D4K Festival

I am Ellanor Boehning, 17 years old, living in Rancho Santa Fe California.   I train out of B&B Farms owned by Stuart and Ann Boehning. I am a full-time high school student through Indiana University High School online and will be graduating in the spring of 2024. In addition to being a full-time student, I am also employed at B&B and spend each day riding, training and grooming all things I love most.   I have been blessed to train with my mom Ann Boehning since I began riding. This spring I had the honor to begin training with Steffen Peters which is proving to be an incredible opportunity to further my skills as a rider, as well as develop my horse to his fullest potential.  Steffen is not only a very talented rider, but his teaching style is fair and compassionate to the horses.  He is able to clearly communicate with me as a rider and I have found his training philosophy is one that Junior and I have found to bring out the best in both of us!

I have been riding for as long as I have known and grew up in a barn. I began competing in USDF shows at the age of 7 and moved into the FEI level when I turned 11.  During the winters of 2011, 2012, and 2013 my mother, sister and I spent the winters in Wellington training.  I audited the Robert Dover Clinic, which at the time was largely organized by Lendon Gray and Dressage4Kids, and it really expanded my knowledge to a variety of horse related topics.  I was impressed at the diverse group of sports psychologists, tack information, and veterinary information that were part of the program.  I highly recommend that others audit this program in the future if you have the opportunity to do so.  In 2013 with my sister Kennedy and my brother Grant we attended the D4K Youth Festival in Saugerties NY and were the overall team champions. A highlight of that show was also winning the 10 and under division.  I then moved into the Children and FEI Pony Division and competed several times at the USEF Festival of Champions, where in 2018 I was the National FEI Pony Champion with my palomino GRP Kabam. 2021 was an exciting year as I transitioned from ponies to FEI Juniors, and represented Region 7 at North American Youth Championships where my teammates and I were the silver medalists.  It was a great learning experience to be on a team, and in preparation for my transition to the Junior division I was able to participate in a Lendon Gray D4K clinic.  Having this experience with Lendon was valuable as it was a time of extreme growth in my riding, as the skills required in the YR division were challenging for me after riding a super talented pony.  The preparation for each test movement had to be done with much more detail and Lendon’s knowledge really helped me be prepared.   

I am currently riding in the FEI Young Rider division and schooling the I1/U25 Grand Prix with my gelding Sir Junior.  In January of 2022 my family was fortunate to lease “Minty” for the winter season.  As he had only competed in 2 US shows, I was uncertain if he would be suitable for my ambitious goals.  March 2022, after a successful start to winter season in Wellington, Sir Junior became part of the family and we were selected as a member for the Region 7 NAYC Young Rider Team, for rider ages 16-21(I was 16 at the time).  2022 North American Youth Championships in Traverse City Michigan, was a dream come true as Junior and I were triple podium finishers:  Silver Team Medalist, Bronze Individual Medalist, and the Silver Freestyle Medalist. After NAYC I then traveled to Chicago for the USEF Festival of Champions and Sir Junior and I were the 2022 National Reserve Champions in the FEI Young Rider Division.  The horse that I had taken a chance on was becoming my best equine partner!  B&B Farm had the pleasure to host Lendon Gray for a D4K Team Clinic.  It was another great experience as I was able to ride Davinci whom along with my mom is starting to work through the PSG.  He can be a mentally sensitive horse and having Lendon’s help with him was very valuable.  

Moving forward, I aspire to make the USEF European Young Rider Team in 2024, as well as beginning to compete in the U25 division. Junior continues to develop more each and everyday as progressing in learning the skills of the U25 and FEI Grand Prix. Having these many opportunities has only been possible due to the amazing support of my parents.  They have instilled in me a value that they will assist in helping me reach my goals, but that they will not just be an unlimited bank account.  When I was 14, I left home to be a full-time working student with Patricia Becker near Salem Wisconsin.  That position made me appreciate the many hours of intense labor that goes into being a successful trainer, and also being on a limited budget that I had to be frugal with my financial resources.  I would frequently braid extra horses at shows, or groom additional horses on days off to help pay for my training.  The time spent as a working student has led to other jobs with different trainers here in California.  I am grateful to be able to train year-round in an area that has many talented professionals, as well as, a strong CDI schedule.  As I pursue my goals I am immensely appreciative to everyone that has provided me with the tools to develop my horses as well as who I am as a person. 

