In topping to the CDI3* Grand Prix Friday and the Grand Prix Freestyle Saturday, Geñay Vaughn and Gino continued to polish their place as US Team prospects. Their excellent outings here come just a month after finishing 14th in their FEI World Cup Dressage Finals debut in Switzerland.

Photo – Genay Vaughn and Gino at the 2025 CDI Temecula (Terri Miller)

The Pacific Coast CDI at Galway Downs in Temecula was yet another new venue on the pair’s whirlwind tour. The 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood’s relaxed attitude speaks to his character. Their 74.040% displayed elegance and excellence that are trademarks for the stunning 17.2-hand, jet-black gelding.

“I loved everything about that test,” said Vaughn after Saturday’s ride. “The fact that he can go to new venue after new venue and stay with me is great.” Freestyle music featuring R&B classics from several eras has been a favorite since she debuted it last year. “I enjoy every moment of this Freestyle.”

Since entering the Grand Prix ranks in 2023, the pair has steadily impressed. Vaughn and her mother, Michele Vaughn, are fixtures on West Coast dressage scene. Based at their Starr Vaughn Equestrian in Northern California, they contribute as competitors, coaches, show organizers and supporters.

Vaughn is especially excited about the USEF’s inaugural US Open of Dressage, set for this fall at the Desert International Horse Park, in Thermal, CA. “We’re so grateful to have it for our sport and especially to have it on this coast.”

Having missed a few qualifiers while on the World Cup trek, Vaughn is playing catch-up on needed scores. That was a major motivation for coming to Temecula and the young professional was impressed by her first visit. “This is really a beautiful venue and a very well-run event.”

Good Outing for Seidel

Six-time Olympian Guenter Seidel and Louise Leatherdale’s Jack finished the Freestyle in 2nd on a 73.510%, a high point especially considering “it was brand new and we’ve never really done a Freestyle together.” Although he had trouble hearing his upbeat, fun music, a mistake-free Freestyle showcased the flashy, spirited horse’s showmanship and elegance. “I was very pleased and it was a good outing,” Seidel said.

It followed a less consistent effort in Friday’s 3*Grand Prix , where the pair was third on a on a 67.043%. “I just have to get cleaner in the Grand Prix, but he was very consistent in his piaffe and passage work.”

The 13-year-old Rhinelander is a cuddle monster in the barn, Seidel shared. “He’ll put his nose on your shoulder or armpit for an hour.” Out in the world, he’s curious about his surroundings, especially when Seidel hand-walked him within sight of Saturday’s soccer games. “He looks at everything and grows 18-hands tall. But he’s never mean or bad about it. If anything, he internalizes all that, and gets a little stuck, rather than silly or stupid.”

The ”big” feel of Galway’s Grand Prix Arena and the sounds and sights of youth sports nearby are good experiences that simulate a European show environment, Seidel said. “It can be good because that’s a little bit what you deal with in Europe where there is a more crowded atmosphere.”

Kristina Harrison-Antell and Finley were 3rd in the Freestyle on a 72.715%, following a 67.522% that set them second in Friday’s Grand Prix.

US Open of Dressage Contenders

Harrison-Antell, Seidel and Vaughn are now in good position to be among the 18 contenders eligible to ride for the US Open’s $200,000 in prize money. Harrison-Antell sits second after Temecula, Seidel is 7th and Vaughn is 9th. Six qualifiers remain before the qualifying period ends in late October, but just one on the West Coast – in Oregon at the end of May. (You can follow the leaderboard here.)

The judging panel for Saturday’s Grand Prix Freestyle consisted of Hanna-Mari Kiuttu, Michael Osinski, Agnieszka Majewska, Marian Cunningham and Anne Gribbons. Friday’s Grand Prix panel included Cunningham, Kiuttu, Majewska, Jane Weatherwax and Sandra Hotz.

Galway Downs Dressage Centerpiece

The Pacific Coast CDI is the centerpiece of Kellerhouse Presents’ three-show series at Galway Downs. It attracted contenders from throughout the region thanks to reliably excellent show grounds and qualifying opportunities for numerous championships. These include the California Dressage Society and USEF Regional and National Championships, and the FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Horses. The 3* Grand Prix Freestyle offered points toward the new US Open of Dressage set for the Desert International Horse Park this November.

Full results for the CDI and National show can be found on Fox Village.