Reese Tierney, a saddle seat equestrian from Lafayette was selected as one of only 12 athletes to represent the United States at the 2026 USA Saddle Seat World Cup Team, one of the most prestigious international competitions in the sport.

    Tierney competed as a member of the Three-Gaited Team, consisting of six riders who represented the United States at the biennial competition June 29–July 2 in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

    The Saddle Seat World Cup brings together top riders from around the world for a unique and highly technical competition where athletes ride unfamiliar horses provided by host farms. Riders have limited time to learn their equine partners prior to competing in rail work and pattern phases where they are assessed by an international judging panel.

    Tierney, age 17, began riding at Sherman Ranch as a 5-year-old, and started showing at Stachowski Farms in San Marcos, Calif., at age 7, trained under the instruction of Jonathan Ramsay for the past 10 years. Reese also trains under Austin Eversman at Stachowski Farms and Merin Maggi and Lila Tatar at Maggi Stables in Hollister, California. Over the course of her riding career, she has earned notable accolades in several Arabian horse events including 23 national championships. 

    “It’s an incredible honor to be chosen for the 2026 USA Saddle Seat World Cup Team,” said Tierney. “I am forever grateful for this experience and want to thank my trainers, family, and especially the horses who have taught me so much throughout the years.”