Festival of the Horse CDI-W/Y and U.S. League Finals for the Dressage World Cup
By Lynndee Kemmet for DressageDaily.com

California Shows It’s Best at Festival of the Horse

U.S. Dressage Team coach Klaus Balkenhol said he’ll also be staying on in Southern California for the next couple of weeks to work with those American riders chosen to represent the U.S. in April’s World Cup competition. Since that event will be held in Las Vegas, just a few hours drive from Los Angeles, it makes sense for riders on the team to hang about Southern California until World Cup time.

Without a doubt, one could not have ordered better weather for the Festival of the Horse competition. Clear blue skies and warm temperatures have been the norm throughout the competition, which on Saturday ran past sunset. By evening, the show rings were still busy as riders and horses competed under the watch of a brilliant full moon. Meanwhile, back at the stable, riders, grooms and support staff relaxed in chairs as they toasted the day and took in the glorious scene.

Three East Coast riders made their way to California for the League Finals – Michael Barisone, Courtney King and Arlene “Tuny” Page, which is giving the Californians a chance to see riders many have not seen before and it gave the West Coast crowd a chance to meet them. There was clearly much socializing going on at this show, making it one fun event for all.

The Festival of the Horse competition has attracted hundreds of riders and horses from throughout the Western U.S. and Canada. And, a good number of them report that they have essentially parked themselves in California for the next several weeks in order to compete in several upcoming competitions, including a CDI in Del Mar in late April and Dressage at DG Bar and Flintridge Dressage in May.