Alicia Berger Wins USEF Level Under 25 Division at 2025 North American Youth Championships

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2025 North American Youth Championships

Alicia Berger became the principal winner of the Under 25 division at the 2025 North American Youth Championships in Traverse City, MI, on 29 July - 3 August 2025.

With no team competition in the Inter II in the absence of a minimum of two teams, the division was downgraded from an actual "FEI North American Championship" to USEF level. Riders were awarded USEF medals.

While Haley Smith won the Intermediaire II, it was Alicia Berger who moved on to claim victory in both the Short Grand Prix and Kur to Music. The Wellington, Florida, based Berger rode Aqua Marin, her own 2011 Oldenburg gelding (Ampere x Stedinger), to first place in the short Grand Prix with 67.820% and in the Kur to Music with 69.760%.

“I went in a little bit nervous, but I just trusted my horse,” said Berger after the freestyle. “He said, ‘Girl, I got this.’ To get to ride that feeling—it feels like flying. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world on him.”

Berger’s freestyle featured music and choreography originally created by her coach, Jan Ebeling, who has played a major role in the training of Aqua Marin through the levels. “It’s so great knowing that he rode to it and helped me bring it to life,” she added.

“Aqua, or ‘Little Prince’ as we call him, has the biggest personality in the barn,” said Berger. “He knows he’s pretty and he loves to show off. Every single day, he gives me his all, and today we both gave it everything we had. I’m just so proud of him.”

Berger also praised the unique atmosphere of NAYC. “It’s unlike any other show. You’re competing with your best friends, making new ones, and coming together as a team. I’m so proud of each of us. The support and camaraderie here are what make this event so special.”

In the short Grand Prix it was Sophia Schults (Ocala, Fla.) and Conocido HGF, her own 2012 PRE gelding (Cosaco XI out of Luz de Luna HGF) who placed second with a personal-best score of 65.812%.

“He may be quiet in the barn, but he has a big personality under saddle,” said Schults. “He’s extremely hot, which I love, and we’ve built a great partnership over time. We really pushed for more quality today, and I’m proud we accomplished that.”

In the Kur to Music sole Canadian U25 rider Brooke Mancusi piloted the 17-year old KWPN bred Dejohn Ymas (by Johnson x Sandro Hit) to a second place with a personal best score of 69.085%.