Recap of LYDF

I grew up in the small rural town of Lafayette, Indiana where there was nothing but cornfields for miles. My mom, Ann Boehning, sparked my passion and love for horses as well as the sport of dressage. Living in Indiana the dressage community was quite small and the opportunities for youth riders were extremely limited. Early on she began volunteering and participating as a board member for our local GMO to help build youth activities in our area for my siblings and I to participate in.  She also found D4K and the nearest USPC club to give us opportunities to be amongst our horse crazy peers.  These combined activities have led me down the path of pursuing my biggest goals.  A defining moment in my riding was attending Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival. We learned about the LYDF at the USDF national convention where my mom was a GMO delegate.  I was intrigued with the opportunity to compete with other youth riders, and the first year I went as a spectator with my cousin Alexander Dawson showing.  In 2013, my two oldest siblings and I formed the team “Sibling Rivalry” and embarked on the 16 hour drive to Saugerties NY with 3 ponies! I was just 7 years old and I was riding a 12 hand Welsh pony named Absolute Dream “Tilly”.  Tilly and I went on to win the 10 and under division and to say I was ecstatic does not even describe the feeling of pure joy I had. Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival provided me with the opportunity to see top riders at all different levels. The largest inspiration that I gained from this competition was being surrounded by so many youth riders at one competition.  There is a very special feeling attending LYDF, as the organizers go above and beyond to highlight each of us riders.  There are fun activities, but also a knowledge test that instills horsemanship not just riding!  Personally, having so many riders in my age in a class was incredible. LYDF provided me with the camaraderie between kids my age as well as the inspiration to strive to be the best. Without Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival, I would not be the rider I am today because this competition opened another world for me.  Thank you, Lendon, and everyone that dedicates so much time into ensuring the youth of the US have many different educational events to participate in.  I know these experiences have shaped who I am as a rider, and challenged me to be even better.  

2023 is the 20th anniversary of the first time I attended LYDF. Unfortunately, with the new dates falling over the North American Youth Championships, I will not be able to attend this year. I've attached a photo of my first time at LYDF and a photo from some years later of me as a roving trainer at LYDF. 

For me as a competitor, LYDF was the first time I was really exposed to highly dedicated, highly talented youth dressage riders. I was pretty much the only kid doing recognized dressage competitions in my area and LYDF totally opened my eyes to how much more was out there. It gave me the drive to advance and something to aspire to.

I've worked with youth dressage riders as a trainer for about a decade now, and I see a few big hurdles that they have to overcome from the time they first sit on a horse to the time they reach the upper echelons of the sport. So, let's say you have a talented intro/training level youth rider competing locally. Her parents don't know anything about horses. Her trainer tries to expose them to the larger world of dressage and all of the opportunities available, but the kid is happy and successful showing locally with her friends and can't quite visualize what else is out there for her to pursue. This is the first hurdle. I see a lot of really talented kids get stuck here — and a lot of times they don't even realize they are stuck until it is too late and they have already missed out on a lot of experiences. 

I see LYDF as an eye-opening event for those kids and their families. If you are in the Northeast, it is a pretty accessible championship environment where you can see youth competing at all levels of the sport. With the strong educational component, I think it really shows the kids early on that horsemanship is ultimately what takes you to the top. It's not enough that you ride well, you also have to be obsessed with caring for and understanding your horse. It also introduces the team element (should kids choose to participate) with the team competition. Whether or not they ever represent the U.S. on a team, the team dynamic will be important to their success. To become a successful riding professional, you need to be able to attract and retain a strong team — barn owners and managers, grooms, vets, farriers, clients, sponsors — you will all find success together if you can build the right culture and pursue worthy goals. LYDF becomes a jumping off point for kids that go on to participate in Regional Championships, Dressage Seat Medal Finals, Festival of Champions, and North American Youth Championships. But beyond that, it's the type of environment that teaches young people the skills they need to do anything worthwhile in life, even outside of horses.

