“This is really exciting,” said Ebeling. “[This series] is really top sport…I just feel like getting to be on this trophy with competitors such as Christian Kukuk and Boyd Martin, it’s a dream come true. To be on a trophy with the best of best is pretty cool.”

Benjamin Ebeling

With 12 elite riders contesting the finale CDI5* Grand Prix Freestyle under the lights in Thermal, Calif., topping the podium ultimately required Ebeling and his winning mount, Bellena, to produce a personal best score of 79.930%. That score earned Ebeling both a place in the history books and the lion’s share of the event’s $200,000 prize money.

Taking home second place was Germany’s Felicitas Hendricks who rode Drombusch OLD to a score of 78.260%. Finishing in third place with a score of 77.830% was the US Equestrian Open Dressage Series leader, and Friday night’s CDI5* Grand Prix winner, Anna Marek aboard Fayvel.

“Every time I ask this horse to come through for me, she always pulls through in the clutch,” said Ebeling of Bellena, a 15-year-old Hanoverian mare owned by Ann Romney and Vantage Equestrian Group LLC. “She’s just an incredible competitor, and I’m really so lucky to have her by my side and underneath me. We’ve been working together for about a year now, and I just feel like we’re developing this synergistic, symbiotic bond that we’re working as one. I’m really proud of her. I really don’t feel like a rider is anything without a horse, and so, thank you Bell!”

While the freestyle that Ebeling performed on Saturday night is one that he previously also competed on a different mount, he has found it to be just the right fit for Bellena.

“This freestyle really highlights [Bellena] as a sort of a diva mare and really a strong, powerful woman with artists such as Beyonce, Gwen Stefani and Rihanna,” Ebeling said. “Honestly, I don’t think that anybody does it better than a mare…I do feel like it’s a new freestyle for Bellena, but it feels like home for me.”

Ebeling continued, “I do believe it was her best test to date, but today, my left pirouette coming into the piaffe pirouette, I honestly have never felt anything like that. It was just a perfect mix of harmony, energy and everything that you could hope for in dressage, just perfect symbiosis. So yeah, it was pretty cool to feel underneath me!”

For full results of the CDI5* Grand Prix Freestyle, held as the US Equestrian Open Dressage Final, click here. To learn more about the US Equestrian Open, visit www.usequestrianopen.org.

Marek and Fayvel, a 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Cynthia Davila, were awarded a 70.804% for the win under the lights on Friday night.

Anna Marek and Fyvel. Photo by Terri Miller

Benjamin Ebeling and Bellena, owned by Ann Romney and Vantage Equestrian Group II, LLC, secured second place with a 70.522%, and Germany’s Felicitas Hendricks brought home third with a close 70.500% aboard Drombusch OLD.

“I had a very excited Fyvel to start in my test!” said Marek, whose only low marks came during her first extended trot. “After the first extended trot, I was kind of like, ‘Hey buddy, we got to calm down here and get ready for the next movement.’ After that, the rest of the test just floated so nicely. What I loved about it was the energy that I had, but he was rideable at the same time – other than the first extended trot!”

Marek, who trains with Anne Gribbons, continued, “I’m always really relieved when I have a good grand prix because Anne has drilled it into my skull since I very first started riding grand prix that the most important thing is riding a good grand prix and setting the impression. So, that’s always where my nerves come in, in that first grand prix.”

Possibly adding to Marek’s nerves was a slight tack malfunction just prior to her test. As she warmed up, Marek quickly realized that the piece of her bridle holding up the noseband had broken.

Anna Marek and Fyvel topped Friday night’s CDI5* Grand Prix. Photo by Terri Miller

“I just said to Anne, ‘Anne, something on the bridle just broke!’” explained Marek. “I have the world’s best groom, and Kate whipped out some of the strong string that she braids the horses’ manes with and tied it together somehow. Then I said to them, ‘What happens if it breaks?’ They were like, ‘Just keep going!’ So, then we laughed about it and off we went!”

With the tack malfunction out of the way and a win in the CDI5* Grand Prix now under her belt, Marek will turn her attention to Saturday night’s CDI5* Grand Prix Freestyle and the grand finale of the US Equestrian Open Dressage Series.

Marek came into the weekend as the overall US Equestrian Open Dressage Series leader, earning her a $12,500 bonus for her consistent results throughout the offered qualifying events. Now with $200,000 in prize money on the line at the US Equestrian Open Dressage Final, Marek will certainly be looking to continue that consistency, and she is looking forward to performing her freestyle in front of the California crowd.

“[Fayvel’s] freestyle is very fun,” said Marek, who hails from Dunnellon, Fla.  “It always seems to get the crowd excited, and I already clearly have a very excited Fyvel. So, as long as I can keep a lid on Fyvel’s energy, it’s just going to be a really great dance.”

