The Aspen Leaf Farm/USEF Children National Championship concluded with a memorable day of competition, highlighted by the performances of talented young riders and their equine partners. Grace Christianson (Noblesville, Ind.) and FHF Roulee, her own 2014 American Warmblood mare (Routinier x Marelee du Bois) captured the championship title with an overall average score of 78.370%.  Look HERE for USA Dressage on Social Media.

(Photo:  Grace Christianson on FHF Roulee, 2025. ©Isabelle Whiteside_US Equestrian)

“I didn’t really feel very confident going into the arena, and the pressure was a little bit hard,” Christianson admitted. “But you just kind of have to work through it and really pull it together, and so did I. It ended in a good ride and a good score.”

We Worked Really Hard

Christianson, who has enjoyed a successful summer with “Roulee,” reflected on the significance of closing out her career in the Children division with a win. “It felt really good because we worked really hard to get to this point,” she said. “I spent a lot of time at the barn and a lot of hard work. It was a lot of fun, despite it being my last ever Children’s test.”

I’m A Little Nervous

With juniors on the horizon, Christianson is both eager and optimistic. “I’m a little nervous, but Roulee was already doing changes left and right in the warm-up, so I think she’ll be just fine,” she shared with a smile. “We’re heading to Region 4 Regionals and hopefully to the U.S. Dressage Finals in Ohio this year.”

Finishing as reserve champion was Gwyneth Miller (Carlsbad, Calif.) with Rubinette N, her own 2011 Oldenburg mare (Rubino Belissimo x Piccolena), affectionately known as “Ruby” or “Pretty Princess,” earning a cumulative score of 76.685%.

Gave It Her All

“It was the best ride we’ve had in that test,” said Miller. “I’m really proud of how she did and how she tried her hardest and gave it her all. It feels really great to walk away from my first championship with the reserve ribbon.”

She Can Be Stubborn

Miller will also move up to the junior level next season, carrying forward her enthusiasm for the partnership. “Ruby’s a really sweet girl, but she can be stubborn,” she said fondly. “I’m just looking forward to having a great time again and having more fun next year.”

Steady And Polished Test

In third place, Madelynn Williams (West Lafayette, Ind.) and FHF Cahlua, a 2005 American Warmblood mare (Cody x Cariarctic), owned by Jennifer Kaiser, produced a steady and polished test to earn a score of 74.400% overall.

I’m So Proud

“I just wanted to put out a clean test since we had some troubles last year,” said Williams. “I wanted this last year in Children to be a good year before we go on to juniors. She might not be the fanciest horse, but she felt good in all my aids, and I thought, ‘This is going to be a good test, so let’s just put it out there and do our best.’ We did that and I’m so proud.”

Full Results