Derek di Grazia to be Inducted into U.S. Eventing Hall of Fame in December at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention
Since 1999, more than 50 outstanding horses and people have been inducted into the U.S. Eventing Hall of Fame. Induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor awarded within the sport of eventing in the United States that is only bestowed to individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport as riders, coaches, officials, organizers, course designers, owners, volunteers, and leaders.
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to announce that Derek di Grazia has been selected by the U.S. Eventing Hall of Fame Selection Committee and the USEA Board of Governors as a member of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Di Grazia was presented with his invitation during the Morven Park International in Leesburg, Virginia, where he served as cross-country course designer.
Di Grazia's contributions to American eventing span more than four decades as an international competitor, coach, and one of the sport's most respected cross-country course designers. His competitive career included winning the 1985 Kentucky Three-Day Event aboard Sasquatch, an Appaloosa/Thoroughbred cross with whom he represented the United States at the 1986 FEI World Championships in Gawler, Australia. He also won the 1991 Fair Hill International riding Our Busby.
Together with his wife, Bea, di Grazia served as director of the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center in California beginning in 1984. During their time there, the couple developed numerous event horses and riders, while Derek began expanding his involvement in course design. His early work designing courses in California eventually led to international assignments, including the Fair Hill International Horse Trials and the Kentucky Three-Day Event.
Di Grazia is perhaps best known for his longstanding role as cross-country course designer at the Kentucky Three-Day Event, where his courses have challenged the world's leading horses and riders at the five-star level. His international reputation led to his selection as course designer for the Tokyo Olympic Games, and his influence has continued through his work at major competitions, including the prestigious Burghley Horse Trials in England.
Throughout his career, di Grazia has emphasized thoughtful, progressive course design that rewards correct training and horsemanship while prioritizing horse welfare and safety. His experience as a championship rider and longtime trainer, coaching athletes all the way to the Olympic level, has informed his approach to designing courses that test competitors while building confidence in horses and riders.
Beyond his competitive and course-design accomplishments, di Grazia has contributed to the governance and development of American eventing through service to U.S. Equestrian as well as the USEA. In 2015, Derek and Bea were jointly awarded the USEA's Wofford Cup in recognition of their contributions to the sport.
In notifying di Grazia of his induction, USEA CEO Rob Burk stated “Derek’s contributions to American eventing span decades. His career has taken him from winning Kentucky and representing the U.S. at the World Championships to designing Kentucky, the Olympic Games, and many of the greatest courses we know today.”
Through his achievements as a rider, his mentorship of developing Olympic athletes, and his influence on cross-country course design, di Grazia has helped shape American eventing at both the national and international levels.
Di Grazia will be formally inducted into the U.S. Eventing Hall of Fame during the Hall of Fame Gala at the 2026 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, taking place December 11-13 in Arlington, Virginia. The Hall of Fame Gala, held every four years, celebrates the individuals and horses whose contributions have helped define the sport.
Stay tuned for a final announcement regarding the U.S. Eventing Hall of Fame Class of 2026!
To learn more about the U.S. Eventing Hall of Fame and its current members, click here.
About the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention
The USEA Annual Meeting & Convention takes place each December and brings together a large group of dedicated USEA members and supporters to discuss, learn, and enjoy being surrounded by other eventing enthusiasts. The USEA organizes multiple seminars in addition to committee meetings, open forums, and tons of fun! The 2026 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place in Arlington, Virginia, on Dec. 11-13. Click here to learn more about the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention.
The USEA would like to thank the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention Sponsors: Adequan, ARMA, Bates Saddles, D.G. Stackhouse & Ellis, Gallagher’s Water, Horse & Country, Kerrits, Marshall+Sterling Equine Insurance, Nunn Finer, Nutrena, PulseVet, Rebecca Farm, RevitaVet, Ride iQ, Schneiders Saddlery, SmartEquine, Standlee, and World Equestrian Brands.
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