Barn Crawls, Camaraderie & Beautiful Rides: Highlights from Summer Dressage in Santa Barbara

Another Summer Dressage in Santa Barbara wrapped up successfully. With 95 riders, this was a full two-day schedule of dressage. Judges Kathy Pavlich and Natalie Lamping made the trip from Nevada and Florida, respectively.

Many riders came quite a long way to earn qualifying scores needed. Some, like Annette Spinetti, traveled from Las Vegas, Nevada, with two of her students at Blue Ribbon Farms. Just an aisle over, two riders from Gilroy became stall neighbors—unaware that their barns were only a few miles apart. Kristine Howe, assistant trainer to Heidi Gaines, brought her student Sara Isaacson and her horse Al-Marah Mosby from Dancing Kings Farms to earn her Third Level scores. Nicole Conragan, who trains with current CDS President Joan Williams, brought her horse O Ava to compete at First Level.

Trainer Merrie Velden came all the way from Fresno, CA, with her horse Loletta, and trainer Ericka Reinig introduced her horse Marciano to the Earl Warren show ring, traveling from the Sacramento area.

Local trainer Katherine Sulzbach represented In the Irons Farm, along with several of her students, and it was great to see former Olympians Hilda C. Gurney and Charlotte Bredahl in the audience. Marianne Kruidenier's gelding Mastermind van de Stok aka Nico felt much more confident in the show ring this time around, so according to the Shoreline Farms trainer, she met her goal, though she also garnered Open High Point for Second Level. Her student Andrea Reid presented brand new music for her freestyle with D-Boy aka Woody and it was a fun ride to watch.

Our previously featured new members, Lauren and Tim Ogden, returned to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere at Earl Warren Showgrounds and won the coveted title of "Best Theme" for their Surf Shack design at our first-ever “Barn Crawl.” First place for "Best Food" went to In the Iron Farm, who won the crowd over with their Mexican cuisine. "Best Décor" was awarded to the team of Jill Giri, Susan Sullivan, and Jillian Cuddy, who leaned into their island theme with coconut bras and encouraged visitors to "Hit the button"  if any of the prompts  like "Finally get to wear that coat?" or "Horse show you the hoof?" applied. Custom Saddlery sponsored the Barn Crawl and amazing gift baskets went to our First Annual Barn Crawl winners.

We were also excited that we had so many Juniors and Young Riders participate. With competitors Olivia, Bea, Ella, Nellie, Alea, Ryder, Natalie, Juliet, Lyla, Zoe, Lily-Rose, Chloe and Scarlett we are confident the future of Dressage can continue to prosper.

Many riders participated in RAAC (Regional Adult Amateur Competition), in addition to USDF/USEF classes. Saturday was a busy day, ending with a "Lead Line" class for riders under eight years old, sponsored by Karen Christensen. Speaking of sponsors—beyond our many amazing class sponsors—we also had Platinum Elite, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Sponsorship levels, as well as Friends of the Chapter sponsors. You can find a list on our Sponsor Page (just click HERE).

In addition to generous sponsors, the Vendor Village was a lot of fun. From "the cutest little shop you ever saw" in a pink trailer to boots from Gee Gee Equine and Romitelli Boots  to gorgeous coats from Dressage Queen Dream and beautiful sweaters and hats from Style on the Go —many riders and horse enthusiasts definitely got their shopping therapy in. Additional vendors included Equine Originals, The Peppermint Pig Boutique, and Horse Coin Jewelry.

Everyone’s favorite show announcer, Hunter Schumake, was back on the mic, steadily keeping the audience informed about the horses entering the ring. In a high-pressure competition setting, a calm, smooth voice over the loudspeakers can make all the difference—reminding riders to take that deep breath before entering at C. We are grateful to Hunter for joining our Dressage community once again.

Volunteers were, once again, absolutely amazing. Judge Lamping noted that she was excited to return to Santa Barbara after so many years because the show is always so well-organized. "You can really see a lot of camaraderie and support for the riders and horses here, especially at the BBQ," she said, reflecting on the event.

Star volunteer Chris Crowe showed his support not only through hard work and patience, but with humor—wearing a shirt that read: "What part of (insert Dressage arena diagram with three serpentine loops overlapping with three 20-meter circles) don't you understand?" It garnered many chuckles and knowing nods. Besides the beautiful horses, Chris may have been the most photographed subject that weekend.

Want to see more photos from the show weekend? Follow us on Instagram!