Dressage team rides to victory

We are extremely excited that Virginia Tech dressage won the 2026 national championship. It was one of the most emotional things that I have experienced in my time as a coach for the last 24 years. I think it's very reasonable to say that every student and horse that has been a part of this program in the last seven years has been a contributing member to how we've been successful. When we found out we won nationals, it was insane because all the stars had to align. We went in as a bit of underdogs, and I thought we'd win. I really wanted to win. But it was just incredible when we did win. I got third individually and first as the team rider. Then, when the last rider went and I was still in first, we all literally jumped for joy. Because when I got first for the team, it helped the whole team win nationals. At nationals, we had to take a test on tack, different movements, and dressage in general. I think it's really important for everyone to educate themselves in that department, not just in the riding portion. Learning more horsemanship can definitely carry over to the riding part, too. Something that I really love about the Virginia Tech Equestrian program, and what helps our students be so successful, is the idea that we fall under two umbrellas here in our program. One umbrella is the Virginia Tech Sports Club program, which allows students to have an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and take ownership of the program. We also fall under the School of Animal Science. Without that immense support, we wouldn't be able to provide the curriculum that is necessary for students to understand the ins and outs of how we care for these horses. Being able to pair that academic curriculum with the rigorous schedule we maintain as equestrian athletes is what makes these students successful.