Friday’s competition at the North American Youth Dressage Championship at the 2025 FEI North American Youth Championships in Williamsburg, Michigan, saw individual medals awarded in the junior division while Region 2 took home the gold medal in the inaugural children’s team competition.
Ella O’Neil of Olathe, Kansas, and her partner Superman, owned by Jonni Allen, delivered a commanding performance to earn gold in the Junior Individual Final. The test showcased their partnership through smooth transitions and beautiful collected work, earning a winning score of 68.32%.
“Winning gold was not at all expected,” said O’Neil. “It was the craziest feeling. ‘Supe’ felt incredible; he was with me the whole time. We have never been at a show this big before, but he was just a total professional out there. He took me through the test, and it was the greatest feeling ever.”
Eila Fisk (Aiken, S.C.) and Quaresma, owned by Gina Fisk, impressed the judges with their harmony and cadence to take the silver medal on a score of 68.23%.
“This is the biggest championship we’ve ever been to,” said Fisk. “Quaresma is a powerful horse. He’s so willing and always listening to me. I’ve had him for two years and he’s become so reliable in and out of the ring. Today, he was perfect.”
Canadian Ainsley Leach and Frangelico, owned by Heather Leach, rounded out the podium to claim the bronze with a solid test that scored a 67.29%.
“My focus was just to put down a clean ride,” said Leach. “We had a little trouble in the team test, but today we stayed focused, and he tried his heart out.”
Region 2 Golden in Inaugural Children’s Team Test
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In a memorable debut for the children’s division at the NAYC, Region 2 delivered a standout performance to claim team gold in the FEI Children Team Test.
The Region 2 team of Grace Christianson (Noblesville, Indiana), Madelynn Williams (Granger, Indiana), and Vee Dravilas (Middleton, Wisconsin) put together a strong set of tests to top the podium with a combined score of 217.626. Christianson, a member of the U.S. Dressage Pathway Program, and her mare FHF Roulee led the way with an impressive 78.64%, the highest score of the day.
“Honestly, I just wanted to go in and put down a clean test,” said Christianson. “I wanted to have a good ride and have fun with [Roulee]. It’s such an honor to be at NAYC and be part of the Children’s division for the first time.”
Williams rode FHF Cahlua, owned by Jennifer Kaiser, to a solid score of 70.15%. “She has a wonderful personality. Her ears are always up, she never complains, and she’s super willing to work,” said Williams. “She’s the best horse I’ve ever sat on.”
Dravilas piloted her own Rococo to a 68.83%. “She’s definitely a very hot mare but she loves to do her work. It’s honestly been amazing to compete here and showcase her to everyone,” said Dravilas.
The silver medal went to the combined team of Regions 3/8/9, who turned in a consistent showing to finish on a combined total of 209.535. The team included Zoe Lewis (Elgin, Texas), Juliana Sardelli (Warwick, Rhode Island), Gianna Foley (Ocala, Florida), and Charlotte Garver (Franklinton, Louisiana).
Alicia Berger And Aqua Marin Impress In U25 Grand Prix 16-25 Test
The U25 athletes took their turn in the spotlight in the U25 Grand Prix 16-25 Test, a highlight of the Discover Dressage/FEI North American Youth Dressage Championship presented by USDF.
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It was Alicia Berger (Wellington, Florida) and her own Aqua Marin who rose to the occasion, producing a personal-best score of 67.82% to earn gold.
“Aqua, or ‘Little Prince’ as we call him, has the biggest personality in the barn,” said Berger. “He knows he’s pretty and he loves to show off. Every single day, he gives me his all, and today we both gave it everything we had. I’m just so proud of him.”
Berger also praised the unique atmosphere of NAYC. “It’s unlike any other show. You’re competing with your best friends, making new ones, and coming together as a team. I’m so proud of each of us. The support and camaraderie here are what make this event so special.”
Sophia Schults (Wellington, Florida) earned the silver medal with her own Conocido HGF. The pair delivered a personal-best score of 65.81%.
“He may be quiet in the barn, but he has a big personality under saddle,” said Schults. “He’s extremely hot, which I love, and we’ve built a great partnership over time. We really pushed for more quality today, and I’m proud we accomplished that.”
The bronze medal went to Haley Smith (San Diego) and Great Lady TC, owned by Carolyn Bland. The pair earned 64.65%.
“Going into today, my plan was just to trust her,” said Smith. “We have a very strong bond, and I know that when we go into the arena together, we have everything we need. I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity.”
