A Year to Remember: Christian Simonson and Indian Rock Rise to Stardom
As 2025 draws to a close, the dressage world has witnessed a remarkable transformation. Christian Simonson, riding the 12-year-old stallion Indian Rock, has emerged as the leading American dressage competitor. Their partnership stands as a testament to hard work and dedication, catapulting Simonson into the spotlight, culminating in a stunning leap to 15th in the world rankings, a testimony to their stellar performances throughout the year.
Dominance in Grand Prix Competitions
In a remarkable turn of events, Christian Simonson achieved an unprecedented six victories in six Grand Prix starts. This flawless record is underscored by a standout CDI Grand Prix score that marks the highest for an American rider in nearly three years. Notably, alongside his coach, three-time Olympian Adrienne Lyle, Simonson has carved out a niche in the intense world of competitive dressage.
Recognition and Rewards
The accolades keep rolling in for Simonson and Indian Rock, who recently received the title of U.S. Dressage Federation Grand Prix Champion of the Year. This recognition places them among the elite in the dressage community, with Simonson’s remarkable rise from 151st to 15th place highlighting his talent and determination.
Upcoming Goals: The World Cup Final
Looking ahead to the new year, Simonson sets his sights on qualifying for April’s World Cup Final in Fort Worth, Texas. The competition, sponsored by Zen Elite Equestrian, demands excellence and focus, and Simonson is well-prepped with two victories already. Ranked third in the World Cup North American League, he has three more qualifiers lined up during the Global Dressage Festival in Wellington. Successfully navigating these could ensure his place in the coveted World Cup Final.
Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu: A Rising Canadian Star
Not far behind is Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu, who has also made a significant leap in the dressage world. Competing on her horse Jaccardo, Fraser-Beaulieu surged from 184th to 36th in the rankings, proving her mettle and skill. Having represented Canada at the Tokyo Olympics on her previous mount, All In, she showcases the depth of talent emerging from the North American dressage circuit.
Transitioning to Grand Prix
Having debuted with Jaccardo at the Small Tour over two years ago, Fraser-Beaulieu has made impressive strides. The partnership took a significant step forward by graduating to Grand Prix in August 2025 and subsequently achieving several Big Tour scores since. With 37 points in the World Cup North American League, she is in a prime position to secure one of the top three spots, making her the first Canadian to attend a World Cup Final since 2013.
The Competitive Landscape
As 2025 comes to a close, the rankings reveal a strong North American presence in the global dressage scene. Alongside Christian Simonson and Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu, other riders like Kevin Kohmann, Benjamin Ebeling, Anna Marek, and Marcus Orlob are also making their mark. The top 50 standings illustrate not only individual accomplishments but also the collective growth of the discipline across the continent.
Conclusion (Not Included)
This inside look at the rise of Simonson and Fraser-Beaulieu reveals the excitement and potential of American and Canadian dressage. With both riders preparing to tackle the challenges of the upcoming year, the future looks bright for North American dressage, marked by fervent competition and unwavering ambitions.