SANTA BARBARA COUNTY CHAPTER
of the
CALIFORNIA DRESSAGE SOCIETY

Meet a Santa Barbara high schooler who's traded western saddles and polo mallets for dressage — and hasn't looked back. From showing an Oldenburg named Bleu to earning her Pony Club C2 certification, this driven young rider is just getting started. Read on to meet one of SBC-CDS's most exciting up-and-coming members.

The 2026 Spring SBC-CDS Dressage Show returned to Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara for a weekend of flawless rides, bedazzled boots, and — perhaps most memorably — some outstanding churros. From Olympic-level competition to a Saturday Night Fiesta that had everyone talking, this year's show was a reminder of just how special the Southern California dressage community can be when it comes together.

Meet Stephanie Gustafson — Ojai-based dressage rider, retired equestrian director, and founder of Symmetry in Motion Equine Bodywork — who balances competing three standout mounts (Goldenrod, Cora, and Leandro), launching new educational events for the Santa Barbara County CDS, and exploring Working Equitation and international riding adventures.

A Short guide to Dressage Test Scribing. Get a summary of the Santa Barbara County CDS chapter's educational event with judge Diane Welcenbach

Meet SBC-CDS member Kelly Thoits and learn more about her.

SBC-CDS offered a laid back atmosphere for 95 riders competing in RAAC and USDF/USEF classes.

The Spring Dressage Competition at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara was laid back despite a full show schedule with two rings.

Santa Barbara CDS 2024 Central Coast RAAC Dressage Show with a vendor village and 123 competitors the biggest show in years.

Our spring show at Earl Warren was a great success. The atmosphere was relaxed.