As the 2026 dressage season gains momentum on the West Coast, the HITS Del Mar Dressage Affaire CDI3* and USEF National Qualifier welcomed back a field of international talent to the coastal backdrop of Del Mar, California, at the renowned HITS Del Mar Horsepark. Competition culminated Sunday, March 22, with the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI3*, where Erin Silo (CAN) delighted the judges and spectators alike, securing the top spot. Then, in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3*, it was Cyndi Jackson (USA) and Florrison that earned the blue ribbon to close out the star-studded week in style.
It was a HITS Del Mar debut for Silo, who was making just her second CDI3* appearance with Jett, her own 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Glock’s Johnson TN x Floresco NRW). Beginning to find his rhythm in the arena, Jett earned consistent marks of 7.0 from the judge at C Mariette Sanders-van Gansewinkel (NED) throughout the test, resulting in a winning score of 65.383%. After putting Canada on top of the podium, Silo and Jett have marked their calendars and are set to return to the historic HITS Del Mar National Horse Show – Dressage Week, taking place April 16-19, 2026.
“It’s been amazing,” exclaimed Silo. “It’s the first time I’ve come down to California for the shows. The facility is gorgeous, the footing is amazing, and the people are lovely. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the showgrounds and everyone organizing it.”
Also performing in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI3* was Jaclyn Pepper-Millard (USA) and Limited Edition, her own nine-year-old KWPN mare (Dante Weltino OLD x Contango), for a second-place finish and a personal best score of 65.191%. Steffen Peters (USA) and Blue Hors Zirrus, a 13-year-old Oldenburg Stallion (Blue Hors Zack x Donnerhall 11) completed the top three with a score of 64.468%.
Following the events of the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI3*, the competition shifted its focus to the fan-favorite FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3*. Ultimately, Cyndi Jackson (USA) and Florrison, a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Füchtels Floriscount OLD x Glock’s Johnson TN) owned by Ann Damiano, scored favorably with the judges to lead the lap of honor.
Having developed Florrison since the gelding was a three-year-old, the well-acquainted partnership was also making their second appearance in CDI3* competition. They did so with flair, strutting down centerline with a “SexyBack” inspired theme. Featuring songs that captured the spunky boy band style, such as music by the Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake, and DNCE, Jackson and Florrison’s music and interpretation of the music earned an 8.0 from judge at C Mariette Sanders-van Gansewinkel.
“The biggest thing the owner wanted was something fun,” enthused Jackson. “I’ve always loved really powerful, moving, and emotional freestyles, but the owner really insisted on creating something that everyone on the sideline can tap their feet and dance to. I think we got that.”
With the help of Marie Medosi and RaveHorse Productions, the ever-evolving freestyle allowed Florrison to make a statement, ultimately posting a final personal best score of 70.915%. Along with the day’s victory, the duo of Jackson and Florrison have acrued valuable points toward qualification for the US Equestrian Open Dressage Final hosted at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California, on November 13-14, 2026. The Final is something the pair have their sights on and will also return for the Del Mar National Horse Show – Dressage Week to deliver another captivating FEI Grand Prix Freestyle.
Also showcasing a FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* was Nadine Schwartsman (USA) and Royal Flash R, her own 14-year-old Rhinelander gelding (Riccio NRW x St.Ludwig’s Donnerschlag), for a second-place finish and personal best score 70.835%. Laura De Cesari (USA) and Rossi, her own 13-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Blue Hors Romanov x Vivaldi), completed the top three with a score of 70.540%.
In the national arena on Friday, March 20, six-time dressage Olympian, Steffen Peters made a victorious return to HITS Del Mar with a winning ride in the Prix St Georges class with Sir Ruffo, a 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Sir Donnerhall x Rubin Royal Old) owned by Lezlie Rehagen. Sir Ruffo earned consistent marks of 7.0 and 7.5 from judge at C Joan Macartney, with particularly impressive movements, such as the five flying changes of leg every fourth stride, earning a notable score of 8.0. This resulted in a winning total of 73.971%.
“After a year and a half of being out of the show arena, winning first place is a good comeback,” said Peters. “Of course, now, we are even more excited to continue. The HITS Del Mar National Horse Show is definitely on the calendar. It has always been my favorite show.”
As the HITS Del Mar Dressage Affaire CDI3* concludes and as many of the athletes alluded to, dressage action at HITS Del Mar resumes during the HITS Del Mar National Horse Show – Dressage Week, taking place on April 16-19. For complete results, please click HERE.
