Region 2 and Grace Christianson Win Gold at 2025 North American Children Championships

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2025 North American Youth Championships

Region 2 and Grace Christianson became the gold medal winners in the inaugural 2025 North American Children Championships at the Flintridge Horse Park in Traverse City, MI, on 29 July - 3 August 2025.

Region 2 Golden

In a memorable debut for the Children’s division Region 2 delivered a standout performance to claim team gold in the Children Team Test.

The Region 2 team of Grace Christianson (Noblesville, Ind.), Madelynn Williams (Granger, Ind.), and Vee Dravilas (Middleton, Wis.) put together a strong set of tests to top the podium in the first-ever Children’s Team competition at NAYC with a combined score of 217.626. Christianson, a member of the U.S. Dressage Pathway Program, and her mare FHF Roulee, a 2014 American Warmblood (Routinier x Cottonwood Flame), led the way with an impressive 78.642%, the highest score of the day.

“Honestly, I just wanted to go in and put down a clean test,” said Christianson. “I wanted to have a good ride and have fun with [Roulee]. It’s such an honor to be at NAYC and be part of the Children’s division for the first time.”

Williams rode FHF Cahlua, a 2014 American Warmblood mare (Cody out of Cariarctic), owned by Jennifer Kaiser, to a solid score of 70.150%, noting the mare’s unbeatable personality and positivity. “She has a wonderful personality. Her ears are always up, she never complains, and she’s super willing to work,” said Williams. “She’s the best horse I’ve ever sat on.”

Dravilas piloted Rococo, her own 2016 Canadian Warmblood mare (Rotspon x Wallenstein), to a 68.834%, highlighting the partnerships competitive spirit and growing partnership. “She’s definitely a very hot mare but she loves to do her work. It’s honestly been amazing to compete here and showcase her to everyone,” said Dravilas.

The silver medal went to the combined team of Regions 3/8/9, who turned in a consistent showing to finish on a combined total of 209.535. The team included Zoe Lewis (Elgin, Tex.), Juliana Sardelli (Warwick, R.I.), Gianna Foley (Ocala, Fla.), and Charlotte Garver (Franklinton, La.)

Unfortunately Canada did not make it the bronze step of the podium after one of its three team riers was eliminated from the team test. Three results are required for a team ranking.

Individual Gold for Grace Christianson

Grace Christianson made it a triple win at the NAYC, topping the board in the preliminary test, team test and individual, claiming the individual gold medal.

The individual podium: Foley, Christianson, Wright

Christianson and FHF Roulee delivered a truly standout performance in the Children’s Individual Final earning a personal best of 81.116%, the highest score across all dressage divisions this week.

“We worked really hard to get to this point,” said Christianson. “It’s taken a lot of sweat and tears, but it just feels like such an honor to be here and show at a competition like this.”

Christianson credits Dressage Seat Equitation training with helping to prepare her for this level of competition, particularly in the quality of her riding and overall presentation. “The feedback I’ve received through the equitation has really helped push my scores higher and taught me how to present myself in the ring,” she said.

Her partner, FHF Roulee earned praise not just for her performance, but for her consistent, cheerful personality. “She’s a superstar. She always tries her hardest. She shows up every day in a good mood and she just loves to work,” said Christianson. “She’s sweet. She loves mints and she’s just a really good mare. I’m so happy to have her.”

Brook Irving-Martz Pursuit of Excellence Memorial Trophy

Christianson was also the recipient of the inaugural Brook Irving-Martz Pursuit of Excellence Memorial Trophy awarded to her in honor of Brook Irving-Martz, mother of Olivia Martz, who was a long-time supporter of youth dressage and a former NAYC athlete. Irving-Martz passed away in February of this year after battling a rare form of cancer. The award will continue to be given to athletes who acquire the highest average score throughout the Children’s division of future NAYC competitions.

As for what’s next, all three medalists have big goals ahead. Christianson hopes to keep developing Roulee to her fullest potential. “She’s my heart horse, and I want to see how far we can go together.” Foley has her sights set on moving into the Juniors division, while Wright plans to attend the Festival of Champions with the goals of contesting FEI Children and Pony divisions, as well as the Medal Seat Finals.

Foley and Wright Get Silver and Bronze

Gianna Foley (Ocala, Fla.) and Happy Khan, her own 2012 KWPN gelding (Zjengis out Abfab), earned the silver medal with a 72.752% after a smooth and steady ride. “He’s been so patient with me all week,” said Foley. “He’s really up for anything and just so fun to ride.”

Bronze went to Maverick Wright (Milton-Freewater, Ore.) aboard Maple Lane Kero, a 2003 Welsh Cob gelding (Mill Gate Hercules x Canterbrook Marmalade), owned by Linda Susan Krook, who scored 72.258%. “I was really proud of how he handled the test,” said Wright of his partner who is known as ‘Peach’. “He tried his hardest and I couldn’t ask for more.”