Edited Press Release
June 17, 2024 – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the athlete-and-horse combinations selected to represent the Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team at CHIO Aachen to compete in the Nations Cup CDIO5*. The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Christine Traurig and Team Leader Laura Roberts.
In 2024, the United States will be the “Host country” for the greatest horse show in the world. Opening ceremonies on July 2 will be a gala affair with an “all-American” theme.
The following combinations have been selected to represent the Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team and are listed alphabetically.
- Anna Buffini (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.) and Fiontini, her own 2010 Danish Warmblood (Fassbinder x Rapitala) mare cared for by Michael Hernandez
- Anna Marek (Dunnellon, Fla.) and Fire Fly, a 2010 KWPN (Briar Junior x Arieka) gelding owned by Janet Simile and cared for by Katherine Esterline
- Marcus Orlob (Wellington, Fla.) and Jane, a 2014 Dutch Warmblood (Desperado x Zandra) mare owned and cared for by Alice Tarjan
- Endel Ots (Wellington, Fla.) and Zen Elite’s Bohemian, a 2010 Westphalian (Bordeaux x Sunshine) gelding owned by Zen Elite Equestrian Center and cared for by Caroline Hoerdum
Steffen Peters (San Diego, Calif.) and Suppenkasper, a 2008 KWPN gelding (Spielberg x Upanoeska) owned by Four Winds Farm and Akiko Yamazaki and cared for by Eddie Garcia, will also represent the U.S. Dressage program as individuals in the CDI4*.
Two young riders will contest the CDIY led by USEF Youth Coach George Williams. Alicia Berger (Chicago, Ill.) will compete in Aqua Marin, a 2011 Oldenburg (Ampere x Stedinger Heide) gelding owned by Alicia Berger and Marianne Berger and cared for by Maria Force, while Kat Fuqua (Atlanta, Ga.) will pilot Dreamgirl, her own 2008 Dutch Warmblood (Spielberg x U-Vira) mare cared for by Jose Escobedo.
Competition Information
CHIO Aachen will officially begin on June 28, 2024, with dressage competition on Wednesday, July 3, and the CDI4* and the CDIO5* beginning on Thursday, July 4. The CDIO5* will feature all three tests: the FEI Grand Prix, the FEI Grand Prix Special, and the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle. The final team awards will be awarded on Saturday, July 6.
