Marcus Orlob riding Jane and Christian Simonson on Indian Rock have been selected for the US Elite Program in dressage, marking the first additions in three years. The announcement coincides with their career-high world rankings of 18th and 9th, respectively. This update highlights growing momentum in American dressage following the program's recent revival.
The United States Equestrian Federation has elevated two rider-horse combinations to its Elite Program, the highest tier in the US Pathway Programs for dressage. Marcus Orlob from Loxahatchee, Florida, paired with the 12-year-old mare Jane—owned by Alice Tarjan—earned spots through consistent high scores. They achieved 75.979% in a Grand Prix Special on January 24 and 74.681% two weeks prior, meeting the program's requirement of two scores of at least 74% at CDI Grand Prix or Special levels.
Similarly, Christian Simonson, based in Wellington, Florida, and the 13-year-old stallion Indian Rock, owned by Zen Elite Equestrian Center, secured their elite status with scores of 76.043% in a Grand Prix on January 8 and 74.804% at the TerraNova event near Sarasota on October 17. These performances propelled Simonson to No. 9 in the world rankings and Orlob to 18th, their best ever.
The Elite Program had no entrants since 2022, but the Pathway Programs were reintroduced last year after a hiatus prompted by the retirement of several top American horses. In a related move, Kasey Perry-Glass from Wellington on the 12-year-old Heartbeat W.P. advanced to the Pre-Elite category, which requires scores of at least 71%. She now joins Anna Marek from Dunnellon, Florida, on Fayvel, and Endel Ots from Wellington on Zen Elite’s Bohemian at that level.
Christine Traurig, the US Federation's chef d'equipe and technical advisor, expressed enthusiasm about the developments. “I’m thrilled with the updates to our program lists, and I feel we have some exciting momentum we can continue to build on as we move through the year,” she said. Traurig added, “With two of our combinations meeting the criteria for the Elite list, it’s a testament to the work, training, and collaboration, which has been so inspiring over the past few months and I’m really looking forward to what we have ahead.”
This recognition underscores a resurgence in US dressage, positioning these athletes for international competitions ahead.
