Saturday was a day of celebration at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions held at HITS Chicago Lamplight Equestrian Center, as six new national champions were crowned across multiple divisions.
Markel/USEF Developing Prix St. Georges
Hussmanns Topgun, a 2016 Danish Warmblood gelding ridden by Adrienne Lyle and owned by Heidi Humphries, took the top honors with two winning tests. Lyle praised the horse’s power and progress, calling him a rewarding challenge that enhances her own riding skills. Reserve champion went to MSJ for VIPs, a 2017 Oldenburg gelding, shown by Rebecca Rigdon, who highlighted their steady growth and promising future.
Neue Schule/USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship
Christian Simonson (Ventura, Calif.) and Indian Rock, a 2013 KWPN stallion, impressed with a freestyle score of 79.430%, securing the championship. Simonson called the victory a dream come true and credited his dedicated team, including trainer Adrienne Lyle. Meagan Davis and Toronto Lightfoot earned reserve champion honors, marking a major milestone in their partnership, while Karen Lipp finished third and received the Soft Hands Award for exceptional rider harmony.
Adequan®/USEF Brentina Cup Dressage National Championship
Simonson added another title with Fleau de Baian, a 2010 KWPN stallion, delivering expressive piaffe-passage work that sealed their win. Caroline Garren and Quantaris took reserve honors, preparing to step up to senior Grand Prix ranks with a polished performance.
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Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage National Championship for 5-Year-Olds
MW Virtuous, a 2020 U.S.-bred Oldenburg stallion, owned by Jennifer Vanover and ridden by Charell Garcia, dominated the 5-year-old division with high marks for trot and overall consistency. Reserve champion Templeton’s Milano, a Westphalian gelding ridden by Justin Giles, impressed in his first Festival appearance with solid scores and calm demeanor.
Aspen Leaf Farm/USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship
Samantha MacDonald (Phoenix, Ariz.) and Candy Crush, a 2009 Welsh Pony Cross gelding, claimed the pony rider national title. MacDonald expressed joy at the experience and looks forward to moving up to juniors next season. Ava Hobbs and Der Kleine Prinz G earned reserve, showing marked improvement and a promising partnership.
Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage National Championship for 4-Year-Olds
Charell Garcia secured another championship with MW Verrazzano, a 2021 U.S.-bred Oldenburg stallion noted for his steady temperament and trainability. Reserve honors went to VP Ice Man, a Dutch Warmblood stallion owned by Valiente Partners LLC and ridden by Laura DeCesari, who praised his relaxed attitude and growing partnership.
Aspen Leaf Farm/USEF Children Dressage National Championship
The division kicked off with Grace Christianson and FHF Roulee leading after the FEI Children Team Test with a score of 78.350%, closely followed by Gwenyth Miller and Rubinette N, and Lilian Ramirez with Fuerst Felix N rounding out the top three.
