The U.S. Young Rider Dressage Team returned from Europe with a bronze medal from the prestigious Future Champions CDIOY in Hagen, Germany, along with invaluable experience gained over two Nations Cup competitions in Belgium and Germany.

George Williams, USEF Dressage High Performance Pathway Development Advisor and Youth Coach, accompanied the athletes through both competitions, watching a young group continue to build confidence against many of the world’s strongest youth riders.

The 2026 European Young Rider Tour provided another important opportunity for America’s rising dressage stars to measure themselves against some of the world’s strongest youth programs.

Before the Tour

US Equestrian Federation announced the four combinations selected for the European Young Rider tour on April 23, 2026. George Williams, serving as the USEF Dressage High Performance Pathway Development Advisor and Youth Coach, emphasized that adding Lier as a second Nations Cup was an important milestone for the U.S. youth program.

“These are four promising young riders, and I’m thrilled they will have the opportunity to represent the U.S.,” US Dressage Youth Coach George Williams added. “Being able to increase opportunities to compete head-to-head against their European peers can be so valuable and play a vital role in the development of our young dressage athletes.”

Following two prestigious Nations Cup competitions in Belgium and Germany, U.S. Youth Coach George Williams reflected on the accomplishments, lessons learned, and invaluable international experience gained by the American athletes.

George Williams Reflects on Two Nations Cup Competitions in Belgium and Germany

“I’m returning to the U.S. after being with our athletes and their wonderful horses at two terrific Young Rider Nations Cups,” Williams said. “Competing head-to-head under the same conditions and in a new environment is an experience that simply can’t be replicated at home.”

First Stop: Lier CDIOY, Belgium

The tour began at the Lier CDIOY, held May 20–24 alongside the prestigious Lier CDIO4* in Belgium.

Team USA – Lier

• Campbell Jones & Nation VDL
• Kat Fuqua & Bon Ami
• Rosa Murphy & Hot Stuff

Future Champions in Hagen, Germany

The second stop was the renowned Future Champions in Hagen am Teutoburger Wald, hosted annually by the Kasselmann family. Drawing competitors from 27 nations and more than 700 horses, Future Champions is considered one of the world’s premier youth equestrian events.

Team USA – Hagen – Team score: 132.941 – Bronze Medal in the Nations Cup

• Kat Fuqua & Bon Ami
• Rosa Murphy & Hot Stuff
• Sophia Forsyth & Dimagico

Kat Fuqua had one of the top individual U.S. performances, placing fourth in one phase on a score of 72.941%.

Although Nations Cup teams consist of three riders, Campbell Jones also represented the United States in the CDIY competition at Hagen.

Testing Themselves Against Europe’s Best

Both the German and Danish equestrian federations used Future Champions as a qualifying event for this summer’s European Young Rider Championships in Hungary, while Denmark also used Lier as a qualifier.

That meant the American riders had the unique opportunity to compete directly against many of Europe’s top Young Riders.

“While we could stay at home and compare scores to see where we stand relative to the rest of the world, experiences like these—competing head-to-head, under the same conditions, and in a new environment—are invaluable,” Williams said.

“The athletes and I are fortunate, and I know I can speak for them when I say we are very grateful to have these opportunities.”

Strong Performances Highlight the Tour

Williams praised each athlete for their professionalism and resilience throughout the tour.

“I was proud of how our athletes rode, although things didn’t always go as they had hoped,” he said. “Each one took it all in stride, knowing that sometimes it’s the challenges that make you a better rider.”

Among the highlights:

• Team USA finished fourth in the Hagen CDIOY Nations Cup.
• Kat Fuqua earned third place in the CDIOY Freestyle.
• Sophia Forsyth finished fifth in the CDIOY Freestyle.
• Campbell Jones placed fifth in the CDIY Individual Test.

A True Team Effort

Williams also recognized the many professionals whose support contributed to the tour’s success.

He thanked personal coaches Bianca Nowag-Aulenbrock, Elizabeth von Wulffen, Caleb Scoggins, Frederic Wandres, and Shannon Stevens for their collaboration throughout the trip.

Special appreciation also went to team veterinarian Fred Nostrant, who served at both competitions, and to Lauren Moore for keeping the team organized throughout the European campaign.

As the tour concluded, Williams summed up the experience with a simple message:

Go Team USA