TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published August 1, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
Region 3 took the top spot on the Young Rider podium while Erin Nichols secured U25 individual gold during a high-stakes day of dressage at the North American Youth Championships in Michigan.
What Happened
The 2026 FEI North American Youth Dressage Championships (NAYC), presented by USDF, continued on Thursday at Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City, Michigan. Two major titles were decided: the FEI Young Rider Team gold and the FEI U25 Grand Prix 16-25 individual gold.
In the Young Rider Team Test, Region 3 (comprising Florida and South Carolina riders) claimed the gold medal with a total score of 198.941. Eila Fisk and Quaresma led the charge for the team, posting the highest individual score of the class at 67.529%. Region 9 secured the silver medal (194.853), while Canada’s Team Ontario took home the bronze (193.705).
In the U25 division, Erin Nichols and Kind Pleasure secured the individual gold medal in the Grand Prix 16-25 Test with a score of 68.513%. This mark placed her just ahead of silver medalist Alicia Berger on Aqua Marin (66.846%) and Canadian bronze medalist Brooke Mancusi on DeJohn Ymas (66.205%).
Why It Matters
The NAYC serves as the premier "pipeline" for the future of international equestrian sport in North America. For many of these athletes, this is their first experience competing in a team format under FEI rules, mimicking the pressure and structure of the Olympic Games or World Championships.
The success of Region 3 highlights the strength of the youth programs in the Southeast, particularly as Eila Fisk successfully transitioned from Junior gold to Young Rider gold in just one year. Furthermore, the U25 division continues to prove its worth as a "bridge" category. As silver medalist Alicia Berger noted, this division allows riders and horses to navigate the steep jump between Young Riders and the Senior Grand Prix level, providing a competitive space for "green moments" and development without the pressure of competing against seasoned Olympic veterans immediately.
Discipline Context
These championships are specifically designed for Dressage athletes aged 12 to 25. The levels contested, Young Rider (equivalent to Prix St. Georges) and U25 (Grand Prix), represent the highest levels of proficiency for youth in the sport. The event emphasizes not just individual technical skill, but the ability to perform within a team dynamic, a crucial skill for any rider aspiring to represent their national federation on a global stage.
Quick Facts
- Event: 2026 FEI North American Youth Dressage Championships (NAYC)
- Location: Flintfields Horse Park, Traverse City, Mich.
- Young Rider Gold Team (Region 3): Allison Berger, Ava Babnick, Reece O'Keefe, Eila Fisk
- U25 Individual Gold: Erin Nichols and Kind Pleasure
- Top Individual Young Rider Score: Eila Fisk (67.529%)
- Governing Bodies: FEI, USEF, and USDF
Competitors heading into the season can find show tack and riding equipment ahead of entries.