DEL MAR – The nation’s top Friesians come to San Diego County Oct. 13-17 for the International Friesian Show Horse Association World and Grand National Championship Show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

The event, a USEF-licensed competition, is in its 7th year, and its first visit to California since 2004 will showcase the breed’s finest. In addition to the full schedule of world-class competition, the IFSHA World and Grand National Championships has a crowd-pleasing line-up of entertainment and exhibitions with both sizzle and substance.

Saturday night will cap the five-day show with a benefit performance for Rick Roberts’ Warrior Foundation. Billed as “a spectacular dance through time and history,” the show honors military heroes -— past, present and future –- in a dramatic, equestrian-oriented look at our warriors and their reliance on horses throughout the history of Western Civilization. Acts including chariots, knights in armor, cavalry, mounted shooting and the war moves seen in high school Dressage will be included, as well as a Friesian Stallion Grand Quadrille comprised of World and National Champions Feike 395, Sam, Liekele 364, Ljibbe’s Valour, Dante FQ, Pegasus, Tjesse 400 and Borryt-B fan Jorl.

General admission to the show is free, with box seats available that seat six for all five days for $350.

The show benefits Freedom Station, a project of the Warrior Foundation, supports multiple projects to help injured and disabled military heroes who bravely served and sacrificed in defense of our country. The Freedom Station Project will create a center for counsel, for care, and for assistance for our injured military as they return to civilian life. The first Freedom Station, located in San Diego, will be a short-term residence and transitional assistance facility for wounded and injured military. The goal is to assist recovering servicemen as they face the challenges of their injuries while they strive to be productive members of society. More information can be obtained at the organization’s websites, www.freedomstation.org or www.warriorfoundation.com