The Mount Vernon, WA-based Aaron Janicki rode 13 tests at the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Region 6 Championships and continued his spectacular run of form on his own 11-year-old 18.1hh mare, Jinicole M (by Expression x Gribaldi). They won the Open Grand Prix straight and freestyle classes, the latter with over 71%. The mare, who was imported from the Netherlands as a five-year-old, has remained unbeaten in her last 19 starts at the level. The last time she and Janicki were bettered was by Schwartsman and Royal Flash R at the Sherwood CDI3* show in June of 2024.

Photo – Aaron Janicki extended his unbeaten run on Jinicole M, an 18.1hh mare by Expression, picking up two Open titles at Grand Prix level. (Ella Chedester Photography)

Janicki, a breeder and rider, had to settle for second place behind Schwartsman again in the Prix St. Georges regional championship with his own nine-year-old Lord Bretton Woods (by Bretton Woods x Painted Black). In the Intermediate I, the duo climbed to the top step of the podium, pulling off a unanimous win with 71.765%.

Adult Amateurs Soar

Adult Amateur Julia Kelleher and her Swedish Warmblood X-Cilent, by Connaisseur, swept the board at Grand Prix. (Photo: Ella Chedester Photography)

AA rider and USDF Gold Medalist Julia Kelleher and her own 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding X-Cilent (by Connaisseur x Weltmeyer) were all-conquering, leading both the straight and freestyle Grand Prix championship classes.

Kelli Hajjar was also competing at the show and was undefeated on her new mare, the nine-year-old Ferro daughter, Follini. They racked up wins at Training and First Levels and topped the USDF Regional Adult Amateur (AA) Equitation Final. Not to be outdone, Kelli’s daughter Abigail Hajjar rode Black Bandit, a nine-year-old Bordeaux gelding, to victory in the Junior/Young Rider Training Level championship with 69.1%. Mother and daughter shared a special moment when their award ceremonies coincided, allowing them to celebrate their ribbons together.

AA Anika Sadler proved that dressage really is for all breeds when she won the First Level freestyle on her Haflinger, Roush. Originally bought for her husband to ride, the gelding has now helped Sadler earn her USDF Bronze Medal. The dedicated rider drives 10 hours from Idaho every two months to train with Schwartsman.

Click here for full results from the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 6 Dressage Championships.

The 2025 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® takes place October 30-November 2 at the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, OH. It is a national, head-to-head competition that showcases competitors in Adult Amateur, Open, and Junior/Young Rider divisions. Classes run from Training Level through Grand Prix, plus freestyle to music divisions, with Junior/YR sections at Training Level through Intermediate I. There is more than $125,000 in prize money on offer over the four days. Learn more at www.usdf.org/usdressagefinals/index.asp.