The 2025 FEI North American Youth Championships concluded in style with the Junior and Young Rider Individual Freestyle competitions, part of the Discover Dressage/FEI North American Youth Dressage Championships presented by USDF. Riders delivered standout performances to music, earning medals and personal bests in an inspiring finale to the week-long event.
Sophia Rokstad Claims Young Rider Freestyle Gold for Canada
Canada’s Sophia Rokstad delivered a personal-best performance to capture gold in the Young Rider Individual Freestyle, scoring 73.350% aboard Lord Nunes. Her Taylor Swift-themed routine captivated both judges and spectators, earning Canada its first dressage gold of the competition.
“Last year’s elimination in the Individual Final was tough,” said Rokstad. “Coming back this year with confidence and taking gold—it means everything to me.”
Just behind her, Lexie Kment of Palmyra, Nebraska, rode Gatino Van Hof Olympia to silver with 73.325%, collecting her third medal of the week.
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“This entire week has been incredible,” said Kment. “Riding to ‘This is the Thank You’ by Megan Woods felt like the perfect way to express my gratitude. Sharing it all with my mom as coach made it unforgettable.”
Bronze went to Marin Roth of Bloomington, Illinois, riding Erin Meadows Jägermeister to a 72.170%—also a personal best.
“I’ve brought him along since he was an unbroken 3-year-old,” said Roth. “To feel at home in such a big arena was really meaningful.”
Roth also highlighted the camaraderie within Region 2 and the new opportunity to mentor riders in the Children’s division. “Supporting younger athletes was one of the most rewarding parts of the week.”
Junior Freestyle Gold for Eila Fisk and a Swinging Routine
Eila Fisk of Aiken, South Carolina, took top honors in the Junior Individual Freestyle with Quaresma, scoring 70.980% for a self-designed routine set to 1920s swing music.
“I found the trot music in Germany two years ago and built everything around it,” said Fisk. “He felt so in sync with the music—it was like he was enjoying it as much as I was.”
Silver went to Catherine Burlew of Denver, Colorado, on Hojgaardens Scirocco (70.765%), whose energetic Queen-inspired freestyle won over the crowd.
“I’ve always loved Queen, and Scirocco lit up when he heard the music,” said Burlew. “Being part of a combined team made this whole experience even more special.”
Canada’s Ainsley Leach earned bronze with Frangelico (70.665%) for a freestyle set to Hamilton.
“I’m not a big musical theatre fan, but I love Hamilton,” said Leach. “I knew every beat and designed the test myself—I just wanted to go in and enjoy the ride.”
Across both divisions, riders echoed the same sentiment: the true highlight of NAYC was the atmosphere.
“The support here is amazing,” said Fisk. “People cheer for everyone, not just their own team. It’s unlike any other event I’ve been to.”
As the curtains closed on another memorable year in Traverse City, one thing was clear: the future of North American dressage is in passionate, talented hands.
