Markel/USEF Young and Developing Horse Championships launched on Thursday showcasing exciting young talent across three divisions.

Developing FEI Prix St. Georges

The Developing FEI Prix St. Georges, where seasoned athletes piloted exciting young horses in one of the key pathways towards the senior Grand Prix, featured a strong, competitive field. Adrienne Lyle (Wellington, Fla.) and Hussmanns Top Gun, a 2016 Danish Warmblood gelding (Totilas x Atterupgaards Demi), owned by Heidi Humphries, led the way with a polished ride, scoring a 72.549% from the judging panel for the win. Rebecca Rigdon (Cardiff by the Sea, Calif.) and MSJ For VIPs, a 2017 Oldenburg gelding (Foundation x VIP), owned by Lauren Fisher, followed with a 70.196%, while Brittany Burson (St. Charles, Ill.) and Fiorenza, her own 2017 Oldenburg mare (Furstenball x Darline M) earned 67.500% to secure third place.

USEF 4-Year-Old

The youngest equine athletes also had their turn to shine in the USEF 4-Year-Old Test, where Charell Garcia (Middletown, N.Y.) and MW Verrazzano, a 2021 U.S.-bred Oldenburg stallion (Viva Gold x Weiss Schwraz), owned by Jennifer Vanover, posted an impressive 85.200% to claim the top spot. Michelle Davis (Aiken, S.C.) and Galaxena, a 2021 Oldenburg mare (Galaxy x Floreida), owned by Lindsey Holleger, took second on 83.000%, while Lindsey Holleger (Aiken, S.C.) and Real Surprice, a 2021 Dutch Warmblood mare (Valverde x Gabbana), owned by Holleger and Carol Brunsting, earned third with 81.600%.

USEF 5-Year-Old

In the 5-Year-Old Preliminary Test, Laura Abner (Windsor, S.C.) and Vera MSJ, a 2020 Hanoverian mare (Vitalis x Top Secret MSJ), owned by Abner and Lisa Darden, topped the leaderboard with an impressive 83.600%. Close behind, Justin Giles (Heber City, Utah) piloted Templeton’s Milano, his own 2020 U.S.-bred Westphalian stallion (Morricone I x Florenciana) to second place on 83.200%, while Charell Garcia and MW Virtuous, a 2020 Oldenburg stallion (Valverda x SP. PR. Rheparter) secured third with 82.400%.

Results

2025 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions Live Stream

The 2025 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions is streaming live on USEF Network, brought to you by Adequan®. US Equestrian fans, subscribers, and members can access the live stream, and subscribers and members will be able to watch replays on demand. Learn more here.

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