Ponies | Desert International Horse Park

Desert International Horse Park Unveils Dates for 2021/2022 Season

Emily Randolph — Fri, 28 May 2021 14:06:42 +0000

Robust FEI Lineup Highlights Expanded Schedule

For Immediate Release:
THERMAL, Calif. – May 28, 2021 – After a record-breaking 2020/2021 season that presented safe and thrilling competition to riders from hunter/jumper, equitation, and dressage disciplines, Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) is excited to announce its preliminary schedule for the 2021/2022 season with eighteen weeks of competition planned.

Highlighted by an eight-week FEI show jumping program, multiple weeks of FEI World Cup™ Final qualifying dressage, and events celebrating hunters at every level, DIHP is primed for the coming season to be another overwhelming success. In preparation, work is nearing completion on a multi-million dollar investment in state-of-the-art footing and an all-new grass competition field at the facility.

Furthering its commitment to elevating the level of sport on the West Coast, DIHP has joined the highly anticipated Major League Show Jumping series and will offer two CSI5* events in December during the two weeks of Desert Holiday Series. The two events – which also include CSI2* offerings – will showcase innovative and exciting team competition, while debuting FEI five-star action in the desert.

Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) is excited to announce its preliminary schedule for the 2021/2022 season with eighteen weeks of competition planned. Photo © ESI Photography

“We are really excited about starting our third season. With many of our infrastructure improvements completed last year, the focus of construction this summer is improvements for horses and riders, including new footing for the Grand Prix Arena, an exciting new grass competition field, an additional schooling ring, and a greatly expanded bridle path,” said DIHP President and CEO Steve Hankin. “We are looking forward to the upcoming season being a true celebration of sport with multi-discipline competition spanning all levels. We can’t wait to welcome hunter, jumper, and dressage athletes back to the desert and to be a part of the new Major League Show Jumping series as its finale event.”

The hunter/jumper season schedule includes three major circuits – the two-week National Sunshine Series, the second year of Desert Holiday Series which will be two weeks this year, and the eight-week Desert Circuit. Both the National Sunshine Series and Desert Circuit will be preceded by two-week prep series.

To view the complete 2021/2022 show schedule, CLICK HERE.

Desert Circuit Highlights Include:
January – March

Five weeks of FEI, including a CSI4*
Three USHJA International Hunter Derbies
USHJA Hunter Spectacular
Ronnie Mutch Equitation Classic
Two WCHR Weeks (pending approval)
NAYC Zone 10 Qualifying Event
USHJA Gold Star Clinic (held during Desert Circuit Prep II)

Desert Holiday Highlights Include:
December

Host to Major League Show Jumping season finale
USHJA International Hunter Derby
WCHR Week during the second week of Desert Holiday (pending approval)

Major League Show Jumping Highlights Include:
December

Eight teams featuring Olympic gold medalists and up-and-coming stars in thrilling head-to-head competition
Debut of CSI5* competition at DIHP, with the Finale on the new grass field
Two weeks of CSI2* events

National Sunshine Series Highlights Include:
October | November

Unveiling of new grass competition field developed by 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games course designer Alan Wade
CSI3* during National Sunshine I
Regional USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship
NCEA Western Region Finals
CPHA Style of Riding Finals

Desert Dressage Highlights Include:
October | November | February

Dressage in the desert!
Two CDI-W FEI World Cup™ Final qualifying events
National dressage offerings during winter season

Dressage will once again return to DIHP during the 2021/2022 season. Photo © ESI Photography

Mark your calendars and spend the 2021/2022 competition season at DIHP! Official prize lists and entry information will be released this summer. Keep up to date with the news and updates on the National Sunshine Series and Major League Show Jumping events at the Desert International Horse Park by visiting Deserthorsepark.com.

To learn about sponsorship opportunities at DIHP, CLICK HERE.

About the Desert International Horse Park
With nearly 1.5 million square feet of competition and riding space, the Desert International Horse Park is one of the largest equestrian facilities in North America. Offering multiple weeks of world-class equestrian 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.

Desert Circuit Honors Year-End Circuit Champions

Emily Randolph — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 22:35:57 +0000

Ella Mauritzson and Kir Royale SCF, champions of the 1.20m Junior Jumper division. Photo © ESI Photography

For Immediate Release:

THERMAL, Calif. – March 29, 2021 – At the conclusion of a successful 2021 season at the Desert International Horse Park, overall circuit champions were honored for consistent top results throughout the 2021 Desert Circuit.

Hunter, jumper, equitation, and pony division leaders were crowned circuit champions after eight weeks of thrilling competition. A complete list of circuit champion results can be found HERE.

Rachel Gracia and Flecky 58, champions of the High Adult Jumper 18-35 division. Photo © ESI Photography

In addition to circuit champion awards, the Desert Circuit celebrated Great American Insurance Group Leading Riders in both hunter and jumper categories. After kicking off a winning circuit with a victory in the debut $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, sponsored by Platinum Performance, Nick Haness claimed the hunter title. In the jumper ranks, Nicky Galligan earned the top spot after closing the circuit on a high note with a win in the $250,000 FEI Grand Prix CSI4* 1.55m during the final week of competition.

Nick Haness aboard Morrison on his way to the 2021 American Insurance Group Leading Hunter Rider title at the Desert Circuit. Photo © ESI Photography

Both Haness and Galligan received a Human Touch® massage chair in honor of their achievements courtesy of a generous sponsorship from Human Touch®, the leading provider of high-performance massage chairs, ergonomic zero gravity recliners, and targeted massage products.

