TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published September 3, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
All three horses for the Defender U.S. Driving Team passed the initial inspection, clearing the way for competition to begin at the 2026 FEI Driving World Championship for Single Horses in Germany.
What Happened
The Defender U.S. Driving Team has successfully cleared the first major hurdle of the 2026 FEI Driving World Championship for Single Horses. On September 1, all three American horses passed the initial horse inspection in Munich, Germany, confirming their fitness for the rigorous week of competition ahead.
Representing the United States are:
- Tracy Bowman (Martinez, Calif.) with Albrecht’s Hoeve’s Lars, a 2009 Welsh gelding.
- Andrew Marcoux (Bellingham, Mass.) with Loretta, a 2014 Dutch Harness horse owned by Kathy and Tara Devine.
- Marianna Yeager (Alachua, Fla.) with M.V.A. Famtijn, a 2015 KWPN gelding owned by Kami Landy.
The team is supported by Chef d’Equipe Marcie Quist, Team Leader Steven Morrissey, and Team Veterinarian Dr. Crystal Riczu. The championship is being held at the Olympia-Reitanlage München-Riem, a historic venue in the heart of Bavaria.
Why It Matters
The "jog," or horse inspection, is a critical welfare checkpoint in international FEI competition. For the U.S. team, passing all horses on the first attempt is a testament to the conditioning programs and long-distance travel management employed by the athletes and veterinary staff.
For the U.S. driving community, this championship represents the pinnacle of the single-horse discipline. Unlike pair or four-in-hand driving, the single horse category highlights the intense, singular bond between one equine athlete and their driver. A successful showing in Munich signals the continued growth and competitiveness of the American driving program on the global stage, where European nations have traditionally dominated.
For riders and owners back home, the inclusion of diverse breeds, ranging from a Welsh gelding to a Dutch Harness horse, underscores the versatility required at the elite level of this sport.
Competition Context
The 2026 FEI Driving World Championship for Single Horses follows the traditional three-phase format, mirroring the structure of ridden eventing:
- Dressage (Sept 3-4): Focuses on precision, rhythm, and the horse’s willingness to work with the driver.
- Marathon (Sept 5): The highlight for many spectators, testing stamina and agility through complex hazards.
- Cones (Sept 6): A final test of fitness and accuracy where drivers navigate a narrow course of obstacles within a set time.
Medals will be awarded for both individual performance and overall team standings at the conclusion of the cones phase on Sunday.
Discipline Context
Driving remains one of the most technical disciplines under the FEI umbrella. The "Single Horse" category is particularly significant as it serves as an entry point for many competitive drivers while maintaining a high ceiling for elite performance. The success of the Defender U.S. Driving Team in Munich impacts the broader U.S. community by providing visibility to the sport and encouraging investment in high-performance driving horses and training.
Quick Facts
- Event: 2026 FEI Driving World Championship for Single Horses
- Location: Munich, Germany (Olympia-Reitanlage München-Riem)
- Dates: September 1, 6, 2026
- Governing Body: FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sports) / US Equestrian
- U.S. Chef d’Equipe: Marcie Quist
- Phase Start Times: 9:00 a.m. local time (3:00 a.m. ET) daily from Sept 3-6.
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