Kat Faqua: "Discover Dressage has highly influenced my career in Dressage"
February 24 2025
From growing up at Collecting Gaits Farm in Atlanta, Georgia learning to ride ponies before she could walk, to competing at some of the world's most prestigious equestrian events, Kat Fuqua has forged an impressive path in both dressage, hunters and jumping. The 17-year-old athlete has taken her talents to international stages, competing in Europe and the U.S., including at the renowned CHIO Aachen in 2024 as part of the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s European Young Rider Dressage Tour.
Fuqua balances her time between Atlanta, Georgia, Wellington, Florida, and Tecklenburg, Germany, as she pursues excellence in both disciplines. In dressage, she has stepped up to the FEI U25 Grand Prix level with her horse Rigoletto 205, while also competing in FEI jumping with horses like Columbcille Gipsy and Nate Archibald. Her success is in part thanks to the invaluable opportunities provided by the USEF High Performance Pathway Program and initiatives like Discover Dressage.
In this interview, Fuqua shares her experiences competing on the international stage, how the Discover Dressage program has shaped her career, and her advice for young riders looking to advance in the sport.
· What shows did you do? Which one was your favorite?
For the Young Rider Euro tour I showed at the CDIOY Nations Cup at Future Champions in 2023 & 2024 and Le Mans CDI in 2024 and CHIO Aachen in 2024 as well. But my overall favorite is Aachen. It is really my favorite show of all time.
· How did the experience of competing in Europe differ from your previous competitions, especially on the international stage?
I think that representing my country internationally has taught me a lot and especially representing the team at the nations cup really taught me how to deal with the pressure of performing.
· In what ways has the Discover Dressage program influenced you’re your dressage Career?
I think Discover Dressage has highly influenced my career in Dressage. There are so many unbelievable opportunities that I’ve been able to take part in and I have met so many new people and have watched some of the best riders in the world while I am traveling and getting to be part of the Young Rider tour in Europe.
· How do you think programs like Discover Dressage contribute to the development of young riders in the equestrian community?
I think Discover Dressage is really helping these young athletes by providing excellent training and coaching, allowing them to develop their skills and prepare for their future careers as professionals. I think it’s really cool that they allow young riders to experience such intense competitions and I find it really helpful for the future.
· This past summer you had the opportunity to compete in high-level competition such as Aachen through Discover Dressage program. Can you describe the emotions and thoughts that ran through your mind when you first entered the arena to ride the center line?
Aachen I think will be forever be my most special and memorable show I’ve ever competed at. I really don’t think it compares to any horse show in the world, the fact that I could even compete in that arena. At this stage of my career it was so unreal to me. My freestyle at Aachen was the best I've ever ridden with Dream Girl.
· What are you looking forward this Florida season?
I’m really looking forward to continuing the young riders and U25, I am very excited that I have two pretty special young horses coming up, that I will show in the national shows and get some mileage on them. I am very excited to bring them up and see where their future take them.
· What is your advice you would give to a young rider who would like to advance in sport?
Don’t be afraid to take risks, whether in the show ring or aiming for a competition that may seem out of reach. The most special opportunities often come in unexpected ways, and you’ll regret not trying more than failing before you even start.
Comments