November 15, 2008
Team Matrix Members Honored at Del Mar CDI World Cup Qualifier
Team Matrix had much to celebrate at this year's Del Mar CDI World Cup Qualifier, held Nov. 7-9 in Del Mar, California, and team members did it in style. Team Matrix member Steffen Peters nabbed the big wins in Grand Prix competition winning both the Grand Prix and the Freestyle and had the fun of being guest of honor at Saturday evening's dinner and dance, sponsored by the Mushroom Matrix and hosted by event organizer KP Events.
But Peters was not the only Team Matrix member on hand enjoying the weekend competition and Saturday party. Joining him were his wife and fellow Team Matrix member, Shannon Peters, and three other members of Team Matrix - Jennifer Hoffman, Elizabeth Ball and Sandra Burns-Gardner. And helping them party through the evening were Matrix Vice President Keith Manfred and Barron Hess.
Nearly 150 people enjoyed the hospitality of the Matrix at Saturday evening's event, which included award-winning wines from Quailhurst Vineyards, owned by the Matrix's own Dr. Marvin Hausman and his wife Deborah. Dinner guests were also treated to Matrix gift baskets and the entertainment came from Manfred himself who held his own mini-roast of Team Matrix members. Turning to Matrix couple Steffen and Shannon Peters, Manfred shared Shannon's comment on how the Matrix has not only helped her horses remain calmer but she as well.
"Shannon is a big fan of the Matrix and takes it herself all the time. She tells me it's helped her become calmer. I suppose Steffen can attest to that," Manfred joked. But all kidding aside, Manfred also used the spotlight to highlight the tremendous accomplishments Team Matrix members have had during the 2008 show season.
"We have some incredible riders here," Manfred said looking about the room at the five Team Matrix members. He used the evening to welcome newest member Elizabeth Ball to Team Matrix. Ball grew up in Northern California and relocated to Southern California about seven years ago in order to train with Guenther Seidel. In the past few years, she's had tremendous success as a trainer and competitor and is fast becoming one of the West Coast's top dressage competitors.
"Tonight, we're officially welcoming Liz to Team Matrix," Manfred said. "We're happy to have you as part of our family." Ball quickly discovered that being a member of Team Matrix means more than having a great sponsor, it also means having a good time. And that, Manfred said, is exactly what he wants for Team Matrix.
"Certainly, we want our Team Matrix members to help promote our Matrix nutritional supplements. But, we also want to make it fun to be a member of our team," he said. "We want people to enjoy being on the team and that means providing them with opportunities like this evening, where they can come together, relax and have some fun together."
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