Dressage competition made a return to HITS Del Mar on July 17-19 for the 2025 CDS (California Dressage Society) San Diego Road to Championships Show and the CDS RAAC (Regional Adult Amateur Competition) and Junior Championships. The iconic Del Mar Horsepark in Del Mar, California, served as the backdrop for elite competition over the action-packed week. With four arenas showcasing California’s brightest dressage athletes, each day was filled with numerous highlights.
For local junior rider Stella Li, the show marked a defining moment in her competitive career. Trained by USDF Silver Medalist Grace Walker, the assistant trainer and barn manager of Arroyo Del Mar, Li and her Alpines Finest Hour, a 14-year-old American Warmblood (Alpine x Sassy), were adorned with blue ribbons and medals by the time the show concluded on Saturday, July 19. Over the course of the three-day show, Li and “Adella” delivered winning rides in all of their classes, earning scores in the upper 60s.
Participating in the CDS Jr/YR Team Competition – Training Level, Li and Adella helped claim the victory with their final score of 70.172% in the dressage test portion. The winners of the team competition earn their title by having the top averaged scores from a dressage test, equitation test, and a horsemanship theory test. Out of four teams, the team “Meatella in Motion” earned the top honors. The group consisted of Li on Adella, Flinn Johnston on Milton, and Paige Treska on Daily Motion.
“I was a bit nervous, but it went really well,” enthused Li. “It was a really fun and nice opportunity for my horse and me.”
Adella’s road to the Championships has been somewhat unique. After transitioning from a hunter/jumper career with Li’s sister, Li took the reins and began training her in dressage. Earlier in the year, they showcased their versatility by executing a $100 Prix Caprilli class, a combination course of jumps and dressage to showcase the practical application of dressage training in another equestrian discipline. It proved to be a seamless transition into the dressage world, and now a year into their partnership, the pair compete with elegance beyond their years, displaying a harmony that makes for one unbeatable team.
The CDS Road to Championships Show featured strong performances across every level, but it was Ellie Hardesty’s captivating rides on Barrington that quickly became crowd favorites.
“I was very excited about competing with my young horse this week,” exclaimed Hardesty of her seven-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Benetton Dream FRH x Havanna). “He was very excited to perform so it was fun to get really nice and honest tests.”
Hardesty and “Barry” kicked things off with a ride in the USEF Third Level Test Three on Thursday, July 17. Barry received high marks throughout from judge Sarah Geikie, with impressive canter work that drew consistent scores of 7, aiding the team’s climb to the top of the leaderboard with a complete score of 66.625%. Returning to the dressage arena for a USEF Third Level Test One on Friday, July 18, the duo reigned supreme once again with a final score of 67.432%.
“He has such great expression in his gaits,” admired Hardesty. “I’m just so proud of him for rising to the occasion.”
The RAAC (Regional Adult Amateur Competition) offered a unique experience for Southern California’s Adult Amateur riders. Beautiful neck sashes, tons of prizes to be won, as well as a fantastic catered party hosted by the CDS San Diego Chapter, all contributed to the incredibly special atmosphere. Samantha Lex and Ludicrous won the high point overall in the Novice High percentage with a score of 70.375%. In the Elite High percentage, Tynan Bradley on Don Leon took the title of high point winner with a 68.095%
At the conclusion of the competition, trophies were awarded to the top-placing junior winners of the championship classes as follows:
● Heart of Gold awarded to Madelyn Stinson and Vanjalie for Introductory Level
● Farnley Siriah Trophy award to Yi Xiang on Calimero Von Spalbeek Z for Training Level 14 & Under
● LA Chapter Trophy awarded to Lilly Lowry on Stardust for Training Level 15-17
● CDS Trophy awarded to Claire McKenna on Izzy for Training Level 18-21
● Sean Caddell Trophy awarded to Athena Meyers on Joi De Vivre for First Level 14 & Under
● CDS Perpetual Trophy awarded to Ayesha Ghandhi on Guinness Kbd for First Level 18-21
● CDS San Diego Trophy awarded to Nellie Patsch on Titan for Second Level
● Mary’s Tack and Feed Trophy awarded to Emma Spielhagen on In Speed Fortuna for Third Level
● H&H Tack and Feed awarded to Lilianne Stallings on Sunshine for Fourth Level
● Cordon Bleu Perpetual Trophy awarded to Cassidyn Ranes on Freedom for JR/YR 14-18
● FEI Children’s Champion Trophy awarded to Waverly Ranes on Rosandrin for FEI Children’s Level 12-14
● Guenter Seidel Perpetual Trophy awarded to Sophie Shohet on Whitney for FEI YR level
● Bud Muravez Memorial Trophy awarded to Athena Meyers on Joie De Vivre for highest score 1st through 4th level.
● CDS Sportsmanship Award awarded to Nellie Patsch on Titan
● Paquita Parker Pony Award awarded to Athena Meyers on Joie De Vivre for Highest Scoring Pony
● Mona Lisa Memorial Perpetual Trophy awarded to Nellie Patsch on Titan for the Extend the Experience Championship
● Diana Muravez Perpetual Trophy awarded to Cassidy Ranes on Freedom for highest scoring FEI level.
While summer dressage competition at HITS Del Mar has come to a close, the action picks up again for HITS Del Mar Dressage Fall on September 6. Hunter/jumper competition at the world-class facility continues through August.
