DESERT HOLIDAY 1, presented by Morrow-Meadows Corporation

December 2-6, 2026
CSI5* and CSI2* / Major League Show Jumping
Premier Hunters / Level 6 Jumpers

• $750,000 CSI5* Coachella Cup Grand Prix, presented by Morrow-Meadows Corporation
• $200,000 CSI5* MLSJ Team Competition
• $181,000 CSI5* 1.55m Qualifier
• $62,500 CSI5* 1.45m Winning Round

CSI2* Highlights:

• •$62,500 CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix
• •$32,000 CSI2* 1.45m Qualifier
• Additional Highlights:
• •$30,000 1.40m Classic
• •$15,000 1.40m Speed
• •$30,000 USHJA International Derby (Grass Field)
• •$5,000 USHJA National Pony Hunter Derby
• •$15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Open
• •$15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Junior/Amateur
• •$20,000 Pro Eq Challenge
• •Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Final – West

• Reserve Your Stalls
• Purchase Palm Club Tables
• Secure an RV Space

NEW for 2026, National Sunshine Series will now offer a CSI3*, in addition to Level 6 Jumpers, Premier Hunters and a schedule full of exciting equitation finals, hunter championships and much more!

Photo by Brooke Marie Photography

Highlights of National Sunshine Series 1, to be held October 28-November 1 and presented by Kubota, include:

• $100,000 Kubota National Grand Prix w/ $5,000 Champion Shavings U25 Overlay
• $30,000 Marshall+Sterling Equine Insurance 1.45m Classic
• $30,000 RunAmok Horse Transportation 1.40m Classic
• $10,000 Visit Greater Palm Springs 1.35m Welcome Speed
• $15,000 1.35m Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships
• $25,000 1.45m Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby – Open (Grass Field)
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby – Junior/Amateur, presented by CWD Sellier  (Grass Field)
• $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunt & Go Derby, presented by Kickapoo Ponies
• 3′ Junior/Amateur Eq Challenge, presented by Butet Saumur Sellier
• $1,000 Fabbri .95m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic
• $2,000 1.0m Child/Adult Jumpers
• USHJA Amateur Hunter Championships
• USHJA Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic for Amateurs
• NAL Finals

Photo by Julie Ahn Photography

For National Sunshine Series 2, running November 4-8 and presented by Frank & Eileen, highlights include:

• $117,000 CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix, presented by Frank & Eileen
• $62,500 CSI3* 1.45m Qualifier, presented by Western Alliance Bank
• $32,000 CSI3* 1.45m Speed, presented by Brainwater 
• $30,000 Marshall+Sterling Equine Insurance 1.40m Classic
• $15,000 Perfect Products 1.40m
• $10,000 ShowMD 1.35m Welcome
• $10,000 Core Specialty Insurance 1.15m Junior/Amateur Mini Prix
• $75,000 Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championships (Grass Field)
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby – Open, presented by FOBI
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby – Junior/Amateur, presented by Andalusia Country Club
• $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunt & Go Derby, presented by Dever Golf Car Sales & Rentals
• USHJA Hunter Team Challenge
• USHJA Horse of the Year Awards – Zone 10
• CPHA Style of Riding Championship – South
• Onondarka Medal Final, presented by CWD Sellier 
• USEF/NCEA Junior Hunter Seat Medal Final – West

When entering, exhibitors are reminded to first make stall reservations on DesertHorsePark.com prior to entering on ShowGrounsdLive. Entries for National Sunshine Series will close on Monday, October 5.

Desert Holiday 1, running December 2-6, and Desert Holiday 2, to be held December 9-13, will feature back-to-back weeks of Major League Show Jumping action, the $20,000 Pro Eq Challenge, the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Final – West and much more.

Click here to access the current schedules, and keep reading for a list of featured highlights.

DESERT HOLIDAY 1, presented by Morrow-Meadows Corporation
December 2-6, 2026
CSI5* and CSI2* / Major League Show Jumping
Premier Hunters / Level 6 Jumpers

CSI5* Highlights:

• $750,000 CSI5* Coachella Cup Grand Prix, presented by Morrow-Meadows Corporation
• $200,000 CSI5* MLSJ Team Competition
• $181,000 CSI5* 1.55m Qualifier
• $62,500 CSI5* 1.45m Winning Round

CSI2* Highlights:

• $62,500 CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix
• $32,000 CSI2* 1.45m Qualifier

Additional Highlights:

