Echo Farm Captures Team Championship at the 2026 Athletic Equestrian League National Championships
The 2026 Athletic Equestrian League National Championships brought together riders, coaches, families, and supporters from across the Northeast for an unforgettable weekend of competition at the Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center. With 18 teams represented, the atmosphere throughout the championships was electric as competitors showcased their horsemanship, teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship in one of the most exciting events of the year.
From the excitement of the horse draw and color parade to the cheers echoing throughout the rings during every round, the championships celebrated not only competitive success, but also the strong sense of community that makes the Athletic Equestrian League so special. Riders encouraged one another from the sidelines, teammates celebrated every ribbon earned, and friendships were formed across barns throughout the weekend.
Emerging as this year’s National Champion Team was Echo Farm of South Salem, New York, led by Head Coach Callie Kuntz alongside assistant coaches Allison Bauer and Natalie Babon.
For Coach Kuntz, the championship represented far more than ribbons and titles. “For this team, winning nationals is a reward for their tenacity and dedication to the sport and league,” she said. “This team has put in the hours under saddle and reviewed judges comments and came into the weekend excited to show those changes to the judge. Coming from a competitive region, Echo is more than thrilled to represent the work ethic we practice to show up and put a best ride out there while loving what we do.”
Kuntz also praised the unique culture and sportsmanship of her riders. “These riders are the most enthusiastic and supportive group of kids and are always first to cheer on a good round or encourage a nervous teammate. The love they have for the sport and horses shows through their riding, and combined with their drive for growth and improvement, they’ve flourished this season.”
Echo Farm riders delivered standout performances throughout the competition, showcasing the dedication and camaraderie that define the program.
Eighth grader Sophie L., competing in the Open division for the first time, earned an impressive third-place finish. Reflecting on the support of her teammates, Sophie L. shared, “Whether it is through letting me practice my practicum or course with them, my teammates are always there. They always give me pep talks and cheer me on throughout the whole ride. I can always hear them from the sidelines.”
Sophie L. also spoke about the lessons she has learned through four years of AEL competition. “Not every ride is going to go how you plan it. You can practice your course a hundred times, but still make mistakes. You always have to reflect on what went well in your ride before you point out the negatives. It’s also important to remember the reality of what you are doing — getting on a horse you have most likely never ridden, without much background knowledge.”
Her favorite memory from the weekend was the awards ceremony. “It is always so exciting to see your friends and teammates succeeding at what they worked so hard for,” she said.
Echo Farm also celebrated an individual championship victory from Lucille S., who was crowned Beginner Champion. Lucille S. credited her teammates for helping her succeed. “At Echo Farm I am lucky to have teammates who are always willing to spend time to teach and encourage me to be the best that I can be.”
Through her experience in the AEL, Lucille S. said she has learned “that to compete it takes hard work, determination, and good sportsmanship.” When asked about her favorite moment of the weekend, she reflected on the excitement of the horse draw and color parade before describing the unforgettable feeling of hearing her name announced as Beginner Champion. “Standing on the podium and being recognized as the beginner champion is something I will never forget,” she said.
Echo Farm rider Lilly M. reflected on the positive atmosphere and strong sense of sportsmanship throughout the championships, saying, “I really enjoyed the enthusiasm when someone from our team, or friends from other teams, did well and went up to get a ribbon. Everyone got really excited and cheered as loud as they could.”
She also highlighted the team spirit that carried throughout the weekend. “I also really like that when we started Sunday with sparkltasticness, even though we had missed the parade, others from our team accepted the sparkle and carried it through to day two.”
The Athletic Equestrian League National Championships continue to provide riders with an opportunity to grow not only as equestrians, but as teammates and leaders. Echo Farm’s championship performance embodied the heart of the AEL experience — dedication, encouragement, resilience, and a passion for the sport.
Congratulations to Echo Farm, Head Coach Callie Kuntz, assistant coaches Allison Bauer and Natalie Babon, and all competitors who made the 2026 Athletic Equestrian League National Championships a tremendous success.
Read about the Team Plus (Minis & Adults) Champion Team by clicking here.
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Championships and Reserve Championships are listed below, contact the AEL at the email above for a complete list as well as photos from the competition:
Open:
Champion: Alex M., Fatih Hill Farm, RI
Reserve Champion: Elizabeth Tripp, Westford Academy, MA
Intermediate:
Champion: Mila D., Concord Equestrian, MA
Reserve Champion: Liv M., Echo Farm, S. South, NY
Novice:
Champion: Annabelle B., Dana Hall School, MA
Reserve Champion: Gabby R., Echo Farm, S. Salem, NY
Advanced Beginner:
Champion: Mila B., Dana Hall School, MA
Reserve Champion: Maddie C., Sweet Meadow Farm, MA
Beginner:
Champion: Lucille S., Echo Farm, NY
Reserve Champion: Rya H., Dana Hall School, MA
Minis:
Champion: Charlotte D., Rising Starr Horse Rescue, CT
Reserve Champion: Abby L., Sweet Meadow Farm, MA
Adults:
Champion: Margaux Bellinger, Empowered Equestrian, VA
Reserve Champion: Ella Carmody, Rising Starr Horse Rescue, CT
AEL Medal Presented By Lake Erie College:
Champion: Beatrice B., Rising Starr Horse Rescue, CT
Reserve Champion: Carly G. Rising Starr Horse Rescue, CT
