Traverse City, Mich. – Youth athletes from across North America are set to compete in Traverse City, Mich., for the 2026 edition of the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC), the continent's only FEI youth championship for jumping and dressage.

This year's competition once again features the FEI North American Youth Dressage Championship presented by USDF and the Gotham North/FEI North American Youth Jumping Championship presented by USHJA. Hosted at Flintfields Horse Park, the competition will run July 27–August 2, 2026, with team and individual competition getting underway Wednesday, July 29.

At NAYC, the next generation of equestrian athletes, ages 12 to 25, compete in a true championship format, representing their zones, regions, and countries. The event provides a unique opportunity to gain experience in team competition in a championship environment.

FEI North American Youth Dressage Championship presented by USDF 

The 2026 championship features the same four dressage divisions introduced last year: 

• Children’s (ages 12–14)  

• Junior (ages 14–18)  

• Young Rider (ages 16–21)  

• U25 (ages 16–25) 

Dressage competition begins on Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. ET with the Junior Team Test. The Children’s Preliminary Test B will take place that afternoon at 2:45 p.m. ET. The U25 athletes and horses will take their first turns down the centerline in the U25 Intermediate II tests beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET.

Gotham North/FEI North American Youth Jumping Championship presented by USHJA 

The jumping portion of NAYC again features four FEI-recognized divisions: 

• Children's Championship (ages 12–14; fence heights up to 1.25m) 

• Pre-Junior Championship (ages 14–16; fence heights up to 1.30m) 

• Junior Championship (ages 14–18; fence heights up to 1.40m) 

• Young Rider Championship (ages 16–21; fence heights up to 1.50m) 

The jumping competition will begin on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. ET with the Children's First Individual Qualifier, followed by the Junior First Individual Qualifier at 2:15 p.m. ET.

As the sport continues to grow, NAYC remains a critical stepping stone for young athletes on the U.S. Jumping and Dressage Pathways. With top-tier facilities, strong regional pride, and an international championship atmosphere, this year's event promises to be a showcase of rising talent across both disciplines. 

Stay up to date all week long with schedules, scores, and stories here. 

Schedule | Start Lists & Results

2026 FEI North American Youth Championships Livestream  
The 2026 FEI North American Youth Championships will be streamed live on ClipMyHorse.TV. US Equestrian members, subscribers, and fans receive a 10% discount on ClipMyHorse.TV premium memberships. Create your free fan account now.

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The USEF International High Performance Programs and the USEF High Performance Pathway Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, the philanthropic partner to USEF. High Performance Program support is also provided by the USOPC and USEF sponsors and members.