A dozen riders will represent Canada at the North American Youth Dressage Championships (NAYC) this month – and four of them come from one small barn in Central Saanich.
All four train under coach Brittney Simpson at Eastgate Dressage, and they’ll soon be heading east to Traverse City, Mich. for the pinnacle of youth dressage competition on the continent.
The prestigious event, running July 29 to Aug. 3, brings together the top young riders from Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
“It’s pretty surreal,” Simpson said. “To have four kids from our barn – not just B.C. – qualify for this level, it’s amazing.”
The Greater Victoria contingent includes 18-year-olds Alison Campbell Wright and Imogen Hawes, who will compete in the FEI Juniors division, as well as Estella Gosniak (12) and Gwendolyn Joinson (14), who are set to ride in the newly introduced FEI Children’s category.
Each rider brings a unique story – and a long road – to the NAYC.
Gosniak, a former competitive figure skater, left the ice behind to pursue dressage and earned her qualifying scores despite being the youngest on the team.
Joinson’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary – the 14-year-old has undergone three open-heart surgeries to treat complex congenital heart defects, most recently in October. During her recovery process, a GoFundMe was launched to help support her journey to Michigan.
To date, it has raised more than $10,000.
"Getting named to the 2025 Canadian Youth Team felt nearly impossible right after surgery," Joinson said. "Yet, I surprised even my surgeons and doctors. I’ve been training nonstop ever since, wanting to get back in the dressage ring and give it everything I’ve got.
Just months after surgery, she was back in the saddle and posting qualifying scores.
“She couldn’t wait to get back on a horse,” Simpson said. “She was begging her heart specialist. Her perseverance is incredible.”
Campbell Wright, who has been riding with Simpson for the past six years, will make her third NAYC appearance this summer – now as a mentor to her younger teammates.
“She’s the anchor,” Simpson said. “She’s worked incredibly hard and helped the younger girls navigate what this all means. She’s a real leader.”
While Hawes began training with Simpson two years ago, she had previously been working independently with her horse – something Simpson says speaks volumes about her character.
“Her attention to detail with her horse is impeccable,” Simpson said. “When she first got here, I couldn’t believe how focused and determined she was.”
Qualifying for the NAYC is no small feat.
Riders must post a series of scores above 65 per cent at gold-level or international competitions, judged by panels of up to five officials.
With few qualifying shows in B.C., Simpson’s team often had to travel to Alberta, Oregon, or California just to compete.
“It’s like figure skating,” Simpson said. “Each test has specific patterns and required movements. The judges look for accuracy, balance, harmony – and they score you on every element. There’s no hiding.”
While the riders will fly to Michigan, Simpson and a staff member will make the three-day drive hauling the horses – a cost-saving measure that makes the trip feasible for the families.
“It’s a huge commitment,” Simpson said. “But this is their chance to compete at the highest level for their age. It’s like the World Juniors in hockey – this is as big as it gets.”
Simpson knows the road well – she’s not only guided riders to this level, but is chasing her own goal of competing at the World Equestrian Games next year.
“I’m proud of the girls,” she said. “They’ve earned every step.”
