A Week of Excellence: 2025 NAYC Individual Champions Crowned

The 2025 Gotham North/FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) concluded in spectacular fashion at Traverse City Horse Shows’ Flintfields Horse Park, as the continent’s top junior and young riders earned their individual medals in both Show Jumping and Dressage. Across both arenas, riders delivered clutch performances under pressure, capping a week that celebrated skill, sportsmanship, and the next generation of equestrian talent.

Show Jumping: Dreams Realized in the Individual Finals

Skylar Wireman’s Golden Farewell

Zone 10’s Skylar Wireman ended her NAYC career in storybook style, claiming two gold medals in her final year. Riding Barclino B, a 9-year-old Holsteiner gelding, she first anchored her team to gold earlier in the week before delivering four flawless rounds to capture the Young Rider Individual title.

Young Rider Individual Podium

Gold – Skylar Wireman (Zone 10) – Barclino B

Silver – Alexa Elle Lignelli (Zone 2) – Xo Zadora

Bronze – Olivia Sweetnam (Zone 4) – Epic

Philippa Ammann’s Perfect Week in the Juniors

Eighteen-year-old Philippa Ammann (Zone 4) delivered a masterclass in consistency aboard Zarina de Vidau, producing clear round after clear round to lead the Junior Individual division from start to finish. Campbell Brown (Zone 7) and Colina Z surged up the standings to claim silver, while JJ Torano (Zone 4) and Lyon 50 made a similar leap to secure bronze.

Junior Individual Podium

Gold – Philippa Ammann (Zone 4) – Zarina de Vidau

Silver – Campbell Brown (Zone 7) – Colina Z

Bronze – JJ Torano (Zone 4) – Lyon 50

Dressage: Freestyle Magic Brings the Curtain Down

Canada Strikes Gold with Sophia Rokstad

In the Young Rider Freestyle, Canada’s Sophia Rokstad lit up the arena aboard Lord Nunes, earning a personal best of 73.350% with a vibrant Taylor Swift-inspired routine. U.S. rider Lexie Kment secured silver by the narrowest of margins, while Marin Roth earned bronze with another personal best.

Young Rider Freestyle Podium

Gold – Sophia Rokstad (CAN) – Lord Nunes – 73.350%

Silver – Lexie Kment (USA) – Gatino Van Hof Olympia – 73.325%

Bronze – Marin Roth (USA) – Erin Meadows Jägermeister – 72.170%

Eila Fisk Dances to Junior Freestyle Gold

The Junior Freestyle title went to Eila Fisk (Zone 4), whose lively 1920s swing-themed routine with Quaresma earned a winning 70.980%. Catherine Burlew (USA) claimed silver with a bold, rock-inspired program, while Canada’s Ainsley Leach took bronze with a Hamilton-themed performance.

Junior Freestyle Podium

Gold – Eila Fisk (USA) – Quaresma – 70.980%

Silver – Catherine Burlew (USA) – Hojgaardens Scirocco – 70.765%

Bronze – Ainsley Leach (CAN) – Frangelico – 70.665%

A Championship to Remember

From flawless jump-off rounds to freestyle routines brimming with artistry, the 2025 NAYC was a showcase of dedication, teamwork, and rising-star talent. As these young athletes head home with medals — and memories — in tow, they carry with them the experience and confidence to take on the world stage in the years ahead.

Photo by Stefan Lafrentz