D I G I T A L E V E N T G U I D E
US
DRESSAGE
FINALS
presented by
US DRESSAGE FINALS
AT A
GLANCE
Top qualifiers from across
the country will be competing
in a national head-to-head
championship that showcases
competitors in Adult Amateur
and Open divisions, at Training
Level through Grand Prix, as
well as Junior/Young Riders at
Training through Intermediate I.
DATES
October 29 - November 1
VENUE
World Equestrian Center, Wilmington, Ohio
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
www.usdf.org/usdressagefinals
USDF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Follow the
Journeys
We here at Sidelines were thrilled
to partner with the USDF to
create this event guide, featuring a
selection of competitor submissions
as they head into the 2026 US
Dressage Finals. Congratulations
to all of the Finals competitors,
whether they are featured here or
not—every journey is unique and
worth celebrating, regardless of
the results.
It has been so much fun getting to
know a little behind each of these
journeys, and I hope you enjoy
reading them. If you enjoyed this
guide, you’ll love reading Sidelines
in print or online, featuring longer
stories on other equestrians—and
don’t be surprised if, in a future issue,
you find us featuring some of these
riders whose stories we can’t wait to
explore more!
BRITNEY GROVER
Sidelines Editor
FIRST TIMER
What is your favorite thing about
the horse you’re competing?
My favorite thing about Der Fiete, known in the
barn as Derry, is that he is very much a “been
there, done that” kind of horse. I can hop on
him bareback in nothing more than a halter,
take him cross-country schooling or expose
him to almost any new situation without a
second thought. Very little fazes him. Yet when
it is time to step into the show ring, he will
spark to life and deliver that extra wow factor.
What does it mean to you to compete at
the US Dressage Finals, and what are you
most looking forward to about it?
This will be my first time attending the US
Dressage Finals, and I could not be more
excited. While competing on such a stage
is certainly a highlight, what I am looking
forward to most is reconnecting with old
friends, making new ones, and spending
quality time with Derry.
What do you do when you’re not riding?
When I’m not riding, I’m an international
lawyer and was fortunate to make partner at
my firm earlier this year. My practice focuses
on mergers and acquisitions, particularly
complex cross-border transactions between
the United States and the United Kingdom.
Balancing a legal career with competitive
dressage means keeping some unconventional
hours: Most mornings, I am at the barn
before sunrise, fitting in training rides before
heading into the office and spending the day
negotiating deals and coordinating teams
across multiple jurisdictions. People are often
surprised to learn that I go from riding FEI
dressage tests in the morning to negotiating
acquisition agreements later in the day, but I
feel incredibly fortunate to be able to pursue
two passions that I love.
ADULT AMATEURS
LAURA ABER
Region 8 – Jersey City, NJ – Int I Freestyle AA Ch and PSG AA
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026
What is your favorite thing about
the horse you’re competing?
Max is the most emotionally connected horse
I have ever met. I got him 30 days under saddle
while I was still in Iraq after losing my horse
while serving oversees. Max helped me heal in
so many ways. He also demands to travel with
his own sidekick, a one-eyed rescue mini horse
named Bullseye. They are quite the pair!
Is there anything you and your horse
have been working on that you’re
especially excited to showcase?
I ride our freestyle in uniform to military
composition. This is my third horse to carry on
this unique musical freestyle tradition. I’ve found
that it brings so much joy and pride to so many
people. I’m excited to showcase it at Finals!
What does it mean to you to compete
at the US Dressage Finals?
I really enjoy meeting fellow Adult Amateur
riders from across the country and sharing
stories. Coming from an area with little
dressage, it feels incredible to my immersed
with my people!
What is one goal you have for yourself
going into the championships?
My goal is to show up for Max. He is 8 and this
is his first Finals. He will be very nervous and
need me to ride my best and not also succumb
to my own nerves. I hope this to be the first of
many many Finals together so I want this to be
the best experience for him.
What do you do when you’re not riding?
I am a lawyer, a wife, a mother and a soldier. I
balance all of this with my training by keeping
my horses at home so I can multi-task to the
utmost (think: riding while dinner cooks and
on a conference call simultaneously). It’s a bit
of spinning plates sometimes, but I wouldn’t
have it any other way!