Bio:

Nicole DelGiorno is a USDF Gold medalist, L Graduate with Distinction, 4-time NAYC medalist, and board member of The Dressage Foundation and Dressage at Devon. She is currently based in Shamong, NJ and specializes in developing youth riders to the elite levels of the sport. Her students include USDF Bronze and Silver Medalists, USEF Dressage Program Clinic participants, as well as Festival of Champions and North American Youth Championships competitors. She enthusiastically donates her time in support of youth riding programs like Dressage4Kids, the Region 1 NAYC teams and the United States Pony Club. Outside of horses, Nicole works full-time as a Product Owner for MarketSmart, a fundraising automation company that helps nonprofits better connect with their supporters.

The Youth Dressage Festival is unlike any other competition because it stresses the importance of horse management AND good foundational riding. You don’t have to ride the fanciest horse or even ride dressage specifically to do well. However, for those interested in high performance, the festival prepares you for the format of team competitions. This festival was the foundation of my young rider career and instilled my lifelong support of Dressage4Kids. 

Alexa Derr is a Grand Prix dressage trainer and owner of Vue de Lou Dressage. Her business revolves around curating dressage training for the independent equestrian. She is currently developing her young horse towards the FEI levels while helping most of her students achieve their Bronze, Silver, or Gold medals this year. She has her B.S. in Business Administration & Marketing and works full time as the Operations Manager at her family’s recycling center. 

Meet Mimi Doman, last year she attended Lendon Gray's Youth Festival in Saugerties, NY with her horse Kona. This was her second time attending the festival and Mimi says, “I felt great about it!” 

I had just celebrated my 9th birthday prior to my first YDF. I took my first welsh pony Little Miss K and HITs was my first big show venue I had ever been to. Despite it being so big, the support was off the charts. It was the start of many family friendships that we still cherish today. For six consecutive years, YDF was on our schedule and we moved family vacations to make it happen. Those trips included jumping out of the ring at Intro C and elimination, to capturing two Overall Champion honors.

This event is much more than can be summed up in a few words and it delivers as promised—the goal of shaping true horsemen and to develop good sportsmanship. There is an amazing chance to compete with feedback from top judges, participate in fun events as a team, and one of my favorites- tack stall decorating. In 2016, my tack stall was decorated to honor the U.S. Dressage Team in Rio. Thanks to D4K and the WIT program, I interviewed members Laura Graves and Ali Brock. Now, I have had the amazing opportunity to be a working student with Ali for 5 years and counting.

Missing recent YDF’s was only because of NAYC, competing at Festival of Champions, and college. This show is a great way to prepare you for even bigger things. I would encourage everyone to go at least once, soak up the atmosphere, the education, the trainers, and the families there to support their young riders. 

Here’s my personal YDF journey:

• 2018 Lendon's Youth Dressage Festival Overall Champion
  • Anflug-Eilers Trophy High Score Equitation
  • Katherine Boyer Perpetual Trophy High Score FEI Junior
• 2017 Gold Medal/Champion FEI Childrens Division
• 2017 Bronze Medal Second Level Division
• 2016 8th Place Training Level
• 2016 Program Cover Contest Winner
• 2015 Lendon's Youth Dressage Festival Overall Champion
• 2014 9th Place Intro C Division
• 2013 Bronze Medal Intro B Division

Fall 2023 I’m heading into my Sophomore year at Florida Atlantic University. I have my horse Ike in Wellington and continue training with Ali. I have enjoyed the experience bringing him into dressage from a jumping career. We are showing 4th level and making consistent progress schooling PSG. I hope to get back to Regionals again and maybe even Young Riders.

As an aspiring young rider, Lendon's Youth Dressage Festival was a week I looked forward to ever year. 

Having to focus on the written test and equitation portion in addition to the test riding reminds me a lot of what it takes to be a successful professional 10 years later. It isn't just about showing. It is about making yourself a better rider so that all your horses go better. It's about always be open to learning more about horse management. Whether it is for your one personal horse or caring for a business of 20. And most importantly, it is about the friendships and memories you make on your journey whatever that might be. 

