Four New CDI and National Show Series Offer Unique Opportunities
by Patti Schofler – Dark Horse Media
Four new CDI and national dressage competitions will kick off the 2018 show season in the Western United States. The Adequan® West Coast Dressage Festival (AWCDF) show circuit will run from January 3 to February 17, 2017 with a Concours de Dressage International (CDI) competition at each of the four shows.
Each competition also will include a three-star national show with recognition by the United States Equestrian Federation, United States Dressage Federation, and the California Dressage Society. Website launch is slated for September 15, 2017, at www.westcoastdressagefestival.com.
Schedule:
AWCDF I, Temecula, California, Galway Downs, January 3-7
AWCDF II, Del Mar, California, Del Mar Fairgrounds, January 18-21
AWCDF III, Del Mar, California, Del Mar Fairgrounds, February 1-4
AWCDF IV, Del Mar, California, Del Mar Fairgrounds, February 14-17
Following the first competition at Galway Downs, competitors are less than one hour’s drive from the Del Mar Fairgrounds where they can then move in for a six-week stay. Stabling opens January 7, 2018.
“Competitors never have to leave for the duration of the six weeks,” exclaims Festival Director Scott Hayes who confirms that the shows expect to offer substantial prize money.
“We have such a unique opportunity for the Western North American dressage community. For the first time in many years, the Del Mar Fairgrounds is available for an extended period of time. We will have all-inclusive stabling packages that feature access to all arenas for schooling and training during the down days between the competitions. The racetrack will be open for hacking during specific hours each day. We will have 24-hour security, secure office-style tack rooms, and even apartments for grooms for rent.”
“Trainers and competitors from out of town can bring their clients and their horses to the fairgrounds to stable and chose which shows to compete in. They don’t need to find alternative stables or facilities between shows,” says Hayes. “Our director of stabling will be at their service for any needs they might have during the festival.”
Many vendors, including Mary’s Tack and Feed of Del Mar, will staff pop-up stores in the stabling area at the festival for the complete duration of the circuit.
After the difficult weather experienced this past winter, West Coast riders of national and FEI levels have greeted with enthusiasm the Adequan® West Coast Dressage Festival situated in the more moderate Southern California climates of Temecula and Del Mar.
To complement the venues, SH Productions has brought together an experienced show management team covering each of the important elements of the show. In addition, a community advisory board consisting of local owners, trainers and professionals in the horse industry will provide additional input and expertise to make sure the inaugural event is as successful as possible.
Show secretary and co-manager Heather Petersen and co-manager Joe Coleman bring their vast experience at Colorado Show Park and elsewhere to the organization of the AWCDF as do the carefully chosen directors that include stable and customer care officials.
“Whether you’re a competitor, supporter, spectator or official, we want the level of service and fun to be extremely high,” says Hayes.
A crowd pleaser will be the Saturday evenings FEI-level freestyles preceded by Master Classes conducted by guests from the Equestrian Team of the U.S. and other countries.
“The new show series put on by SH Productions is such a wonderful idea! Scott is bringing a new level of competition to Southern California – the perfect place for a horse show!” add Steffen and Shannon Peters.
Sponsors of the new dressage circuit include Adequan® as title sponsor. Also, in memory of the Westfalian dressage horse Weltino’s Magic, competed by Shannon Peters, Bruce and Jen Hlavacek will sponsor the CDI1* through the duration of the festival in his name. Arroyo Del Mar, home to Steffen and Shannon Peters training, and Akiko Yamazaki’s Four Winds Farm join the sponsorship roster, as well as Mary’s Tack and Feed, Leverage Legal Group, and Reiten Right Equestrian Footing and more.
Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Originally Published October 2017 Issue
The Northwest Horse Source is an independently owned and operated print and online magazine for horse owners and enthusiasts of all breeds and disciplines in the Pacific Northwest. Our contemporary editorial columns are predominantly written by experts in the region, covering the care, training, keeping and enjoyment of horses, with an eye to the specific concerns in our region.
