The annual USDF Arts Contest is designed to highlight the creativity and beauty of dressage and the equine form and to allow USDF members to express their interest in the sport outside of the competition arena. Entries are accepted each year in the divisions of fine art and photography, and in three separate age categories.
USDF recently named the winners of the 2026 contest! Check out their beautiful works below.
Grand Prize
“Spring Fling” by Carmel Huppert
Art Division
Adult – 1st Place: “Blix” by Tania Radda
Adult – 2nd Place: “Terra Equis” by Petra Jorgensen
16-21 – 1st Place: “Arabella” by Carly Nelson
16-21 – 2nd Place: “The Dots” by Molly Collier
15 & Under – 1st Place: “X. Halt. Sit.” by Maya Daniel
15 & Under – 2nd Place: “Golden Mythic Flame” by Margot Poupart
Photography Division
Adult – 1st Place: “Trusting Hands” by Emmet Roche
Adult – 2nd Place: “Emmet Archer” by Stacy Rose
16-21 – 1st Place: “Dancing at Dusk” by Carly Nelson
16-21 – 2nd Place: “High Steppah” by Mariska Sherlin
15 & Under – 1st Place: “Golden Hour” by Aubrey Welch
15 & Under – 2nd Place: “A Dance Between Hearts” by Isabella Bonanno
Congratulations to all of the 2026 winners, and thank you to all the USDF members who entered! Winners have their work published in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection, on YourDressage.org and the USDF website, with the grand prize winner used as the cover of the USDF Member Guide.
Interested in submitting your art or photography for a future USDF Arts Contest? 2027 entries are open! The deadline for entries is July 1, 2027.
