Mary Lou Dupray of Valley Center and Tejons Top Docare Select Amateur Reining Circuit Champions celebrates her win with husband Clay Dupray.

DEL MAR — The annual Sun & Surf Circuit, which included five AQHA shows from May 14-18 at Del Mar Horsepark, continued to attract plenty of horses and riders from all over California and Southwestern states.

Exhibitors and officials especially said it was a good, competitive show. Many of the riders there had already qualified for the various, upcoming Quarter Horse World shows, and took the chance to warm up for the AQHYA World Championship for youth in July, Bayer Select World Championship in August, and year-end AQHA World Championship in November.

Some of the riders who traveled from out of the area also said Del Mar Showpark–with its picture-perfect Southern California location and weather–allowed them the chance to enjoy the show’s namesake and other area attractions. Many said they appreciated the show management’s efficiency–headed by show manager Clay MacLeod of Rancho Santa Fe–in running a smooth show, which ended each day with enough daylight remaining, thus eliminating extra-long days or tiring late-nights.

The Sun & Surf Circuit also awarded its top riders well with 10 all-around saddles; reserve all-around headstalls; silver buckles to all Performance circuit champions and Halter champions, with saddle pads to reserve champions; and blue-ribbon saddles awarded in Non-Pro Trail Classic and Non-Pro Western Riding Classic; among other prizes offered.