USET Foundation’s ‘Aachen’ Benefit Gala Raises $1.2 Million

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation’s benefit gala, “Aachen,” raised nearly $1.2 million in support of U.S. equestrian sport ahead of the 2026 FEI World Championships, which will be held at one of the world’s most revered equestrian venues in Aachen, Germany.

Held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at USET Foundation Trustee Rowan O’Riley’s ROasis Riding Oasis in Wellington, Florida, the event brought together members of the equestrian and philanthropic communities for an evening dedicated to advancing and honoring U.S. excellence on horse sport’s greatest international stages.

Guests enjoyed a night of celebration that included an authentic German-themed cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, and a highly anticipated live auction, with proceeds directly benefiting the USET Foundation’s mission to provide critical resources for US Equestrian (USEF) High Performance Programs and U.S. equestrian athletes and horses.

The benefit’s live auction featured an exclusive curated lineup of sought-after experiences and one-of-a-kind items that garnered enthusiastic bids in support of U.S. equestrian teams. A standout moment was the bidding for a stay at the luxury Mexican retreat Casa de Casas, donated by the Casas family, which was sold twice, generating significant excitement among the attendees.

Additional auction offerings included the opportunity to own a piece of equestrian history with a 2024 Paris Olympic jump, as well as VIP hospitality packages at major upcoming jumping competitions and the FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany, this summer. The evening also featured a truly unique collectible — a Fender guitar donated by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa and signed by Springsteen — which drew spirited bidding and added to the night’s celebratory momentum.

“Sustaining competitive excellence at the highest levels of equestrian sport requires hard work, unwavering commitment, and meaningful resources,” said USET Foundation Chairman, President, and CEO Kristi Mitchem. “Unlike many other countries, the United States does not receive government funding for equestrian sport. Our teams rely largely on support from the USET Foundation and our dedicated donors. We are tremendously grateful for the generosity shown at this year’s benefit, which raised nearly $1.2 million for the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen and U.S. equestrian programs.”

The USET Foundation’s prestigious annual awards were also presented during the gala. Akiko Yamazaki received the 2026 R. Bruce Duchossois Distinguished Trustee Award; the 2026 Whitney Stone Cup was awarded to U.S. jumping athlete Lillie Keenan, and eventing athlete Cassie Sanger was recognized with the 2026 Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy.

In addition to supporting the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, funds also support the USEF High Performance Programs and elite athletes and horses, including developing athletes through USEF High Performance Pathway initiatives and international programs that help identify, develop, and prepare future team talent.

“Each and every donor plays an essential role in helping our athletes and teams achieve greatness on the world stage,” added USET Foundation Executive Director Bonnie B. Jenkins. “We are deeply appreciative of everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s gala. It truly takes a village, and the enthusiasm and generosity shown in Wellington will have a lasting impact on U.S. equestrian sport.”

The USET Foundation extends special thanks to Rowan O’Riley, the evening’s leadership supporters, event committee members, sponsors, donors, and volunteers whose contributions helped make the night a success and ensured that U.S. athletes have the resources needed to represent the country with distinction in international competition.

As U.S. teams look ahead to an exciting season of high performance sport and a championship year, the USET Foundation remains committed to providing the financial support needed for training, coaching, travel, and educational opportunities for the U.S.’s top riders and horses.

The USET Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel, and educational needs of the U.S.’s elite and developing international equestrian athletes and horses in partnership with USEF. For additional information or to support the USET Foundation and U.S. equestrian athletes and horses, visit https://www.uset.org/donate/.