• $30,000 1.40m Classic
• $15,000 1.40m Speed
• $30,000 USHJA International Derby (Grass Field)
• $5,000 USHJA National Pony Hunter Derby
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Open
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Junior/Amateur
• $20,000 Pro Eq Challenge
• Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Final – West

DESERT HOLIDAY 2, presented by La Quinta Resort & Club
December 9-13, 2026
CSI5* and CSI2* / Major League Show Jumping / WCHR
Premier Hunters / Level 6 Jumpers

CSI5* Highlights:

• $340,000 CSI5* Grand Prix, presented by La Quinta Resort & Club
• $200,000 CSI5* MLSJ Team Competition
• $181,000 CSI5* 1.55m Qualifier
• $62,500 CSI5* 1.45m Winning Round

CSI2* Highlights:

• $62,500 CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix
• $32,000 CSI2* 1.45m Qualifier

Additional Highlights:

• $30,000 1.40m Classic
• $15,000 1.40m Speed
• $20,000 Young Hunter Classic
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Open
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby –Junior/Amateur

Inside the prize list, you will find all the details you need on returning equitation finals and hunter championships, NEW FEI offerings and much more. Check out a few of the highlights below, and access the full prize list here.

NATIONAL SUNSHINE SERIES 1, presented by Kubota
October 28 – November 1, 2026
Premier Hunters / Level 6 Jumpers

• $100,000 Kubota National Grand Prix w/ $5,000 Champion Shavings U25 Overlay
• $30,000 1.40m Classic
• $10,000 1.35m Welcome
• $15,000 1.35m Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships
• $25,000 1.45m Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Open (Grass Field)
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Junior/Amateur (Grass Field)
• $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunt & Go Derby
• 3′ Junior/Amateur Eq Challenge, presented by Butet Saumur Sellier
• $1,000 .95m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic
• $2,000 1.0m Child/Adult Jumpers
• USHJA Amateur Hunter Championships
• USHJA Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic for Amateurs
• NAL Finals ($5,000 Children’s Hunter Final, $5,000 Adult Hunter Final, $10,000 1.15m Junior Jumper Final, $10,000 1.15m Amateur Jumper Final, $10,000 1.25m Junior/Amateur Jumper Final, $10,000 1.35m Junior/Amateur Jumper Final)

NATIONAL SUNSHINE SERIES 2, presented by Frank & Eileen
November 4-8, 2026
CSI3* / Premier Hunters / Level 6 Jumpers

• $117,000 CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix, presented by Frank & Eileen
• $62,500 CSI3* 1.45m Qualifier
• $32,000 CSI3* 1.45m Speed
• $15,000 1.40m Speed
• $30,000 1.40m Classic
• $10,000 1.35m Welcome
• $10,000 1.15m Junior/Amateur Mini Prix
• $75,000 Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championships (Grass Field)
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Open
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Junior/Amateur
• $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunt & Go Derby
• USHJA Hunter Team Challenge
• USHJA Horse of the Year Awards – Zone 10
• CPHA Style of Riding Championship – South
• Onondarka Medal Final, presented by CWD Sellier
• USEF/NCEA Junior Hunter Seat Medal Final – West

Note that the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Final – West previously held during National Sunshine Series 2 will now be held during Desert Holiday.

With returning championships and finals, NEW FEI offerings and much, much more, National Sunshine Series 1 — running October 28-November 1 — and National Sunshine Series 2 — to be held November 4-8 — are two weeks that you are not going to want to miss.

Click here to access the current schedules, and read on for featured highlights.

NATIONAL SUNSHINE SERIES 1
October 28 – November 1, 2026
Premier Hunters / Level 6 Jumpers

• $100,000 National Grand Prix w/ $5,000 U25 Overlay
• $30,000 1.45m Open Welcome
• $30,000 1.40m Classic
• $10,000 1.35m Welcome
• $15,000 1.35m Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships
• $25,000 1.45m Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Open (Grass Field)
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Junior/Amateur (Grass Field)
• $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunt & Go Derby
• 3′ Junior/Amateur Eq Challenge
• $1,000 .95m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic
• $2,000 1.0m Child/Adult Jumpers
• USHJA Amateur Hunter Championships
• USHJA Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic for Amateurs
• NAL Finals ($5,000 Children’s Hunter Final, $5,000 Adult Hunter Final, $10,000 1.15m Junior Jumper Final, $10,000 1.15m Amateur Jumper Final, $10,000 1.25m Junior/Amateur Jumper Final, $10,000 1.35m Junior/Amateur Jumper Final)