I am Emelia Lewis, a 14-year-old, soon-to- be 9th grader at Kutztown High School. I have been riding since I was five and have been riding dressage the last 5 years. I train with Natasha Rutherford at Sterling Hill Stables and have two horses: Walk Dee Line (Cash) and Ganando (Gio). Cash took me to Festival of Champions last year in the FEI Childrens Division, and Gio is my first young horse. While Cash is now teaching my sister, this year I hope that Gio and I will qualify for Regionals in both Training and First Level. My hope is that in the future Gio will take me to NAYC and be my U25 horse. 

My first year at YDF was in 2019. It was my first year competing in dressage, and a lot of people from my barn said they had a really fun time before, so I was super exited. YDF has three sections that you have to get through to get your final score: a written test, your actual dressage test, and your equitation score. Each of these affect your total score and what place you get. You also volunteer a little for one of the days you’re there. For my dressage test I scored my highest score ever at that time, a 67%. My horse Cash and I came in third overall, and earned the Orchid Hill Perpetual Trophy for highest score on an Andalusian/Lusitano for the entire weekend! My team also came in third as well! By the end of that show I definitely understood the hype; you get to have fun with both horses and people, and I couldn’t wait to go again! 

Sadly, as everyone knows, the next year COVID-19 happened and I was unable to go. But the following year I went and had a blast again! I got a 69% at First level, and a 79% on my equitation test! I also tried the Prix Caprili for the first time and got a 72%! Over all my team came in third! The following year I didn’t go because my horse and I had qualified for Festival of Champions in Lamplight, Illinois, but all my friends had such a fun time! I plan to take my young horse Gio to Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival in 2023. 

Looking back on it, this show is really well put together and planned out well. You don’t just ride a test and get your score. You study and gain knowledge, volunteer, and showoff your equitation, on top of riding your test. You also have to work together with your team: it is a wonderful community building experience. It's a great show for kids because it provides them the whole big show experience, and teaches them so much! I am very grateful that I have the opportunity to go to a show like this, and it has helped me not only as a rider, but as a horsewoman in general.

My first year competing at the Youth Dressage Festival was in 2014 with a wonderful lesson horse. 2022 was my 8th trip to LYDF. I’ve learned over the years that there are some things that you have control over, like how much you study for the written test or how shiny your boots are when you go into the arena. There are, however, other things that aren’t completely up to you, like if your horse decides that the flags flapping in the wind next to your arena are REALLY scary! Just like in life, you can’t always predict what will happen next, but just do your best and have fun!

As both a YDF participant when I was young, and now as a trainer with students who’ve benefited from the program, I can’t say enough good about all that D4K does for youth riders. From scholarships that help youth riders taste excellence, to the educational opportunities and competition opportunities that emphasize barn management and horse management skills as well as riding, D4K is helping produce the next generation of equine professionals. At a time when it seems like the horse world belongs to the wealthy, it’s wonderful knowing that horsemanship and hard work are still valued and rewarded by D4K.

I participated in YDF in 2005, when I was finishing up my Young Rider career. Almost 20 years later, I still remember some of the mnemonic devices my teammates and I came up with to recall the Drugs & Medications book we memorized to prepare for the written exam. I received a D4K grant shortly thereafter to ride with my coach, which was money I desperately needed in my early years as an independent professional. And the mentorship and connections I made through D4K were tremendous; some of my best friends as a grown up participated in D4K with me when we were kids.

It’s also been tremendous to watch my own young students participate in WIT, SIT, and other educational opportunities provided by D4K. I still rely on the program to connect me to dedicated young equestrians, and I embrace Lendon’s devotion to paying it forward, providing opportunities to youth like I myself had as a kid, because that’s the only way all this is going to work!

Lauren Sprieser

USDF Gold, Silver & Bronze Medalist with Distinction

International Grand Prix trainer

Ciara looks forward to competing at LYDF every year. At the recent 2023 show, her team "Riding Right Rock Stars” took home Reserve Champion ribbons.