ADULT AMATEURS
DANIELLE AYMOND
Region 9 – Baton Rouge, LA – Second Level AA Ch, Third Level FS AA
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026
FIRST TIMER
How did you first get involved in dressage?
I initially started doing dressage as part of
eventing, where I previously competed up to
the three-star level. This year I underwent four
surgeries to have my left eye reconstructed,
which required 17 weeks of bed rest. I’ve
focused exclusively on dressage to minimize
the concussion to my eye and, due to the
loss of vision in my left eye, I have impaired
depth perception. Dressage has given me the
opportunity to enjoy my horses in a new capacity
and focus on my partnership with my horses.
Is there anything you and your horse
have been working on that you’re
especially excited to showcase?
Dressage! One year ago he’d never ridden in a
dressage saddle. It took several shows before he
really started to understand what the dressage
ring was, and I’m just so proud of him. I am
also trying to navigate the warm-up rings more
effectively. With my limited vision, I’m still
learning how to negotiate crowded spaces.
What does it mean to you to compete
at the US Dressage Finals?
I made a goal last year on the day of my
second emergency surgery that I wanted to
go to Finals; to see that come to fruition is
emotional for sure. I was still in my hospital
bed when I really started dreaming about it. I
managed to squeak out qualifications in April
before having another round of surgeries. My
husband and I made my dressage freestyle
during my spring bedbest. So to be able to ride
to something we choreographed is really fun
and I’m excited to show that off. Aaron Vale
also helped us picked the music. Aaron’s a big
star fan and Luke (Skywalker)/Red Five is a
Star Wars-themed name, so we had to!
ADULT AMATEURS
SAMANTHA ERWIN
Region 3 – Friendsville, TN – First Level AA Ch & FS
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026
How did you first get involved in dressage?
When I was 12 years old, my dad bought me
my first horse, which was a Quarter Horse. I
wanted to do eventing; however, my horse was
not cut out for that type of work. My trainer
at the time had a beautiful dressage horse. It
became my dream to own a dressage horse
that was bred for the sport and to learn how
to ride him. My stepmother took my horse
away from me when I was 16 years old, and
it wasn’t until I was 47 that I had enough
money and time to fulfill my dream of buying
a German Warmblood. After a successful
business transaction, I literally drove to the
nearest dressage barn and told the trainer that
I wanted a German Warmblood and to learn
how to ride dressage.
What’s one thing your horse has taught
you throughout your partnership?
The one thing my horse has taught me
throughout our partnership is that it is the
most rare and valuable relationship that I
have ever experienced with a being other than
a human being. Our partnership is squarely
based on trust, honesty and fairness. To me it
is love and to him it is trust.
What does it mean to you to compete
at the US Dressage Finals?
It means my relationship with Fritz is validated
by having the opportunity to go to the US
Dressage Finals.
What do you do when you’re not riding?
If I’m not thinking about my horse, I’m helping
my three children or working on our two
businesses. I am pretty much obsessed with
my horse!
ADULT AMATEURS
DEBORAH DYSART
Region 4 – St. Louis, MO – PSG AA CH; Int 1 AA CH; Int 1 AA FS
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026
FIRST TIMER
What is your favorite thing about
the horse you’re competing?
My favorite thing about Niko is his personality.
He is incredibly affectionate, and full of
character. He is goofy, inquisitive, and
absolutely loves people. He has a way of
making everyone around him smile, and he
never fails to brighten my day.
What’s one thing your horse has taught
you throughout your partnership?
Niko has taught me that sometimes the best
things in life are worth waiting for. After
taking a 12-year break from dressage, I never
could have imagined finding a horse who
would mean so much to me. I fell in love with
Niko long before he was mine, and when the
opportunity to purchase him finally came
along, it felt like everything had fallen into
place. Our partnership has reminded me
that the most rewarding accomplishments
aren’t always the ribbons or scores, but the
trust, confidence, and connection you build
along the way.
What do you like to do when
you’re not riding?
Outside of riding, I am a huge music lover!
My husband and I love traveling to see live
music and often plan trips around concerts. I
also enjoy spending time outdoors, especially
hiking with our two dogs, Lyla and Lego. Music
has always been a big part of my life, which
made creating my own dressage freestyle an
especially fun and meaningful experience.
ADULT AMATEURS
AMANDA CRONE
Region 2 – Cincinnati, OH – First Level AA
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026
How did you first get involved in dressage?
