United States Eventing Association

Get to Know Galway Downs Ahead of the 2025 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds

The countdown to the 2025 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds (AEC) is on, and we thought there was no better way to start getting excited than by getting to know this year’s venue a little bit better! For the first time ever, the AEC is heading off to Temecula, California, and will be hosted by Galway Downs! Here are a few fun facts about this stunning venue that hosts eventing, show jumping, dressage, and so much more.

Galway Downs sits on 242 acres in the heart of the Temecula Valley wine country. Originally opened in 1968 as the Rancho California Track and Training Center, Galway Downs began as a harness and Thoroughbred racehorse training facility nestled in what was once the vast Vail Cattle Company land. Over time, it evolved into a multifaceted equestrian venue after years of attempts at residential development—and a few brushes with bankruptcy.

The property’s name, “Galway Downs,” dates back to the 1980s when Irish restaurateur Fran Delaney owned it. Since then, it has become a staple in California’s equestrian landscape and a model of adaptive reuse, resilience, and reinvestment.

Key Milestones:

• 1980s–1990s: Venue hosts rodeos and other equestrian events, with noted racehorses like Silver Charm and John Henry believed to have trained here.
• 1998: Event organizer Robert Kellerhouse is brought in to launch eventing competitions, planting the seed for future national prominence.
• 2010: Ken and Tina Smith purchase the property, launching a long-term revitalization plan under the guiding principle: A Celebration of Life.

If you have never been to Galway Downs before, trust us—this is a venue you want to experience in person. The team who have built Galway over the years have spared no expense in creating a luxury equestrian experience for their competitors which includes over 500 fully-matted permanent stalls, 13 geotextile riding arenas, and 4+ miles of international-level cross-country tracks.

The venue itself is the permanent home of Galway Downs Eventing as well as Pacific Coast Dressage, and it hosts the Temecula Valley National hunter/jumper series put on by Nilforushan Equisport Events. Plus, there is always something fun going on at Galway from breed shows, dog agility competitions, Pony Club Rallies, and more!

Galway Downs is more than a competition venue: it’s a testament to the strength of community, thoughtful development, and enduring equestrian spirit. Located in the heart of Temecula wine country, it thrives today thanks to a collaboration of local advocates, equestrian leaders, and land stewards who recognized the importance of preserving and enhancing its role in the sport.

With deep historical roots and a clear vision for the future, Galway Downs is proud to welcome the 2025 USEA American Eventing Championships to its grounds this summer.

About the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC)

The USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds is the pinnacle of the sport at the national levels. Held annually, the best junior, adult amateur, and professional competitors gather to vie for national championship titles at every level from Starter to Advanced. This ultimate test of horse and rider draws hundreds of combinations from around the country to compete for fabulous prizes, a piece of the substantial prize money, and the chance to be named the National Champion at their respective levels. In fact, the 2021 AEC garnered over 1,000 entries and now stands as the largest eventing competition in North American history. The 2025 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds will be held on Aug. 26-31 at Galway Downs in Temecula, California. Click here to learn more about the USEA American Eventing Championships.

The USEA would like to thank Presenting Sponsor: Nutrena Feeds; Advanced Final Title Sponsor: Adequan; Platinum Level Sponsor: Bates Saddles, Horse & Country; Gold Level Sponsors: ARMA, PulseVet, Schneiders Saddlery, Standlee; and more!"