FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET
January 20 2025
As of December 8, 2025, the Federación Ecuestre Argentina (FEA) has not yet announced the final team for the 2026 World Endurance Championship in AlUla.
Given that the event is scheduled for November 2026, the selection process is currently in the active qualification and observation phase. The final squad is typically not confirmed until 4–6 weeks prior to the event (likely October 2026).
However, based on the recent 2025 national calendar and 2024 World Championship cycles, here is the current status of the Argentine selection process:
1. Current Selection Phase: Observation
The FEA is currently using domestic and international CEI events to observe potential horse/rider combinations.
- Key Observation Event (Just Completed): The 2025 National Endurance Championship (Campeonato Nacional de Endurance), which took place in Alberti in October 2025, served as a critical selection trial. Results from this 160 km event will weigh heavily on the "Long List" (Pre-selection squad).
- Qualification Window: Argentine riders are currently working to secure their Certificate of Capability (COC) for the 2026 Championship. This window remains open until September 2026.
2. Likely Contenders ("The Watch List")
While no official list exists, the following athletes and horses have been performing at the elite level (CEI 3* 160km) and are likely central to the federation's plans:
- Mercedes Tapia: One of Argentina's highest-ranked endurance athletes.
- Horse to Watch: Invasor del Reparo. This pair has been a consistent high-performer in FEI rankings (Top 10 world ranking in previous years) and is a strong candidate for the anchor spot on the team.
- Young Rider Graduates: The FEA often promotes top talent from their Young Rider squads (who compete at 120km) to the Senior 160km level during championship years. Look for top finishers from the Alberti nationals to step up.
3. The "AlUla Test Event" Factor
A massive test event was held in AlUla just last week (November 28, 2025) to test the course and infrastructure.
- If Argentine riders participated in this 120km or 160km test ride, they will have a significant advantage in selection due to their familiarity with the unique desert terrain (sand and rock) of AlUla, which is very different from the flat pampas of Argentina.
4. Selection Timeline (Projected)
- Early-Mid 2026: FEA will announce a "Long List" (Pre-seleccionados) of approximately 10–12 riders.
- September 2026: Final qualification deadline.
- October 2026: Announcement of the "Definite Entries" (The final team of 5 riders + reserves).
Summary for the User
For now, the Argentine team is undecided. The most reliable indicator of the future team will be the results from the Alberti 2025 National Championship.