Claudia Arnold was the Training Level Division U13 Champion of YDF 2023 

Q: How many years have you been riding? 

Claudia: I started taking lessons when I was 21 months old, so 9 years.

Q: How many years have you competed at YDF?

Claudia: This was my 3rd YDF. 

Q: What was your favorite part about YDF this year?

Claudia: I love all of the extra fun classes (especially Prix Caprilli) and it’s super fun to walk my horse around the property. 

Q: What was your reaction when you found out you were the Training Level Division U13 Champion?

Claudia: I was so excited and surprised. We had just had a health scare with my pony and I wasn’t sure how we would do. 

Q: What are your future riding goals/plans?

Claudia: When I grow up I want to train horses. 

Q: Are you planning on returning to YDF next year?

Claudia: Yes! It’s my favorite part of the summer.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your horse?

Claudia: Kona is a 14.1 black 10 year old Arab/German Riding Pony. I was incredibly lucky to be chosen to get her last summer from the D4K Horse Donation Program. She is very sweet and smart and I have learned so much from her. I have also been teaching her to jump.

Q: Are there any funny quirks about your horse?

Claudia: She is very much a princess. She hates the rain, and nose kisses. But loves to be told she’s pretty and very much wants you to have conversations about what you are asking her. 

Q: What's your horse's favorite treat?

Claudia: Kona goes crazy for German Muffins!

Q: Does Kona have a favorite class at YDF?

Claudia: She probably likes the trail class best because she can steal hay and carrots.

Q: What's your horse's favorite dressage movement to perform? 

Claudia: Kona really likes the extended trot and collected canter.

Q: What was it like competing on a team?

Claudia: My barn Faith Hill Farm brought a huge team to YDF this summer. I love being with my barn friends. We all support each other so much and have a great time together. Anytime someone has a problem or a test that didn’t go the way they want there are so many people there to pick you back up. When my pony got sick my teammates helped me through it. They offered me catch rides on their horses, hugs and lots of support. I love being a part of this team. 

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Claudia: I’d like to thank my parents for everything they do to support my riding, my coach Pam Maloof who has been teaching me dressage for the past 3 years and who pushed me to apply for the D4K Horse Donation Program where I got Kona, and of course Lendon Gray with whom I have been lucky enough to have attended TEAM clinics (and I can’t wait to do more) and without her all of this wouldn’t even be possible. I’d also like to say thank you to everyone who works at D4K for this amazing program that provides so many opportunities for kids who want to learn dressage. 

Congratulations, Claudia!

Ava Danillowicz was the YDF 2023 First Level Division winner with her horse, Deyo.

Q: How many years have you been riding? 

Ava: I have been riding for 10 years.

Q How many years have you competed at YDF?

Ava: This was my second year competing at YDF; I also competed in 2022.

Q: What was your favorite part about YDF this year?

My favorite part about YDF was the team aspect. I feel that it adds a fun twist on the competition, and helps you not only think about the impact your scores have on yourself, but also your team. It adds another element of motivation.

Q: What was your reaction when you found out you were the First Level Division Champion?

Ava: I was over the moon! It was extremely rewarding to know that my hard work had paid off, and that I made my team and my trainer proud.

Q: What are your future riding goals/plans?

Ava: Next year I hope to be competing at rated shows at 1st and 2nd level and qualify for regionals. Longer term, I hope to earn my bronze and silver USDF medals. 

Q: Are you planning on returning to YDF next year?

Ava: Absolutely!

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your horse?

Ava: The horse I brought to YDF was Deyo, a 17hh Swedish warmblood. He is 16 years old and has shown up to 2nd level. He’s a chestnut and rocks an all black outfit.

Q: Are there any funny quirks about your horse?

Ava: He hates moving wheelbarrows! He leaps away at the sight of them.

Q: What's your horse's favorite treat?

Ava: Gummy bears!

Q: Does your horse have a favorite class at YDF?

Ava: He loves his dressage tests! Once he knows a test, he anticipates and tries to overachieve! 

Q: What's your horse's favorite dressage movement to perform?  

Ava: He loves lengthening the trot and canter!

