TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published May 15, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
Four U.S. athlete/horse combinations have been selected to contest the FEI Eventing Nations Cup at Bicton in England as part of a high-performance development initiative funded by the USET Foundation.
What Happened
US Equestrian (USEF) has named four athlete/horse combinations for the 2026 USEF Eventing European Development Tour. This squad will represent the Defender U.S. Eventing Team at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Bicton CCIO4*-NC-S in Devon, England, from May 27-31, 2026.
Chef d’Equipe Leslie Law will guide the selected team:
- Tommy Greengard (Petaluma, Calif.) and That’s Me Z, a 2017 Zangersheide gelding.
- Quidley Kellermann (Wimberley, Texas) and Blakeneys Cruise, a 2017 Irish Sport Horse gelding.
- Allie Knowles (Lexington, Ky.) and Montpellier Scais, a 2017 Anglo European Sport Horse gelding.
- Cassie Sanger (Wilmington, Del.) and Fernhill Zoro, a 2008 Anglo European Sport Horse gelding.
Allie Knowles is also listed as an alternate with Leo Santos, alongside Jenny Caras and Sommersby.
Why It Matters
The European Development Tour is crucial for American riders transitioning to the elite international stage. Competing in a European Nations Cup provides exposure to team formats and the challenges of overseas cross-country courses. The USET Foundation, through the Karen E. Stives Endowment Grant, funds the tour, offsetting significant international travel and competition costs. This support allows talented combinations to gain vital experience. This initiative demonstrates USEF’s commitment to building sustainable success by investing in the next generation of high-performance athletes.
Discipline Context
This initiative specifically targets Eventing and its "High Performance Pathway." The inclusion of several 2017 vintage horses highlights a focus on developing younger equine talent for future World Championships or Olympic cycles. This tour enables the federation to evaluate how these younger horses and their riders manage the logistical and competitive demands of a major British four-star event. The event will be available for U.S. fans via ClipMyHorse.TV, with the cross-country phase concluding the competition for the American squad.
Riders who want to talk this through with others can join TurnoutHQ community groups.