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