Saturday night’s featured competition, at what Marek describes as “one of the most beautiful show venues that I’ve ever been to,” will kick off at 4:45 PT/7:45 ET. Spectator admission is free, and a livestream is also available on USEF Network.

To learn more about the US Equestrian Open, click here, and for full results of Friday’s CDI5* Grand Prix, click here.

From January 2-5, DIHP hosted Desert Dressage II, with the event’s CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle counting as the first of 23 US Equestrian Open of Dressage Qualifiers. Taking home the win in the Freestyle, sponsored by Adequan – and automatically moving to the top of the US Equestrian Open standings – were Geñay Vaughn and Gino.

Geñay Vaughn and Gino. Photo by Terri Miller Paintings & Photos

On their way to the win, Vaughn, of Elk Grove, CA, and the Dutch Warmblood gelding earned a personal best score for their freestyle of 75.150%. Second place with a score of 72.715% went to the USA’s Kristina Harrison-Antell and Finley.

“I’m just so happy with how he performed,” said Vaughn, 30. “It was really fun. I love our music, and I think he loves his freestyle too. It’s his favorite test.”

Saturday marked only the pair’s third time performing this particular freestyle, which they debuted last year, but it was one of nearly eight years’ worth of rides together for Vaughn and the now 14-year-old Gino.

“My mom purchased Gino when he was 6 years old,” explained Vaughn. “It’s been a journey getting to grow together and know each other. He’s an amazing, amazing horse, and I feel like each time we come out, we’re just getting more confident at this level and performing at the Big Tour. I’m really excited for what’s to come in the future.”

Vaughn continued, “I think it’s amazing that they’re doing [the US Equestrian Open]; it’s really exciting, and we’re definitely going to go for that.”

Geñay Vaughn and Gino were presented as the winners of the CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle, sponsored by Adequan. Photo by Terri Miller Paintings & Photos

Just 24 hours prior to their Freestyle win, Vaughn and Gino had turned in their first Big Tour score of 70.000% or higher, topping the CDI-W Grand Prix, sponsored by Premier Equestrian, with a score of 71.283%. Second place again went to Harrison-Antell and Finley, this time with a score of 68.131%.

Taking home the Desert Dressage II High Score Awards were the following:

• High Score Young Rider, sponsored by PS of Sweden – Audrey Allen and Hugo Boss – 68.676%
• High Score Open, sponsored by PS of Sweden– Kristina Harrison-Antell and Quintessa RLF – 72.941%
• High Score Adult Amateur FEI, sponsored by Devoucoux – Linda Houweling and Senzation DC – 68.824%
• High Score Adult Amateur National, sponsored by Devoucoux – Julia Terrill and Fiorella N – 74.814%

For full results of Desert Dressage II, visit equestrian-hub.com. To learn more about all competitions at the Desert International Horse Park, visit deserthorsepark.com.

In July 2023, the US Equestrian Board made a commitment to invest in equestrian sport to grow awareness, exposure, and engagement.  Out of that commitment came the US Equestrian Open concept, which after a year of initial planning, saw FEI Board of Directors approval in June 2024 for the dressage and eventing series (the Jumping event did not require FEI approval). The US Equestrian Open series will officially commence with the first qualifying event in the discipline of eventing during fall 2024.

“The launch of the US Equestrian Open series has been a priority for us. There’s a purpose-driven need for equestrian sport to produce a more commercially significant and identifiable championship model within the United States, particularly focused around the Olympic disciplines,” said David O’Connor, US Equestrian’s Chief of Sport. “We’ve seen new and creative branded series introduced across other mainstream sports, such as golf and tennis, which have experienced tremendous success, both from an athlete and spectator perspective. As an organization, we felt strongly we needed to move the needle forward in our sport by providing access to significant prize money and standing behind a unique model for each discipline, which encourages participation at the highest levels.”

Commercial Opportunities, Fan Engagement & Mainstream Broadcasts
US Equestrian has worked diligently with competition organizers to offer new commercial opportunities through a championship model set to enhance an already growing schedule of top-level equestrian events across the country. A dedicated microsite, live leaderboard tracking, publicly accessible and enhanced horse and rider information, as well as significant mainstream airtime on major sports broadcasting platform, ESPN, alongside live coverage via USEFNetwork powered by ClipMyHorseTV, will aim to generate increased media value and public recognition of athletes, horses, horse owners, and organizers.

Eventing
The US Equestrian Open of Eventing will include multiple qualifying events throughout the year, with the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final taking place at Morven Park in the CCI4*-L in 2025. US Equestrian will award $200,000 in total prize money at the final, and competitors will qualify through results at the CCI4*-S level. Qualifying competitions will include CCI4*-S events around the country, eliminating geographical restrictions for participation, and providing a more structured championship model at the CCI4* level for international eventing athletes in the United States. A $50,000 series award will be distributed based on rankings across the qualifiers leading up to the final.

