Jordan LaPlaca has had to withdraw from the World Equestrian Games in Aachen

According to the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF), Jordan LaPlaca has withdrawn from the World Equestrian Games in Aachen with his Oldenburg gelding Gold Play.

LaPlaca explained: “To remain true to my principles as a rider and as a partner to my horse, Gold Play, I have decided to withdraw from this year’s FEI World Dressage Championships. Gold Play is doing well, and that’s the most important thing. But as a member of the U.S. team, I have to do what’s best not only for my horse but also for the entire team,” said LaPlaca, emphasizing: “This isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning of great things that lie ahead.”

For the 11-year-old son of Grey Flanell—whom LaPlaca discovered at the Kasselmann farm when he was four—2026 marks his first international Grand Prix season, during which he and his trainer quickly established themselves as a rising star on the U.S. dressage scene. Among other achievements, they were part of the winning Nations Cup team at Wellington.

Kasey Perry-Glass Returns to the Championship Team

This means that reserve rider Kasey Perry-Glass once again has the honor of representing the U.S. at a championship. Along with the Danish horse Goerklintgaards Dublin, she was part of the teams that enjoyed great success in the mid-2010s. They won bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games and silver in the team event at the 2018 World Equestrian Games. They also competed in two World Cup Finals.

The horse on which she has returned to the top after taking a break to have a baby is Heartbeat W.P., a 14-year-old KWPN gelding by Charmeur, who is now accompanying her to Aachen. They had already competed there at the CHIO in 2025, scoring 70.783 percent in the Grand Prix.

Rounding out the U.S. team are Ashley Holzer on Hawtin’s San Floriana, Christian Simonson on Fleau de Baian, and Genay Vaughn on Gino.