Written By Equine Digital

2026 Season Kick-Off at Desert International Horse Park

We couldn’t have asked for a better way to launch our 2026 show season than two exciting weeks in the desert. New levels, new partnerships, big milestones — and, as always, a few lessons sprinkled in along the way.

Here’s a look at the highlights from an incredible start to the year:

Avery Holt & Aywaille D’ayrifagne

Avery and Ivy Malman’s Rico stepped confidently up to the 1.10m level, delivering beautiful, polished rounds and earning well-deserved rosettes. Unfortunately, Avery had to miss the 1.15 Junior Mini Prix after Rico knocked his leg overnight. Disappointing — but horsemanship always comes first, and we’re proud of the maturity shown in putting Rico’s wellbeing above all else.

Story Cutler

Story had a standout show, riding both her own Perfect Percy and Kim Raduenz’s Take My Heart (Ace).

  • Ace stepped up to the 1.05m with impressive consistency, finishing the circuit with a fantastic 5th place in the Classic.

  • Percy moved up to the 1.10m, delivering confident, inspiring rounds in her first year at this level.

  • To top it off, Story finished with a bold 1.15m Classic, just missing a well-deserved ribbon with one light rail.

That’s a huge step up in her first year competing — and only the beginning.

Parker Raduenz & Peekaboo

Now officially .95m riders! Parker had a mixed but incredibly productive week. From competitive, polished rounds to ambitiously testing the inside lines in jump-offs (not always with the desired outcome!), it was a week full of growth, grit, and learning. Exactly what developing riders need.

Bridger Mae Bryson

Bridger brought both Quintessential (Quinn) and Calvada Oder Calypso.

  • After Quinn experienced a confidence wobble in Week 1, Bridger made the mature decision to step down a level and rebuild. Horse before course — always. The pair finished with multiple 2nd-place finishes. Quinn will now remain in California to enjoy a well-earned retirement within the family, transitioning to dressage.

  • Calypso stepped up to the 1.10m with beautiful rounds in Week 1. Week 2 brought desert heat and a bit too much enthusiasm from Calypso, but Bridger handled it with maturity and tact. They’ll head home to regroup and remind Calypso that steady wins the day.

Ivy Malman

Ivy spent the circuit developing her partnership with her new mount, Hungergame Des Forets (Peeta). Week 1 was a little shaky as they figured each other out, but Week 2 showed real progress — clear rounds and rosettes as their partnership solidified.

She also piloted Augusta’s own Thoroughbred to clear, competitive rounds and ribbons in the .80m and .85m divisions — showcasing versatility and feel.

Kayley Cassity & DSL Chiquitita

Augusta had the opportunity to ride Chiqui in Week 1, enjoying lovely clear rounds in the .90m and 1.00m.

Kayley joined for Week 2 but unfortunately took a fall on Day 1, resulting in a broken ankle. We’re wishing her a smooth recovery and can’t wait to see her back stronger than ever.

Ariel Duffy

Ariel brought Cicero’s Deern and Lego My Eggo.

  • On Cicero, she produced confident, polished rounds all week, finishing strong with an excellent 1.15m effort on the final day.

  • Lego My Eggo joined in Week 2 and claimed Reserve Champion in the .80m division.

A fantastic finish to the circuit!

A Season of New Heights

This circuit was about stepping up — new levels, new partnerships, new maturity in the ring. We’re incredibly proud of every rider for their resilience, horsemanship, and willingness to grow.

Now we head home to Utah for a short reset before returning to California in April — hungry, focused, and ready for more.

2026 is off to a powerful start.

Equine Digital
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