VideoWe are keeping our eyes on seven dressage horses who may be primed for success after several impressive results in the lead-up to 2026. The group of seasoned campaigners and up-and-coming horses includes four Dutch Warmbloods, one Danish Warmblood, one Swedish Warmblood and one Westphalian. Learn more about this set of one mare, two stallions and five geldings between the ages of 8 and 16 with dressage prowess.
Fayvel
Barn Name: Fayvel
Age: 16
Breed: Dutch Warmblood
Sex: Gelding
Rider: Anna Marek
Owner: Cythnia Davila
Past major achievements: Eighth at the 2024 FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final • Third at the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage
Before becoming a Grand Prix star with Anna Marek, Fayvel was ridden extensively by his amateur owner Cythnia Davila. She had Shelley Van den Neste bring him up to Intermediaire I before taking the ride herself. The pair had a successful partnership, with Davila competing him in the amateur CDI classes at small tour and Grand Prix, where they collected a handful of wins.
But when Davila got injured and needed to take some time off from riding, she approached Marek about competing the Dutch Warmblood (Zizi Top—Ofra, Houston). They hit it off from the start by taking second in the Grand Prix and winning the freestyle at World Equestrian Center – Ocala.
As they continued to build their partnership, a dream of attending the 2024 FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was born. It was a new experience for the pair, as it was their first CDI outside of Florida, but Fayvel rose to the occasion, finishing eighth in the freestyle as the top-placed U.S. horse.
When Marek was named to the short list for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with her other Grand Prix horse Fire Fly, she decided to invest in her education with both horses and brought Fayvel along to Europe. It proved to be a fruitful decision, as the gelding was second in both of his classes at the Kronberg CDI4* in Germany.
While Fayvel is a true competitor, his sweet personality shines at home. “In the barn he is the sweetest, easiest horse you would ever meet, [and] also the sleepiest,” she said. “For as calm as he is in the barn, one little tick about Fayvel is that he hates being alone. When I’m riding him, he is like a stallion. He knows where every single horse on the property is. If a horse comes into the arena or leaves the arena, he must say something to them.”
While Marek and Fayvel competed primarily in Florida for the 2025 season, they never finished off the podium, winning the Grand Prix at the WEC – Ocala CDI4* and the Grand Prix Special at Dressage at Devon. The primary goal for Fayvel in 2025 was the US Equestrian Open of Dressage, which was held for the first time at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California. The pair were the series leaders heading into the final, where they topped the Grand Prix before taking third in the freestyle.
“I think Fayvel adores the one-on-one attention [of competing,]” she said. “He is the perfect show horse because he gets excited to show but in a very good way. The show energizes him. He knows his job so well at this point that I’m along for the ride—especially those extended trots.”
They got their 2026 season off to a good start by taking second in the CDI5* Grand Prix freestyle at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and are now aiming towards the USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship in May.
Gino
Barn Name: G
Age: 15
Breed: Dutch Warmblood
Sex: Gelding
Rider: Geñay Vaughn
Owner: Michele Vaughn
Past major achievements: Second at the 2022 GAIG/USDF Region 7 Dressage Championship in the Open Grand Prix division • Sixth at the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage
When the Vaughn family first purchased Gino as a 6-year-old, the Dutch Warmblood gelding (Bretton Woods—Lugienna, Haarlem) was meant for Geñay Vaughn’s mother Michele, not Geñay. But as they got to know the gelding, Michele believed Gino’s talent would be well matched for Geñay’s international team ambitions. So, Michele handed over the reins, and it’s been life changing for Geñay, catapulting her on to the international stage.
“Gino’s a freak of nature,” Geñay said of the now 15-year-old gelding. “He’s so incredibly talented, and he always offers 110%. He’s unlike any horse I have ever ridden. It feels like you are floating.”
The selfless act proved to be the right move for both, as he became her first CDI Grand Prix horse since competing in the U25 division in 2018. The California-based pair did their first Grand Prix in 2022 and were second in that year’s GAIG/USDF Region 7 Dressage Championship in the Open Grand Prix. That was just the start for the pair, who made their CDI debut the following January at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida. Since Geñay is Gino’s groom at home, spending every day catering to his needs, she’s developed a strong partnership with the gelding whose list of nicknames is extensive, including Big G, GG and Banana Boy.
“He has the best personality,” said Geñay. “He knows he’s the man and it’s his world and we are all just living in it.”
As their first winter season wrapped up, the long hours spent together were evident as their scores improved. They found themselves near the top of the podium more often, and Geñay credits their connection on their success. She and Michele have a horse-first approach to their business Starr Vaughn Equestrian in Elk Grove, California, where they prioritize getting the horses out of the ring and make sure they’re happy in their work.
