FEI North American Youth Championships 2025 Ride Into Traverse City
Traverse City, MI
October 22, 2025 at 12:34 PMBy b.wehner
The thrill of youth equestrian sport takes center stage this summer as the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) gallop into the world-class Traverse City Horse Shows venue. Riders, horses, and fans alike will gather in northern Michigan for six days of elite competition in Jumping and Dressage, showcasing the continent’s brightest young talents.
The Premier Stage for Tomorrow’s Champions
The NAYC is the only FEI championship in North America for riders aged 12 to 25, offering both team and individual medals in Jumping and Dressage. Often called the “mini Olympics” of equestrian sport, the event serves as a launchpad to the highest international levels, including the FEI World Equestrian Games and the Olympic Games.
Riders represent their zones, regions, and countries, with every test, round, and jump-off contributing to their nation’s honor. Whether it’s a precision-perfect dressage performance or a high-stakes final fence in a jump-off, the NAYC delivers athleticism, elegance, and the heart of competition.
What to Expect: Two Disciplines, Multiple Divisions
Dressage Divisions
- Juniors (14–18 years)
- Young Riders (16–21 years)
- U25 (16–25 years)
Grace, precision, and harmony define the dressage ring, culminating in the U25 Grand Prix, where the continent’s most advanced youth riders deliver artistry at the sport’s highest level.
Jumping Divisions
- Children (12–14 years)
- Juniors (14–18 years)
- Young Riders (16–21 years)
Expect heart-pounding action as competitors tackle challenging courses, tight times, and medal-deciding jump-offs in both team and individual formats.
How to Watch
Whether you’re in Traverse City or tuning in from home, every stride will be broadcast LIVE on FEI.TV and ClipMyHorse.TV.
- Dates: July 29 – August 3, 2025
- Location: Traverse City Horse Shows, Michigan
- Watch Live: FEI.TV / ClipMyHorse.TV
Schedule Highlights
Tuesday, July 29 – Opening Parade at 5:30 PM EST marks the official start, as teams march in with flags and pride.
Wednesday, July 30 – Early competitions for Children, Pre-Junior Jumping, and Junior Team Dressage kick off the action, plus the $32,000 Speed Classic.
Thursday, July 31 – Team Finals for Children and Pre-Junior Jumping, and Young Rider Team Dressage highlight the day.
Friday, August 1 – Junior and Young Rider Jumping Team Finals, $32,000 Hippo Data Welcome Stake, and U25 Individual Dressage Championship.
Saturday, August 2 – Children and Pre-Junior Individual Finals, $117,000 Dexter Grand Prix, and U25 Freestyle Dressage Championship.
Sunday, August 3 – Junior and Young Rider Individual Jumping Finals, plus the Junior and Young Rider Freestyle Dressage Championships close the week.
(Times are provisional and subject to change.)
Why It Matters
The NAYC is where tomorrow’s Olympians cut their teeth, where lifelong partnerships between horse and rider are forged, and where the passion of equestrian sport is passed to the next generation. From the beauty of dressage to the drama of show jumping, it’s a week of sport you won’t want to miss.
Photo by Stefan Lafrentz
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