2026 PAEC General Assembly Targets Education and Modernization Across the Americas

What Happened

The Pan American Equestrian Confederation (PAEC) convened its 2026 General Assembly in Wellington, Florida, with representatives from 29 National Federations across the Americas. The two-day session, held February 25-26 at Wellington International, focused on a "unified regional commitment" to modernize the sport's infrastructure.

Key actions included the formal approval of revised statutes, review of 2026 financials, and updates on the newly launched PAEC Academy. The Academy, which debuted earlier this year, has provided professional development to 215 participants, advancing accessible official and rider education. Leaders also discussed qualification paths for the Pan American Games and the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic cycles.

Why It Matters

This assembly signifies tightening governance and a strong emphasis on "social license to operate" for riders and trainers. By aligning 26 nations in person and three via proxy, PAEC is creating a more standardized environment for international competition. This has practical implications for the community:

• Integrity and Clean Sport: With experts from the International Testing Agency (ITA) and USEF legal counsel, riders can expect more robust reporting systems and preventive education on anti-doping and athlete conduct.
• Educational Accessibility: The PAEC Academy's expansion offers more opportunities for trainers and officials to gain certifications and professional development regionally.
• Rule Modernization: Discussions on Dressage rule revisions and eventing development models aim to make equestrian disciplines more "publicly palatable" and sustainable long term.

Discipline Context

The assembly addressed specific strategic goals across several major disciplines:

• Dressage: A dedicated working group provided updates on rule revisions submitted to the FEI, focusing on horse wellbeing and public perception.
• Eventing: Discussions led by the 2028 Olympic course designer explored how emerging federations can build sustainable cross-country programs without prohibitive costs.
• Para-Equestrian: A renewed push aims to integrate Para-Dressage deeper into National Federation structures, focusing on classification and competition access ahead of the LA28 Paralympics.
• Jumping: Case studies on CSI competitions highlighted the need for professionalized event management and better pathways for developing athletes.

Quick Facts

• Governing Body: Pan American Equestrian Confederation (PAEC), recognized by the FEI and Panam Sports.
• Location: Wellington International, Wellington, FL.
• Key Leaders involved: PAEC President Cesar Hirsch, USEF Legal Counsel Sonja Keating, and USEF Director of Sport Hallye Griffin.
• Participation: 29 National Federations (26 in person, 3 by proxy).
• Main Themes: Education, horse wellbeing, para-equestrian inclusion, and institutional transparency.

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