Philippa Ammann, 18, led the junior category from day one at the 2025 NAYC. Partnered with Zarina de Vidau, a 14-year-old Diamant de Semilly mare owned by Temple Equestrian, she won the individual qualifier on Thursday before jumping perfect rounds on Friday and Sunday to secure the individual title.

Photo – Philippa Ammann & Zarina de Vidau. (© Megan Giese Media / TCHS)

“There was definitely extra pressure to go clear,” admitted the athlete jumping as an individual representing Zone 4 during NAYC. “We had a lot of amazing riders, but my horse was so amazing. She had so much energy for the last day, which was nice. Honestly, I just try to stay out of her way. She’s so good, and she knows what she’s doing; she was super.”

After her NAYC success, Ammann will soon attend the University of Miami studying business. In the competition arena, she trains with Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza.

Four Clear Rounds

Silver medalist Campbell Brown (Fayetteville, Ark.) sat barely inside the top 20 after the opening round of competition. She and Colina Z rallied, however, and the 11-year-old Zangersheide mare (Ingmar x Carthago) owned by Mmk Equestrian, LLC, moved Brown up to the podium with four clear rounds.

“I was a little disappointed with my first round,” admitted the 18-year-old. “I didn’t come out as strong as I hoped to, but I knew if I was consistent the rest of the week, that anything can happen in a competition like this, so I just focused on riding my plan.

Substantial Climb

JJ Torano (Wellington, Fla.) also made a substantial climb in the standings on the final day of competition. He sat 13th with Lyon 50, an 11-year-old Hanoverian stallion (Lord Argentinus x Lex Lugar) owned by Kadley Farms & North Run, coming into the final day. Together they climbed ten spots to finish with the bronze.

“I didn’t think I was going to end up here today,” said Torano, 15. “I knew these were probably going to be the two toughest and biggest rounds, but I trust my horse and I knew he could do it. After I jumped the first round, I thought, ‘all right, maybe we have a chance.’”

For full junior individual results, click here.

Complete results from the FEI North American Youth Championships can be found here.