Q: What was it like competing on a team?

Ava: I absolutely loved it. It was rewarding to work together and help your teammates out, whether it’s with bathing, learning your test, or studying for the written.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Ava: I would love to thank my trainer, Pamela Maloof, for teaching me everything that I know, and being supportive through every challenge we have faced. I would also love to thank my parents for their support in every way. Most Importantly, I’d love to thank my team! They are my biggest supporters, and I would be nowhere without them!! Thank you also to everyone who helped and volunteered at YDF, and to Lendon for making it all happen!!!

Kaytlin Dietrich was the Overall Division Champion of YDF 2023 with her horse, Deaglan AF Midgard aka Mouse. 

Q: How many years have you been riding? 

Kaytlin: I've been riding for 12 years. I started out hunt seat, but started riding dressage 3 years ago.

Q: How many years have you competed at YDF?

Kaytlin: This is my second year competing at YDF. 

Q: What was your favorite part about YDF this year?

Kaytlin: My favorite part of YDF this year was the demo with Mica Mabragaña and Bradley Cooper. They were such a stunning combination and it was amazing to watch what they could do. 

Q: What was your reaction when you found out you were the Overall Champion?

Kaytlin: I was shocked when I found out I was overall champion. My goal was just to make it through my test without any bucking in the canter, which I wasn't entirely sure was going to happen, but it did, and that was really all I wanted in my test. I knew I was going to have a good score because Mouse tried his absolute hardest and the test was very solid, but I never expected as high a score as I got, let alone to be overall champion. 

Q: What are your future riding goals/plans?

Kaytlin: My biggest goal is to take Mouse up the levels and eventually ride Grand Prix with him. 

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your horse?

Kaytlin: Mouse, or Deaglan AF Midgard, is a 4 year old Knabstrupper gelding. He's a solid bay, which is rare as the breed is usually spotted. We bought him at the end of last July a little after he turned 3. We had him in professional training to start him and since then it's been me riding him. 

Q: Are there any funny quirks about your horse?

Kaytlin: Mouse loves to smile, and he'll curl his lip up at anything that touches his lip or any funny smell or taste. 

Q: What's your horse's favorite treat?

Kaytlin: He loves GoGo squeezes and the crust part of Pop-tarts. 

Q: Does Mouse have a favorite class at YDF?

Kaytlin: I think his favorite class at YDF is just the regular dressage tests, because he really likes to work. He's also just really comfortable with a regular test and has a happy expression pretty much the entire time he's doing it. 

Q: What's your horse's favorite dressage movement to perform? 

Kaytlin: Since he's a young horse leg yields and other harder movements are still a bit tough for him, so he doesn't enjoy them too much, but once he has more strength I think he'll find them more fun. However, his trot has always been very balanced and his ears are up pretty much the entire time he's trotting around, so I'd say just a 20 meter trot circle or a diagonal in trot are his favorite things to do because they come very easily to him. 

Q: What was it like competing on a team?

Kaytlin: Competing on a team was a lot of fun. Pretty much my whole barn was there so although I was just on a team with 3 other girls, it really felt like I was on a big team with my whole barn. Every time you get back to the barn there was always someone to ask how your ride went and it was nice to be in such a supportive environment. 

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Kaytlin: I'd like to thank my mom for paying for lessons, board, shows, and countless other expenses. I'd also like to thank the trainers I've had that got me to this point in my riding, and the village of people that help me at shows and on a daily basis.

Congratulations, Kaytlin!

Sydney Goulding was the Training Level Division Ages 17-25 Champion of YDF 2023 

Q: How many years have you been riding? 

Sydney: Since I was three, so this is my 15th year!

Q: How many years have you competed at YDF?

Sydney: This past year was my second year attending the Festival. 

Q: What was your favorite part about YDF this year?

Sydney: As much as I love the actual competition, some of my favorite parts are the team parade, meeting other teams and riders at the ice cream social and written exam, and taking the ponies out on walks and exploring the venue!

Q: What was your reaction when you found out you were the Training Level Division Ages 17-25 Champion?

Sydney: I think the best way to describe my feelings were very very excited, and proud of my horse and how far he has come to do so well in a competitive division!

