TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published April 21, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
Steffen Peters and Blue Hors Zirrus secured back-to-back wins in the CDI3* Grand Prix and Special, while Nadine Schwartsman claimed the Freestyle title with a personal best score.
What Happened
Six-time U.S. Olympian Steffen Peters dominated the Big Tour at the 77th Del Mar National Horse Show’s Dressage Week, securing dual CDI3* victories. Riding Blue Hors Zirrus, a 14-year-old Oldenburg stallion, Peters won the Grand Prix qualifier on Saturday with 69.82% and the Grand Prix Special on Sunday with 69.38%. The competition took place at the HITS Del Mar Horsepark from April 16-19.
The event also featured a Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3*, where Nadine Schwartsman and Royal Flash R delivered a personal best score of 73.67% to win. Their freestyle, set to uplifting music, marked Schwartsman’s return to the sport following a severe heart condition diagnosis.
Why It Matters
The HITS Del Mar results are significant for West Coast riders aiming for national recognition. The Grand Prix Freestyle served as a crucial opportunity for athletes to earn qualifying points for the 2026 U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage Final, scheduled for November at the Desert International Horse Park.
Beyond standings, the event highlighted the continued strength of Olympic veterans like Peters and Günter Seidel, while providing a platform for rising combinations to achieve personal milestones. For the regional community, the 77th Del Mar National reinforced the venue's importance as a premier West Coast equestrian hub, offering top-tier footing and a high-performance atmosphere close to home for many California professionals.
Discipline Context
CDI3* classes represent the high-performance tier of international dressage. The Grand Prix Special tests a horse's technical accuracy and stamina, while the Freestyle allows for artistic expression and modern choreography. The inclusion of the U.S. Equestrian Open qualification pathway at shows like this is part of a broader effort by the federation to create a structured "league" for top-level domestic competition leading into championship finals.
Additionally, the presence of 5* judge Anne Gribbons provided riders with world-class feedback as they navigate the 2026 season. The scores achieved here set a baseline for horse-and-rider pairs looking toward year-end honors and potential future team selections.
Competitors heading into the season can find show tack and riding equipment ahead of entries.