--- HITS Del Mar press release, edited by Eurodressage
Kristina Harrison-Antell and Finley finished first in the Grand Prix qualifier for freestyle at the 2025 CDI Del Mar on Saturday 19 April 2025. Five riders competed in the class and 67.478% was the winning score.
Harrison-Antell and Finley have been together since almost the very beginning. The Los Angeles native purchased the now 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (by Don Jovi x Rubels) as a coming three-year-old, having been backed only about ten times. Since then, the duo have built quite the partnership, working their way up the levels to contest the CDI Grand Prix. Now, in the FEI Grand Prix Qualifier for Freestyle CDI3*, the pair put in yet another strong performance, earning an average score of 67.478% from judge at E Federico Pinteus (POR), judge at H Sarah Geikie (USA), judge at C Mariette Sanders-van Gansewinkel (NED), judge at M Brenda Minor (CAN), and judge at B Heidi Berry (USA).
“I was really, really pleased with him,” expressed Harrison-Antell. “This is our third CDI here at HITS Del Mar, and it has taken him up until now to be really settled in that arena. It’s a tough arena, very electric, so I was super proud of it. He tends to be very fearful of other horses too, so this is environment is a little difficult for him, but he warmed up great, and he was the bravest he has ever been. I could not have been happier with my warmup, and then just to go in there and keep it all together was so nice. It was the icing on the cake.”
Having grown up in California, Harrison-Antell is no stranger to the HITS Del Mar National Horse Show and the storied history of the esteemed competition. One of the longstanding traditions is the coveted golden pins, which have historically been handed out every year.
“I have all my pins from Del Mar National!” remarked Harrison-Antell. “Every year we went they gave a pin. Since the beginning of my career, I probably have been coming to this show somewhere between 25 and 30 years, so it was very special to win here today.”
Nadine Schwartsman (USA) and Royal Flash R, a 14-year-old Rheinlander gelding (Riccio NRW x St. Ludwig’s Donnerschlag) owned by Kelli Hajjar, claimed second with a score of 65.326%. Laura DeCesari and her 13-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Romanov x Vivaldi), Rossi, finished on a score of 64.674% for third place.
U.S. Olympic short listed pair Anna Buffini and Fiontini (by Fassbinder x Romanov) won the CDI Del Mar in March but today the pair got eliminated on the third extended trot diagonal for not being fit. Buffini took to Instagram stating, "While she didn’t feel off during the test, after reviewing the video, it’s clear the judges made the right call — and I fully respect and appreciate their decision. We’ll be working closely with our veterinary team to assess everything thoroughly and ensure she receives the best possible care."
Earlier in the Day
In the Intermediaire I 13 talented horse-and-rider combinations strutted down centerline. Notching their second victory in as many days, Sarah Mason-Beaty (USA) and Liang once again achieved a personal best score, breaking the sought-after 70% barrier with a 70.147%. Nicki Grandia (USA) and Don Erré, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding (by Don Federico x Fürst Nymphenburg) owned by Sheila Buchanan, finished in second with a score of 67.412%. Just behind them on a score of 67.383%, Günter Seidel (USA) and Bogart, a nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding (by Beltano x His Highness) owned by Louise Leatherdale, completed the top three.
“I’m very proud of Liang today,” said Mason-Beaty. “Bringing along any horse is a journey, and I’m very grateful that I have my team with me, and I’ve had them with me all along the way for years and years now. I’m really grateful to them.”
Photos © Terri Miller
Related Links
Scores: 2025 CDI Del Mar
Sarah Mason-Beaty and Liang Light Up the Prix St. Georges at the 2025 CDI Del Mar