Q: What are your future riding goals/plans?

Sydney: I plan to take my horse Tux up the levels in eventing and dressage (he’s coming to college with me next year) and after that see where my love for horses and the sport takes me. 

Q: Are you planning on returning to YDF next year?

Sydney: Yes! (And hopefully we will have at least one team representing our barn, Bit by Bit)

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your horse?

Sydney: Tux is a ten year old, 16.0 hand dutch harness horse. I got him when was was 7, aweek into under saddle training – he was definitely a very green project horse both because he was inexperienced and has quite the spunky and energetic personality – but with the support of my trainers and barn family, Tux and I have grown so much as a team and are achieving things I hadn’t even dreamed of when I first got him. 

Q: Are there any funny quirks about your horse?

Sydney: Tux is a very quirky horse, he likes to smile and show his teeth, is talented at removing his fly boots and his paddock bff’s gear, tries to roll in water, and loves to stare at the pond from his paddock.

Q: What's your horse's favorite treat?

Sydney: He loves anything sweet, especially homemade carrot and molasses cookies with frosting. 

Q: Does Tux have a favorite class at YDF?

Sydney: Tux’s favorite class is probably Trail or Musical Kur! He loves to see all the different obstacles set up in the ring for Trail, and it’s a switch from his regular dressage work, but he definitely gets moving to the beat of his Freestyle music!

Q: What's your horse's favorite dressage movement to perform? 

Sydney: His favorite movement is either cantering across the diagonal like in our Training Level test and Musical Freestyle, or the free walk because he gets to sniff the ground.

Q: What was it like competing on a team?

Sydney: We brought two teams from Bit by Bit! My team had three Bit by Bit riders and one rider, Evelynn and her pony Shrimp, who I met last year during the written exam and spent a lot of time with. This past year we asked her to join us because she was competing alone the year prior, so it was super cool to actually have her as a part of the team!

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Sydney: I definitely owe the most to my trainers Jess and Mary who have worked with me and Tux through our good and bad since day one, and certainly made us the pair we are today, and also my family at home and at the barn who show nothing but love and support. The Festival these past two years has been a highlight of my summers and fantastic experiences that I will carry with me throughout my future in riding. It is so incredible how much I’ve gained from spending a few days with the team, horses, and my family at the Festival, and the impact this event has on so many riders! Thank you for creating such a wonderful experience!

Congratulations, Sydney!

Abigail Parent was the Walk/Trot/Canter U14 Division Champion of YDF 2023

Q: How many years have you been riding? 

Abigail: I’ve been on horses since I could sit up. I tried a little bit of everything when I was younger. Now, I mainly focus on dressage but I still love jumping and going on trail rides. We have had my pony since before I was born. She is now 26 and I am still competing with her to this day!

Q: How many years have you competed at YDF?

Abigail: This year was my second year competing at YDF.

Q: What was your favorite part about YDF this year?

Abigail: I really enjoyed the demos. The last time I went was during COVID so they didn’t have demos. I really enjoyed seeing horses competing at very high levels but with very different conformation while Lendon narrated what they were doing. 

Q: What was your reaction when you found out you were the Walk/Trot/Canter Division U14 Champion?

Abigail: I was hoping for the top five and I was very surprised when I won! My dressage and equitation riding scores were good but I didn’t actually win those classes… but I had the highest written test score. I already want to start studying for next year!

Q: What are your future riding goals/plans?

Abigail: I would like to do first level next year with Benny and bring him up the levels. My long term goal is to get my bronze medal with him. I would also like to continue showing my 26-year old Arab who I just spent a year rehabbing and am now showing again.

Q: Are you planning on returning to YDF next year?

Abigail: Yes, definitely!!!

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your horse?

Abigail: I attended YDF with my 5 year old Connemara cross, Benny. My mom and I got him as a yearling from Blackwing Connemaras in Louisiana. He is like a puppy dog and will follow me anywhere! I was the first to back him and have been riding him tackless, loose in the paddock since he was very young. A girl on my team actually owns Benny’s cousin so he was able to meet him!

