Christian Simonson added a second national title to his record by winning the Adequan ®/USEF Brentina Cup Dressage National Championship aboard Fleau de Baian, finishing on a cumulative score of 69.528%. The pair delivered a strong performance highlighted by expressive canter work and powerful piaffe-passage transitions to secure the championship.

Photo – Christian Simonson and Fleau de Baian (Susan J Stickle)

Fleau de Baian, a 2010 KWPN stallion (Jazz x Fidora), owned by Zen Elite Equestrian Center, is a full brother to the legendary Parzival. Simonson affectionately calls him “Felix,” and describes him as the perfect partner. “He’s just like his brother Rocky. He would go through fire for you,” Simonson shared. “It’s the most amazing feeling. I remember when I first sat on him, I thought, wow, this horse would just give you everything. And he really proved that this weekend.”

Their freestyle sealed the win with a final centerline that Simonson called one of his best moments of the competition. “That last centerline with the double fan each way—I’ve been really trying all week with both my boys to mentally click into that spot in the piaffe-passage. Today it just clicked. It felt like I had already won, no matter the score.”

Opportunities

Caroline Garren and Quantaris, a 2010 Oldenburg gelding (Quarterline x Super Susi), owned by Oded Shimoni, claimed the Reserve Championship following a polished performance that left them just behind Simonson’s winning score, finishing with a score of 68.101%. “He felt great today,” said Garren. “We had a clean test that I was proud of. A couple of moments could have been a little more collected, but I really enjoyed our music and I’m happy with the choreography we chose for the freestyle.”

Garren, who is preparing to step into the senior Grand Prix ranks, praised both her mount and her support system. “I’m so blessed to have the opportunity to ride Quantaris. He’s such a joy in the barn, he’s super snuggly, and I love that about him. I’m grateful to Oded for believing in me, developing me as a rider, and giving me these opportunities. Doing the Brentina Cup this season has been wonderful preparation for the senior level, and I feel so lucky to have people investing their time and energy in my growth as a rider.”

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.

Follow USEF Festival of Champions   
Stay up to date on results and information at Festival of Champions by following USA Dressage on Facebook and Instagram and US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.