The 2025 Dressage at HITS Del Mar Series completed the second CDI of the season on March 20-23, with the Dressage Affaire CDI3* at the iconic Del Mar Horsepark in Del Mar, California. The exciting event drew exhibitors from far and wide, showcasing national level competitors from as far away as Utah and international CDI entries from Canada and Holland.
The star of the week was talented U.S. rider Anna Buffini, who landed at the top of the leaderboard in the CDI3* Grand Prix for Freestyle riding her superstar partner Fiontini for a score of 69.000%. The pair then continued their success into the marquee class of the week, the CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle, on Sunday, March 23, where they achieved a winning score of 73.235%.
“I was so happy with Fio today,” enthused Buffini of the 14-year-old Danish Warmblood mare (Fassbinder x Rapitala) she owns with Henrik Hansen and Hanne Lund. “We’re finally able to start showing the harmony that I want to come through in my rides. She is my dream horse, and I’m excited for the future with her.”
Known for her fun freestyle music selections as well as incorporating her own vocals, Buffini enjoys including songs that are well known, such as ‘Party in the USA’ by Miley Cyrus, and other music that gets the crowd dancing in their seats. Buffini’s patriotic themed freestyle was designed by Joost Peters.
“I’ve been able to compete all over the world and this facility is definitely one of my favorites,”expressed Buffini. “There’s absolutely nothing like showing at home and surrounded by the kindest West Coast riders. It’s a very special community we have out here.”
Buffini’s win in the HITS Del Mar Dressage Affaire CDI 3* Grand Prix Freestyle was worth 40 points towards a shot at competing at the $200,000 US Equestrian Open of Dressage Final slated for November 2025 in Thermal, California. HITS Del Mar is one of just a handful of venues to have been selected as part of the qualifying process for the prestigious Final, which aims to showcase Olympic equestrian disciplines to a broader audience.
Following closely behind Anna in the CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle class was her coach and local Olympian, Guenter Seidel (USA), with Louise Leatherdale’s Equirelle, a 16-year-old KWPN mare (Florett As x Orchidee) with a 73.080%. Seidel also finished in third with Brittney Simpson’s Kartsevo Goldfinch, a 14-year-old KWPN gelding (Jazz x Claire) with a personal best score of 72.010%.
On Friday, March 21, the top spot of the CDI1* Prix St. Georges class went to Kensington, a nine-year-old KWPN gelding (Galandro x ZZ-Top) owned and ridden by Amelia Newcomb (USA), with a score of 69.265%. This was Newcomb’s first time competing at a HITS CDI.
“I was super proud of how much energy he had,” commented Newcomb. “It was his first CDI, but he stayed really focused. We just really wanted to ride the best we can.”
Haley Smith (USA) and Great Lady TC, a 14-year-old KWPN mare (Bretton Woods x Tiffany’s Monday), showed incredible promise for the future in just their second CDI together in the U25 division. Great Lady, owned by Carol Bland and Haley Smith, completed the ride with Smith, earning a score of 66.000%.
On Saturday, March 22, the CDI1* Intermediate I class was won by Seidel atop Bogart, an eight-year-old Hanovarian gelding (Belanto x Helano 209) owned by Leatherdale Farms, with a score of 70.294%.
Canadian Claire Robinson topped the CDI3* Grand Prix for Special with Glamour Boy, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding (Bojengel x Udina) owned by Carol Robinson, with a score of 64.804%.
Shannon Peters (USA) and her own Disco Inferno, a 16-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Westpoint x Rilarna), were victorious in the CDI3* Grand Prix Special with a score of 67.723%. D’Amore, a 16-year-old Danish Warmblood mare (Dayano x Zavani) owned and ridden by Stephen Birchall, finished in second place with a 66.362%.
“Today he was really the best he could be,” shared Peters. “He is an older horse, but still very fun to ride!”
Lastly, the Del Mar Dressage Affaire featured its first equestrian athlete representing the country of Holland. Originally born and raised in Holland, but now residing in Mexico City, Brigitte Bergman traveled far to make her dreams come true at the HITS Del Mar Horsepark.
“It was such a great opportunity that I just could not let it go,” said Bergman with a big smile. “This was my dream, and I did it! My first impression was that everything was so beautiful. All I could think was ‘Wow!’ I will never regret this.”
Dressage action at HITS Del Mar resumes during the Del Mar National Horse Show on April 17-20. For more information, please visit HITSShows.com.
