Patrik Kittel (SWE) and Touchdown, Raphael Netz (GER) and DSP Dieudonne, Yessin Rahmouni (MAR) and Kind of Magic, Christian Simonson (USA) and Indian Rock, Sandra Sysojeva (POL) and Maxima Bella and Thamar Zweistra (NED) and Kingsdale. Simonson and Indian Rock got applause entering and exiting the arena, and they put on a lovely show with powerful trot and canter work. After a strong canter pirouette, Kittel profusely patted Touchdown during a walk break before more schooling work. Netz punctuated his ride by dismounting after a quiet halt with immobility at X at the end of his ride with DSP Dieudonne.

Christian Simonson (USA) pats Indian Rock at the end of their ride while coach Adrienne Lyle walks with them. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Thamar Zweistra (NED) and Kingsdale school in the arena while their supporters look on. ©Amy K. Dragoo

For More:

  • For more of our coverage of the 2026 Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final, click here.
  • To check out the event website, click here.
  • To view the event schedule, click here.  
  • To buy tickets for the event, click here.
  • To check results once the competition gets underway, click here.
  • Watch the 2026 FEI World Cup™ Finals live stream on FEI.TV.

Thanks to Zoetis for our coverage of the 2026 FEI World Cup Finals. It includes lead-up events, rider interviews, competition reports, photos and more.