Young equestrian talent from across North America has converged on Traverse City, Michigan, for the 2025 FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC), the continent’s leading youth competition for jumping and dressage. The event is taking place at Flintfields Horse Park from Wednesday, July 30, through Sunday, August 3.
This year’s NAYC once again features the Discover Dressage/FEI North American Youth Dressage Championship, presented by the USDF, and the Gotham North/FEI North American Youth Jumping Championship, presented by the USHJA. Athletes aged 12 to 25 compete in a championship setting, representing their regions, zones, or nations, gaining valuable experience in both individual and team formats.
Expanded Dressage Program Welcomes Youngest Riders Yet
The 2025 dressage competition introduces a new Children’s division, offering riders aged 12–14 the opportunity to participate in the championship for the first time. Dressage divisions now include:
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Children (12–14)
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Juniors (14–18)
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Young Riders (16–21)
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U25 (16–25)
The dressage schedule kicks off Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. ET with the Junior Team Test, followed by the Children’s Preliminary Test B at 2:00 p.m. ET. A highlight of the week, the musical freestyle tests, will cap off the dressage events: the U25 Freestyle on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. ET, and the Junior and Young Rider Freestyles on Sunday morning starting at 8:00 a.m. ET.
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High Stakes Jumping Across Four Divisions
The jumping competition features four FEI-recognized divisions:
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Children’s Championship (12–14; up to 1.25m)
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Pre-Junior Championship (14–16; up to 1.30m)
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Junior Championship (14–18; up to 1.40m)
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Young Rider Championship (16–21; up to 1.50m)
Jumping begins Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. ET with the Children’s First Individual Qualifier. Sunday’s finals promise intense action, featuring the $25,000 Junior Individual Final at 11:00 a.m. ET and the $50,000 Young Rider Individual Final at 2:00 p.m. ET.
A Crucial Step on the Path to Elite Sport
As youth equestrian sport continues to flourish in North America, NAYC plays a vital role in developing future stars of jumping and dressage. With world-class facilities, passionate regional representation, and an international-caliber atmosphere, this year’s championship is set to highlight the best young talent in the sport today.
