2026 International Saddle Seat World Cup Team Trials Application Now Available
Monday, July 28, 2025
The 2026 International Saddle Seat Equitation Association (ISSEA) World Cup Competition, presented by United States Saddle Seat Association (USSSA) will be held in Shelbyville, KY June 29, 2026- July 2, 2026.
USSSA is excited to open the application process for the US team trials for the event. USSSA will field a team of twelve (12), six three-gaited riders and six five-gaited riders for the event.
Team trails will take place at William Woods University in Fulton, MO November 21 and 22, 2025.
2026 Application Here.
Applications will be accepted until September 1. Selectors will review the applications and notice will be provided to all applicants by September 12.
Fifteen (15) three gaited and Fifteen (15) five gaited applicants will be selected to attend the trials.
The trials will consist of the following:
1. Riders will be required to arrive on Friday, November 21 for check-in
2. Riders will draw from a pool of horses the morning of November 22
3. Riders will compete on two horses executing both rail and pattern work shortly after the draw
4. Riders must attend the celebration and announcement of team members the evening of November 22
To apply for the Trials:
1. In order to apply applicants must be 14 or older as of January 1, 2025.
2. Applicants will be required to submit a short video link (2-5 minutes) showcasing riding abilities for the selectors to view.
3. Applicants will be required to pay a $250 application fee
4. Applicants who are selected will agree that if they are selected for the Trials, they are prepared to be committed to pay the team participation fee of $3,000 should they make the team. This covers hotel, meals, transportation during the event and team apparel, but does not cover ceremony attire and/or flight/transportation to the event in US.
During the Trials:
1. Riders will be provided information about the horses they have drawn to ride in the trials
2. Riders' instructors/coaches may attend the trials to provide assistance to their riders
3. Riders will have 10 minutes warm-up before rail work
4. Riders will be required to bring their own saddles and any other materials used to prepare for competing
5. Rider attire will consist of solid color informal suits (no day coats and suits must be full matching suits) and derby
Riders who make the team:
1. Riders who make the team will be asked to purchase ceremony attire (link will be provided by US Saddle Seat Association)
2. Riders will be provided team apparel
3. Rider attire for competing in the World Cup will consist of a solid color informal suit and derby
4. Riders who make the team will be asked to room with another team member during the practices and event.
5. Riders who make the team must be available for a team practice. Riders may also be asked by their coaches to provide status updates and videos of practicing prior to the event.
6. Riders will be transported by bus (coaches driving) at the event, but will need to get to/from the event hotel on their own .
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