The International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association’s (IALHA) Surf & Sun Show, the third of the season hosted by IALHA’s California Show Committee, was held June 21-22 at the Del Mar Horse Park in Del Mar, CA.

New to the Surf & Sun this year, Friesian classes were included in the show. The International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA) approved and sanctioned this show for their high point program. The combination of so many stunning Andalusians and the majestic jet black Friesians made for a spectacular weekend and attracted a larger number of spectators than typical for the June show.

In the face of a record-setting heat wave, highly unusual for the beautiful seaside locale of Del Mar, nearly 70 horses and riders took part in the show. In addition to regular competition, the show offers IALHA members the opportunity to qualify horses for the association’s West Coast Regional and National competitions held later this year.

“The Surf & Sun Show and the Del Mar Horse Park venue is one of my favorite shows,” says Andalusian trainer Warren Mather of Simi Valley, California. Mather, who brought nine horses to the show, took home top honors for Andalusian Champion Stallion with Cuervo ADF for owner Al Martinez, and Andalusian Champion Mare & Grand Champion Halter with Metalica RAR for owner Alvaro Ramirez.

The Andalusian English Pleasure Hunt Seat Championship was won by Tim Keeling riding Prusio. Leslie Charleson took the Andalusian Country English Pleasure Championship on her horse Romero CL., and Susann Regalmuto and Candescence won the half-Andalusian English Pleasure Championship. The Andalusian Western Pleasure Championship went to Glenn Wilson and Xarpei V.O.

In the Andalusian Junior Exhibitor division, Victoria Price riding Caraquita RS won both the 17 & Under English Pleasure Hunt Seat and the Hunt Seat Equitation classes. Lauren Mercer and Camano took first place in the 17 & Under Western Pleasure class. Kristin Wooley riding Brillante de la Parra took home the blue ribbon for the 14 – 17 Western Pleasure class.

Friesian Champion In Hand honors went to Dante, owned by Friesian Quest LLC.

Seelchen Feibush captured both the Friesian Dressage Suitability Championship with Walter v.d. Badwei and the Friesian Dressage Hack Championship with Ulkje van de Bekzied. Rembrandt F.Q. won the Friesian Saddle Seat Championship and was also named Reserve Champion Friesian In Hand.

Crusader, owned by Dana Zalesny and shown by Tom Sofra, won the Friesian Carriage Pleasure Driving Championship, and Valerie Daidah exhibited her wonderful pair of Friesians, Jelte and Tsjibbe.

Pegasus, owned by Friesian Quest LLC, won the $100 Friesian Liberty Class with his handlers, Sandra Williams and Kristen Andersen.

Haley Attig, age 6, earned a blue ribbon for Friesian Walk/Trot Leadline aboard D’Artagnan, owned by Robyn Bodecker.

Please visit www.horseshowtime.com for complete show results.

The next IALHA West Coast show, Viva Del Mar, will be held August 9-10 at the Del Mar Horse Park. Andalusians and Friesians will show together again. There is also a qualifying open dressage show scheduled for August 9-10 at the Del Mar Horse Park.