I’ve ridden my whole life, but started riding
dressage about 20 years ago. I had recently
moved back to Colorado and was looking for
a discipline that had many opportunities to
compete and dressage was a great fit! I’ve never
looked back!
What is your favorite thing about the
horse you’re competing? What’s something
unique or unusual about them?
Chai is absolutely the best horse I’ve ever
competed—he’s a total team player. I love his
even temperament and how he can go from
walking on the buckle to executing upper-level
movements in just a moment. He’s a dream
come true.
What are you most looking forward to
about competing at the US Dressage Finals?
I’m most looking forward to competing with all
the ladies from Region 5. We have a great group
this year and it will be fun to have so many
buddies at the show.
What is one goal you have for yourself
going into the championships?
This is my second year competing at
Championships. I was so nervous last year
and a bit out of my element. I am so happy to
have that behind me and be able to compete
without all of that nervousness.
What do you do when you’re not riding?
I am a mom to three daughters (20, 17 and
13) who I have had the joy of raising. I also do
interior design work. I love to ski, hike, travel
and cook.
ADULT AMATEURS
KACY VAHEY
Region 5 – Littleton, CO – PSG AA Ch and Intl I AA Ch
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026
What’s one thing your horse has taught you
throughout your partnership?
As an Adult Amateur with a full-time job in
academia, I’ve learned this year that following
my passion for horses—especially ZZ—is not
something I should squash just because it’s
not a “normal hobby.” It’s important for me to
make time to go to the barn every day before
work. This horse is worth it! And he’s teaching
me that I’m worth it too.
Is there anything you and your horse have
been working on that you’re especially
excited to showcase?
This is our first year competing in a Musical
Freestyle category, and we are having a BLAST!
Combining horses and music is a total dream
come true. I already love riding, but having
Broadway show tunes playing aloud during my
pattern makes me grin!
What is one goal you have for yourself
going into the championships?
My first goal is to stay on the right side of the
tack! My second goal is to place in the ribbons.
What do you like to do when you’re not
riding? Anything else interesting or
unusual about you?
I am a professional opera singer and teach
opera and voice at the collegiate level! There
are actually lots of parallels between preparing
for a horse show and rehearsing for an operatic
performance. The daily grind, the positive self-
talk and the visualizations are all really similar.
I am competitive in this sport just like I work
for time onstage singing. And as a bonus, the
sports psychology I practice with my horse is
a skill I can translate to music performance
psychology and teach my college students.
-Photo by High Time Photography at
Region 3 Championships October 2026
ADULT AMATEURS
AMANDA CASTELLONE
Region 3 – Charleston, SC – First Level AA Ch and FS AA
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026
FIRST TIMER
How did you first get involved in dressage?
I first got involved in dressage through 4-H,
where I entered my first ever intro dressage test
at 9 years old. This is my third season showing
dressage officially and we’re having a blast.
What is your favorite thing about the
horse you’re competing? What’s something
unique or unusual about them?
My favorite thing about Omael is how hard he
tries. He is a Gypsy/Fresian cross, so definitely
not a traditional dressage horse. But you can’t
tell him that, because he knows that he’s the
cutest boy in the entire world. He always turns
to go up centerline with his ears perked like he
knows everyone is watching him. My favorite
thing about Gowi is that he’s always willing.
He is the most obedient, well behaved boy
who truly aims to please. I always know that if
something isn’t going according to plan, there
are gaps in my learning that I need to fill so
that he can do his job.
Is there anything you and your horse have
been working on that you’re especially
excited to showcase?
With Omael I am especially excited to showcase
our First Level Freestyle! It is our first season
doing a freestyle for both of us, and has been
an extremely fun experience. Gowi and I are
showing a Second Level TopGun themed
freestyle that we are super excited about!
What does it mean to you to compete at the
US Dressage Finals?
I am super proud of Omael for qualifying
us to compete at Finals in all three of our
classes. I’m looking forward to showcasing our
partnership, and to show off just how adorable
he is. This is our first trip for me and both boys
off of the west coast, so I’m extremely excited
for the adventure!
ADULT AMATEURS
KENDRA CASPER
Region 6 – Oregon – First Level FS, Second Level AA Ch & FS
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026
How did you first get involved in dressage?
