All eyes will be on the West Coast this weekend as many of the nation’s best and brightest dressage riders are scheduled to canter down centerline at California Dreaming Productions’ Mid-Winter Dressage Fair CDI-W/Y/J/U-25, February 20 – 23, 2014 in Burbank, CA.  Dressage fans attending the show at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center will get their first look of the year at U.S. Team hopefuls including Steffen Peters, Guenter Seidel, Kathleen Raine, Jan Ebeling, and David Blake as they make their 2014 international competition debuts and continue their journeys toward this summer’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Normandy, France.  In addition, equestrian enthusiasts from around the world can follow the competition action via an all-new live streaming video service with expert commentary by FEI 5*(ret) judge Axel Steiner.

“I’m looking forward to our CDI season getting started,” said U.S. Dressage Team hopeful Kathleen Raine of Adventure Farm in Murrieta, CA.  A member of the bronze medal-winning team at the 1994 WEG, Raine is looking to qualify for a chance to earn another World Games medal, this time aboard her longtime partner Breanna.  “I think California Dreaming Productions has many exciting plans for our shows here in California, and we are very lucky to have these top quality CDIs so close to home!”

The Mid-Winter Dressage Fair, sponsored by Hof Kasselmann, will host a full field of 43 CDI competitors seeking valuable WEG and national championship qualifying scores from a renowned panel of judges including Gary Rockwell (5* USA), Jean-Michel Roudier (5* FRA), Cara Whitham (5* CAN), Jayne Ayers (4* USA), and Magnus Ringmark (3* SWE).  The Mid-Winter Dressage Fair has also been designed by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) as an official Developing Program Observation Competition, where USEF coaches will be in attendance to observe riders in select classes in an effort to spot and select talented combinations for coveted invitations to training sessions and grants.

But the Mid-Winter Dressage Fair is about much more than just CDI competition.  Over three days and three arenas, more than 150 exhibitors will compete for fabulous prizes at all levels from green horse and rider to adult amateur Grand Prix.  In addition to a fantastic atmosphere and competitor-friendly show experience, the Mid-Winter Dressage Fair also offers competitors a chance to qualify for regional and national programs, including the popular Markel/Cornerstone Young Talent Search, the California Dressage Society Annual Show, and Great American/USDF Regional Championships.

“On behalf of the organizing team, I’d like to extend a huge ‘thank you’ to all of the West Coast riders for showing their tremendous support for our first show of the season,” said Alisa Wilson, who is partnered with husband David Wilson and long-time CDI organizer Glenda McElroy to form California Dreaming Productions.  “We’re so excited about our new CDI series this year, and we want to make sure that our competitions are more than just about showing – we want riders to leave saying that they had a fantastic experience!”

General spectator admission to the Mid-Winter Dressage Fair is free, but dressage fans can enjoy the show in ultimate style with VIP box seating, which features ringside tables and hospitality, as well as a special Saturday brunch.  During competition breaks, riders and spectators can shop for equestrian fashions and gifts in the expansive Vendor Row.  Those unable to attend the show in person can keep up with all the action from the CDI arena via live streaming video with commentary by FEI 5* (ret) judge Axel Steiner.  Viewers may access the live video, a broadcast schedule, and daily orders of go via this link:  http://www.californiadreamingproductions.com/live-stream-test/.  

Formed by a partnership between long-time show organizer Glenda McElroy of Burbank, CA and Grand Prix riders and trainers David and Alisa Wilson of Chino Hills, CA, the goal of California Dreaming Productions is to bring a fresh face to international-level dressage competition on the West Coast.  Additional show information is available on the new California Dreaming Productions website, http://www.californiadreamingproductions.com/, as well as regular updates posted on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/californiadreamingproductions.  For more information, contact Glenda McElroy, glenda@cdpequestrian.com, or David and Alisa Wilson, david@cdpequestrian.com and alisa@cdpequestrian.com.