Dressage for a Cause With Allie Conti

Like many ambitious dressage riders, Back on Track Ambassador Allie Conti has always dreamed of performing under the lights of the international arena in Wellington, Florida. This season, she finally got that chance in the 2025 Challenge of the Americas.

Each year, this challenge brings the dressage community together to perform for a cause in a unique team quadrille competition that raises donations for vital cancer research. But for Allie, the event was also a tribute to her long-term partner, Wilson, and many other senior horses who got their chance to shine in the spotlight.

Keep reading to learn more about The Challenge of the Americas and how Allie keeps Wilson happy and healthy competing at Grand Prix at 20 years old.

The Challenge of the Americas

The Challenge of the Americas is an annual event in Wellington, FL, benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through its Play for P.I.N.K. initiative. It’s one of the few events that combines Grand Prix dressage with team choreography, freestyle music, a great cause, and an electrifying show atmosphere.

“From the moment I came to Wellington, I knew I wanted to be part of this one day,” Allie shared.

After years of admiring the event from the sidelines, Allie persistently reached out to former participants with the hopes of competing in the Grand Prix quadrille competition. The opportunity finally came this year, when she earned a spot on the newly formed Dancing for Pink team.

Unlike long-standing teams with years of chemistry, Allie’s group had never performed in the Challenge before. The team consisted of six professionals who had to learn each other’s styles, sync their horses, and build trust from the ground up.

Riding on a Team

Dressage is often solitary, just the rider and horse in the ring. But the quadrille format of the Challenge of the Americas relies on teamwork.

“It felt like playing a team sport again. You’re not just focused on your ride—you’re relying on five other people, and they’re relying on you.”

From weekly practices on foot to hours spent perfecting choreography, Allie and her teammates sacrificed their very limited free time, motivated by a shared goal and a common cause. The team quickly bonded, bringing alternate horses when needed and cheering each other on through every step.

The nerves leading up to the Challenge felt more intense than a regular show due to the pressure to perform for her team. That pressure gave her newfound respect for international team riders representing countries at the Olympics and Nations Cups.

“If I mess up in a regular test, it's just me. Here, I didn’t want to let the team down.”

Performing Under the Lights

The Dancing for Pink Team performed to a mix of horse-themed music inspired by the deep connection every rider feels with their horses. Though the event supports a serious cause, the atmosphere was filled with fun, energy, and creativity.

“Even just riding under the lights with that crowd was surreal. It was magical.”

The Challenge draws not just equestrians but also members of the broader community. Many locals attend the event to support breast cancer research and enjoy the unique quadrille performances, giving the sport a unique opportunity to reach new audiences.

It was also a valuable personal experience for all the young professionals who participated, allowing riders to learn how to rise to the occasion, manage performance anxiety, and gain confidence for future under-the-lights moments.

Senior Horses in the Spotlight

Allie’s partner for the Challenge of the Americas was Wilson, a seasoned but fiery 20-year-old Grand Prix horse.

“Wilson was always at the front, allowing him to show off his piaffe-passage. He really got his moment to shine.”

Wilson’s experience and temperament made him a perfect match for the close-contact quadrille format, where six horses perform together, often shoulder-to-shoulder and nose-to-tail.

Not all horses can handle the challenge, but Wilson and the other senior horses on their team thrived. For Allie, the event was a perfect way to honor the senior horses and schoolmasters who give so much to her and other young professionals.

Back on Track for Senior Horses

Wilson may be 20, but he’s still eager to dance with Allie. Following a careful training schedule with adequate time for recovery is essential for helping him perform at his best. Every week, he has two workdays, two hack days, and several days off.

“He's already trained, so I don’t need to drill him. I listen to him and manage him like an aging athlete.”

Wilson wears Back on Track wraps and blankets after more strenuous rides.

The cold night of the Challenge made Allie especially thankful for her Back on Track Mesh Sheet, which kept Wilson’s muscles loose and warm before his big moment.

It’s not just Wilson who benefits from Back on Track. Allie also praised her Back on Track breeches, which help her stay comfortable while spending long hours in the saddle.

“The breeches help support my lower back and manage my back pain, which is huge when you ride many horses every day.”

What's Next for Allie?

The Challenge of the Americas helped Allie gain skills, confidence, and a new appreciation for the strength of community in the sport. Although Allie doesn’t plan to ride in next year’s Challenge, the event left a lasting impact.

“I’d love to help behind the scenes. It’s such a meaningful event, and I want to keep supporting it.”

While Allie's grateful for everything she learned at this incredible event, she's most thankful for the horses and people who make it possible.

"None of this would be possible without the support of Wilson's owner, P.J. Rizvi, and Ashley Holzer, my boss and trainer. I'm so grateful to them, Wilson, and our entire team for this amazing opportunity."