Mission Statement

The California Quadrille Association (CQA) and the Santa Cruz Chapter of the California Dressage Society (SC-CDS) are jointly hosting this unique format of equestrian competition to encourage development of quadrille and freestyle competition.

Quadrille is a breathtaking demonstration of harmony and teamwork between a team of 4 horse and rider combinations, performing compulsory tests as well as the exciting freestyle competition to music. The patterns and movements create stunning visual experiences, much like a living kaleidoscope. The CQA Championships showcase the best the state has to offer - sure to be a spectacular show for equestrian admirers and riders alike.

Dressage freestyle is a relatively new development in the competitive milieu. It was included at the Atlanta Olympics for the first time as a competitive Olympic event. This California Cup format will help foster much needed regional development of freestyle at all levels of dressage competition -- a critical step in ensuring that the USA can field winning teams for international competition. The Cup Class will require demonstration of a compulsory test (ensuring technical quality) and a freestyle ride to music (judged on technical and artistic merit).

The CQA and SC-CDS are both non-profit, volunteer-run, educational organizations (501-A; 501- C3 status).

Our goal is to provide a quality entertainment showcase for these equestrian sports that present exciting spectator event potential. The Coastal Classic will continue to expand as its reputation grows. In our first year, we are seeking sponsors from our region who have an interest in supporting a high-level, equestrian sport whose competitors and spectators fit the following demographics:

* Median income (dressage) $80,000 - 100,000 (as reported in national publications)

* Own trucks, multiple vehicles, property owners likely to own a tractor

* Are active, athletic and educated

* Travel for shows, vacations and educational events

* US Show horse numbers approach 2 million

* 3.6 million people participate in horse shows annually, in 1994 there were more than 14,000 sanctioned horse shows.

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Sponsorship Levels

The Classic depends heavily on sponsorship to create a high cailber event, all donations are appreciated and we will work with you to make your participation worthwhile. Most sponsors are seeking recognition for their name or business and we will endeavor to keep advertising tailored to the sponsors needs. Requests for anonymous listings, "Friend of [Dressage/Quadrille]" or memorial recognitions will be honored. Vendors are encouraged to consider becoming a product sponsor or regular sponsor in addition to Trade Fair participation.
 

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1. Competitor Awards or welcome bag items for competitors --

2. Tables, chairs

3. Tents

4. Potted plants/flowers for arena & table decor
 

6. Beverages or wine tasting -- partial sponsorship from

7. Stabling services - Silver Bar Leasing Company, Fresno, CA

8. Printing services

9. Entertainment for exhibitors' party

10. Tractor/leveling services

11. Footing for warmup

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Advertising & Exhibits
 

Trade Fair Exhibit Space: Inquiries welcomed, also available to qualifying Sponsors.
Space negotiated as to product or service needs.  ($120 for the weekend)
Interested advertisers, artists or vendors should contact Anne Howard or Kitti Craycroft .
 

Dressage is a French word meaning "schooling", it is generally considered to mean the systematic, gymnastic training of the horse to develop its physique and ability to respond harmoniously to its rider. It develops and improves the natural gaits of the horse, walk, trot, and canter. In more advanced work, the horse appears to dance, moving lightly and elegantly to nearly invisible aids from the rider. Classical dressage has been used to train cavalry mounts to be brave and easily controlled in battle situations. Today,dressage is an Olympic sport and the US has been steadily improving its international reputation, winning the team Bronze medal in Atlanta '96. Dressage competition is judged on accuracy of movements, quality of the horse's gaits, and the harmony and ease of movements presented.

In California, an organization to further interest in dressage was established in 1967. The California Dressage Society has been dedicated to the education of all levels of dressage riders, including: riding clinics, judge's forums, instructor's seminars, and annual meetings n addition to the Annual Championship Show. In the past 10 years its membership has grown by 25%, now totalling over 4000. California riders have respresented the United States in Olympic, World Championship, World Cup, and Pan American competition on many occasions. CDS has a reputation of being a trend-setter, frequently leading the way for developments that then spread to the rest of the country. The California Cup competition we propose is a stepping stone to the World Cup competition, and to our knowledge, is the first of its kind to be offered.

