I have just gotten home from the 2025 USEF Young Rider Championships at the Maryland International where I was the Chef d’Équipe for our Area III teams. We sent six CIC2* riders and two CIC1* riders. The 2* riders formed a complete team of four, plus two additional individual riders. The 1* riders joined with an Area VIII rider to form a scramble team. Area III had a fantasti
c competition weekend! I was so proud of all of the athletes. Area III riders were a very cohesive group, and they fought for their best results all three days. We also had an amazing group of parents along as support entourage, including 5* rider Werner Geven, whose daughter Tessa was making her Young Rider debut at the 1* level. The final results were as follows. Go Area III!
CIC2* Team Gold
with Katelyn Smith, Ella Hubert, Juliana Cassar, and Levi Moreland
CIC2* Individual Placings
Katelyn Smith – Individual Bronze
Devon Tresan – 5th
Ella Hubert – 6th
Chloe Paddack – 8th
Juliana Cassar – 10th
Levi Moreland – 15th
CIC1* Team Bronze
with Tessa Gevin, Carolyn May, and Area VIII rider Sami Turner
CIC1* Individual Placings
Tessa Gevin – Individual Silver
Carolyn May – Individual Bronze
Prior to championships, Area III Young Rider Coordinators Joanne Morse and Jessica Robinette masterminded a fantastic adult and young rider camp at Stable View, in Aiken, SC, hosted by the Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association. At camp, I had the privilege of coaching alongside six other 5* riders, each of whom is a passionate educator and advocate for the sport. This camp, attended by many area young riders, depended friendships and set the foundation for a successful championships!
