TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published August 29, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
Erin Nichols, Elizabeth Bortuzzo, and Eila Fisk secured national titles in their respective divisions as the Festival of Champions reached its midway point in Wayne, Illinois.
What Happened
The fourth day of the 2026 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions, held at the HITS Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois, saw the crowning of three new national champions across the Brentina Cup, Intermediaire I, and Young Rider divisions.
In the Adequan/USEF Brentina Cup Dressage National Championship, Erin Nichols of Wellington, Florida, and the 2015 KWPN gelding Kind Pleasure secured the title with a sweep of the division. The pair finished with a combined average score of 71.476%. This victory marks their sixth consecutive national win, following a triple-gold performance at the 2026 FEI North American Youth Dressage Championships (NAYC).
The USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship was claimed by Elizabeth Bortuzzo and the 18-hand KWPN gelding Next Pleasure. The duo led the competition from start to finish, concluding the week with a cumulative score of 70.646%. Bortuzzo also found success in the Markel/USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges, winning the opening test aboard Mister Pleasure with a 70.441%.
In the Iron Spring Farm/USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship, Eila Fisk and Quaresma took top honors. Fresh off triple gold medals at the NAYC, the pair finished with a combined average of 68.504%, bolstered by a 68.970% in their freestyle.
Why It Matters
These championships serve as a critical pipeline for the future of U.S. high-performance dressage. The Brentina Cup, specifically designed for U25 riders (ages 16-25), bridges the gap between the Young Rider ranks and the senior Grand Prix level. The repeated success of riders like Nichols and Fisk, moving directly from NAYC gold to Festival of Champions titles, signals a strong, consistent wave of talent entering the professional ranks.
Furthermore, the opening of the Young Horse and Developing Horse divisions highlights the importance of domestic breeding and training. With winning scores in the four and five-year-old classes reaching the 80s, the event underscores the rising quality of young prospects currently being produced and campaigned in the United States.
Competition Context
The HITS Lamplight Equestrian Center remains the long-standing home for these championships, providing a multi-ring atmosphere that mimics international venues. While the three major titles were decided on Thursday, the event continues through the weekend for the Pony Riders, Developing Horses, and Young Horses.
Discipline Context
This event spans the full spectrum of the dressage discipline, impacting youth development, professional sport, and the breeding industry. It represents the highest level of national competition for Para-Dressage, Pony Riders, Juniors, Young Riders, and Developing Horses under the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Markel/USEF programs.
Quick Facts
- Governing Body: United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)
- Location: HITS Lamplight Equestrian Center, Wayne, Illinois
- Brentina Cup Champion: Erin Nichols and Kind Pleasure (71.476%)
- Intermediaire I Champion: Elizabeth Bortuzzo and Next Pleasure (70.646%)
- Young Rider Champion: Eila Fisk and Quaresma (68.504%)
- Key High Score: Jessica Kozel and Tuscany earned an 88.000% in the Five-Year-Old Preliminary test.
- Source: Edited Press Release via The Chronicle of the Horse.
Competitors heading into the season can find show tack and riding equipment ahead of entries.