“We are truly best friends, and I think he tries his heart out for me,” Geñay said.
By the following year, their competitiveness in the CDI ring increased, but 2025 proved to be their true breakout year. They won all but four classes they contested all season, earning themselves a spot in the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final in Basel, Switzerland, where they had a respectable finish in their first competition outside the U.S. They also contested the first US Equestrian Open of Dressage in Thermal California, where they were sixth in both the Grand Prix and freestyle.
This year, Geñay has once again set big goals for herself, as she looks to qualify again for the World Cup Final, this time on home soil in Fort Worth, Texas, as well as aiming toward the US Equestrian Open at the end of the year. They’re well on their way, with podium finishes in Wellington and a personal best in the Grand Prix freestyle in a World Cup qualifier.
Hussmanns Topgun
Barn Name: Maverick
Age: 10
Breed: Danish Warmblood
Sex: Gelding
Rider: Adrienne Lyle
Owner: Heidi Humphries
Past major achievements: Winner of the 2025 Markel/USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Dressage National Championship
Adrienne Lyle has always been skilled at bringing along young horses to the FEI levels, and Hussmanns Topgun is no exception. Lyle first encountered the gelding when he was 6 years old with Patrik Kittel, and she fell in love with his power. In 2022, Heidi Humphries of Zen Elite Equestrian Center purchased the Danish Warmblood (Totilas—Atterupgaards Demi, Belissimo M). Lyle took the time to get to know him before he made his U.S. showing debut at Third Level in 2024, where it was clear that “Maverick” was destined for big things, with scores as high as 82.87%.
With the waters tested, Lyle spent most of her time training at home, working on the fine details and making him stronger. With so much time together, she really got to understand his giant puppy personality, which is gentle enough to let her toddler sit on him.
“Maverick is very people-oriented and cuddly,” she said. “He doesn’t care much for other horses but always wants the attention of his humans, and he loves food and will beg for treats. He is hot and fiery under saddle but super laid back and easygoing in the barn.”
When Lyle brought him back out in 2025, they headed to the Developing Prix St. Georges ring, where he proved to be just as competitive as the difficulty increased. It was a major milestone for the gelding, as she donned her tailcoat to see how he’d handle the intensity of an FEI test. They were unbeaten heading into the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions in Wayne, Illinois, over the summer, where they swept the Markel/USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Dressage National Championship, winning by nearly four percentage points.
“He is a horse who has a lot of power and presence,” she said. “It’s been a process to get all that power under control and relaxed, but when it comes together, I think he is very impressive in the show ring.”
Though Maverick is low on show miles, Lyle has spent lots of time getting to know him and determining the best way to show off his talents. While training is important, so is his mental well-being. Therefore, Lyle prioritizes riding outside of the ring and on the trails and giving him 24/7 turnout.
“He is a very sensitive horse, physically and emotionally,” said Lyle. “He challenges me every day to be a better rider and be very disciplined, patient and clear in my communication with him. At first he was not very trusting and would get anxious easily, but over the years, we have built a really solid relationship, and now he trusts me as his rider and will fight for me at shows.”
With the talent he’s showing so far, the pair landed on the USEF Dressage Development Program list and are now focusing on the open small tour and entering his first CDIs to gain experience while he builds strength for the Grand Prix.
Indian Rock
Barn Name: Rocky
Age: 13
Breed: Dutch Warmblood
Sex: Stallion
Rider: Christian Simonson
Owner: Heidi Humphries
Past major achievements: 2022 FEI Dressage World Championships, 2023 FEI European Dressage Championships and 2024 Paris Olympic Games with previous rider, Dutch Olympian Emmelie Scholtens • Winner of the 2025 Neue Schule/USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship with U.S. rider Christian Simonson
Indian Rock was hardly a newcomer on the Grand Prix circuit before Heidi Humphries purchased him for Christian Simonson to compete. But ever since they paired up at the beginning of 2025, they’ve been unstoppable, winning every single one of their Grand Prix starts. With unmatched success in the show ring, this pair quickly became one of the hottest pairs on the U.S. dressage scene.
“He’s naturally extremely talented with exceptional paces, but beyond that, he has an amazing brain and heart. He’s truly the total package,” said Simonson.
“Rocky” was initially brought up the levels by Dutch Olympian Emmelie Scholtens, who started his FEI career at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses at 5 years old. In 2022, he made his CDI Grand Prix debut and that year helped the Dutch team win the FEI Dressage Nations Cup at Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on his way to the 2022 FEI Dressage World Championships and later the 2023 FEI European Dressage Championships. The Dutch Warmblood (Apache—Crisjena, Exquis Vivaldi) proved to be a shining star on the Dutch team, making the squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they were 11th in the Grand Prix freestyle with a personal best of 82.75%.
