Free General Admission!
More than 500 horses from across the country are coming to Galway Downs in Temecula Valley on August 27-31 to compete for national titles in the USEA American Eventing Championships, presented by Nutrena Feeds.
It’s the first time this prestigious national championship in the Olympic equestrian sport of “eventing” has been held at Galway Downs, a world-renowned equestrian venue. Rarely held in the West, the competition features cross-country, show jumping and dressage and will conclude with national titles earned by horse/rider pairs in every level of the sport.
All five days of breathtaking and heart-pounding action – Wednesday through Sunday –are open to the public with free general admission. Horse and rider pairs targeting the LA28 Olympics will contest the championship’s highest levels, while other divisions offer sneak peaks of future international sport stars along with amateur and young riders.
At any level of competition, Galway Downs provides an up-close view of the action and a beautiful, expansive property to roam while enjoying and learning about this exciting sport.
Gourmet coffee and food trucks are on site, and a shopping fair enhances the family-friendly experience of spending a day surrounded by beautiful horses.
What is the Equestrian Sport of Eventing?
“Eventing” is one of three Olympic equestrian sports – along with “Dressage” and “Show Jumping.” Often called an “equestrian triathlon,” eventing requires horse/rider pairs to complete three distinct phases: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Eventing tests the versatility, endurance, athleticism and skill of horse and human athlete – and, most importantly, the bond and partnership between them.
· Dressage: This test is a series of pre-determined movements in an arena. It evaluates the horse’s obedience, suppleness, and partnership with the rider. As in figure skating, horse and rider are evaluated for technical skill and artistry.
· Cross-Country: Horse and rider navigate a course of natural, fixed obstacles including logs, water complexes, ditches and banks while seeking to finish on an optimum time. This phase tests the horse’s endurance, bravery and athleticism.
· Show Jumping: In an arena, horse and rider jump over a series of fences without knocking them down and within a set time. This phase requires agility and accuracy, testing the horse’s stamina after the demanding cross-country phase.
What’s the Best Way to Watch?
Through every day of the Championships, multiple arenas will offer dressage and/or show jumping competition at various levels. Cross-country competition at various levels runs Thursday through Saturday, all starting at 7:30 a.m.
Competition highlights —
· Friday, August 29, starting at 7:30 a.m. Cross-country competition. (Register here for a free guided tour of the cross-country course and venue on Friday at 9 a.m. Registrants will receive tour details by email, plus 50% off one Galway Downs merchandise item and entry into a drawing for a free one-hour riding lesson with Galway Downs-based instructor Mackenzie Davison.)
· Saturday, August 30, 5 p.m. – Show jumping finals for Advanced and Intermediate divisions. This nail-biting final phase in the Grand Prix Arena will determine the 2025 Adequan® USEA Advanced National Champion title and who will take home the $60,000 prize purse! (Register here for a free guided tour of the venue and show jumping primer on Saturday at 4:00 pm. Registrants will receive tour details by email, plus 50% off one Galway Downs merchandise item and entry into a drawing for a free one-hour riding lesson with Galway Downs-based instructor Mackenzie Davison.)
Free General Admission
Spectators are welcome for all days and phases of competition at no charge. Parking is $15 per car.
Grandstand seating is available alongside the Grand Prix Arena. Shaded viewing areas are available near most competition areas. For cross-country competition, Galway Downs staff members or volunteers will share suggestions on a safe spot to watch the action.
Free Guided Tour Registration
Register here for one of two Free Guided Tours: Friday, August 29 at 9 a.m. for cross-country, or Saturday, August 30 at 4:30 p.m. for show jumping. (Registrants for either tour will receive tour details by email, plus 50% off one Galway Downs merchandise item and entry into a drawing for a free one-hour riding lesson with Galway Downs-based instructor Mackenzie Davison.)
Location: Galway Downs Equestrian is located at 38801 Los Corralitos Road. Please follow signs to EQUESTRIAN ENTRANCE and you will be directed to parking.
Schedule of Competition can be found here.
More information on Galway Downs: www.GalwayDownsEquestrian.com
Contact: Info@galwaydowns.com | 1 951 319 7750