Burbank, CA – As summer heat sweeps the rest of the nation, West Coast dressage riders will keep their cool this weekend with a party atmosphere during this year's Cool August Nights show, to be held August 25-28, 2011, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, CA. Featuring the popular Cornerstone Open and Amateur Championships Sponsored by Markel Insurance, the actual competition will nevertheless be hot as horses and riders who have pursued qualifying scores at all levels from Training to FEI since December will vie for fabulous championship prizes provided by Markel Insurance. Also featured during the weekend's competition will be the Los Angeles Breeders Classic, with a full roster of dressage sport horse breeding classes on Sunday, August 28. This Breeders Classic is a qualifying event for the Great American/USDF Breeders Championship West Coast Series.

The highlight of Cool August Nights will be "Dressage Goes To The Beach", a special evening of entertainment, live music, and dinner on Friday, August 26 beginning at 7pm with activities for all ages. In addition to the always-popular dressage musical freestyles, the evening will also feature World Champion Frisbee Dogs, the Dynamitic Rainbow Riders Drill Team, Parade of Champions, and a silent auction to benefit California hopefuls competing for a spot on the U.S. Pan American Games Team.

Another popular feature of this weekend's competition will be the return of “The Retreat”, a special hospitality area for exhibitors sponsored by the Lisa Seger Equine Insurance Agency. This lounge area will once again offer complimentary refreshments and an opportunity for riders, owners, and grooms to check scores, socialize, and utilize free Wi-Fi service. Additionally, the Lisa Seger Equine Insurance Agency will host "The Endless Summer Party" at the Retreat, complete with music and dancing, to be held Friday, August 26, immediately following the evening's show program (approximately 9:30pm).

General admission tickets for "Dressage Goes To The Beach" during Cool August Nights are available at the door for $10 per person. Doors open at 6pm. Reserved ringside tables and individual dinners are also available. For ticket and reservation information, please contact Cornerstone Event Management, (818) 841-3554. Complete time schedules for each day of competition are available at www.cornerstonedressage.com.  

Cornerstone Event Management is your resource for premier dressage events in California. For more information, including news, show calendars, prize lists, entry forms, schedules, and results, visit Cornerstone Event Management on Facebook or visit www.cornerstonedressage.com.