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