About

Our Desert Home

With nearly 1.3 million square feet of competition and riding space, the Desert International Horse Park is one of the largest equestrian facilities in North America. Offering 15 weeks of world-class competition from October through March, the facility is a destination location for thousands of equestrians, their horses, family and friends for several months annually. Competitors from all over the world travel to Thermal, CA to not only compete but to enjoy everything the desert has to offer.

Surrounded by the beauty of picturesque mountains, the Desert International Horse Park 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 the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau claims, come #findyouroasis in the desert.

facility map

Our Team

Finding a fantastic team that puts horses first, while having a keen focus on the rider, trainer, owner, and sponsor experience, is a key aspect of our vision. Welcoming a mix of fresh and familiar faces, our goal is to bring in individuals who specialize in creating an excellent show experience.

Having just begun to make our vision a reality in August of 2019, we now have a core group of experts to kick our plans into gear. The Desert Horse Park International team continues to grow as we seek to achieve our goals for an excellent customer experience. This section will continue to grow as our desert team comes together.

work with us

Our Team

Steve Hankin

President & CEO

A horseman and a rider himself, Steve Hankin starts with a “horses first” philosophy when it comes to the horse park. He and his wife have been avid participants of the sport on both the East and West Coasts, and he is eager to transform the equestrian community on the West Coast for the better.

Chris Mayone

Corporate Sponsorship and Customer Experience

Anyone who has spent time showing horses in the desert has had the privilege of meeting Chris Mayone. From VIP hospitality to coordinating championship events such as the USEF Junior Hunter Championships, North American Youth Championships, Longines FEI Nations Cup™ and  Longines FEI World Cup™ qualifying events, Mayone has nearly two decades of experience under his belt.

Phil Devita

Show Manager

From boutique events on the West Coast, including Franktown Meadows and The Menlo Charity Horse Show, to decorated events on the East Coast, such as The American Royal and the popular series of CFHJA shows in Tampa, Phil DeVita brings a host of accolades and experience to the DIHP. He has also worn many other ‘hats’ in the sport, including as a competitor, course designer and judge.

Skyler Brittner

Stabling and Scheduling Manager

Skyler comes to DIHP as our Stabling and Scheduling Manager, bringing 15 years of equestrian experience with him. He has worked in various roles within the equestrian industry, including operations and management. Brittner approaches his work with horses first and is always aiming to create a fantastic show experience for our exhibitors.

Brett Waters

Show Office Manager

Known for customer service with a smile, Brett Waters comes to the desert with experience from some of the country’s top horse shows, including Devon Horse Show, Hampton Classic and The Vermont Summer Festival. Waters will lead a team of experienced office staff who have served customers in the Desert for many years

Ashley Keeler

Show Office Manager

Ashley has been in the horse industry for over 30 years as a trainer, rider, and as horse show staff. She has shown all over the country and earned USEF AO Hunter of the Year in 2006. Keeler’s experience in and out of the horse show arena help her understand all the details that go into a horse show and to better serve our exhibitors.

Announcements

The Grooms Showcase

Mar 21, 2021 | , , ,

For Immediate Release: THERMAL, Calif. – March 20, 2021 – An exciting evening kicked off with the Groom’s Class, where twenty-five grooms brought their favorite horses to the ring for a chance to win the $1,500 cash prize and the coveted title. The competition was...

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