Equestrian Australia has named a six-rider squad for the upcoming CSIO4* Wellington Nations Cup in Florida. The event, part of the Winter Equestrian Festival, runs from February 24 to March 1, 2026. Performances in preliminary classes will help select the final team for the $150,000 FEI Nations Cup on February 28.
The CSIO4* Wellington Nations Cup takes place during week eight of the Winter Equestrian Festival at Wellington International in Wellington, Florida, USA. Several CSIO warm-up classes will precede the main $150,000 FEI Nations Cup on Saturday evening, February 28, 2026.
The announced squad includes experienced riders with strong recent form. Lauren Balcomb partners with the 14-year-old Verdini d’Houtveld Z (Verdi Tn x Caretino 2), a combination that recently won a $120,000 CSI3* Grand Prix in Ocala.
Thaisa Erwin enters two horses: her Paris Olympic partner, the 13-year-old KWPN mare Hialita B (Emerald x Vaillant), co-owned by Michael Smith, and the 10-year-old KWPN mare Koberlina TN (Eldorado Vd Zeshoek Tn x Verdi TN).
Olympian Hilary Scott, who has had recent success in Florida with Oaks Milky Way, will ride the nine-year-old KWPN mare Lola (VDL Cardento 933 x Otangelo), owned by Alice Cameron.
Jamie Winning-Kermond and the 11-year-old Australian-bred mare Tulara WAT Colblensky (Colman x Cornet Obolensky) recently placed fourth in a $215,000 CSI4* Grand Prix in Wellington, building their international record.
Olympian Matt Williams will compete on the eight-year-old Westphalian stallion For George (For Pleasure x Lord Z Z). Meanwhile, 21-year-old Maleah Lang-McMahon rides the 12-year-old Holsteiner mare Elalisa (Colman x Con Air 7).
Results from the lead-up classes are expected to determine the key team for the Nations Cup. Draws and results will be available on Wellington International’s results page, with live coverage on ClipMyHorse.TV.