The Mane Attraction

Six riders to watch at the 2026 Tournament of Champions

June to September, the grounds at Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS) are bustling with horses, riders, trainers, events, food trucks, shopping, and competition. From discovering the world of horses for the very first time to watching Olympians compete at the highest level, TCHS makes equestrian sport accessible to all.

“At TCHS we believe there is something magical here for everyone and we want to make sure they all have an incredible experience,” says Gary Howe, TCHS director of marketing and communications. “From a child learning how to ride a pony to hosting the world’s number one, who was here in June, we want everyone who steps on our grounds to feel a sense of pride to have this level of equestrian sport right in our own backyard.”

Howe encourages locals to take advantage of spectating, giveaways, meet and greets, and exploring the grounds, especially as the season comes to an end after a busy summer. Sept. 2-20 is the final stretch of competition for TCHS, also known as the Tournament of Champions.

Sept. 2-6 is the Traverse City Fall Silver Oak Jumper Tournament; Sept. 9-13 is the Traverse City Fall International; and Sept. 16-20 is the American Gold Cup to end the 2026 season. Between the three Tournament of Champions events, there are hundreds of thousands of dollars up for grabs for some of the world’s best equestrian riders and horses.

If this is your first time spectating the Tournament of Champions or you’re wondering who to keep an eye on this year, here are the top six riders and horses as recommended by Howe. Outside of the six riders featured, Howe also recommends watching Daniel Bluman, Abdel Said, and Lillian Keenan, three competitors he is confident will also have a great run at the 2026 Tournament of Champions.

Kent Farrington & Greya | USA #1

This is the pair everyone will be watching. Farrington, a seasoned Olympian and Pan American gold medalist who has held the World No. 1 position for much of 2026, swept both five-star grand prix weekends in Traverse City last year aboard Greya, his elite partner who is arguably the best horse in the world. Farrington is a fierce winner and nearly impossible to beat on any of his horses, but if he returns with Greya this September, they’ll undoubtedly be the team everyone is trying to top.

Shane Sweetnam | Ireland #3

One of Ireland’s most accomplished international riders, Sweetnam is a familiar face in Traverse City and a consistent contender in the sport’s biggest classes. Known for his experience and precision, he’s always a threat in five-star competition, especially on his top horses who bring their own competitive edge. He has a history of being unbeatable in the annual American Gold Cup, and he will be fresh off an FEI World Championship appearance, returning to Traverse City to keep up his winning ways.

McLain Ward | USA #12

A six-time Olympian and one of the most decorated riders in U.S. show jumping history, McLain Ward has earned Olympic and World Championship gold medals, FEI World Cup victories, and countless international grand prix wins. His experience, precision, and competitive drive have made him one of the sport’s most recognizable and respected athletes. Ward has a way of keeping his cool under extreme pressure situations, like being the tiebreaking rider to decide team gold at the 2018 World Championships. Put this man under pressure, and he will deliver. He’s the rider you always want on your team and the rider you always want to root for.

Karl Cook & Caracole de la Roque | USA #29

Olympian Karl Cook and his remarkable mare, Caracole de la Roque, are one of the world’s premier horse-and-rider partnerships. Together they helped earn team silver for the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics and have become known for their fearless style, speed, and consistency at the sport’s highest level. When Cook is in the ring with Caracole de la Roque, they’re always among the favorites. It helps that the horse wants to win just as badly as Cook, who might want it more than anyone else out there.

Erynn Ballard | Canada #30

Ballard is as enjoyable to talk to as she is to watch in the ring, though for completely different reasons. As a friend outside the ring, she turns into elite athlete mode as soon as she hears the start buzzer. As a Canadian Olympian and one of the world’s top international riders, Ballard brings experience, consistency, and a competitive edge to every class. Her positive attitude, outgoing personality, and love for every horse makes her an incredible addition to the sport, and Traverse City Horse Shows is lucky to consider her a regular every season.

Charlotte Jacobs | USA #48

Jacobs is truly on a roll. As a younger athlete with an impressive group of horses, she enters the fall season with momentum after winning back-to-back grand prix titles during the Traverse City Spring Series. She has poured time, devotion, and passion into each one of her horses, allowing them to progress on their own timelines, and as a result, she’s turned them all into winners. Another rider from a lineage of impressive horsemen, with her father Lou Jacobs representing the United States at the highest level, she’ll be a safe one to bet on as the level of competition reaches its peak.

A wide range of tickets and packages are available for Tournament of Champions, and revenue from GA ticket sales will be donated to Traverse City-area nonprofits. To view the full schedule and learn more about Traverse City Horse Shows and the Tournament of Champions, visit traversecityhorseshows.com.

Pictured: Kent Farrington on Greya. Photo courtesy of Traverse City Horse Shows.

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