Rising Starr Horse Rescue Captures 2026 AEL Nationals Team Plus Championship
The team from Rising Starr Horse Rescue led by Kelly Stackpole, Sarah Dzhus, and Elizabeth Herman delivered an unforgettable performance at the 2026 Athletic Equestrian League Nationals, earning the Team Plus Championship title and showcasing the strength, camaraderie, and sportsmanship that define their program.
The Athletic Equestrian League (AEL) National Championships bring together riders from across the country to compete in a unique catch-riding format that emphasizes horsemanship, adaptability, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Riders compete on unfamiliar horses, testing their ability to quickly connect with and effectively ride mounts they may have never sat on before. The championship event features a flat and fences round as well as an unmounted practicum which sets the AEL apart from traditional horse shows.
For many competitors, Nationals represents the culmination of an entire season of hard work, dedication, and growth both in and out of the saddle. The event not only crowns national champions, but also fosters an encouraging atmosphere where riders, coaches, families, and teams celebrate each other’s accomplishments and build lifelong friendships within the equestrian community.
The championship weekend was highlighted by standout individual accomplishments from team members Ella Carmody and Carly G., whose performances reflected both talent and the supportive culture fostered within the Rising Starr team.
Ella Carmody earned the Silver Medal in the Adult Division and credited her teammates and coaches for helping her rediscover her confidence and passion for the sport.
“My teammates are so positive and welcoming,” said Carmody. “This was my first year doing AEL, and I’ve always struggled with my confidence in the show ring. This team truly builds each other up like no other.”
Carmody, who previously competed on a Division I collegiate equestrian team and grew up on the USEF circuit, described Rising Starr as unlike any team she has experienced before.
“From the support in and out of the ring, to the community at the barn after our lessons, this team is a family and I’m so grateful and proud to be a part of it,” she shared. She also recognized coaches Sarah Dzhus and Elizabeth Herman for helping rebuild her confidence and reignite her love for riding.
Through AEL competition, Carmody says she learned adaptability and gained confidence riding horses with different personalities and quirks throughout the season.
“It has been such an amazing experience getting to work with such cool horses that all teach you different lessons over the course of the season,” she said.
One of her favorite moments of the weekend came when she learned she had been named Reserve Champion in the Adult Division.
“Seeing my teammates cheer me on and support me was so heartwarming,” she said. “Nationals was better than I ever could have imagined thanks to our amazing team of riders and our wonderful coaches.”
Teammate Carly G. also delivered an impressive Nationals performance, finishing in the Top 5 in Open competition and earning second place in the Medal Class presented by Lake Erie College.
Carly G. emphasized the unwavering encouragement she received from her teammates throughout the competition.
“My teammates help me succeed by always having my back,” Carly G. said. “Even when I don’t have the greatest ride, I always walk back to our spot where they try and cheer me up and tell me all the great things I did do in that ride.”
Competing in the AEL taught Carly G. valuable lessons beyond ribbons and placings.
“One thing I have learned through competing in AEL is that winning isn’t everything,” she explained. “With all the different horses we ride and all their quirks, it really shows how it depends on the draw but mostly on your attitude.”
She added that success in AEL comes from horsemanship, positivity, and partnership with the horse.
“You really need to just enjoy the ride and not always think about your placing and sometimes more about how you and your horse can work together to get around the course safely and calmly while still having a fun time,” Carly G. said.
She also reflected on the unique atmosphere of Nationals, particularly during the award ceremonies.
“I feel like everyone really comes together and cheers everyone on no matter what team you’re on and no matter who won,” Carly G. said. “It always shows that piece of community you don’t see in some shows.”
When asked to sum up the Nationals experience in one word, Carly G. answered simply: “Thrilling.”
The Team Plus Championship victory for Rising Starr Horse Rescue represents more than competitive success—it reflects the positive environment, dedication, and sense of family that continue to make the program stand out both in and out of the ring.
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Beyond the show ring, Rising Starr Horse Rescue is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses in need. The organization works tirelessly to provide horses with proper care, medical attention, training, and a second chance at a safe and successful future. Through its rescue efforts, Rising Starr not only changes the lives of horses, but also creates meaningful educational and riding opportunities for the equestrian community.
Supporters interested in helping Rising Starr continue its rescue mission can learn more and donate through the organization’s official website at Rising Starr Horse Rescue.
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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:
Reserve Champion:
Novice:
Champion:
Reserve Champion:
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 Leonard, Sweet Meadow Farm, MA
Adults:
Champion: Margaux Bellinger, Empowered Equestrian, VA
Reserve Champion: Ella Carmody, Rising Starr Horse Rescue, CT
