United States Eventing Association

Galway Downs Debuts Exciting New Amenities

Temecula, Calif., Nov. 2, 2016 - The flagship eventing competition of Galway Downs, premier Southern California equestrian and special events facility, is set to welcome riders to the 18th annual Galway Downs International this week. Major infrastructure improvements and amenities have been a priority for facility owner Ken Smith this year, and competitors will immediately notice the enhancements as they enter the park-like resort.

"Ken really wanted to enhance the Galway Downs experience, as well as give local non-equestrians more reasons to come out and enjoy themselves," said Event Organizer Robert Kellerhouse. "The new KenTina offers a great atmosphere, good food and live music on Friday nights. The wedding and special event facility is a beautiful option for those that want to plan a unique celebration. And there was a local wine tasting last month that was a huge hit," commented Kellerhouse.

Cross-country on the new derby field. Photo courtesy of Galway Downs.

"Of course, the horses are always a priority, and the new Bermuda grass footing in the derby field is maybe the biggest investment and addition. Everyone who has ridden on it so far is just raving about it," he continued. "(Course designer) Ian Stark borrowed a horse from my wife Erin to go out galloping around and he really seemed pleased with the quality of the footing."

Kellerhouse described the long anticipated improvements and expanded facility use as a win-win for the iconic premier event. "This has been amazing to see how much investment Ken has made, and has given us the opportunity to move the core of the event over to the area by the stabling and the grass show jumping arena. And then to be able to gallop cross country on the new grass polo and soccer fields," he explained. "It feels great to do more over on this side of the property."

Local rider and Olympian representing Canada, Hawley Bennett agreed with Kellerhouse about the facilities and new amenities. "It's really great. We rode in a jumper show last weekend here in the grass arena and it was awesome. The horses really handled the footing well, and their canter stride really seemed to open up," she said. "They have really done a lot of work here and it shows."

The Galway Downs International Event annually attracts top equestrians from across the nation. The FEI (international) level divisions of CCI3*, CCI2* and CCI1* give riders experience and qualifications to advance to the top of the sport. British Olympian Ian Stark, dubbed the 'Flying Scotsman', is known for designing challenging but safe courses that encourage bold, forward riding. In the national divisions, the ever-popular Training Three Day competition offers riders the opportunity to compete their horses in the 'classic format' of speed and endurance, building fitness and partnership in the all-important cross country phase.

Competition will get underway Thursday at 2 p.m. with the Training Three Day and Preliminary divisions dressage phase.

On Friday, there is action in all three disciplines. The international divisions will compete in dressage beginning with the CCI1* at 8:30 a.m. in Ring 2. The CCI2* riders will begin at 12:45 p.m. in Ring 1 with CCI3* to follow at 3:45 p.m. Show jumping for the national divisions is slated to start at 8:30 a.m. Friday, while Training Three Day competitors will tackle the Phase A of the cross country starting at 2 p.m.

International cross-country excitement begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, starting with the CCI1* followed by the CCI2* at 1 p.m., and the CCI3* at 2:30 p.m. The Training Three Day will culminate with show jumping at 3:30 p.m., contested in reverse order of standing to guarantee a thrilling finish.

Sunday, action takes place again in the beautiful grass arena with show jumping for the international divisions beginning at 10:00 A.M. with the CCI1* division. National divisions of Training and Novice will run cross-country from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

For results and ride times, click here.