The 2026 United States Grand Prix Championships will take place at the World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Ocala, Florida, from May 13-17, serving as a standalone national event crucial for selecting the U.S. team for the World Championships in Aachen, Germany, three months later. US Equestrian emphasized the importance of hosting the championship in a setting that mirrors the World Championships, with top competitors judged under consistent conditions to best prepare for Aachen. The event will showcase elite American dressage athletes and attract spectators, supported by WEC’s world-class facilities.

Qualification for the championship begins September 1, 2025, requiring competitors to earn scores at FEI CDI3* or higher events, with 25 qualifying competitions scheduled across the U.S. through early May 2026. Most qualifiers will be held in Florida, with others in California, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Texas. The World Championships in Aachen will also serve as a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, though the U.S. is already automatically qualified as the host nation.