TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published July 15, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
US Equestrian has announced the three regional composite teams selected to compete in the U25 division at the 2026 NAYC in Traverse City, Michigan, featuring the country's top emerging Grand Prix talent.
What Happened
US Equestrian has officially named the horse-and-rider combinations who will represent three composite U.S. U25 Dressage Teams at the upcoming 2026 FEI North American Youth Dressage Championships (NAYC). The event, presented by USDF, is scheduled to run from July 27 through August 2, 2026, at Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City, Michigan.
The U25 division (athletes aged 16 to 25) represents the highest level of youth competition at NAYC, bridging the gap between Young Riders and the senior international ranks. The selected athletes have been grouped into regional powerhouse teams (Regions 1/5/7, Regions 2/4/8, and Regions 3/6) to compete for both team and individual medals.
Notable entries include Grace Culley riding Starr Witness, a mare previously successful in international eventing with Doug Payne, and returning youth standout Erin Nichols aboard Kind Pleasure.
Why It Matters
The NAYC is often described as the "Junior Olympics" for North American equestrian sport. For aspiring professionals and top-tier amateurs, this championship serves as the primary pipeline for the U.S. Dressage Team.
For the broader community, the U25 division is a critical indicator of the sport's future health. These athletes are competing in the FEI Intermediate II and Grand Prix 16-25 tests, levels that require immense technical skill and years of horse development. The inclusion of horses with diverse backgrounds, ranging from Andalusians to high-performance Dutch Warmbloods, highlights various pathways to reaching the top of the sport.
For trainers and barn owners, these selections underscore the importance of the regional program structure. By combining regions for U25 teams, USEF ensures a high level of competition even in age brackets where the rider pool is more selective than in the Junior or Young Rider divisions.
Competition Context
The U25 schedule at Traverse City is designed to mirror the format of senior international championships:
- Wednesday, July 29: Team Medals decided via the FEI Intermediate II.
- Friday, July 31: First Individual Medals awarded in the FEI Grand Prix 16-25.
- Saturday, August 1: Individual Freestyle Medals awarded under the lights.
Discipline Context
The NAYC serves the Dressage discipline by providing youth athletes with their first experience in a high-pressure, FEI-governed team environment. While this announcement focuses on the U25 division, the event also hosts championships for Children (12-14), Juniors (14-18), and Young Riders (16-21). This laddered approach is essential for welfare and safety, ensuring riders compete against their developmental peers before moving into the senior Grand Prix arena.
The 2026 U25 Rosters
Region 1/5/7
- Grace Culley and Starr Witness
- Josephine Hinnemann and Copa Cabana MRF
- Katherine Nayak and Iniesto
- Miki Yang and Furst Fabelhaft UZN
Region 2/4/8
- Brenna Donovan and Scandal LWF
- Ella Fruchterman and Holts Le'Mans
- Tillie Jones and Cilla Franchesca
- Josefine Parada and Floyd
Region 3/6
- Alicia Berger and Aqua Marin
- Kylee McKereghan and Red Riding Hood AN
- Erin Nichols and Kind Pleasure
Riders who want to talk this through with others can join TurnoutHQ community groups.