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