After the Games, Rocky was listed for sale, and at the beginning of 2025, Humphries secured the stallion for her Zen Elite Equestrian Center and gave Simonson the ride. It was an instant match from the first moment Simonson set foot in the stirrup.
“Rocky is just a totally chill guy in the barn,” said Simonson. “He’s one of the easiest-going stallions you’ll ever meet. He’s incredibly sweet and kind and always wants to hang out and cuddle with whoever is around. Rocky’s just a really special soul.”
They took their time preparing for the show ring, entering their first competition in late April, where they won two national tests with scores of 78%. From there, things only improved, with them scoring as high as 81.40% in the freestyle at the TerraNova CDI-W. Over the summer, the pair headed to the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions, where they swept their classes to win the Neue Schule/USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship, earning themselves a spot on the USEF Dressage Pre-Elite list.
“He’s an absolute dream to ride and train,” said Simonson. “He’s so elastic and has an incredible amount of scope in all of his movements. More than anything, he’s incredibly smart and consistently tries his heart out for you.”
The primary goal for 2026 is the Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final in Fort Worth, Texas, which they qualified for in their first show this year at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. After that, they’ll see where the year takes them, but with a record like theirs so far, they’re ones to watch.
Jane
Barn Name: Jane
Age: 12
Breed: Dutch Warmblood
Sex: Mare
Rider: Marcus Orlob
Owner: Alice Tarjan
Past major achievements: U.S. Dressage Team member at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games
Heading into the 2024 season, Marcus Orlob didn’t have the Olympics on his radar, but everything changed when Alice Tarjan handed over the reins on the stunning black mare Jane. Though Orlob had known the Dutch Warmblood (Desperado—Zandra, Metall) bred by H.J. van Oort since she was freshly imported at 3 years old, he had never competed her. Tarjan, who rides as an amateur, brought Jane along from young horse to showing national Grand Prix. But when it came time to send Jane into the CDI Grand Prix ring, Tarjan felt Orlob would be a better fit for the enthusiastic mare.
“Under saddle, Jane is always motivated, willing, and light to ride,” said Orlob. “Every training session with her is a joy because she approaches her work with enthusiasm and a great attitude.”
They made their show ring debut in March, and with each show they improved as Orlob built a partnership with a mare he’d only known from the ground and a brief stint riding her while in quarantine. As their scores steadily rose, they earned a spot on the short list of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. They then headed to Europe for the final observation events, and the one-on-one time only deepened their partnership.
“In the barn, Jane is like a puppy—incredibly sweet, affectionate, and always looking for attention,” he said. “She loves to snuggle and has a very gentle, friendly personality.”
With wins in Kronberg, Germany, and strong showings in Aachen, Germany, they landed on the squad that would compete in France, with a fairytale story of their first show to the Olympics in five months. While a nick on Jane’s leg prevented it from being a triumphant Olympic debut, Orlob brought Jane out in 2025 aiming to improve the mare’s relaxation and confidence in the ring. They were undefeated during the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida, before heading to Germany to begin their European tour. They competed in the Aachen CDI3*, where they won both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special, with consistent scores across their tests, which helped land them on the USEF Dressage Pre-Elite Program list.
During the fall, they focused on their homework, continuing to improve Jane’s relaxation and getting her more through in the body. In addition to ring work, they’ve spent time hacking, schooling at other barns and riding her over at the Winter Equestrian Festival showgrounds in Wellington to give her exposure to the consistent activity of the hunter/jumper facility.
Their work paid off, as they once again started their winter season in January as they aim to qualify for this summer’s FEI Dressage World Championships in Aachen. In two shows, they won three classes, including the CDI5* Grand Prix with a personal-best score of 75.97%.
“She is gaining valuable experience,” said Orlob. “With each show, she becomes more confident, focused and mature, which allows her talent to shine through.”
Rosebank VH
Barn Name: Ross
Age: 8
Breed: Swedish Warmblood
Sex: Stallion
Rider: Katie Duerrhammer
Owner: Kylee Lourie
Past major achievements: Winner of the 2025 Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage National Championship for 7-Year-Olds
When Katie Duerrhammer tried Rosebank VH for the first time, she knew immediately that he was a perfect fit for her personality.
“‘Ross’ is funny, smart, loyal and has a bit of an ego,” Duerrhammer said. “He only shows his sweet, cuddly side to his chosen people and is always up for laugh. He is a horse that demands respect, and in turn, he gives you a deep sense of loyalty and dedication. Ross also is very social and loves his neighbor. It’s also very common to see him with a couple birds perched on his butt in the afternoon as he sleeps in the sun.”
