Lexington, KY (August 21, 2023) - The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) offers its sincerest congratulations to recipients of the following awards and special honors, presented during the FEI North American Youth Dressage Championships presented by USDF:

Canadian Chef d'Equipe Denielle Gallagher being presented The Albers Award Photo Credit: Andrew Ryback Photography

Albers Award: The Albers Award perpetual trophy was awarded to Canadian Chef d'Equipe Denielle Gallagher. The Albers Award is named in honor of long-time USDF Region 1 Chef d'Equipe, and supporter, Patsy Albers and is presented, annually, to the dressage chef d'equipe who best demonstrates the same level of dedication, enthusiasm, and team spirit shown by Patsy, throughout the years.

Region 3's Mary Claire Piller being presented the Fiona Baan “Pursuit of Excellence” Memorial Trophy Photo Credit: Andrew Ryback Photography

Fiona Baan Award: Region 3 Young Rider, Mary Claire Piller of Oakdale, TN, and the twelve-year-old, Hanoverian mare, Caterina, owned by Emily Brollier, were awarded the Fiona Baan “Pursuit of Excellence” Memorial Trophy. On permanent display in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame, this trophy is awarded to the Young Rider who earns the highest combined average score in the three dressage tests: FEI Young Rider Team, Individual, and Freestyle. Piller placed first in the team, individual, and freestyle tests, with scores of 71.706%, 70.147%, and 73.800 % respectively, securing the win with an overall combined average of 71.884%.

Region 1's Sienna Rowe being presented the Amanda Johnson “Pursuit of Excellence” Memorial Trophy Photo Credit: Andrew Ryback Photography

Amanda Johnson Award: Region 1 Junior Sienna Rowe, of Urbana, VA, and the thirteen-year-old, Westfalen gelding, Lightfire Just Do It, owned by Jason Rowe, were awarded the Amanda Johnson “Pursuit of Excellence” Memorial Trophy. Also displayed in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame, this trophy is awarded to the Junior rider who earns the highest combined average score in the three dressage tests: FEI Junior Team, Individual, and Freestyle. Sienna Rowe placed second in the team competition, first in the individual competition, and second in her freestyle test, with scores of 69.909%, 70.676%, and 73.320% respectively, securing the win with an overall combined average of 71.301%.

Other Honorees: USDF Region 6 Junior Olivia Martz and Region 1 Junior Emily Bansky were also recognized at this year's event with the 2023 Dressage Style Award and The Captain Andrew B. de Szinay Memorial Sportsman Trophy, respectively. Additionally, USDF Region 7 Junior Emme Chisholm's nineteen-year-old Hanoverian mount, Winzalot, owned by Jamie Shortz, was recognized with this year's HorsePower Trophy, while Region 2's Marin Roth and Region 3's Mary Claire Piller took their respective honors for Best Turned Out, Junior and Young Rider.

USDF congratulates these and all the competitors from this year's event. The talent and sportsmanship displayed by all juniors and young riders participating in the event deserves to be recognized and celebrated and USDF is happy to shine a light on their successes. For more information, and full results from the 2023 North American Youth Dressage Championships presented by USDF, visit the USDF website.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, e-mail [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277.