DEL MAR, California, April 19, 2026–Steffen Peters and Blue Hors Zirrus won the CDI3* Grand Prix Special Sunday for the rider’s first Big Tour double victory in two years.
Steffen, a six-time Olympian of San Diego, and the 14-year-old Oldenburg stallion scored 69.383% for the win a day after capturing the Grand Prix in the second competition for the duo after a break of more than a year from the show ring. His last double victory was on Suppenkasper at these same show grounds in April, 2024.
“Zirrus felt fantastic today and gave me such a great ride,” Steffen told DRESSAGE-NEWS.com. “We had a small mistake in the two-tempis, but the piaffe and passage were clearly improved and really encouraging. That one moment probably kept us just shy of the 70% mark, which we know is an important benchmark internationally—but there’s so much to build on here.
“What made this show truly special was the overall picture: Sir Ruffo winning the CDI St. Georges and Intermediate I, and Zirrus taking both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special. Results aside, it meant far more to feel both horses working with genuine cooperation and willingness—not just submission. That kind of partnership in the arena is everything.
“Feeling horses fight for you out there is what it’s all about. I’m incredibly grateful to Team Arroyo, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you to Lezlie O’Neal, owner of Sir Ruffo, and the entire Vinios family for giving me the opportunity to step back into the Grand Prix arena.”
Scores were mixed among the five international judges for the top three combinations.
Steffen was placed first by four judges, including 71.064% from Anne Gribbons of the U.S., the only score of 70% in the entire competition. British judge Peter Storr gave a mark of 68.085% and third place.
Jaclyn Pepper-Millard on Limited Edition of Santa Rosa, California on the American-bred 10-year-old mare Limited Edition placed third overall on a personal best 67.383%. Peter Storr placed the pair first on 69.681% while Frederico Pinteus of Portugal awarded 64.362% for fourth.
Steffen also made it a Small Tour double on Sir Ruffo winning both the CDI Prix St. Georges and Intermediate 1.
Results:
| Rank | Competitor | Score | E | H | C | M | B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Steffen Peters (USA) Blue Hors Zirrus | 69.383% | 69.043 | 69.255 | 71.064 | 69.468 | 68.085 |
| 2. | Günter Seidel (USA) Jack | 68.191% | 68.191 | 67.979 | 68.404 | 67.766 | 68.617 |
| 3. | Jaclyn Pepper-Millard (USA) Limited Edition | 67.383% | 66.915 | 64.362 | 67.766 | 68.191 | 69.681 |
| 4. | Erin Silo (CAN) Jett | 65.979% | 65.638 | 67.021 | 65.319 | 65.532 | 66.383 |
| 5. | Brittney Eastgate (CAN) Kartsevo Goldfinch | 63.234% | 62.447 | 63.191 | 63.404 | 62.979 | 64.149 |
 Find details on Equestrian Hub |