Prior to coming to the United States, Ross won bronze at the Swedish Warmblood young horse championships with Spanish dressage rider Eric Guardia. As a 4-year-old, he became a popular breeding stallion and later that year, he competed in the Swedish Warmblood young horse championships again, this time taking silver in the 4-year-old division with Swedish rider Mia Runesson. While he showed clear talent in the ring as a young horse, his quality is clear as he became a prolific sire, who was the top bred stallion in Sweden in 2022. Kylee Lourie then purchased the Swedish Warmblood (Revolution—Darling II VH, Dalwhinnie) in the summer of 2023 for Duerrhammer to ride.
“Ross is lovely to ride,” she said. “He is light in the bridle, very naturally balanced, and learns faster than almost any horse I have had. He has a strong sense of self-confidence and is always up for the next challenge.”
After spending the fall getting to know one another, Duerrhammer began showing the Swedish Warmblood (Revolution—Darling II VH, Dalwhinnie) at Third Level and in the FEI 6-year-old tests. In 2025, they moved up to Fourth Level and the 7-year-old tests, with their main goal being the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions. There they won the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage National Championship for 7-Year-Olds, by sweeping their tests with scores soaring up to 82.81%, with their quality score hitting 92.2%.
“Ross is always the horse I can count on in the ring,” she said. “When he is nervous, he looks to me for guidance but loves the spotlight and to be the center of attention. He always tries his hardest for me, and I respect what his body is ready for because my goal is that he always feels he is the best horse in the world.”
At the end of the year, he showed in the national Prix St. Georges at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala, where he won both of his tests, setting him on a strong trajectory for the 2026 show year. Their focus will be on the Developing Prix St. Georges ahead of this year’s U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions.
Zen Elite’s Bohemian
Barn Name: Bo
Age: 16
Breed: Westphalian
Sex: Gelding
Rider: Endel Ots
Owner: Heidi Humphries
Past major achievements: 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games and team bronze, individual bronze and freestyle silver at the 2021 FEI European Dressage Championships with Danish Olympian Cathrine Laurdrup-Dufour • Traveling reserve at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with U.S. Olympian Endel Ots
After sitting on Zen Elite’s Bohemian for the first time, Endel Ots sent Heidi Humphries a memorable text. It read: “I’ll sell one of my kidneys, give my firstborn child, whatever I have to do, to ride him.” Luckily for Ots, he didn’t have to go to such extremes, and Humphries’ Zen Elite Equestrian Center purchased “Bo,” for Ots to ride.
“Riding Bohemian reminds me every day that this sport is about listening, patience and partnership, and I’m very thankful for the opportunity to grow with him,” said Ots.
But he had quite a lot of pressure hanging over him as the Westphalian (Bordeaux 28—Sunshine, Samarant) was a prolific winner already with Denmark’s Cathrine Laurdrup-Dufour. In 2019, he had a standout CHIO Aachen, where he scored 78% in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special, before improving his freestyle score by over 12 points to score an 85.39% for fourth. From there he went from strength to strength, attending the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games and finishing third in the Grand Prix and fourth in the freestyle. That same year, they went to the FEI European Dressage Championships, winning team bronze, individual bronze and freestyle silver.
In 2023, he was campaigned first by Korean rider Dong Seon Kim and then Sweden’s Patrik Kittel before being offered for sale again, which is when Zen Elite purchased him.
“He has very expressive eyes; you can read everything he’s thinking just by looking at him,” Ots said of the gelding. “He’s a bit like a cat. If you’re too needy, he’ll let you know. But he loves treats and needs his mind to stay engaged. He’s very intelligent and observant.”
Bo had a standout first season with Ots, winning both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special in their first outing. Their next show marked their CDI debut, with a win in the Grand Prix out of 23 horses and second in the Special. They were short-listed for the U.S. team for the 2024 Paris Olympics and did their first European tour. Ultimately, the pair traveled to France, where they were the traveling reserve combination. While they didn’t compete, it was an incredible learning experience for both.
Their plans to make a World Cup Final bid in 2025 were sidelined after Bo was diagnosed with a sinus issue, and they stayed out of the show ring. In December, they returned to the national ring in what Ots hopes will be just the start to their journey to the FEI Dressage World Championships in Aachen, Germany, this summer.
“Bo really thrives when he understands what’s coming. He doesn’t love surprises, but once he’s in the arena, the outside world disappears,” Ots said. “He can be a little looky on the outside of the ring, but once the test starts, he’s completely focused. One thing we’re always working on is having him wait and not anticipate movements too early. He’s very willing and always trying, and that desire to work with you is what makes him so special.”
This article originally appeared in the Practical Horseman Spring 2026 Special Issue.