Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by adminahb
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.”
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.
For more information, visit HitsShows.com.