Q: Are there any funny quirks about your horse?

Abigail: He loves to lick things just like a dog. If he's nervous or stressed he “power licks.” He also loves learning new things. I am currently teaching him new tricks, one of which is lying down on command.

Q: What's your horse's favorite treat?

Abigail: I actually have a horse treat business called Abby’s Sweet Treats that Misty View Equestrian (owned by my mom and aunt) distribute. He really likes them. He is weird about textures though, so if I make a batch that gets a little burnt, he refuses to eat them.  He also loves the usuals like carrots and apples. 

Q: Does your horse have a favorite class at YDF?

Abigail: The trail class was really fun but Benny is a big wimp and scared of everything! At the end of the class, Margaret Freeman let him take the carrots. This class was only his fifth time in the show ring so being able to leave with carrots in his mouth made it a particularly great experience.I know he will alway enjoy going into a ring for the hope of some carrots ;). 

Q: What's your horse's favorite dressage movement to perform?  

Abigail: I think his favorite move is the halt!  Benny has learned to move forward off my leg but he always would prefer to halt and just hang out.

Q: Did you compete on a team this year?  If so, what was it like?

Abigail: Yes, our team was made up of 8 girls. Some of them I knew, and others I met at the show. We are already planning to be a team again next year and are brainstorming ideas for the tack room decorating contest.

Q: Is there anything you would like to add?

Abigail: Yes, I would like to thank my mom and my aunt for inspiring me to do dressage and for helping and coaching me almost every ride and for my grandmother who is my ultimate riding cheerleader.  I am also thankful to all the great coaches I have ever ridden with particularly Colleen O’Connor-Dzik, Meghan Hamilton, and Anna Phillips. In addition I am thankful to Maciel Dum who provided me with great last minute coaching at the YDF that was extremely helpful! I am also thankful for Lendon Gray and all the wonderful volunteers that made this show a possibility. Lastly, I am so incredibly thankful for the amazing horses that I have in my life. 

Bella Perkins was the Overall Division Reserve Champion of YDF 2023 

with her horse, Royal Rhapsody. 

Q: How many years have you been riding? 

Bella: 15 years 

Q: How many years have you competed at YDF?

Bella: This year was my 9th year. 

Q: What was your favorite part about YDF this year?

Bella: I loved riding our Musical Freestyle. It was my first time competing with one besides at a schooling show at home. It was so much fun!

Q: What was your reaction when you found out you were the Overall Reserve Champion?

Bella: I almost couldn’t believe it but was thrilled! I was (and still am) incredibly proud of myself and my wonderful horse. 

Q: What are your future riding goals/plans?

Bella: Short term I would like to solidify our flying changes and start working on Fourth Level. Long term I hope to be an FEI level rider and trainer and get the rest of my USDF medals.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your horse?

Bella: Royal Rhapsody is a 15 year old, 17.2hh Hanoverian. He’s a D4K Donation Horse who came to me from Canada 2 years ago. We competed pretty successfully at Second Level last year and even made it to the US Dressage Finals in Lexington. He’s my best friend!

Q: Are there any funny quirks about your horse?

Bella: After having a treat, he will use everyone around him as human lollipops. Any part of you that he can reach, he will lick!

Q: What's your horse's favorite treat?

Bella: Peppermints!

Q: Does Rhapsody have a favorite class at YDF?

Bella: I think he enjoyed the Musical Freestyle this year. He was a little nervous when he heard the music of the one before us, but once he settled down and we got into the arena, he seemed to have fun. 

Q: What's your horse's favorite dressage movement to perform? 

Bella: He likes medium and extended trots. He loves to show off!

Q: What was it like competing on a team?

Bella: Wonderful, as always. Our team is always so supportive and helpful towards one another. 

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Bella: I would like to thank my trainer, Hollie McNeil; Lendon and everyone at Dressage4Kids; Rhapsody’s previous owner, Siri Ingebrigtsen; my mom; everyone that takes care of the horses at home while we’re away at shows; and everyone else who has helped me along the way! Thank you! I can’t wait to see everyone again next year!

Congratulations, Bella!