NATIONAL SUNSHINE SERIES 2
November 4-8, 2026
CSI3* / Premier Hunters / Level 6 Jumpers

• $117,000 CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix
• $62,500 CSI3* 1.45m Qualifier
• $32,000 CSI3* 1.45m Speed
• $30,000 1.40m Grand Prix
• $15,000 1.40m Classic
• $10,000 1.35m Welcome
• $10,000 1.15m Junior/Amateur Mini Prix
• $75,000 Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championships (Grass Field)
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Open
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Junior/Amateur
• $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunt & Go Derby
• USHJA Hunter Team Challenge
• USHJA Horse of the Year Awards – Zone 10
• CPHA Style of Riding Championship – South
• Onondarka Medal Final
• USEF/NCEA Junior Hunter Seat Medal Final – West

Note that the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Final – West previously held during National Sunshine Series 2 will now be held during Desert Holiday.

Featuring back-to-back weeks of Major League Show Jumping action, the $20,000 Pro Eq Challenge, the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Final – West, and much, much more, there is no place like the desert for the holidays.

DESERT HOLIDAY 1
December 2-6, 2026
CSI5* and CSI2* / Major League Show Jumping / Premier Hunters / Level 6 Jumpers

CSI5* Highlights:

• $750,000 CSI5* Coachella Cup Grand Prix
• $200,000 CSI5* MLSJ Team Competition
• $181,000 CSI5* 1.55m Qualifier
• $62,500 CSI5* 1.45m Winning Round

CSI2* Highlights:

• $62,500 CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix
• $32,000 CSI2* 1.45m Qualifier

Additional Highlights:

• $30,000 1.40m Classic
• $15,000 1.40m Speed
• $30,000 USHJA International Derby (Grass Field)
• $5,000 USHJA National Pony Hunter Derby
• $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Open
• $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Junior/Amateur
• $20,000 Pro Eq Challenge
• Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Final – West

DESERT HOLIDAY 2
December 9-13, 2026
CSI5* and CSI2* / Major League Show Jumping / Premier Hunters / Level 6 Jumpers

CSI5* Highlights:

• $340,000 CSI5* Grand Prix
• $200,000 CSI5* MLSJ Team Competition
• $181,000 CSI5* 1.55m Qualifier
• $62,500 CSI5* 1.45m Winning Round

CSI2* Highlights:

• $62,500 CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix
• $32,000 CSI2* 1.45m Qualifier

Additional Highlights:

• $30,000 1.40m Classic
• $15,000 1.40m Speed
• $20,000 Young Hunter Classic
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Open
• $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Junior/Amateur

Copeland was one of 34 entries to contest the revered class at Desert Circuit 9, presented by Marshall+Sterling, and the 17-year-old from Clyde Hill, Wash., quickly took over the top of the leaderboard with a first-round score of 169.

Molly Copeland and S&L Playtime. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

Following the unique format of the class, Copeland’s first-round score included scores from the two judging panels of 85 and 82, as well as two additional points from a third panel in the schooling ring.

All competitors are not allowed to communicate with their trainers at any point during the class, so it is up to the junior riders to determine their best courses of action – both in the arena and as they warm-up. The schooling ring panel may add or subtract up to two points based on their observations prior to the rider entering the show ring.

Molly Copeland received a new Butet saddle as the winner of the R.W. Mutch Equitation Championship, sponsored by Butet. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

With those maximum bonus points earned, Copeland and her winning mount, S&L Playtime, led the way heading into round two under the lights of the Grand Prix Stadium. For the second phase, the top 12 were invited back in reverse order of their standings to tackle a technical, jumper-style course, designed by Archer Bailey.

“The first-round course, when I saw it the first time, I was a little nervous,” said Copeland. “It asked a lot of very challenging questions. Going into the second round, I had high hopes in my horse, knowing he is good under the lights. I know I have reliable friends as well competing in the challenge. So, I really could rely on them if I needed guidance on, ‘Should I do an inside turn? Should I not?’ I think we both executed it perfectly. [S&L Playtime] is such a cool guy, so having him to compete with was easy breezy.”

Molly Copeland and S&L Playtime. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

With S&L Playtime on her side, Copeland again delivered, this time earning dual scores of 84 in the second round for an overall, winning total score of 337. Second place with a total score of 327 went to Lauren Padilla and Georgetown, and Brooke O’Malley and Quijote took third place on a score of 326.

“I don’t think words can describe [how it feels to win],” said Copeland, who trains with Parkside Stables. “I’m just so grateful for the grooms, my family, my friends, everyone who competed in the Ronnie Mutch who supported me and was with me each step. I’m most grateful for my horse.”

