LAKE ST. LOUIS, Miss. – Junior Madison Cary was crowned a National Champion and the JWU (Providence) IDA team placed third at the 2025 Intercollegiate Dressage Association National Championship at the National Equestrian Center in Missouri this past weekend.

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Cary – who finished first in her division each of the past two years – placed first in Upper Training – Individual on Thursday with a score of 68.8% from the judges. "Right away, we knew it was a winning test," said JWU head coach Crystal Taylor. "She rode a flawless test with precision and harmony. She is always in sync with the horse and is a perfectionist in this arena."

Senior Viviane Lensky was tabbed Reserve Champion (second place) in First Level-Dressage Seat Equitation on Saturday. Taylor described her performance as "another skillful, spectacular ride with harmony!"

Seniors Peyton McGuan and Paige Surrell, along with Cary and sophomore Abigail Gilley, represented the Wildcats third-place team. Gilley was named Reserve Champion (second place) in Intro B and was named Reserve High Point Rider. The Edgartown, Massachusetts native posted the second-highest score amongst the 48 riders (74.06%).

Cary finished in a tie for fifth (she was awarded sixth via judges' tiebreaker) in Upper Level Training with a score of 65.172%. McGuan, meanwhile, was in a four-way tie for fourth (later awarded sixth via judges' tiebreakers) with a 66.058%. Surrell took fifth in First Level (68.258%).

"Our team worked incredibly hard all year long with resilience, dedication and commitment," said Taylor. "They supported each other and inspired each other to be the best they could be! The end result was a trip to this beautiful facility and venue with wonderful horses. I am so honored to coach this team and so proud of every one of them!"

JWU was awarded the Team Spirit & Sportsmanship Award from a field of 12 competing programs. The award is presented to the team which displays team spirit, cheers on other competitors, assists with the car of the horses, and helps out when needed.

Emory & Henry placed first with 35 points, followed by Averett (34), JWU (33), Centenary (30), Cal Poly (29), Otterbein (29), Lake Erie (25), New Hampshire (24), Virginia Tech (24), Florida (20), Western Washington (19), and Delaware Valley (14).