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.

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

Structural Integration is a body work modality that can address core body imbalances because it provides access to the deepest layers of your horse’s body through his fascial network, or connective tissue.