Copeland has been partnered with her 9-year-old Zangersheide for the past year and has nothing but positive things to say about the gelding.

“He was with me each step,” said Copeland. “I didn’t feel anxious for a second in the ring. I stepped in confident knowing I am well-mounted, and I think he did a great job.”

Also recognized on Saturday evening as an exceptional horse was Piper Kulkin’s ride, Halouet. The 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood was presented with the Purina Best Equitation Horse Award. Receiving the Best Turned Out Horse and Groom’s Award was Kipling, ridden by Bella Liu. For full results from the R.W. Mutch Equitation Championship, sponsored by Butet, click here.

Kathryn and Lauren Padilla were presented as the winners of the Barnstyle 3′ Team Equitation Classic. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

The uniquely formatted class requires that one rider jumps a course of gymnastic exercises, following which the second teammate jumps a traditional, equitation-style course. For Saturday’s victory, Kathryn Padilla took on the gymnastics course aboard Georgetown, and Lauren Padilla rode Classified over the equitation course.

Kathryn Padilla and Georgetown, owned by Highland Farm LLC, started things off strong for the duo, earning a score of 87.

Lauren Padilla and Classified. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

“My horse is really good at gymnastics, so we knew he could do it,” said Kathryn Padilla of the 8-year-old Hanoverian gelding. “I really liked the turns because my horse is really good at landing the leads, so I knew I could do some inside turns.”

Following Kathryn Padilla, Lauren Padilla and Classified then kept the momentum going, and they earned a score of 91 over the equitation course.

“I did my green equitation horse that we have been bringing along for about year now,” said Lauren Padilla of her 8-year-old Oldenburg gelding. “I just wanted to give him a good, confident round and be consistent throughout the jumps.”

Kathryn Padilla and Georgetown. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

With a total score of 178, the Padilla sisters clinched the win. Finishing in second with scores of 90 and 86 for a 176 total were Jamie Sailor on Alleto and Hailey Eynon and Castelino 5. Third place with a score of 165 (84+81) were the team of Denim Schneider on Inkell and Addison Cheney on Jelly Roll.

“I think it’s a great type of class to be able to go against the professionals and then also let the juniors have fun with the professionals or if you want to do a junior/junior or amateur/amateur situation, you can all collaborate together,” concluded Lauren Padilla, who trains with Paige Dendiu. “It’s just a really fun class!”

For full results of the Barnstyle 3’ Team Equitation Classic, click here.

A field of 24 professionals contested the class at Desert Holiday 1, with the top 12 returning for a second round. From there, the field was further narrowed down to the top four for a horse swap and additional testing on each rider’s new mount.

Skylar Wireman and Crunch K. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

“This class is so fun because, as pros, we don’t get a chance to do [the equitation],” said Wireman. “I did get to do some of the eq classes this year because I was still under 21…but once you’re over 21, there are really no equitation classes. It’s fun because sometimes the pros have either a younger horse or they’ll take one of their kid’s made equitation horses and kind of go have fun. I love doing them. Certainly, there is good camaraderie around it; we’re all having fun.”

With Crunch K, Wireman led the way from beginning to end. Her first round in the Main Hunter Ring earned her an impressive score of 92, and she coupled that with a second-round score of 88 for 180 total, putting her in the top spot coming back for the final test.

Joining Wireman for the work-off were Marisa Metzger, Andrew Jayne and Halie Robinson. For the shortened course, Wireman was assigned Jayne’s mount, Leica.

“[Leica] is a little bit newer to the equitation,” said Wireman. “It was also a jumper. So, we were both kind of laughing. We both had big horses with huge strides, and they were ex jumpers. So, we just thought it was kind of funny. It was a super fun horse to ride. I had a great time.”

Skylar Wireman and Crunch K in their winning presentation. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

Coming into the test, Wireman had the lead by an eight-point margin, and she held on to that top spot for the victory. Finishing in second place were Metzger and Cornetaro; Jayne and Leica took home third, and Robinson and Lifetime finished in fourth.

“I just want to say thank you to MJ and Todd for letting me always keep riding Crunch,” concluded Wireman. Crunch has been doing the eq for awhile, and I’ve always loved riding him. I can really rely on him whether it’s spooky or the turns on the test, he can do all of it. Knowing that I have every trick in my back pocket is a nice feeling. That was kind of why I chose to do him – and he’s beautiful and elegant.”

To learn more about all competition at Desert International Horse Park, visit deserthorsepark.com.