“Morven Park is thrilled to welcome the US Equestrian Open to our grounds,” said Stacey Metcalfe, Executive Director/CEO of Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation, Inc./Morven Park. “For over 50 years, our cross-country courses have maintained a legacy of eventing excellence at all levels of the sport, and as one of five venues in the United States to host a 4*-L we welcome the opportunity to continue this legacy into the future as part of the US Equestrian Open.”

Photo by Terri Miller

Dressage
The US Equestrian Open of Dressage will be formatted based on points accumulated through qualification via the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle test at the CDI level, with the top athletes in the overall standings moving forward to contest the US Equestrian Open Dressage Final with qualifying events taking place throughout 2025. The Final will be hosted at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California, with $200,000 in prize money set to be distributed to participating combinations and a $50,000 high point series incentive across the qualifiers. Athletes must complete a minimum of two Grand Prix Freestyles at designated US Open series qualifying CDIs within the U.S. during 2025 to be eligible for the series final.

“We are excited to be a part of this new US Equestrian initiative, which supports and enhances the top of all three disciplines,” said Steve Hankin, President and CEO, Desert Circuit International Horse Park. “We are proud to have been selected as one of the premier venues to host such a prestigious event and we look forward to welcoming athletes to our horse park. It has been an important priority for us to help rebuild the sport of dressage on the West Coast, and we see this is another positive step forward.”

Jumping
Enhancing one of the most prestigious and longstanding CSI5* events in the U.S., US Equestrian and the organizers of Wellington International will commit $250,000 in additional prize money to establish the US Equestrian Open of Jumping Final, which will take place during the final week of the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The FEI Invitation system will be used leading into two qualifying events during the final week of CSI5* competition culminating with the $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix, a Rolex Series event.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this groundbreaking initiative that aligns with our commitment to elevating equestrian sport across the world. The US Equestrian Open Jumping Final, hosted during the Rolex Finale Week of the Winter Equestrian Festival, not only celebrates the incredible Olympic-level talent within our sport but also showcases it on a global stage. This series is a testament to the growing momentum and mainstream appeal of equestrian disciplines, and we are proud to play a pivotal role in its success,” says Michael Stone, President of Wellington International.

The full calendar of qualifying events will be available in the coming weeks. For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at USEquestrianOpen@usef.org. For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at cweilminster@usef.org. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at lgriffin@usef.org.

Connect With the US Equestrian Open
Stay up to date with news and standings of the US Equestrian Open on Facebook and Instagram. Follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Use #USEquestrianOpen.

Erin Nichols (USA) and Elian Royale. Photo by Terri Miller

Following another great season, dressage will make a return to the desert for the 2024/2025 edition of Desert Dressage. Featuring two weeks of CDI Dressage World Cup Qualifying competition, Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) looks forward to welcoming dressage competitors back to the facility for a fourth year.

Desert Dressage will span two separate weeks, November 14-17, 2024, and January 2-5, 2025, both with qualifying competition for CDI-W / CDI3* / CDI2* / CDI1* / CDIU25 / CDIY / CDIJ / CDICh / CDIP / CDIAm / CDIYH.

“Competitors continue to enjoy coming to our park and the level of competition it provides, so we are thrilled to continue bringing a high level of dressage to West Coast athletes,” remarked Steve Hankin, President and CEO of DIHP. “Every year we make improvements to the property, which are always well received by the dressage community. We are proud to serve as a significant base for top dressage riders and horses, allowing them opportunities to compete at both the national and international levels.”

“With another successful season under our belts, we are very happy to again offer international competition with Desert Dressage at DIHP,” commented Thomas Baur, Sports Director – Dressage. “Each year our West Coast athletes go on to perform on some of the world’s greatest stages, thanks to their preparation at this fantastic venue. It truly has everything to offer as the premier destination for dressage on the West Coast and beyond so we are very excited heading into the 2024/2025 season.”

Along with the level of international competition this upcoming season comes the brand-new DIHP International Athlete Concierge Service, for those coming to the desert to assist in arrival and departure logistics, housing, transportation, recreation, and more. For more information please contact info@deserthorsepark.com.

Details regarding the schedule for each week of Desert Dressage will be shared as the dates draw closer. Please reach out to sponsor@deserthorsepark.com for sponsorship and vendor opportunities with Desert Dressage.

Steffen Peters Returns to Winning Ways at Desert Dressage II

Steffen Peters and Suppenkasper. Photo by Terri Miller

Steffen Peters (USA) made a victorious return to the Grand Prix Arena aboard the legendary Suppenkasper, owned by Four Winds Farm and Akiko Yamazaki. Peters and the 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Spielberg x IPS Krack C) did as they know best, and performed exceptionally, winning both the FEI World Cup Grand Prix, sponsored by Elizabeth Keadle, and the FEI World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle, sponsored by the Brad & Kathy Coors Foundation.

