Flames raged alongside a nearby mountain as the Festival Of the Horse kicked off in Burbank, Calif. on Friday, March 30.  A wildfire set by two teenaged boys added more than the usual drama to the dressage show as smoke and ashes rained down on the show grounds.
   
Despite the disturbance, the show carried on without a hitch.  The first Grand Prix of the CDI only showcased four riders because the second Grand Prix, which will be held Saturday, is the one for the freestyle championships and U.S. League Final for the FEI Rolex World Cup.
   
Steffen Peters won the Grand Prix handily aboard Lombardi 11 on a score of 68.25 percent.  Kristina Harrison-Nanes followed on Rociero XV (63.66%), and Cyndi Jackson on Illion took third place (60.95%).

Courtney King traveled out to California and proved she’s unbeatable on either coast.  She took first place in the large Prix St. Georges CDI class with Mythilus (71.91%) over Adrienne Lyle on Wizard (69.25%) and Shannon Peters on Luxor (69.25%).  King also scored a win in the open Prix St. Georges with Rendezvous.

Debbie McDonald grabbed a win of her own in the open show aboard Felix.  She won the Grand Prix with 66.87 percent.

Guenter Seidel will not be contesting the U.S. League Final with Aragon.  Although the Bavarian Warmblood  passed the jog, he injured himself while schooling on the grounds.  Seidel decided to be safe and send the horse home to Cardiff, Calif. where his own veterinarian could examine him.

The seven riders who will be competing for a chance to ride in Las Vegas at the Final include Steffen Peters/Floriano; Michael Barisone/Neruda; Courtney King/Idocus; Donna Richardson/Jazzman; Jeremy Steinberg/Parocco; Leslie Morse/Tip Top 962 and Arlene Page/Wild One.