TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published April 28, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
Jacob Arnold and Jazandro G.T. secured the Advanced Single Horse National title, while US Equestrian made history by crowning its first-ever Youth National Champion in Ocala.
What Happened
The spring 2026 combined driving season saw significant growth and competition, highlighted by Jacob Arnold (Paris, Ky.) and Jazandro G.T. securing the USEF Combined Driving National Championship for Advanced Single Horses. They achieved a score of 139.10 at the Katydid CDE in Tryon, N.C., marking their first national title together, ahead of reserve champions Leslie Berndl and Impressive.
Historically, the sport also crowned its first-ever USEF Combined Driving Youth National Champion at Live Oak International in Ocala, Fla. Sarah Batstone-Roberts earned this inaugural honor with her Chincoteague Pony gelding, Winston. At the same event, veteran driver Chester Weber continued his success by claiming another Advanced Four-In-Hand National Championship.
US Equestrian (USEF) also launched several initiatives. These include the new Chef d’Equipe Apprentice Program, designed to cultivate future international team leadership, and opening bid applications for the 2027 National Championships.
Why It Matters
The introduction of a dedicated Youth National Championship marks a pivotal development for combined driving. This high-profile platform for young drivers addresses the sport's long-term sustainability by encouraging junior participation in a discipline that has historically attracted older amateurs and professionals.
Furthermore, the Chef d’Equipe Apprentice Program indicates a strategic move towards professionalizing support staff for U.S. teams, suggesting a more robust pathway for international representation. For competition organizers, opening 2027 bid applications and aligning with FEI calendar windows (closing July 1, 2026) allows for enhanced long-term planning and financial stability for venues.
Discipline Context
Combined driving, often likened to equestrian eventing, comprises three phases: dressage, marathon, and cones. The recent championships featured three distinct categories: Single Horse, Four-in-Hand, and Youth. USEF's current focus on grant funding for licensed officials and competition organizers aims to reduce barriers to hosting these complex, three-day events.
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