Lexington, KY (January 22, 2025) - The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) is pleased to welcome Lehua Custer (Wellington, FL) as the newest member of the distinguished USDF Sport Horse Prospect Development Forum Faculty. Her many accomplishments and her dedication to dressage, specifically dressage education, make her a perfect selection to round out an already amazing faculty.

Not only does Lehua have the experience of having attending several forums previously, as both a rider and auditor, she is also a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist, L Graduate with Distinction, and Certified Instructor. In 2018, Lehua was also the recipient of The Dressage Foundation’s Carol Lavell Advanced Dressage Prize, which is awarded to individuals who have plans to reach and excel at the elite, international standards of high-performance dressage. Her many other roles in USDF programs such as serving as a demo rider at multiple Adequan®/USDF FEI Level Trainers Conferences, coaching at the North American Youth Championships, and support USDF Sport Horse and Youth/Young Adult Breeders Seminars, as well as her experience as owner to Roxanne Trunnell’s Olympic mount Fortunato H2O, round out her strong and continually growing resume and knowledge base that will ensure her success in her newest role as a member of the Sport Horse Development Forum Faculty.

USDF Sport Horse Committee Chair Kristi Wysocki had this to say regarding Lehua’s appointment to the faculty, “The USDF Sport Horse Committee is excited to welcome Lehua Custer onto the Sport Horse Prospect Development Forum Faculty. Lehua has been an extremely successful rider and trainer of dressage horses that are just getting started under saddle to the FEI Grand Prix ring. Her wealth of experience working with youngsters is also strongly supported by her interest and involvement in the breeding aspects of the sport, which along with her wealth of knowledge of the entire path and equine travel in the dressage world will be a great asset to future forums.

The next Sport Horse Prospect Development Forum is currently being planned for 2025. To learn more about the forums or other USDF Sport Horse education offerings, visit the USDF website or email sporthorse@usdf.org.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.