Source:  News Release

Seventh Annual Dressage Affaire in Del Mar Features Record Number of Riders, Exciting Competition, Beautiful Weather

DEL MAR, CALIF. – March 17, 2011 – Sunny skies, balmy breezes off the Pacific Ocean and some of the best dressage competitors in the world were highlights of the 7^th annual Dressage Affaire in Del Mar, California.

The Dressage Affaire was held March 11-13, 2001, at the Del Mar Horsepark in northern San Diego County and drew just over 300 riders – a new record.

“Everything went so smoothly,” said event founder and manager Kim Keenan-Stordahl. “This year our competitions lasted into the early evenings because of the huge numbers of riders. The weather was perfect and the Horsepark actually looked beautiful all lit up. It added to the excitement and I think everyone really enjoyed it.”

Olympic rider Guenter Seidel of Cardiff, California, rode U II for the first competition since his serious injury in June of 2010. He took first place in Grand Prix Freestyle and third in Grand Prix. Jan Ebeling of Moorpark, California, riding Rafalca took first place in Grand Prix, followed by Susan Blinks of Encinitas, California, riding Robin Hood. Shannon Peters of San Diego, California, earned first place in Grand Prix Special, riding Odyssey.

A special feature at this year’s Dressage Affaire was the addition of 12 handicapped riders competing to qualify for the 2012 Olympics in the Para Equestrian Division. There were six from the U.S., five from Canada and one from Mexico. Three of the U.S. riders earned qualifying scores for the 2012 Paralympics in London, England.

Produced by Keenan Production & Events, the Dressage Affaire has quickly gained a reputation as a favored venue among Dressage competitors from the United States, Canada and other countries.

For more information on the Dressage Affaire, visit www.dressageevents.com.