CDI Mexico 2026
Join us for an amazing competitive and cultural experience! Meet other young dressage athletes from across the Americas, network with top riders from across the globe, and challenge yourself to grow in new ways!
Information referenced below is preliminary and should be used for planning. We will provide additional updates when available.
Over twenty years ago, the 2005 CDI Mexico featured a borrowed horse division for youth riders, which was supported in partnership with US Olympian, Lendon Gray. It was a great success, but was not repeated until 2025, when once again, Lendon was asked to help organize and engage FEI Children and Junior riders from across the Americas. The experience was so well received that the organizers are once again offering the CDI-CH and CDI-J borrowed horse classes in conjunction with the CDI-W in October 2026.
This very special competition showcases the sport and art of dressage, the culture and hospitality of the Mexican people, the importance of instilling strong horsemastership skills in young riders, and the opportunity to meet dressage professionals and other young riders from across the globe. Horses from throughout Mexico are identified and offered for the competition based on the generosity of their owners, trainers, and grooms.
The borrowed horse CDI encompasses a 10 day period, beginning with the horse draw (selection), progressing to training, and culminating in team and individual competitions.
Rider requirements
- Experience riding multiple horses
- Average scores
- Children riders 68%
- Junior riders 63%
- Current US Passport
- FEI rider registration
- A positive attitude, open to new experiences and "the luck of the draw"
Tentative Schedule:
Estimated costs
- Horse and show entry: $3935
- Show entry, stabling, tack stall, horse lease, groom, shavings, grain/hay, owner fee, insurance, administrative fees: $3800
- USEF/FEI fees: $135
- Not included: veterinary expenses, additional shavings
- Chef d'equipe: approx. $600 per rider (may be less based on total number of participating riders)
- Maria Lithander will serve as Chef for the US team. Maria is an incredibly valuable asset to the US team; she previously lived in Mexico, speaks fluent Spanish, and has strong relationships with the Mexican dressage community and event organizers. She is also a very experienced FEI rider/trainer.
- Coaching/lessons: $TBD
- You may use your own coach or Maria Lithander
- Fees for your personal coach: coaching fees, plus travel/lodging expenses
- Fees for lessons with Maria Lithander: $TBD
- You may use your own coach or Maria Lithander
- Travel
- Airfare
- Lodging: 2 hotel options, estimated 9-10 nights
- Live Aqua Hotel Mexico City: approx. $230 USD per night (includes taxes and fees); free shuttle to/from venue
- Paragon Hotel Santa Fe: approx. $132 USD per night (includes taxes and fees); 15 min by car to Live Aqua Hotel
- Meals
- Transportation
- Free shuttle from Live Aqua Hotel to/from the venue - may Uber from Paragon Hotel to Live Aqua to catch shuttle
- Private car for the week (6-8 passengers): approx. $3500 plus tolls
- Uber to/from the venue: approx. $25-30 one way
- Apparel/gear (optional): $250-400
- Event tickets
- VIP tables: $350 per person for 3 days, includes breakfast and lunch (tables seat 10 people)
- Grandstand seating: TBA
If you are interested in learning more, please email Lendon Gray at graydressage@gmail.com by August 10.
Note: This is not a Dressage4Kids program. At the request of the Show Management, we are helping to organize, as we did in 2025.
To apply, please fill out the application form below.
Application deadline: August 10, 2026.
Application Form:
