American showjumper Marilyn Little has withdrawn La Contessa from selection for the 2026 FEI Jumping World Championships in Aachen, Germany. The 11-year-old Mecklenburger mare sustained a minor injury during the preparation period, prompting Little and her team to put the horse’s recovery ahead of championship plans.
Little explained that the injury had affected their build-up to Aachen and that La Contessa would be given as much time as necessary to rest and return to full fitness. The rider stressed that the mare’s wellbeing remains the priority, despite the disappointment of missing one of the season’s most important events.
La Contessa is by License out of a Cornet’s Prinz mare and has been one of Little’s leading horses during her transition from elite eventing to top-level showjumping. The pair had originally been selected among the U.S. combinations for the championship, alongside several established international riders.
Replacement Confirmed
US Equestrian has named Natalie Dean and Mr Boombastic as the replacement combination. Mr Boombastic is a 12-year-old Selle Français gelding by Vigo Cece, owned by Marigold Sport Horses LLC.
The American squad also includes Katie Dinan with Out Of The Blue SCF, Lillie Keenan with Fasther, Laura Kraut with Bisquetta and McLain Ward with High Star Hero. Aachen will host the FEI Jumping World Championships from 16 to 23 August 2026.
Road To Aachen
Before the final selection, U.S. contenders were assessed at five high-level observation events: CSI5* Aachen, CSIO5* Rome, CSIO5* La Baule, CSIO5* St Gallen and the Longines League of Nations event in Rotterdam. The selection process brought together Olympic experience and emerging talent from the American jumping programme.
Although missing Aachen is a setback for Little and La Contessa, the withdrawal is understood to be precautionary rather than a sign of a long-term issue. No expected date for the mare’s return to competition has been announced.