In spite of the challenges of holding a National Championships in the midst of a pandemic, the American dressage community came together and made this year’s U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions a huge success. The credit for that success goes to everyone involved – USEF officials, show managers, judges, competitors, volunteers and the staff at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois.

“Congratulations to all who made this incredible, and very successful, event happen. So wonderful to see our sport in full gear again at Festival of Champions at the stunningly beautiful Lamplight Equestrian Center,” posted Charlotte Bredahl, the U.S. Dressage Development Coach as she watched the event online. “So much work went into making this such a success. Thank you so much to USEF’s Hallye Griffin, Kristen Brett, Laura Roberts and Lauren Moore. Thank you to Monica Meyers Fitzgerald and Debbie Landon (show management) and staff.”

Throughout the run of the Festival, held Aug. 18-23, competitors posted not only updates on their placings but also their gratitude. “I just want to thank USEF for putting on the Festival of Champions this year with such challenging conditions,” said competitor Nikki Levy, who competed in Six-Year-Old competition with Dark Knight and in the Developing Prix St. Georges with Imposant. “They were able to run a smooth, safe show and still add nice little touches like getting amazing pictures of horses and riders. It’s all so appreciated!”