The historic Del Mar National Horse Show (DMNHS) will hold its 72nd year of competition from Tuesday, April 18 – Sunday, May 7 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, in California. Known as one of the most prestigious equestrian competitions in the United States, the event brings together many of the most accomplished, athletic and revered riderand- horse teams competing for coveted trophies.
Western Week: 4/18-4/22
This week features traditional Western riding techniques such as barrel racing, trail skills and reining. The DMNHS hosts four (AQHA) and (PCQHA) shows, Youth State Qualifier Circuit and All- Around Awards, a PCHA Open Horse Show, and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA & NSBA) classes.
Night of the Horse: 7 p.m., Saturday, 4/22 is an equestrian theatrical showcase feature for the general public. This action-packed event is an equestrian variety show featuring unique and exciting top-notch entertainment! Performers include the One Arm Bandit, and Sylvia Zerbini, acclaimed star of Cavalia who will give a breathtaking At Liberty performance. A unique Di’a de los Muertos act will feature Charro Toma’s Garcilazo from Mexico City and his family demonstrating rope art and skilled horsemanship; and much more.
Dressage Week: 4/27-4/30
Designated as a 2018 World Cup Qualifying event, the Del Mar National/CDI-W continues to be one of the most highly regarded Dressage competitions in the US. Dressage showcases the natural beauty and grace of the horse, demonstrated as it executes a range of movements exhibiting great physical strength and unique partnership between horse and rider. DMNHS Dressage week is both a National and International competition and serves as a 2017 USEF Official Qualifying Competition for numerous national titles, including the National Grand Prix and Intermediaire I, Young Adult/‘Bretina Cup’, Young and Developing Horse Championships, as well as the National Junior/Young Rider Championships.
Evening of Musical Freestyles: 7 p.m., Saturday, 4/29
You needn’t be an expert in the sport of Dressage to be impressed and amazed by the competition during the Evening of Musical Freestyles. Olympic, World and National Champions demonstrate the exquisite artistry, athleticism and awe-inspiring collaboration between horse and rider in a perfect display of strength and elegance choreographed to music.
Hunter/Jumper Week: 5/2-5/7
World class horses and riders will vie for more than $300,000 in prize money this week. Three horse show rings will accommodate a full roster of classes including the $25,000 Surfside Grand Prix jumping event with horses and riders competing to qualify for the prestigious $100,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar.
$25,000 Surfside Grand Prix: 7 p.m., Friday, May 5
The $25,000 Surfside Grand Prix features horses and riders competing over challenging jumping courses for one of the 30 finalist spots in the $100,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar. Horses and riders will again set the bar very high – literally and figuratively – as they compete for the prestigious title and hefty paycheck of the $100,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar on a course also designed by Etter from Switzerland.
About the Del Mar Fairgrounds
The 22nd District Agricultural Association is a State of California agency that owns and operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Surfside Race Place, Horsepark Equestrian Center and the Del Mar Golf Center. For more information on the Del Mar Fairgrounds, visit www.delmarfairgrounds.com.