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A team of 4 is the competitive format of quadrille at this time, although teams of 6, 8, or more have been active in the past in demontrations. While in dressage competition the elegance and movement of the horse is prioritized, in the quadrille competition, the main criteria is the team's performance as a cohesive group.

Compulsory routines test the team's ability to perform required movements according to acceptable standards. In the exciting freestyle, the routines get more complex, creating a "kaleidoscope effect" as horses interweave choreography and music in original patterns. In each format, judges look for the teams to keep even spacing (from horse to horse), move and turn in synchrony and maintain alignment throughout the ride. In the freestyle competition, the team's artistic skill is showcased in the interpretation of the music and the creativity of their choreography.

Although quadrille as an equestrian pageant has been performed since the Baroque period (most notably at the Spanish Riding School), only in the last decade has it become a competitive sport in this country. The California Quadrille Association is the founding organization dedicated to educating riders about this growing and beautiful equestrian sport.

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We would love to get some new people into helping run these shows. Its a real education for parents of future riders, future competitors and great fun to "be on the inside track" for the management. We have many different types of jobs available, from scribing (sitting with the judge and writing comments), to scoring, spectator management, grounds preparation, ticket taking, announcing, parking, etc. We can find something that will suit you!   Talk to Kitti@cruzio.com or call 408-426-3087   We believe in taking very good care of our brilliant and well-loved volunteers, 6 hours of time over 1-3 days is sufficient to garner full and lavish praises and associated goodies of weekend pass, special t-shirt, and food and drink!  

Sponsors

Thank you to our generous sponsors at all levels who are making this top level event a possibility.
Please thank the following 1997 sponsors and express your appreciation for their support of quality
equestrian endeavors.

Made in the Shade Tents, Cool, CA
EuroPro Boots, Watsonville, CA
Bay West Nurseries, Santa Cruz, CA

Gold Level
 
 

Silver & Silver Product Sponsors

Patti & Ron Busch & Rosebud's Classic Cafe, Jackson, CA
Exhibitor Labs
Mrs. Pasture's Horse Cookies
Betsy's Flowers, Aptos, CA
Valley Physical Therapy, Scotts Valley & Boulder Creek, CA
Nancy Bletzer & D'Arcangel Ranch, Tres Pinos, CA
Villa Rosa, Hollister, CA
Ursula Travers, Watsonville, CA
The Paradigm Group, Capitola, CA
Renaissance Ranch: Jodi Jones & Bill Lees, La Selva Beach, CA
Renaissance Painting & Decorating: William Lees, La Selva Beach, CA
The Pacific Equestrian, Mira Loma, CA

Bronze & Bronze Product Sponsors

Valley Physical Therapy, Scotts Valley & Boulder Creek, CA
Seabreeze Dental Care: Jesse Halbleib, DDS, Capitola, CA
Carmel Valley Chapter of CDS, Carmel Valley CA
The Wyland Group, Morgan Hill, CA
Seven Oaks, San Juan Bautista, CA
Thomas Gaian, San Juan Bautista, CA
Adobe Animal Hospital, Santa Cruz, CA
Cinder Okuda, DC, Santa Cruz, CA
Augie's Feed & Pet Supply, Watsonville, CA
Juli Gumbiner, Aptos, CA
Kennolyn Camps, Soquel, CA
Hidden Springs Farm, Morgan Hill, CA
Oiserlea, San Juan Bautista, CA
Pediatric Cardiology Associates, San Jose, CA
Mellisa Berrenge', Ph.D., Santa Cruz, CA
The Wilder Rose Ranch, Santa Cruz, CA

Friends of the Sport
 David Estrada, DDS, Scotts Valley, CA

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Prix Caprilli competitor (photo by D. Meyer, TX)

High point Warm-up Uvas Valley Team

American Sporthorse 1996 Freestyle

Scenes from the 1997 show

Heidi Gaian, Reserve Champion at Grand Prix (California Cup)

Special Quadrille Presentation

Junior Jam competitor, a walk-trot version of the Prix Caprilli (photo D. meyer)

Ojai School Junior team entering the ring

4th level Reserve Ch. Tia Wieckowicz & Cielo  Anne Howard                                                                                                                                                  & Posh 3rd level Ch.