“This win is a huge marker for us” — 19-year-old Ryleigh Koch tops the Prix St. Georges Junior/YR Championship victory on Ruben D4K with 67.696%. (Photo: Sue Stickle Photography)

Three of the seven Junior/Young Rider titles, which run from training to intermediate I level at Finals, were decided on Saturday at the 2025 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®. Autumn Vavrick led the charge with the highest score, riding One De La Fazenda to 72.731% in the First Level Junior/Young Rider (YR) Championship. The 16-year-old, who recently achieved her USDF Gold Medal, scored a unanimous win in the class of 15 starters on her family and Eleonora Frey’s six-year-old Valverde gelding.

Photo – Autumn Vavrick and the Valverde gelding One De La Fazenda scored 72.731% to top the First Level Junior/Young Rider Championship. (Sue Stickle Photography)

He was imported from the Netherlands in February of this year, and with help from coach Laurie Moore, has had a fantastic debut season, including a pair of wins at the Region 2 Championships.

Two Friends, Two Titles

Two friends secured the Prix St. Georges Junior/YR Championship and the Third Level Junior/YR title. Ryleigh Koch clocked up a 67.696% on Ruben D4K to claim the small tour sash, while Finley Peterson rode Chrevi’s Camelot to 68.583% and the third level blanket. The pair both attended the Dressage 4 Kids summer intensive program with Lendon Gray in Maine in 2020.

Finley Peterson, 16, claimed the Third Level Junior/YR title on Chrevi’s Camelot with 68.583%. (Photo: Sue Stickle Photography)

Koch initially acquired Ruben D4K, a 15-year-old gelding by Rubinero, through the Dressage 4 Kids program, and after three years was able to buy him in 2025.

“He had some behavior issues, but he has pushed through and become really special for us,” said the 19-year-old from Eastern Pennsylvania who trains with Cara Klothe. “He’s taught me a lot, and this win is a huge marker for us. To be at Finals and able to ride in a FEI class is awesome. Ruben has taught me to pick the underdog and take risks on horses.”

It Clicked

Peterson, who is 16, found Chrevi’s Camelot (by Tailormade Lancelot) in Florida when her family was looking for a potential junior horse for her.

“The moment I sat on him it clicked,” said the rider from Woodstock, Vermont, who trains with Ruth Hogan-Poulsen. “He’s not the most confident, but he always tries his heart out. It was an honor to even be here. I just wanted to give him a good ride and a good feeling to give him confidence.”

Competition concludes on Sunday, November 2, with the last 10 titles to be decided on the closing day. Check out the latest coverage of the 2025 Finals, including behind-the-scenes photos and daily releases here. Live results and start times can be found here.