The HITS Del Mar Horsepark proudly hosted the 77th Annual Del Mar National Horse Show – Dressage Week, on April 16-19, 2026. A long-standing U.S. Equestrian Heritage Competition rooted in the highest standards of sportsmanship and athleticism, the historical event represents a cornerstone of the West Coast equestrian calendar. Top-tier dressage riders and enthusiastic spectators alike gathered for an action-packed schedule highlighted by an FEI CDI3* division. During this highly anticipated Dressage Week, it was U.S. Olympian Steffen Peters that rose to the top of both the FEI Grand Prix Qualifier for Special CDI3* and the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI3* .
Peters, having participated at the Del Mar National Horse Show for more than 15 years, once again made his way down centerline, this time with Blue Hors Zirrus, a 13-year-old Oldenburg stallion (Blue Hors Zack x Donnerhall 11) owned by Five Rings Farm. Starting off with a powerful ride in the FEI Grand Prix Qualifier for Special CDI3* on Saturday, April 18, Peters and Blue Hors Zirrus led the lap of honor with a winning score of 69.826%. With almost a repeat ride on Sunday, April 19, Peters and the flashy chestnut showcased immense potential in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI3* by receiving consistent marks of 7.0 from Judge at C, Anne Gribbons (USA), with notable marks of 8.0 for the pirouette, culminating in a winning score of 69.383%.
“Today I fell in love with him even more,” enthused Peters of his star mount. “You train at home and you know things are getting better, but then he really fought for me in the show arena. It was a fantastic feeling; I’m so grateful that I got this chance. I thank my horse from the bottom of my heart.
“The Del Mar National Horse Show is always my favorite show of the year,” he continued . “I remember so many Freestyle evenings, but here at the Horsepark, it’s a wonderful venue. It’s close to home, there’s excellent footing, and the great HITS show organization helped me achieve four wins this week.”
Also competing in Sunday’s FEI Grand Prix Special CDI3* was fellow U.S. Olympian Günter Seidel and Jack, a 14-year-old Rhinelander gelding (Glock’s Johnson TN x Dimension 4) owned by Louise Leatherdale of Leatherdale Farms, with a second-place score of 68.191%. Jaclyn Pepper-Millard (USA) and Limited Edition, her own 10-year-old KWPN mare (Dante Weltino OLD x Contango), completed the top three with a personal best score of 67.383%.
Following the events of the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI3*, the competition turned its attention to the crowd-favorite FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3*, which represented a coveted opportunity for athletes to accrue valuable points toward qualification for the 2026 U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage Final hosted at the Desert International Horse Park on November 13-14. Nadine Schwartsman (USA) and her partner of two years, Royal Flash R, a 14-year-old Rhinelander gelding (Riccio NRW x St.Ludwig’s Donnerschlag) owned by Kelli Hajjar, captivated the judges for the blue-ribbon honors and a personal best score of 73.675%, etching their names into the show’s legacy with the engravement on the Two Dancers Perpetual Trophy.
After being diagnosed with a severe heart condition, Schwartsman drew inspiration for her floorplan from uplifting songs, including “I’m Alive” by Sia. The technical test aims to simultaneously capture the strength of her journey with horses, as well as the elegance that complements Roy’s movement.
“I tear up every time I ride it,” said Schwartsman. “I think it is an emotional freestyle that suits him, because he’s a very modern horse. I didn’t want music that would overpower him.”
Also showcasing an FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* was Seidel, this time piloting Equirelle, a 17-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Florett As x Donnerhall 11) also owned by Louise Leatherdale of Leatherdale Farms, for a second-place score of 71.455%. Kristina Harrison-Antell (USA) and Finley, her own 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Don Jovi x Rubels), completed the top three with a score of 70.730%.
Several perpetual trophies were awarded during the prestigious HITS Del Mar National Horse Show – Dressage Week. Notably, Terri Sue Wensinger (USA) and Gorgeous received the Hap Hansen Perpetual Trophy for the National Intermediare Freestyle. Brittany Eastgate Simpson (USA) and For Fun were presented with the Rubino Bellissimo Trophy for the CDI Intermediare Freestyle.
With the conclusion of the Dressage Week, the HITS Del Mar National Horse Show continues during the Hunter/Jumper Week on April 29-May 3. Dressage at the world-class venue takes centerstage once again during the CDS San Diego Road to Championships on July 16-18. For complete CDI results, please click HERE.
