Happy 4th of July: How the USA Propels Its Future Stars to the Mondial du Lion

03Jul

On this American National Day, the eventing world is looking toward the future. As the road to the Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel 2026 (held from October 15 to 18) is officially underway, we focus on the American strategy to conquer the heart of Anjou: the prestigious Holekamp/Turner YEH Grant.

Paving a royal pathway to the highest level for young American horses is the sole objective of this unique program. To truly understand its impact, one only needs to look at the spectacular trajectory of its shining star: HSH Blake.

💫 HSH Blake: From Anjou to the Pinnacles of CCI5*

If you are looking for living proof that the American development circuit works, HSH Blake’s journey speaks for itself.

As the recipient of the Holekamp/Turner Grant in 2022, the gelding owned by Caroline Pamukcu, Sherrie Martin, and Molly Hoff made a lasting impression at Le Lion d’Angers, securing a magnificent 10th place in the 7-year-old World Championship and finishing brilliantly right on his dressage score (27.4).

Since that revelation on the tracks of L’Isle Briand, the superstar bred in Ireland by Justin Burke has been climbing the ranks at lightning speed under the saddle of Caroline Pamukcu:

  • 🥇 Winner of the 2023 Pan American Games.

  • 🇫🇷 Selected for the Paris Olympic Games.

  • 🥈 And just recently, in April 2026, an incredible 2nd place for his absolute debut at the CCI5-L in Lexington*, delivering a memorable double clear.

As we hope to see him in the upcoming selections for CHIO Aachen very soon, HSH Blake has definitively paved the way for the young American generation.

✈️ The Holekamp/Turner Grant: The USEA Springboard

Founded in 2015 by the late Timothy and Cheryl Holekamp (New Spring Farm), along with Christine and T.J. Turner (Indian Creek Farm), this USEA (United States Eventing Association) program provides crucial financial backing.

The highest-scoring 5-year-old from the American Championship (YEH) receives a cash grant ($17,500 for North American-bred horses, $8,000 for imported horses), complemented by a $10,000 flight credit provided by The Dutta Corp to cross the Atlantic at age 7. The only condition? The horse must be ridden by a U.S. citizen to defend the stud-book colors under the USEF banner.

🔮 2026 Edition: Four Contenders Already on Track

For this 2026 cycle, the USEA has just unveiled the list of contenders from the 5-year-old generation of 2024. While none have secured full FEI Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MER) qualifications just yet, four of them are already well on track:

  • 🔸 HSH Afterglow (Irish Sport Horse): Caroline Pamukcu’s newest prodigy! The East Coast 4-year-old Champion placed 6th overall as a 5-year-old and has already secured his CCI2*-L qualification in Ocala.

  • 🔸 Fary Prince (British Sport Horse): Ridden by Helen Alliston, finished 4th overall in the 5-year-old Championship and qualified at Galway Downs.

  • 🔸 MBF Braxy V (British Sport Horse): Under the saddle of Rebecca Braitling, qualified at Twin Rivers in April 2026.

  • 🔸 Darwinn (Holsteiner): Piloted by the legendary Phillip Dutton, who collected his qualification in the CCI3*-S at Tryon in May 2026.

Owners and riders have until September 1, 2026, to notify their intent to compete. One thing is certain: the American contingent promises to be formidable this autumn!

Happy 4th of July to all our American friends, and see you in October to experience the thrill of the Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel! 🎆