6 US Horses to Follow in 2026
From young stars to comeback stories, here are the American horses to keep your eyes on this season.
Between the US Equestrian Open Series, the FEI World Championships in Aachen, and a growing class of talented young horses, there’s no shortage of stories to follow as we build towards LA28.
Here are six US horses turning heads in 2026.
1. Jaguars Duende
Age: 10 | Level: Just moved up to 4*
Rider & Owner: Sharon White
Why Watch: One of the most exciting horses yet to fully break through. With two 4* shorts already under her belt—second in Ocala, first in Tryon—Jaguar’s Duende has built a near-perfect international record. Out of 14 international starts, Jags has never finished outside the top five.
Why Now: After not being seen since May 2025, Jags is back and already winning at national level. Expect a big step into the 4* season.
Listen to Sharon White talk about Jaguars Duende on the US Equestrian Open Podcast last year here.
2. Rockett 19
Age: 11 | Level: Established at 3*, watch for their move up to 4*
Rider: Alyssa Phillips
Owner: Julie and Alyssa Phillips
Why Watch: Rockett 19 is already an eye-catcher on the flat, but it’s his record with Alyssa that’s turning heads - two wins (with a dressage score as low as 22.3!) and a second-place finish in the CCI3*-L at Maryland last autumn. Formerly ridden by Louise Romeike, this horse has the look and results of a future star.
Why Now: He’s right at the age sweet spot. The competitive 11-year-olds in 2026 are your LA prospects. If Rockett adapts well to 4*, he could be a serious contender for not only championship teams but titles.
3. Diabolo
Age: 14 | Level: 4*
Rider: Will Coleman
Owner: Diabolo Group
Why Watch: A Kentucky 4*-S winner in 2024, Diabolo missed most of 2025 but returned at the end of the year with a bang: a 26.1 dressage and double clear to win the CCI4*-S at TerraNova. His form is elite, and he’s experienced on the tough US tracks.
Why Now: This is his time. He’s Will’s middle horse between rising stars and veterans like Off The Record. If Will wants options for World Champs selection, Diabolo has to deliver in early 2026.
4. HSH Sebastian (Formerly MBF Silver Bridge)
Age: 9 | Level: Established at 3*, watch for their move up to 4*
Rider: Caroline Pamukcu
Owner: Gayle Davis, Sherrie Martin, and Caroline Pamukcu
Why Watch: Quietly one of the most consistent 3* performers of 2025, this young horse is now ready for its 4* debut. Never out of the 20s on the flat, top-10 finishes in all but one event last year, and a clear path to 4* level in 2026. He was originally sourced in Ireland by Caroline’s longtime business partner Kelly Hutchinson, who had a personal connection to the horse’s sire, Savano. Seb was bred with scope and stamina in mind - traits that are now being matched by growing confidence and class.
Why Now: Caroline Pamukcu is an expert at producing young superstars and managing their step up to the 4* level - just look at HSH Blake. Expect Seb to follow a similar path and become a regular on the US Equestrian Open circuit.
"When we first got him, he would stop at a cross rail and be really nervous to jump anything and now I feel like this horse would jump through fire for me. I think the feeling that he gives me is that he could be a proper five-star horse. So that's what we're all getting excited about. We're trying not to put the cart before the horse, but we're thinking big picture with him. Ideally this year, we would like to get him really established at the three-star level and then look at doing a four-star move up."
5. MBF Party Time
Age: 9 | Level: 3* | Based: UK (with Tim & Jonelle Price)
Rider & Owner: Cosby Green
Why Watch: 5th at Le Lion d’Angers in the 7yo World Championship in October, this horse looked spectacular in all three phases - especially the cross-country. Cosby has been building experience in the UK, and this is one of the best young horses in her string.
Why Now: With the Under-25 World Championships off the table, all eyes are now on her senior team trajectory. Expect her to target this horse at Blenheim or Boekelo towards the end of the year. Get to know the name now.
6. Conner
Age: 9 | Level: Established at 3*
Rider: Isabelle Bosley
Owner: Karen Martin
Why Watch: Winner of the CCI3*-L at Maryland 2025 which was the highest rated performance from US 7–10 year olds last year. Out of 8 international wins, he has had four wins. A super mover on the flat, Conner has never been out of the 20s in dressage.
Why Now: With backing from the Bruce Duchossois legacy grant, a brilliant mentor in Phillip Dutton, and a horse like Conner, this is a team going places fast.
"The 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games could be a possibility, but if not, then the Games after that. I’d also love to get on other U.S. teams. The sky is the limit with him and, under Phillip, we’re in the best place to get there. Coupled with this grant to help support us, it’s all so exciting. Even though I have all these big goals, I’m still mindful to put Conner first every day. Sometimes the slower route gets you there quicker. Hopefully, we will move up to the advanced level this year, and then maybe set some overseas goals after that.”
Listen to the Eventing Podcast episode now.
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