I was obsessed with horses in middle school,
and my parents drove past a farm near our
house and asked the owner if she gave lessons.
Luckily she did, and she was a dressage rider.
What is your favorite thing about
the horse you’re competing?
Dibadu is 18h, and the first time I rode him, he
made me feel like a queen. My favorite thing
about him is that he makes me a better rider.
If I ride him correctly and effectively, he’s
amazing. But he doesn’t give it to me for free!
What does it mean to you to compete at
the US Dressage Finals, or what are you
most looking forward to about it?
As an adult amateur, it’s extraordinarily
challenging to juggle a full time career, a family
with two active boys, and riding. Competing at
finals is something just for me and no one else.
I’m most looking forward to the experience
and just knowing that I belong there thanks
to all of the sacrifices and hard work it took to
make it.
What do you do when you’re not riding?
I’m a PhD equine nutritionist. I recently
started my own independent consulting
business, EquiVine PhD Nutrition, after
working in the feed industry for over 16 years.
I’ve contributed to the development of many
feeds and supplements over the years, and
even have a patent on a feed technology.
My passion is making nutrition science
accessible to horse owners so they can better
care for their horses.
ADULT AMATEURS
KELLY VINEYARD
Region 3 – Newberry, FL – Fourth Level AA CH and FS
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026
FIRST TIMER
How did you first get involved in dressage?
I’ve been eventing for over 25 years, but it
wasn’t until 2025 that I competed in my first
USDF show. When I retired my OTTB from
eventing in 2017, I took eight years off from
competing, and then another two and a half
years off from riding altogether. I purchased In
Hindsight, aka Kobe, spring of 2025 and have
been building a partnership with him since.
2026 has been my first full year competing
exclusively in USDF, and the transition has
been wildly educational—and so much more
fun than I could have ever imagined!
What’s one thing your horse has taught
you throughout your partnership?
It’s all about the journey. The clichés are all
true, as it turns out! Before this season, I often
found myself getting sucked into tunnel vision
to produce the end result and forgetting to
enjoy the process along the way. Stepping
away from competing for a few years gave me
such a greater appreciation for the sport as a
whole, the village it takes to do it and, most
importantly, the love of the animals. I think I
previously treated riding and competing as a
birthright, but now I feel such a sense of pride,
astonishment and appreciation for it all. I’m
eternally grateful to Kobe for helping me slow
down and focus more on the why.
What do you do when you’re not riding?
My full-time job is as an airline pilot, so my
days at home are sacred, and I love spending
them in the barn. Being able to provide
myself with this lifestyle is one of my greatest
accomplishments. I’m also very fortunate to
have such a supportive spouse! I dabble in
cycling and love spending time in my beautiful
garden as well.
ADULT AMATEURS
KATHRYN SCHICK
Region 1 – Free Union, VA - First Level AA Championship
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026
FIRST TIMER
ADULT AMATEURS
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026
How did you first get involved in dressage?
I have been around horses my entire life
and started dressage when I got my Pony
of America, Galaxy Twinkle Star. I was 5
and he was 6, and together we competed up
to First Level and went up to Regionals in
Training Level! Now I am 13 years old and
will be competing with De La Muse at the US
Dressage Finals.
What is your favorite thing about the
horse you’re competing? What’s something
unique or unusual about them?
My favorite thing about Dela is that she can be
difficult at times but then gives it her all and is
the sweetest horse. Something unique is that
she loves to go cross country and jump!
What’s one thing your horse has taught
you throughout your partnership?
The one big thing Dela has thought me is to
stay patient and positive and there will always
be a rainbow after the rain!
What does it mean to you to compete
at the US Dressage Finals?
I am just very excited that I qualified for the
US Dressage Finals, as it is my first time! I
look forward most to be there with my family,
trainer and Dela.
What is one goal you have for yourself
going into the championships?
I hope to just ride the best tests I can and enjoy
my experience with Dela!
What do you like to do
when you’re not riding?
I love to craft and also make hobby horses.
MAYA DANIEL
Region 3 – Milton, GA – First Level and Second Level JrYR Ch
JUNIORS/YOUNG RIDERS
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026
What is your favorite thing about
the horse you’re competing?
