Thermal, Calif. – November 13, 2026 – US Olympian Steffen Peters and Blue Hors Zirrus kicked off Desert Dressage and the US Equestrian Open Dressage Final weekend with a win in the CDI3* Grand Prix, presented by Adequan, on Friday, November 13, at Desert International Horse Park.
The pair scored a 67.761% for the top honor. Jaclyn Pepper-Millard and her own Limited Edition finished second on 64.870%, and Claire Robinson and Kashmir T, owned by Carol Robinson, placed third with 63.544%.
Steffen Peters and Blue Hors Zirrus. Photo by Terri Miller Photos
The win for Peters and Blue Hors Zirrus marks the fourth CDI3* victory for the pair since they came together in March 2025.
“The three Ps are always a big deal in the grand prix — the piaffe, passage and pirouettes,” said Peters, in speaking of his test with the 14-year-old Oldenburg stallion, owned by Five Rings Farm. “He did all three quite good today. I was happy with that.”
Steffen Peters and Blue Hors Zirrus. Photo by Terri Miller Photos
Peters continued, “Unfortunately, [there was] a big mistake in the one tempis. Overall, he’s a very relaxed horse — sometimes a little too relaxed. But we know where the lower score came from, and hopefully tomorrow’s better.”
Peters and Blue Hors Zirrus return to the Grand Prix Staidum on Saturday for the CDI3* Grand Prix Special, presented by Liz Keadle. Looking further ahead, Peters has just finalized a new freestyle for the stallion, which the pair plans to debut at their next CDI in February.
Steffen Peters and Blue Hors Zirrus. Photo by Terri Miller Photos
“We just finished yesterday a wonderful freestyle for him,” said Peters. “I think with the music he might get a little bit more excited, a little bit more energy. I think he’s going to be a fantastic freestyle horse.”
For the San Diego-based rider, DIHP offers top-level competition close to home. “It’s a couple hours away from home, and to have a facility like this on the West Coast, this close to San Diego — on top of that, having the US Open here — it’s fantastic,” Peters said. “It’s a huge honor to ride here.”
Peters is also lending his voice to the show this week, joining Steven Wilde on commentary for the US Equestrian Open Dressage Final.
“The Desert Horse Park has been very generous and kind to us,” Peters concluded. ” It’s always a pleasure to be here.”
For complete results and a full competition schedule, head to equestrian-hub.com.