DEL MAR — The International Friesian Show Horse Association returned to California for its 2012 World and Grand National Championship Show, and homestate Friesians made their winning marks at the event, held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Oct. 10-14.

Seven-year-old stallion Sjoerd, named USET Horse of the Year last Jan. 13, was profoundly successful, winning nine classes and getting reserves in 13 others en route to being the overall Reserve High Point Purebred Friesian behind Debie Stuart’s Jilke fan de Koarndyk. His get also finished on top of a variety of classes.

Starbrite Riding Academy in Norco, home to trainers Ray and Pippa Ariss, competed in 10 classes with two horses and returned home to Horsetown USA with five World and National CHampionships and five reserves.

“The competition was so fierce — I felt like I was clawing my way to the top,” said Pippa, who entered seven classes with her young stallion, Hans. “When I saw that I had tied twice for first, I knew I had the chance to sink my teeth into the World Championship.”

Pippa rode Hans to the World Championship Friesian Dressage Hack – Open title, outdueling Ygram fan’t Emsland, ridden by Silke Henrichs for owners Trish Bradford and James Wehr.

That result was a flip-flop of two classes awarded to Henrichs and Ygram fan’t Emsland earlier on.

Hans also was named National Champion Friesian Dressage/Sport horse in hand stallions 6-and-over in a class that did not have a World Championship division. She and Hans also tied for First/Reserve World Champion in Friesian English Show Hack- Open and also for a National First/Reserve Champion in Friesian Dressage Hack- Open. Two reserve World Championships came, respectively, to Champion Sjoerd in both Friesian Senior Stallions, 6-and-over and in Friesian Baroque Senior Stallions, 6-and-over.

Ray presented Jackson for owner Janet Tucker to the World Championship in Part Bred Friesian Dressage Suitability- Open as well a National Championship in both Part Bred Friesian Dressage/Sport horse In-Hand Geldings 3-and-over and National Champion Part Bred Friesian Walk/Trot Pleasure – Maiden Horse, respectively.

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