March 12, 2023, Temecula, California – The Pacific Coast CDI at Galway Downs Equestrian
returned to its rightful place on the increasingly solid West Coast international dressage circuit.
Crazy rain on Friday’s opening day couldn’t dampen enthusiasm for the return of this
competition first staged in 2020 to help revive the West Coast circuit and provide more
opportunities for the region’s vast community of existing and future international stars.
The International division was not staged in 2021 and it was cancelled in 2022 because
of an EHV-1 outbreak that shut down equestrian activity in the state. It’s back with the full
support of the community, says organizer Robert Kellerhouse.
“What strikes me is how the community has come out to support this show in every
way. From entries and sponsorships to renting Galway Downs’ little on-site Ranch Houses”
“My team and I took this date on because we felt the venue deserved to have dressage
competition of this caliber,” the veteran event organizer and Galway Downs venue manager
stated. “Everybody is very grateful for what our hunter/jumper friends at Nilforushan
EquiSports have brought to the property in terms of arena, footing and other improvements. I
am grateful to Regina Antonioli for bringing her DASC Spring Benefit CDI here in May, and to the
San Diego and Temecula California Dressage Society chapters for staging their events here.”
Show manager Debra Reinhardt and secretary Ellen Brindle-Clark were a huge help in
Pacific Coast’s success, Robert noted.
Dressage has a “huge footprint,” at Galway Downs and in California in general. “Half of
Team USA comes from here and I think it’s almost criminal to make them always go to Florida
to compete.”
The Desert Dressage series in Thermal and the Pacific Coast and Spring Benefit CDIs are
highest quality competitions and a strong foundation for balancing out the event calendar.
Hopes that the return of the Del Mar Fairgrounds as a show venue will set the stage for another
CDI amp up the positive vibes for the dressage scene in the west, Robert noted.
“If we put out a good product, people will support it. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I
think we can get several organizers and venues involved and take things to an even higher level
out here next year.”
3* Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle winner Rebecca Rigdon is one of many top
professionals happily supporting the growing West Coast circuit. “Florida is great, but the
expense of leaving your business if you have to do it is a lot. We really need to have more
(geographic) balance in our shows, so what’s happening is great!”
Caldwell Caps the 3* Grand Prix Special
San Diego professional Tina Caldwell and Marcia Sutherland’s Lagerfeld K topped the 3*
Grand Prix Special with a 66.277% from ground jury members William Warren, Sarah Geikie,
Cesar Torrente, Sandra Smith and Clive Halsall.
The 15-year-old Hannoverian by Londontime (out of Donna Pia, by Don Crusador) put in a “very
clean ride and was listening to me the entire time,” Tina said. “He just floated through the test
and I couldn’t be happier with how everything clicked between us throughout the test.”
Tina was one of the brave souls to contest Friday afternoon’s Grand Prix in heavy rain. She
and Karl finished second and earned the win of increased confidence after competing in adverse
conditions. “Karl can usually have some nerves in the arena, but he was real confident and we felt
like a real team today. I think the trust we built up in each other during Friday’s ride has a lot to do
with today’s ride.”
Amy Miller and her own 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood, Encore, were second on a 65.723%, and Shannon
Warner and Patti Blackmore’s Rubico were a close third on a 65.660%.
Mills Excels in 1* Intermediate I Freestyle
Michelle Mills and Facendo were the lone contenders in the 1* Intermediate I Freestyle, but their 72.075% score would likely have been hard to beat even if there were other pairs.
The 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood is by Fidertanz, by Don Schuffro. It was a super comeback after a tough day in the Intermediate I test yesterday.
“This was a pretty good day and it’s nice to end this way,” Michelle said. “He can be quite nervous in the arena, even when he’s super relaxed in the warm-up – which makes it hard to mimic what’s going to happen. I was super impressed with him today. He stayed relaxed and I felt that he listened to the music and knew that it was his.”
The Canadian pair are based in nearby San Diego and Facendo was purchased as a 2024
Olympic candidate.