On Friday, Peters and “Mopsie” rode to a score of 74.804% in the FEI World Cup Grand Prix, sponsored by Elizabeth Keadle. Following that momentum, they returned to the ring Saturday to ultimately earn a score of 79.795% in the FEI World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle, sponsored by the Brad & Kathy Coors Foundation, topping the field of international entries.

Peters and Mopsie are no strangers to international competition, having represented the United States at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, where they took home a team silver medal. But competing on the international stage close to home, in San Diego, CA, is an extra special feeling for Peters.

Steffen Peters and Suppenkasper. Photo by Terri Miller

Just last April, the duo represented the USA on home turf, competing at the FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha, NE, and walking away as the top-placing American pair. During his Freestyle in Omaha, Peters took an already outstanding freestyle and incorporated musical elements from his home state of California.

“It was very good, and very exciting,” Peters remarked of his top finish in front of a home crowd in Omaha. “We tried to top it a little bit from Tokyo. “We made it a little bit better, and that’s very hard because it was already such a good freestyle to start with. The crowd loved it, ‘Mopsie’ loved it, and I loved it.”

Peters has always had a love for competing in front of a home crowd, which was why the 2023 FEI World Cup Finals were such a big goal of his.

“It’s just so special,” he continued regarding competing on U.S. soil. “The second I got done, I saw some people standing up for us, and I had both of my arms up in the air. It’s just such a wonderful feeling and it’s really hard to describe. After 50 years of doing this sport, it still gets me really excited.”

In 2024, the FEI World Cup Finals head to Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, and Peters is already on his way to earning a spot there, though the competition will be steep to secure a qualifying position.

Erin Nichols Has Victorious Debut at Desert Dressage II

Erin Nichols (USA) and Elian Royale. Photo by Terri Miller

Twenty-year-old Erin Nichols returned to DIHP to compete in her first-ever international event, and it was a winning weekend for her as well, topping both the CDI3* FEI Grand Prix, sponsored by It’s A Good Life Podcast, and the CDI3* Grand Prix Special with Elian Royale, owned by Premiere Sport Horses.

On Friday, in the CDI3* FEI Grand Prix, sponsored by It’s A Good Life Podcast, Nichols and Elian Royale scored a personal best of 66.478%, and things just kept getting better as the week went on, scoring a personal best of 69.404% in the CDI3* Grand Prix Special just one day later.

“This was a great milestone for my horse and me and a great introduction to the international level,” Nichols reflected on her wins. “To be able to step into the big tour at 20 years old is really special, and I’m really grateful for the opportunity to learn all about this level at such a young age. And I’m really excited for what’s coming next now.”

Having competed in both jumpers and dressage, Nichols is well versed in the horse show world, but stepping into international competition presents something new no matter the discipline, and she welcomed the changes.

“At the CDI we had five international judges; they had such a super panel this weekend. They are the same judges you would get anywhere else in the world. It’s judges I know from Europe, and it just gives you that experience without having to travel to Europe to have them judge you. It’s such a unique opportunity to be able to compete in a CDI for these judges in California,” Nichols explained.

Erin Nichols (USA) and Elian Royale. Photo by Terri Miller

Desert International Horse Park has always aimed to raise the level of the sport on the West Coast, and Nichols sees the efforts paying off.

“It’s really special,” she said of having CDI competition in her home state. “I’ve been coming to Desert Horse Park for around 10 years, back when I started as a jumper, so I’ve seen all the improvements they’ve made and it’s turned into one of my favorite facilities. It’s incredible to see each time I come there’s something new that’s a fantastic improvement. They’re always trying to do better. It’s a really cool atmosphere when you ride, the footing is always fantastic, and the arenas are just gorgeous.”

Elian Royale is still a growing partnership with Nichols in the irons, having brought the horse to the states from Europe to be her newest partner. With their training under David Wightman, they’re learning the ropes of the higher levels of dressage. Nichols and the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Johnson TN x Amidou) are more than hitting their stride, they’re proving to be ready for the big leagues.

“I think we’ve both grown tremendously as a partnership,” she said. “We’re starting to trust each other more and I’m trying I’m starting to learn how to manage his fire. He’s so hot. He just loves what he does, so it’s about managing his excitement and his love for what he does. I’ve never met a horse that loves what he does more than him. The more I go into this level, the more I see how easy it is for him. I feel I can take a step back and just let him shine and let him do his thing and just help him be his best, and in turn, do my best as well.”

Elizabeth Ball and Vivalia. Photo by Terri Miller

Elizabeth Ball also took a win in National competition during Desert Dressage II, presented by Adequan®. Ball and Vivalia, a 9-year-old DSP mare owned by Cadence LLC, topped the Intermediate 1, sponsored by Horse Hair Analysis, on Saturday. Their score of 72.500% put them atop the field in the class, helping to add valuable experience to the young horse’s resume.

