The 2025 Gotham North/FEI North American Youth Jumping Championships (NAYC), presented by USHJA, came to a thrilling close on Sunday at Flintfields Horse Park during week five of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival. The final day saw young rider and junior athletes compete for individual honors, capping off a week of elite sport and fierce camaraderie.
Double Gold for Skylar Wireman in Her NAYC Swan Song
For Zone 10’s Skylar Wireman (Bonsall, Calif.), gold at NAYC had long been just out of reach—until now. After years of perseverance, the 19-year-old claimed two gold medals in her final year of eligibility, riding Barclino B, a 9-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Wireman Investment Group.
Her past appearances at NAYC had been marked by setbacks: injury-shortened campaigns in 2021 and 2023, a spot as alternate in 2022, and a top-10 finish in 2024 that was marred by a costly water penalty. But this year, everything came together.
“To come in with a horse I’ve only had for a year and leave with double gold—it’s amazing,” said Wireman. “As I came to the last jump, I thought about what my chef d’equipe [Mike Endicott] said before I went in: ‘Finish what we came here to do.’ It was the most incredible feeling knowing I’d done it.”
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Earlier in the week, Wireman anchored Zone 10’s team to gold, then delivered four clear rounds in the individual competition to secure her second title.
On Barclino B’s performance, she said, “Every time we ask him to step up, he does. This was his first Nations Cup-style event, and he was brave and focused in every round.”
Lignelli Adds Silver; Sweetnam Steps onto the Podium
Earning her second silver medal of the week was Alexa Elle Lignelli (New York, N.Y.) aboard Xo Zadora, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare she owns herself.
“For me, the biggest challenge was staying mentally clear and trusting my horse,” said the 18-year-old. “As soon as I cleared the first jump, I knew I was in the right mindset. I love representing my country, and NAYC gives us a platform to grow into international team riders.”
Taking bronze was Olivia Sweetnam (Wellington, Fla.) and Epic, a 10-year-old Anglo European gelding owned by Sweet Oak Farm.
“I had a rail in the final round, and that was on me,” said the 16-year-old. “But my horse was incredible all week. I’ve learned so much from every round. Whether you have two rails or jump clear, the sun still comes up tomorrow. That mindset helps me stay in the moment and ride my best.”
With unforgettable moments, breakout performances, and the crowning of new champions, the 2025 NAYC once again proved to be a vital proving ground for North America’s next generation of international show jumpers.
