Buffini Returns, Seidel Surges: A Tight Finish at the Del Mar Affaire

In their first competition since last summer’s European circuit, Anna Buffini and Fiontini clinched the Grand Prix Freestyle win at the Del Mar Dressage Affaire with a score of 73.235%. A narrow margin separated Buffini from her longtime coach, Günter Seidel—just 0.155%.

A Smooth Return for Dressage’s Favorite ‘-inis’

It was a quiet class in sunny Southern California, with only four combinations entered in the freestyle. While eight riders completed the Grand Prix this weekend, the field split between Special and Freestyle divisions. This marks Buffini’s first appearance in a US Equestrian Open of Dressage qualifier, and her win earns her 20 points—putting her alongside three other riders tied in the standings. With only two West Coast qualifiers remaining, Buffini could still climb the leaderboard—but unless she plans to head East for additional shows, her path to the Finals may be limited.

Their final score of 73.235% this weekend marked a steady, if not spectacular, return. Although Fiontini boasts one of the highest personal bests in the field—an 83.410% earned earlier in her career under a previous rider—Buffini is still forging her own path with the 15-year-old Danish Warmblood mare.

Buffini acquired Fiontini in late 2021 but kept the mare largely out of the spotlight for the first two years of their partnership, focusing instead on building trust and fine-tuning the basics. It wasn’t until February 2024 that the pair made their international debut at the CDI3* in Del Mar, where they finished second in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special . The mare, a triple World Young Horse Champion, has passed through the hands of some of Europe’s most prolific male riders. In Buffini’s program, she’s found a quieter cadence—one that prioritizes partnership over pressure.

Sunday’s result gives them a strong foundation to build from this season. The test wasn’t without its quirks—most notably, a wide spread in the scoring for their extended canter. One judge awarded an 8, while others gave 5s and even 4s, suggesting a possible miscommunication or moment of misinterpretation. Still, the performance was enough for the win.

Seidel Shows His Hand

Günter Seidel and Equirelle posted a 73.080%, a marked improvement from their last US Equestrian Open outing, where they earned a 68.695%. This time, two judges—at H and C—actually placed Seidel in first, awarding him 74.200% and 75.175%, respectively. Those were the highest individual scores given in the class.

Their test was clean and cohesive, with no major weak spots. The 16-year-old KWPN mare looked relaxed and rideable, and the pair’s degree of difficulty averaged 9.16—just edging out Buffini’s 9.12—making a strong case that Seidel delivered the more technically ambitious ride of the day.

Standings Update

Canada’s Brittney Simpson and her mount Kartsevo Goldfinch placed third on a 72.010%, while Kristina Harrison-Antell and Finley rounded out the field with a 68.140%. The result brings both Simpson and Harrison-Antell to a tie for ninth place in the overall US Equestrian Open of Dressage standings, each sitting on 49 points.

What’s Next

While this weekend didn’t dramatically shake up the leaderboard, Seidel’s upward trajectory is one to watch. With only two more West Coast qualifiers remaining, his path to the Finals may require a few cross-country miles—but if he wins another qualifier and picks up additional points out East, he could position himself for a return trip to Thermal this fall.

Qualifier 13 takes place this Friday in Wellington, Florida, during the final week of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Tune in live to the USEF Network to watch the action unfold.