The remaining 2023-2024 Desert Dressage dates are as follows:

Desert Dressage III: December 14-17, 2023
CDI-W / CDI2*/ CDI1*/ CDIU25 / CDIJ / CDIY / CDIP / CDICh-A / CDIAm / CDIYH
USEF Level 5

Desert Dressage IV: January 4-7, 2024
CDI-W / CDI2*/ CDI1*/ CDIU25 / CDIJ / CDIY / CDIP / CDICh-A / CDIAm / CDIYH
USEF Level 5

]]> https://deserthorsepark.com/nichols-ball-and-wagman-capture-wins-at-desert-dressage-1-presented-by-adequan/ Sun, 29 Oct 2023 19:14:28 +0000 https://deserthorsepark.com/?p=29748 Desert Dressage 1, presented by Adequan® –the first of four weeks of dressage competition at the Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) in Thermal, CA – wrapped Sunday with elite West-Coast dressage athletes taking home top honors.

Erin Nichols Reaches New Heights with Elian Royale

Erin Nichols and Elian Royale. Photo by Holly Casner

Young rider Erin Nichols stepped into the Grand Prix level for the first time quite successfully, scoring a 79.021% in the Adequan® FEI Grand Prix aboard Elian Royale, owned by Premiere Sport Horses. Nichols, a former FEI North American Youth Championships double gold medalist, was elated with the progress in her relationship with Elian Royale, the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Johnson TN x Amidou).

“We’ve come a long way in just over a year now. This was our first Grand Prix as a team so it was really exciting to take this step into the Grand Prix level and see where we’re at and make the plan for this upcoming season,” Nichols reflected.

“It was amazing,” she continued of the feeling she got during her Grand Prix test Friday. “I went in just thinking let’s see what happens. I was open minded and just taking it as learning experience. It’s a challenging level; it’s a long test and everything happens quicker. It requires a lot of attention on my part and my horse’s part. It all came together after our work in the off season and it was really cool to see that all come together.”

Success at any level comes as a result of hard work, and Nichols put in the work at home to earn her win Friday.

“Coming up to the shows, we worked through some of the movements and went through the test a few times at home,” she explained of her training. “My trainer, David Whiteman, really helps me become a good test rider. He goes through the test in detail and how to ride each corner, each movement, each part of the big test. I think that helps break it down so I can really think in the moment. Because we had practiced, it felt not as intimidating.”

Nichols already has experience competing on teams and thriving under pressure, but her step upward continued to solidify that she’s heading in the right direction.

“This weekend gave me a lot of confidence stepping into this level,” she explained. “It gave me the feeling that I can do this, and it gave me the extra encouragement that I can go at this level and we can do it well. The Grand Prix test itself really lets my horse shine so it’s been really cool to bring out all the best he has to offer.”

Returning in November for the first CDI event of the season, Nichols will take another step up, this time into her first CDI3* Grand Prix and CDI3* Grand Prix Special.

Elizabeth Ball and Escarigo Have a Ball in Brad & Kathy Coors Foundation FEI Grand Prix Special

Elizabeth Ball and Escarigo. Photo by Holly Casner

Elizabeth Ball moved her mount Escarigo up Friday in the Brad & Kathy Coors Foundation FEI Grand Prix Special, riding to a score of 69.489% in their debut Grand Prix Special.

“I got him two years ago and he had only just started to compete at Prix St. Georges in Europe,” she said of the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Maestro x Tuschinski), owned by Cadence, LLC. “He gives 100% all the time and is the most kind horse to have in the barn. We just love him.”

Desert Dressage provides a consistent atmosphere for West Coast riders to be able to move their horses up into bigger tests, while also maintaining a high quality of horse show experience.

“It’s quite a big test for any horse-rider combination,” Ball continued regarding the Grand Prix Special. “Being new to that level he doesn’t yet have the strength and confidence to handle it easily, so for our first attempt I think he was there every moment. Sometimes he tries too hard and overdoes one thing or another, but in the end that attitude and willingness is what continues to set him apart. I’m so grateful for his willingness.”

While the talent is obvious, Ball doesn’t outline specific expectations for her horses, Escarigo included. “I don’t set hard goals in the future; I’m very much a take each day, week, month, year and let the horse help dictate what those might be,” she explained. “Even though he’s been very successful so far I just let him continue to move up and let his abilities dictate how we move up. I hope to be doing some of the CDIs at Grand Prix level, which would be a really big accomplishment. Where we end up from there, we’ll just take what comes. We’re putting a freestyle together and that will be our next thing to work on.”

As a California-based athlete, Ball has competed on all coasts and enjoys having DIHP close to home, which is just north of San Diego.

