The U.S. Equestrian Federation announced today the addition of two new coaches to the U.S. Dressage Program coaching staff and pathway programs, strengthening access to resources and supporting additional opportunities for program participants. Olivia LaGoy-Weltz and Guenter Seidel will join the program as USEF dressage assistant pathway coaches, working alongside technical advisor and Chef d’Equipe Christine Traurig and George Williams, USEF dressage high performance and pathway development advisor and youth coach.  

The USEF Dressage Pathway Program is generously supported by the USET Foundation, USEF sponsors and members, made possible in part thanks to a lead gift by Akiko Yamazaki and Four Winds Farm. As part of the program’s continued commitment to sustained success, the priority of adding depth and creating a diverse and comprehensive coaching staff has been paramount, alongside maximizing resources across all levels of the U.S. Dressage Pathway Programs.  

“I am extremely excited to work with these two longtime colleagues of mine who I have known and respected for many years. Both Olivia and Guenter will bring such skill and experience to the athletes in our programs,” said Traurig. “I feel very supported by their appointment to these positions, and I think they will be a tremendous addition for George and myself as we continue to build and strengthen the talent within our programs.”  

LaGoy-Weltz and Seidel will collaborate with Traurig, and USEF Dressage Program staff to create and implement educational, training and competition-focused initiatives to prepare combinations for continued successful advancement through the U.S. Dressage Pathway. LaGoy-Weltz will attend the 2025 Discover Dressage/FEI North American Youth Championships (Michigan) to support Williams and the U25 combinations, while Seidel will focus on the development level combinations at the 2025 USEF Festival of Champions (Illinois). Both coaches are scheduled to lead training sessions around the country this fall. 

The expanded coaching staff will also work to assess athlete-and-horse combinations and provide structured and accessible training guidance, as well as identify and communicate areas of performance and home program improvement with participants and their respective coaches and teams. 

Together, the coaches and program staff will continue to develop and review sustainable performance-driven strategies aiming to foster long-term success and deliver podium results, both in the preparation for and at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. 

LaGoy-Weltz and Seidel bring extensive international competition and coaching experience to the program, having represented the United States in team competition throughout their careers. Their knowledge and proven ability to develop combinations will be instrumental in supporting emerging talent and building toward success on the world stage at all levels.