Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) in Thermal, CA, has been selected as a host venue for one of eight Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifiers, extending from the 2024-2025 season through the 2027-2028 season as part of its North American League.
The North American League will make seven other stops in North America, including destinations across the United States and in Canada and Mexico. The stop at DIHP will take place during the winter season, as part of Desert Circuit, which spans January through March of each year.
“We have put endless effort into making DIHP the best facility it can be in order to host events of this caliber,” remarked Steve Hankin, President and CEO of DIHP. “We are thrilled to get to show off all the work we have done to this global audience and welcome riders, FEI World Cup™ personnel, spectators, sponsors, and show jumping hopefuls to take in all that we have to offer.”
The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifier at DIHP will take place during Desert Circuit 4 (January 29 through February 2) in 2025, at the CSI5* level along with a CSI2* division.
Opened in 2019, DIHP is one of the largest equestrian facilities in North America, at 239 acres and over 1.6 million square feet of competition and riding space. DIHP offers 18 weeks of world-class competition – spanning walk-trot classes through CSI-5* Jumping and all levels of dressage through CDI-W – from October through March.
Surrounded by the beauty of the picturesque San Juan mountains, DIHP is close to Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, La Quinta, Coachella and more unique places to discover. The area is known for its resort lifestyle with a selection of fine dining, art & film festivals, golf & tennis, outdoor adventures, and wonderful warm, dry weather in the winter months.
As a previous host of a Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifier, DIHP has undergone significant property improvements since its most recent hosting of the event in 2019. The investment in venue infrastructure of nearly $20 million over the last four years has been a carefully-considered expansion and enhancement to improve the experience for athletes and horses. The improvements have allowed the world’s top riders to call the property home for part or all of the winter season.
All 1.6 million square feet of all-weather footing has been installed in the past four years. The stabling has been enhanced so all horses have 12’x12′ stalls. Thousands of trees have been planted across the property and shade structures have been built at every arena for both horses and riders. There is a miles-long galloping track and extra schooling rings throughout the horse park. For spectators, sponsors, and athletes alike, a critically-acclaimed hospitality group provides VIP dining and experiences, including five food outlets.
The awarding of a Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifier fits well within DIHP’s mission to grow horse sport on the West Coast of the United States and provide equal opportunity to its riders and horsemen as exists on the East Coast.