“I have nothing but great things to say about the show management and Thomas Baur,” she said of Desert Dressage. “It’s been so wonderful. We’re so impressed with the facility; it’s so beautiful with the mountains and palm trees, but all the planting and improvements in the facility are wonderful. The footing was excellent, the stabling continues to improve, and every time we’re there it’s better. We’re so lucky to have a facility like that on the West Coast. I’ve gone to Wellington for a couple seasons and, while it’s amazing with the quantity of horses and shows, being at the desert is even more incredible in a certain way because of the facility.”

Nick Wagman and Royal Discovery 6 Take Big Wins

Nick Wagman and Royal Discovery 6. Photo by Holly Casner

Nick Wagman and Royal Discovery 6 were twice winners, in the Premier Equestrian FEI Prix St. Georges with a score of 74.852%, and in the It’s a Good Life Podcast FEI Prix St. Georges with a score of 73.896%.

“I’ve had him now for about a year and a half. He’s a really special horse,” Wagman said of Elizabeth Keadle’s 8-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Rock Forever x Dimaggio). “It’s taken a little time for us to get on the same page. He is a huge mover with so much athleticism, so to get that all contained has been a time-consuming endeavor. We’re trying to build strength and confidence, but it’s coming together and I think he’s a special horse for the future.”

The duo had a decent break from competition, to which Wagman credits part of the success at Desert Dressage I.

“Each time we’ve gone to a show, I’ve learned a little more about him, so I take that home and apply it to my daily training,” he said of his strategy. “Our last show was in July so we had a bit of time between that show and this one. I really spent that time working on strength building and getting his body to where managing that huge movement isn’t as much of a challenge. It’s really been about getting him to organize himself to get through the Prix St. Georges and it’s seemingly working.”

Wagman is not only an FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ athlete, but he’s also a regular competitor at Desert Dressage, pleased to be back for another season.

“I think it’s one of the best facilities I’ve ever competed at, and I’ve competed all over the globe,” Wagman, from nearby San Diego, CA, remarked. “I think it’s fantastic; it’s so horse friendly, and it’s so good for horses of all levels to go there and be exposed to that stimulation. From a facility standpoint you just can’t beat it. The footing is fantastic, the VIP area is great, and I have nothing but praise to give it. I hope it continues to flourish because the Dressage community in California certainly needs it.”

Wagman plans to head home and continue working with Royal Discovery 6 based on takeaways from Desert Dressage 1 before the season continues on in Thermal.

“We’ll be back in a few weeks for the November show,” he shared. “He will do his first CDI so that’s a big step for him and I’m excited about that. As he progresses and gets physically stronger we’ll just see where he tells us he’s ready to go. I think we have big plans for him in the future.”

Spanning four weeks from October 2023 through January 2024, Desert Dressage this season brings four National events and three CDI World Cup Qualifiers, including various qualifying events from FEI North American Youth Championships to Para-Dressage National Championships and beyond.

Desert Dressage Welcomes Elite Slate of Sponsors for 2023-2024

With the successful running of Desert Dressage I, the team at DIHP is thrilled to announce an elite line-up of generous sponsors, both new and returning for the 2023-2024 season.

Presenting Sponsors:

• Adequan®
• It’s A Good Life Podcast
• The Brad & Kathy Coors Foundation
• Premier Equestrian

Title Sponsors:

• Elizabeth Keadle
• Beverly J. Gepfer & Kirk R. Martens Foundation / El Ranchito
• EquiFit
• Platinum Performance 
• DePaolo Horse Hair Analysis
• Devoucoux

Thanks to generous sponsorship from the Brad & Kathy Coors Foundation, additional prize money has been added to various divisions to honor high-point rides. For the 2023/2024 season, a $3,000 prize money bonus will be awarded to the high score rider in each of the three CDI World Cup Qualifiers, during Dressage II, III, and IV.

Additionally, $500 bonuses will be awarded during every show to the high point riders in the Open and Adult Amateur sections of the Intermediare 2, PSG/Intermediare 1, 2nd Level, and 3rd Level divisions.

The bonus winners for Desert Dressage I were:

• Jessica Havey and Santiago – Open Third Level division
• Stina Van Halen and Abacus – Adult Amateur Prix St. Georges/Intermediate I division
• Guenter Seidel and Jack – Open Intermediate II division
• Nick Wagman and Royal Discovery 6 – Open Prix St. Georges/Intermediate I division

“We are proud to bring these generous and passionate sponsors on board and are looking forward to the ways they will enhance this season of Desert Dressage,” remarked Steve Hankin, president & CEO of DIHP. “These partnerships are a huge part of what allows us to build the sport on the West Coast and we are grateful for the support of both new and returning sponsors.”

Premier Equestrian was named Presenting Sponsor of Desert Dressage 1, as well as sponsor of the CDI Intermediate 1 Freestyle for the entire circuit. Adequan® will serve as Presenting Sponsor for Desert Dressage 2, in addition to sponsoring the CDI Young Rider Individual event throughout the season.

