Four new CDIs and national dressage competitions will kick off the 2018 show season on the West Coast in 2018, complementing the burgeoning FEI dressage calendar in the United States.

The Adequan West Coast Dressage Festival show circuit will run from Jan. 3 through Feb. 17 with a CDI competition at each of the four shows.

Each competition also will include a U.S. Equestrian Federation-recognized three-star national show.

The 2018 schedule is as follows:

AWCDF I, Temecula, Calif., Galway Downs, Jan. 3-7

AWCDF II, Del Mar, Calif., Del Mar Fairgrounds, Jan. 18-21

AWCDF III, Del Mar, Calif., Del Mar Fairgrounds, Feb. 1-4

AWCDF IV, Del Mar, Calif., Del Mar Fairgrounds, Feb. 14-17

Following the first competition at Galway Downs, competitors are less than an hour drive from the Del Mar Fairgrounds where they can then move in for a six-week stay. Stabling opens Jan. 7, 2018.

“Competitors never have to leave for the duration of the six weeks,” said AWCDF director Scott Hayes, adding that the shows expect to offer substantial prize money.

“We have such a unique opportunity for the western North America dressage community. For the first time in many years, the Del Mar Fairgrounds is available for an extended period of time,” said Hayes. We will have all-inclusive stabling packages that feature access to all arenas for schooling and training during the down days between the competitions. The racetrack will be open for hacking during specific hours each day. We will have 24-hour security, secure office-style tack rooms and even apartments for grooms for rent.

“Trainers and competitors from out of town can bring their clients and their horses to the Fairgrounds to stable and chose which shows to compete in,” Hayes continued. “They don’t need to find alternative stables or facilities between shows. Our director of stabling will be at their service for any needs they might have during the festival.”

Many vendors, including Mary’s Tack and Feed of Del Mar, will staff popup stores in the stabling area at the festival for the complete duration of the circuit.

To complement the venues, SH Productions has brought together an experienced show management team. In addition, a community advisory board consisting of local owners, trainers and professionals in the horse industry will provide additional input and expertise to make sure the inaugural event is as successful as possible.

Show secretary and co-manager Heather Petersen and co-manager Joe Coleman bring their vast experience from the Colorado Show Park and elsewhere to the organization of the AWCDF, as do the carefully chosen directors that include stable and customer care officials.

“Whether you’re a competitor, supporter, spectator or official, we want the level of service and fun to be extremely high,” said Hayes.

Saturday evenings will host FEI-level freestyles preceded by Master Classes conducted by equestrian team guests from the United States and other countries.

The festival’s website launch is slated for Sept. 15 at www.westcoastdressagefestival.com