Jane Ebeling (Photo by Terri Miller)

Thermal, CA –  The Dressage Getaway January show was smaller than usual this year but produced rides of high quality. Nearly one in four rides gained a score of over 70% reflecting the general high standard of riding. Highlights included Jan Ebeling winning the overall highest score of the show with a stunning Third Level test 3 ride of over 80% on Ann Romney’s Santo Domingo, earning applause even from judge Axel Steiner. Other notable faces included Hilda Gurney, Leslie Reid, Guenter Seidel, and Christine Traurig. As well as a good representation from southern California there was a sizeable group of riders from Arizona in attendance who took away a clutch of high-point awards.The setting at the HITS showground in Thermal is delightful at this time of year and sunny days with temperatures in the mid-70s made for a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. And who can complain about riding in good footing surrounded by palm trees? New office staff has helped to bring overall improvements commented-on by competitors and management alike.