The Brad & Kathy Coors Foundation will serve as Presenting Sponsor of Desert Dressage 3 and will also sponsor the CDI Grand Prix Freestyle for the circuit.

It’s a Good Life Podcast will be title sponsor of the CDI Grand Prix for each FEI show and the Prix St. Georges for the National show each time it occurs.

Equifit will sponsor a High Score Junior/Amateur Award at Desert Dressage 2, plus serve as title sponsor for Friday’s Intermediate 1 (#120) for the entire circuit. Platinum Performance is sponsoring the “Best Dressed” award during the FEI Jog during Desert Dressage 2 and 4.

DePaolo Horse Hair Analysis will serve as title sponsor of the National Intermediate 1 (#220) on Saturdays of each National Show. Devoucoux will be title sponsor of the CDI Intermediate 1 during the FEI shows. Beverly Gepfer & Kirk Martens Foundation / El Ranchito will serve as title sponsor for the Grand Prix at each National show for the season.

The remaining 2023-2024 Desert Dressage dates are as follows:

Desert Dressage II: November 16-19, 2023
CDI-W / CDI2*/ CDI1*/ CDIU25 / CDIJ / CDIY / CDIP / CDICh-A / CDIAm / CDIYH
USEF Level 5

Desert Dressage III: December 14-17, 2023
CDI-W / CDI2*/ CDI1*/ CDIU25 / CDIJ / CDIY / CDIP / CDICh-A / CDIAm / CDIYH
USEF Level 5

Desert Dressage IV: January 4-7, 2024
CDI-W / CDI2*/ CDI1*/ CDIU25 / CDIJ / CDIY / CDIP / CDICh-A / CDIAm / CDIYH
USEF Level 5

]]> https://deserthorsepark.com/prize-list-now-available-for-desert-dressage-2023-2024/ Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:08:34 +0000 https://deserthorsepark.com/?p=28640

Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) is pleased to announce the prize list for the 2023-2024 season of Desert Dressage. Featuring four weeks of competition spanning October through January, Desert Dressage is set to welcome back athletes in its third season. The team behind DIHP looks forward to welcoming dressage competitors and their families, plus sponsors, spectators, and more for the 2023-2024 season.

In addition to the release of the prize list, DIHP is excited to announce an increase in prize money for both CDI and National dressage classes as part of a broader sponsorship with the Brad and Kathy Coors Foundation.

“The Brad and Kathy Coors Foundation has been instrumental in helping bring dressage to the next level in California, and with added prize money this year our event will be bigger than ever and provide more opportunity for West Coast dressage riders,” said Steve Hankin, President and CEO of DIHP. “We are incredibly appreciative of the Foundation’s efforts to support the sport and its growth in California.”

This season of Desert Dressage again features three weeks of CDI-W World Cup Qualifying competition, during weeks II, III, and IV. In the previous season, all three FEI World Cup Qualifiers were won by Steffen Peters, a five-time Olympian who resides in California, with Suppenkasper, owned by Four Winds Farm.

Last season, two Californian competitors went from CDI-W qualifying competition at DIHP to the FEI World Cup™ Finals: Peters, who was the top-placing American at the event, and Anna Buffini, who had a stellar second outing at the FEI World Cup™ Finals.

“It’s a great turnout here,” Peters, based in San Diego, CA, said. “It’s a wonderful venue, and the weather is always consistent. Personally, I like the footing even better than in Wellington. And it’s only three hours away from home, so we bring our RV here and camp at the show. It’s a really great place to compete.”

“It’s unbeatable,” U.S. dressage rider Amy Miller said of competing at DIHP, where she won the It’s A Good Life Podcast CDI3* FEI Grand Prix during Desert Dressage IV in early 2023. “To be able to have something local of this quality is amazing. I came in December and we came back and essentially felt we could implement our homework. Being able to be in a ring that has a big championship feel is great. It’s a good amount of activity at the showgrounds so the horses get that kind of exposure. I’m so appreciative of the consistency and the quality of the venue.”

The 2023-2024 Desert Dressage season spans the following four weeks:

Desert Dressage I: October 27-29, 2023
USEF Level 3

Desert Dressage II: November 16-19, 2023
CDI-W / CDI2*/ CDI1*/ CDIU25 / CDIJ / CDIY / CDIP / CDICh-A / CDIAm / CDIYH
USEF Level 5

Desert Dressage III: December 14-17, 2023

CDI-W / CDI2*/ CDI1*/ CDIU25 / CDIJ / CDIY / CDIP / CDICh-A / CDIAm / CDIYH
USEF Level 5

Desert Dressage IV: January 4-7, 2024
CDI-W / CDI2*/ CDI1*/ CDIU25 / CDIJ / CDIY / CDIP / CDICh-A / CDIAm / CDIYH
USEF Level 5

Each week includes Qualifying Competition for:

• FEI North American Youth Championships
• USEF Pony and Children Rider Dressage National Championships
• USEF Junior and Young Rider Dressage National Championships
• USEF Young Adult Brentina Cup Dressage National Championship
• USEF Intermediaire I and Grand Prix National Championships
• USEF Para Dressage National Championships

Stall reservations can be made online at deserthorsepark.com beginning September 1.

