United States Eventing Association

With the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro just over the horizon, the Galway Downs International Event, on Oct. 29 - Nov. 1, is set to play an important role for riders from the United States and around the world. Galway Downs is one of the final CCI3* events in North America or Europe in 2015, making it a last chance this year for North American riders to qualify their horses for the 2016 Olympics.

"I expect that Galway Downs is going to be a very popular three-day event this year," said Robert Kellerhouse, the Galway Downs organizer. "Riders looking for a three-star qualifier here or in Europe before the end of the season are going to strongly consider coming to Galway Downs. It happened in 2011, which was only our second year of running the CCI3*, and I know that our reputation as a great event, with a great course and great weather, has only grown since then. So we're inviting riders from the East Coast and from Europe to come to enjoy California!"

A Galway Downs record entry of 29 horse and rider combinations is expected for the Olympic-qualifying CCI3* division. Several notable riders are making the trek west for this premier event. Phillip Dutton of Coatesville, Pa.- a two-time Olympic team gold medalist and the leading U.S. rider more than 10 times - has entered Fernhill Fugitive and Mr. Candyman. Joining him is Lauren Kieffer of Middleburg, Va., a member of the gold-medal team at the 2015 Pan Am Games and the leading lady rider in the U.S. in 2014; she has entered her Pan Am mount, Meadowbrook's Scarlett.

Other riders coming west this year include: Jacob Fletcher of Arkansas, last month's winner of the USEA Adequan Gold Cup Series Advanced division at the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships, is bringing two horses; experienced Australian competitor Kate Chadderton, who lives in Pennsylvania, has entered two horses; Canadian Olympian and 2015 Pan Am silver medalist Jessica Phoenix is bringing four horses. With the already topnotch level competitors currently residing on the West Coast, it is sure to be an outstanding weekend of highly competitive sport.

In addition to the CCI3*, horses and riders will contest the CCI2*, the CCI*, and the classic-format Training-level Three-Day event. Galway Downs is also hosting the USEA Young Event Horse West Coast Championships for 4- and 5-year-old horses whose riders hope they'll be the stars of tomorrow.

The CCI3* horses will perform their dressage tests on Friday, Oct. 30, and then they'll gallop around the spectator-friendly cross-country course, once again designed by British Olympian Ian Stark, on Saturday, Oct. 31. The event reaches its climax with the show jumping finals and awards on Sunday, Nov.1.

USEA Young Event Horse West Coast Championships will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 28, beginning with the 4-year-old dressage phase at 10 a.m.

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Enjoy DISCOUNTED tickets to the Galway Downs International Event as a USEA Member!

Don’t miss the Galway Downs International Event October 28-November 2 in Temecula, California. Top horse and rider combinations from North America will showcase their talents in the largest recorded CCI3* field the west coast has seen to date, in hopes of getting one step closer to securing a spot for themselves on the 2016 Olympic Team. Enjoy the Temecula Wine Country on a Halloween week full of fun for the whole family! Taste mouth-watering food, grab a drink and relax at the various course oases, dance to local bands, win prizes, show off your spirit in our Halloween contest, and shop till you drop in our vendor fair.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28 – Enjoy watching future stars with the West Coast USEA Young Event Horse Championship. Young Horses will be testing in Dressage, Conformation and Jumping. This day is FREE Admission!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 - Be on hand to watch the CCI Horse Inspection and Dressage for the Classic Format Training Three-Day.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 – Sit ringside and watch International Competitors perform their Dressage tests. In the afternoon take a break from Dressage and witness the heart of the sport in the Classic Format’s Training Three-Day, riders will compete in Cross-Country including Steeplechase on the Polo Field.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 - Enjoy the beauty of Galway Downs and the heart of the wine country at one of the Live Musical Beer & Wine Oases on course while watching horses and riders tackle Ian Stark’s challenging Cross Country Course. Watch the action as riders look to culminate their 2015 seasons with a top performance. Admission includes access to an extensive Trade Fair including mouth-watering food trucks, and drink stations.

SUNDAY, November 1 – Watch International Show Jumping as our 2015 champion’s are crowned.

With competitor’s performances during the weekend having a drastic impact on their 2016 Olympic Dreams, this is a weekend you don’t want to miss! Get your DISCOUNTED tickets today. Use the discount code “USEA” to reserve your General Admission or Patron’s Passes through October 27. Click Here to reserve your USEA DISCOUNTED Tickets! For more information visit www.galwaydowns.com