Each of my horses has something so special to
bring to the table! Baby Shamu, aka Poseidon
is truly my heart horse—I rescued him off the
track in 2022 and have developed him myself
from the ground up. Poseidon has taught me so
much about patience, finding my purpose and
loving the journey, and he continues to excel as
an “off-breed” dressage horse both regionally
and nationally. He truly has saved me time and
time again, and he is my best friend—there is
no feeling like showing with him!
My partnership with Chaickie, aka Chai, is
incredibly new, as she came into my life just
a little over three months ago! Chai gives me
such an incredible feeling in our schooling;
now we are trying to figure out how to bring
this to the ring, and in a few of our later tests
this season I think we started to get there!
Curly Serendipity WHR, aka Freya, is a very
special horse, as she was once a wild Mustang
out in Salt Wells, Wyoming. She is in fact a
Curly Horse, so her coat changes drastically
from her short summer coat to a full, fluffy
poodle coat by the fall!
What does it mean to you to compete at
the US Dressage Finals and what are you
most looking forward to about it?
After having competed at finals last season
with Poseidon, I knew going this year with all of
my horses would be the most meaningful and
emotional way to close out my Jr/YR career before
becoming a professional next season. I am so
looking forward to experiencing the magic of the
electric venue again, and bringing along my friends
and family this time! Getting to compete on the
national stage with horses who aren’t your typical
dressage horse is such an honor, as I feel as though
we are representing so many more horses out there
who deserve a chance to get into the arena.
GRACE DAVIS
Region 5 – Colorado Springs, CO – PSG Jr/YR; Second Level Jr/YR; Training Level Jr/YR
FIRST TIMER
JUNIORS/YOUNG RIDERS
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026
How did you first get involved in dressage?
I have been riding since I was three years
old. My parents, who are not riders, took me
to Rock Creek Stables in D.C. for a fun trail
ride activity and they said I just lit up with
happiness on the horse. I rode at a couple
of lesson barns for many years until I was 8
when I moved to a more serious training and
boarding facility and started really learning
dressage and eventing.
What’s one thing your horse has taught
you throughout your partnership?
Joey has taught me that progress isn’t always
a straight line. Some days everything clicks,
and other days we have to work through things
together. I’ve learned to be more patient, listen
to what he’s telling me and not get frustrated
when things don’t go exactly as planned. I
think we’ve both become more confident
together because of that.
Is there anything you and your horse
have been working on that you’re
especially excited to showcase?
Joey and I have been working really hard on
being more steady and consistent in our tests
and building a stronger partnership. We’ve
only been together a little over a year, so a big
focus has been learning to communicate better
and trust each other. I’m excited to show how
much more confident and connected we’ve
become as a team.
What does it mean to you to compete
at the US Dressage Finals?
It’s honestly something I never expected to be
doing this soon! Joey and I have worked really
hard to get to this point. Winning Regionals
was such an awesome surprise, and getting the
chance to compete at Finals is really special.
I’m excited to ride alongside so many talented
riders and see what we can do together.
OLIVE DUMAIS
Region 1 – Takoma Park, MD – Training Level Jr/YR
FIRST TIMER
JUNIORS/YOUNG RIDERS
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026
How did you first get involved in dressage?
My hunter trainer brought me to a local
dressage clinic back in 2020. Ever since then
I’ve been riding dressage whether for shows
or for young horse improvement, even having
an opportunity to be a working student for a
high-end dressage barn for a year. Now I am
focused on increasing my dressage score with
my personal eventing horse, which has also
helped our over-fence work as well!
What is your favorite thing about the
horse you’re competing? What’s something
unique or unusual about them?
My favorite thing about my horse is his
opinion. He’s super athletic and brave, but
he does have opinions about most things in
his life. Something unusual about him is he
always has his tongue out, my pictures of him
always seemed to have his tongue!
What’s one thing your horse has taught
you throughout your partnership?
Since I’ve been with my horse since he was
born and have personally done all of his
training, he has taught me so much. However,
the biggest thing he’s taught me is to not force
something if it’s not working: Don’t be afraid to
take a step back and ask why or what can I do
differently.
What does it mean to you to compete
at the US Dressage Finals?
It would mean the absolute world to me to
be able to compete at US Dressage Finals. I so
grateful have gotten many opportunities to
show at higher levels, but this will be the first
time showing at such a high-level on my own
merit and hard work. One goal I have for myself
going into the championships is to have fun
while riding to the best of my ability!