Steffen Peters (USA) and Suppenkasper. Photo by Terri Miller

Spanning four separate weekends between October 2023 and January 2024, Desert Dressage will bring four National shows and three CDI World Cup Qualifiers, including various qualifying events from FEI North American Youth Championships to Para-Dressage National Championships and beyond.

Dates for Desert Dressage are as follows:

• October 27-29, 2023: National
  November 16-19, 2023: CDI-W/National
  December 14-17, 2023: CDI-W/National
  January 4-7, 2024: CDI-W/National

“The 2022/2023 season allowed us to continue to raise the level of dressage at our venue and on the West Coast as a whole,” remarked Steve Hankin, President and CEO of DIHP. “We have made extensive improvements to the property, which have been well received by the dressage community. We are proud to serve as a significant base for top dressage riders and horses, allowing them opportunities to compete at both the national and international levels. We are thrilled to welcome another season and to continuing to serve the dressage community for years to come.”

“After the highly successful 2022/2023 season, we are very happy to offer the next edition of Desert Dressage at DIHP,” commented Thomas Baur, Sports Director – Dressage. “This fantastic venue has everything to offer as the premier destination for dressage on the West Coast and beyond. The three CDI-W events will be held in the Grand Prix Arena alongside the National classes in the nearby hunter rings. We are very excited about the 2023/2024 season and look forward to seeing an even more successful competition season ahead.”

Last season, American Olympic silver medalist Steffen Peters, based in San Diego, CA, took the win in all three of the CDI-W World Cup Qualifying events with his longtime partner Suppenkasper. The duo qualified and went on to the FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha, NE, where they took a fourth-place finish, as well as the highest placing for the United States.

“So many people ask me, ‘Why are you not in Wellington?’ I think it’s phenomenal that Thomas [Baur] put two divisions out here. I feel almost obligated not to miss it,” Peters remarked of his experience so far at DIHP. “Everything is taken care of. The crew here are working hard and [the show] is phenomenal. It’s a fantastic place to compete and we always like the fact that we can camp with our RV in the back so we’re close to the horses. It’s a fantastic venue. I think it would be a great place for the World Equestrian Games.”

More details will be announced regarding the Desert Dressage season in months to come.

“It’s a great feeling,” Peters said of capturing the third of three CDI World Cup Qualifying wins this season. “Especially since today was our best go. The points were still good enough to win. Anna Buffini did a heck of a job today. She had a clean test but I had a mistake in the one tempis, so it was very close but I’m grateful that I get another shot at the World Cup [Finals].”

Steffen Peters and Suppenkasper. Photo by Terri Miller

Planning to head back to FEI World Cup Finals for what will be a sixth time, Peters looks forward to performing for his home crowd and the electric atmosphere he’s experienced already in Omaha.

“I’m very excited about the venue itself in Omaha,” he continued. “I competed there a few years back. It’s a fantastic venue with the hotel right across, a large warmup area where all the vendors are. It was a wonderful atmosphere and the arena itself is very special. It’s going to be electric, but it’s going to be very tight. But I’m looking forward to competing there again.”

Suppenkasper, the 15-year-old owned by Akiko Yamazaki and Four Winds Farm, just slid into the top 10 dressage horses in the world rankings. Taking home a top 10 finish at FEI World Cup Finals would be icing on the cake of an incredible season for Peters.

So far in Desert Dressage action, Peters and “Mopsie” are undefeated. They’ve emerged on top of every class they’ve competed in since CDI competition began in November. “I think this is a fantastic venue,” he credited to DIHP. “Everything is taken care of. The crew here working hard, along with Thomas Baur, is phenomenal. It’s a fantastic place to compete and we always like the fact that we can camp with our RV in the back so we’re close to the horses. We can do a quick night check and carrot in the evening before we go to sleep. It’s a fantastic venue. I think it would be a great place for the World Equestrian Games.”

Steffen Peters and Suppenkasper. Photo by Terri Miller

Peters is still solidifying his summer plans with Suppenkasper but the 2024 Olympic Games are top of mind. “It would be fun to stay at home for the summer, which I haven’t done for the past 15 years, and save Mopsie up for the Olympic Games next year. On the flipside we don’t want to lose our ranking in the world because it influences the starting order for the US team at the Olympics. We still have to make that decision for the summer,” he remarked. In the meantime, the pair has their eyes on one more CDI in March in Temecula.

Desert Dressage IV concludes Sunday with CDIU25 and National competition coming to a close.