The Americas Unite, a Championship Begins: Announcing the Inaugural FEI PAEC Championship of the Americas

Ocala, FL – The inaugural Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) Pan American Equestrian Confederation (PAEC) Championship of the Americas, a three-discipline event for jumping, dressage, and eventing, will be held from January 21-31, 2027, at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC).

US Equestrian (USEF) will serve as the host national federation, WEC as the organizing committee, and PAEC as a major organizer of the FEI PAEC Championship of the Americas. This standalone competition will bring together the 30 countries in the Americas. All competition will take place at WEC, except for the eventing cross-country phase, which will be held at the nearby Florida Horse Park. The event will run concurrently with weeks III and IV of WEC’s 2027 Winter Spectacular Show Series in order to leverage existing infrastructure at the popular winter destination.

“The ‘Championship’ was created to provide more opportunities for riders across the Americas, grow the sport, and build a structured pathway for athletes,” said PAEC President Cesar Hirsch. “The idea was a continuation of PAEC’s mission of supporting and growing equestrian sport from the grassroots to the elite level.”

Every nation in the Americas can benefit from the Championship. The PAEC board believes that the Championship will provide countries with a valuable opportunity to showcase emerging talent and support the development of the next generation of athletes or could serve as a platform for countries to field their top athletes and refine preparation ahead of major championships such as the Pan American Games.

“PAEC aims serve all of the countries in the Americas with this landmark event, no matter the extent of their high performance program. We want to build a legacy,” expressed Hirsch.

“This event is a great example of quick action and collaboration undertaken to establish the FEI PAEC Championship of the Americas. This concept has been long overdue but is finally coming to fruition due to exemplary cooperation and coordination among the FEI, USEF, PAEC, and, of course, WEC, whose team set out to offer support, resolve issues, and ensure a viable championship for the future,” said US Equestrian President Tom O’Mara. “It will be a great addition to athlete pathways across all of the Americas and will sync nicely with the Pan American Games going forward.”

Hirsch and PAEC approached USEF for assistance with the event, knowing that the ideal venue for it was WEC – Ocala, which runs numerous USEF licensed competitions across the breeds and disciplines throughout the year.

WEC Senior Director of Equine Operations Tom Hern noted, “We are thrilled to host the inaugural FEI PAEC Championship of the Americas. WEC was purpose-built to hold the best equestrian competition in the world, and it is an honor to welcome athletes to our facility for the first time.”

The Championship will feature jumping at the 1.45m-1.50m level, and dressage will be contested as a hybrid of Small Tour and Big Tour combinations. Eventing will be held at the 2*-S level. Countries may field teams of up to five athletes, including one reserve, in all three disciplines. Qualification is based on the Minimum Eligibility Requirements, and team and individual medals will be awarded in each discipline at the only FEI medal championship for senior teams in the Americas.

Founded in 2001, PAEC is the official continental authority recognized by the FEI, Panam Sports, and major sports associations. The board includes Hirsch, USEF President and Group IV Representative Tom O’Mara, FEI Group IV Chair Monique Archer (BAR), FEI Group V Chair Daniela Garcia Nigaglioni (MEX), FEI Group VI Representative Luiz Roberto Giugni (BRA), FEI Group VI Chair Esteban Abedrabbo (ECU), and Athlete Representative Tiffany Foster (CAN).

Jaime Morillo (ECU), who is part of the FEI Solidarity Program to promote and develop sustainable and structured equestrian culture and sport worldwide, is the PAEC Sport Development Officer, while Elena Couttenye (VEN) is the Games & Championships Coordinator at PAEC.

The vision for the FEI PAEC Championship of the Americas is to be a quadrennial event, with plans to add disciplines such as para dressage and vaulting in the future. The inaugural edition will be held in the same year as the 2027 Pan American Games to immediately expand competitive and preparatory opportunities for athletes across the Americas. After the 2027 edition, the Championship will enter its regular four-year cycle, with the next event scheduled for 2029.

The strategic objective is for the Championship to become an established qualification pathway for the Pan American Games, alongside the various Regional Championships. This framework ensures continuity of high-level competition across the region and provides National Federations with a predictable pathway for athlete development and planning.

The event will be livestreamed on the WEC website, ClipMyHorse, and the Panam Sports Channel.

Further information regarding schedule, officials, and format will be announced soon. For more information on PAEC, visit PAECEquestrian.com. Information on WEC can be found at WEC.net. For more information on US Equestrian, please visit USEF.org.

About World Equestrian Center 

Named one of TIME’s 2024 World’s Greatest Places, World Equestrian Center features two premier equestrian and multidisciplinary venues in Ocala, Florida, and Wilmington, Ohio.

These exclusive facilities comprise state-of-the-art arenas, expansive stadiums, versatile outdoor space, sporting fields and well-appointed exposition centers. An abundance of lodging options and luxury accommodations are conveniently located on-site, along with shopping and dining throughout each property.

Dedicated to offering great sport and good fun in a family-friendly environment, World Equestrian Center promises an unparalleled experience for exhibitors, spectators, vendors, sponsors and retailers built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction.

Learn more at wec.net.

About US Equestrian

The United States Equestrian Federation (US Equestrian) is the national governing body for equestrian sport and its mission is to provide access to and increase participation in equestrian sports at all levels by ensuring fairness, safety, and enjoyment. Since its creation in 2003, US Equestrian has been bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible. US Equestrian trains, selects, and funds the United States Equestrian Team, which consistently wins medals at the highest level of international competition, including the Olympic Games.

About Pan American Equestrian Confederation

The Pan American Equestrian Confederation (PAEC) represents National Equestrian Federations across the Americas, serving as the official regional body recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and Panam Sports. PAEC promotes governance, development, and structured regional cooperation to advance equestrian sport and safeguard horse wellbeing throughout the continent.