CARLEY HOWE
Region 3 – Knoxville, TN – PSG JRYR Ch; Int I Jr YR Ch
What is your favorite thing about
the horse you’re competing?
Amada Sorpresa, our homebred 7-year-
old Andalusian-cross gelding, has enough
personality for three horses—or more! He is
self-taught in lip-flapping, whether to beg for
treats or attention. He is the most loving horse,
who wears every expression on his face and is
really connected to me. As both his rider and
trainer for his whole life, I’ve known him since
he was born.
What does it mean to you to compete at
the US Dressage Finals, or what are you
most looking forward to about it?
I have attended Finals almost EVERY YEAR
since 2018, whether to watch, volunteer or
groom; I love Finals but have never been able
to compete. For a while, there were no Jr/Yr
divisions. Finally, in 2024, I was able to earn
an invite but the horse ended up selling before
the competition. I am so excited that two years
later, I am getting the opportunity to compete
at one of my favorite shows AND in my last year
as a Jr/YR. I can’t wait to close out my youth
years with this show.
What is one goal you have for yourself
going into the championships?
I used to struggle with competition anxiety—
since then I have made so much progress. The
only goal in mind is to enjoy the ride; I’m so
lucky to be here.
What do you do when you’re not riding?
A fun fact is I’m currently a senior studying
mechanical engineering at Vanderbilt. It’s
a juggling act to balance being a full-time
student and coming back to train and compete,
but worth absolutely every hour of work.
JUNIORS/YOUNG RIDERS
KAYLEY KNOLLMAN
Region 2 – Cincinnati, Ohio - Third Level Jr/YR Ch
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026
JUNIORS/YOUNG RIDERS
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026
Is there anything you and your horse have
been working on that you’re especially
excited to showcase?
Everything in the PSG! Working hard on the
canter tour.
What does it mean to you to compete
at the US Dressage Finals?
Just participating is an accomplishment in
itself. But I’m most excited to see the venue at
WEC Ohio and how Teddy and I respond to it.
What is one goal you have for yourself
going into the championships?
To have fun and live in the moment. I’m always
thinking about what’s next.
How did you first get involved in dressage?
After a series of orthopedic injuries and not
rehabbing well in traditional PT I decided to
return to riding after a 15-year hiatus. I had
ridden the hunters in the past and knew I
wanted to mitigate risk of injury, so dressage
made the most sense.
What’s one thing your horse has taught
you throughout your partnership?
Patience. He has had numerous health issues
along the way including asthma, allergies and
neck arthritis. This has sidelined us for a few
years learning what his medical needs are to
keep him going.
MANDY MITCHELL
Region 1 – Frederick, MD - PSG AA CH
Finals. I’m most looking forward to competing
at the World Equestrian Center for the first
time and spending many hours in the wash
stall keeping Oreo nice and white! I’m so
thankful for Oreo’s owner, Elaine Cole, and my
trainer, Emily Brollier-Curtis, for making this
crazy dream a reality for me.
What is one goal you have for yourself
going into the championships?
A goal I have for myself going into Finals is to
stay present during my tests, and enjoy every
minute with Oreo. Every ride with her is such
a privilege!
What do you like to do
when you’re not riding?
I’m a senior at the University of Kentucky
studying equine science and management! I’m
currently the President of our IHSA Hunt Seat
team too.
JUNIORS/YOUNG RIDERS
How did you first get involved in dressage?
I learned to ride in a dressage lesson program
in Atlanta. My first year riding was actually
spent vaulting!
What’s one thing your horse has taught you
throughout your partnership?
Aside from all of the new FEI movements I’ve
learned with Oreo, she is teaching me how to
keep my composure in big arenas. She is so
forgiving of my nerves and always tries her
hardest for me.
What does it mean to you to compete
at the US Dressage Finals?
My road to US Dressage Finals was an
incredibly unexpected one this year. I was
given the ride on Oreo this past August, and I
was so excited when we qualified for my first
GAIG/USDF Regional Championships. It feels
surreal to now be preparing for US Dressage
MAGGIE SHUMAN
Region 1 – Lexington, KY – PSG JRYR Ch; Int I Jr YR Ch
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026