Horseback Riders of all skill levels from around the country will showcase their dressage skills during an annual competition, the "Dressage Affaire," that runs through Sunday at the Del Mar Horsepark. This event highlights the skill of both rider and horse as they perform complex maneuvers in response to the rider's barely perceptible movements.  While most of the competitions are open to the public at no cost, it costs $5 per person to attend the musical freestyle performances that begin at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. For $60 you can purchase tickets to the  champagne breakfast which is served at 10 a.m. on Sunday.  The breakfast has limited space available so you need to get your reservations in quickly. Throughout the weekend, competitors will vie for commemorative plaques or ribbons as they subtly guide their horses to execute graceful and controlled movements, including the rein-back, a backward movement where the horse is supposed to step evenly with front and hind legs; and the more advanced half-pass that requires the horse to move at a slant or diagonally. The maneuvers have been described as - dancing with horses.  Competitors in this equestrian sport can spend a lifetime perfecting their skills. The event is organized by the California Dressage Society's San Diego chapter. In addition, the event gives some riders the chance to qualify for the Pan American Games and the United States Equestrian Federation's national competition. During the event  riders with various skill levels will be trying out for the equestrian federation's national competitions on Friday and Saturday afternoons in the covered arena. Watching the strong connection between rider and horse is what makes dressage so special. The event takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Saturday and from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Del Mar Horsepark, at 14550 El Camino Real in Del Mar.