“It was an honor for us to be a part of the Desert Circuit and recognize these accomplished riders at the conclusion of a spectacular season,” said Dale Shepherd of Human Touch®. “Our massage chair innovations and wellness solutions were specifically designed with the needs of athletes, including equestrians, in mind. A special congratulations to both Nick and Nicky, and we are excited to see them enjoy their new Human Touch® massage chairs.”

Nicky Galligan riding Javas Miss Jordan, winner of the 2021 American Insurance Group Leading Jumper Rider title at the Desert Circuit. Photo © ESI Photography

Final Great American Insurance Group Leading Rider standings can be found HERE.

Keep up to date with the news and updates on the National Sunshine Series and Major League Show Jumping events at the Desert International Horse Park by visiting Deserthorsepark.com.

About the Desert International Horse Park
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 multiple weeks of world-class equestrian 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.

World Championship Hunter Rider Week Highlights

Emily Randolph — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 04:57:10 +0000

World Championship Hunter Rider Week Highlights

Katalina Considine-Rickard was awarded the highest score of the week with a 98 in the 3’6″ Junior Hunters.

For Immediate Release:

THERMAL, Calif. – March 21, 2021 – World Championship Hunter Rider week came to fruition on Sunday of the final week of Desert Circuit. After impressive rides in their respective divisions, the highest scoring riders were recognized for their efforts by USHJA with a plaque and a jacket. Additionally, final division championships were awarded to the top horses of the week. Before the feature class, the $250,000 FEI 1.55m CSI4*, the Parade of Champions recognized the full circuit division champions.

WCHR High Point Awards

3’6″ Junior Hunters – Katalina Considine-Rickard and Lenox RW scored a 98 in their division.

Paige Walkenbach

3’3″ Junior Hunters – Tztargazer ridden by Paige Walkenbach scored an 89.

Caroline Ingalls

3’6″ Amateur Owner High Score – Caroline Ingalls with Concerto earned a 90 score.

3’3″ Amateur Owner High Score – Ashley Weiman and Timeless Romance scored an 87.

Lauren Padilla

Pony Hunters – Buzzworthy and Lauren Padilla scored a 91.

Greyson Pacelli

3′ Children’s Hunter – Greyson Pacelli scored an 88 with his mount Labrinth.

3′ Adult Amateur Hunters – Samantha Sommers and Sambuca were awarded a score of 87.5 for their efforts.

Division Champions

A-O Hunter 18-35 3’3″

Champion – Timeless Romance and Ashley Weiman

Reserve Champion – Bees Knees and Hallie Williams

Chancellor, Soon to Be, and Christina Smith

A-O Hunter 35 & Over 3’3″

Champion – Chancellor and Christina Smith

Reserve Champion – Soon to Be and Christina Smith

Concerto and Caroline Ingalls

A-O Hunter 18-35 3’6″

Champion – Concerto and Caroline Ingalls

Reserve Champion – Antwerp and Alexis Meadows

Alexis Meadows Antwerp

A-O Hunter 36 & Over 3’6″

Champion – Galatic and Tonya Johnston

Reserve Champion – Uno Mas and Parris Cozart Collins

Adult Hunter 18-35

Champion – Academy Award and Hero Stevenson

Reserve Champion – Executive and Alex Maida

Adult Hunter 36-49

Champion – Roger That and Elizabeth Gallucci

Reserve Champion – Speechless and Glenda Monkarsh

Skyline and Kristi C Siam

Adult Hunter 50 & Over

Champion – Skyline and Kristi C Siam

Reserve Champion – Island Time and Kim Nelson

Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under 3’6″

Champion – Lennox RW and Katalina Considine-Rickard

Reserve Champion – Black Jack and Grace Russo

Large Junior Hunter 16-17 3’6″

Champion – For Fun and Brooke Rose Morin

Reserve Champion – Seaside and Augusta Iwasaki

Tztargazer and Paige Walkenbach

Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under 3’3″

Champion – Tztargazer and Paige Walkenbach

Reserve Champion – Belegravia and Lauren Little

Large Junior Hunter 16-17 3’3″

Champion – Gavroche and Javier Abad Barragan

Reserve Champion – Sawn Song and Savannah Pike

Katherine Simonds and Timon

Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under 3’3″

Champion – Katherine Simonds and Timon

Reserve Champion – Einstein and Aedan Mooney

Small Junior Hunter 16-17 3’3″

Champion – Casares and Nicole Wilson

Reserve Champion – Ever So Often and Ava Peck

Children’s Hunter 13 & Under

Champion – Luisant and Selma Eriksen

Reserve Champion – Labrinth and Grayson Pacelli

Children’s Hunter 14-17

Champion – Elvenstar Hans and Courtney Wlasiuk

Reserve Champion – October Road and Lola Sullivan

Large Pony Hunters

Champion – Childs Play Hot Topic and Emme Tangen

Reserve Champion – Bragging Rights and Emme Tangen

Medium Pony Hunters

Champion – Elite Hollywood Smoke and Sienna Smith

Reserve Champion – Farmore Good as Gold and Eloise Eisner

So Enchanted and Lauren Padilla

Small Pony Hunter

Champion – So Enchanted and Lauren Padilla

Reserve Champion – Picante and Sienna Smith

Whatdoyousay? and Evelyn Bay

Children’s Pony Hunter

Champion – Whatdoyousay? and Evelyn Bay

Reserve Champion – Kodak and Lillian Thomas

Desert International Horse Park looks forward to next season with new improvements, great prize money, and exciting competition. Can’t wait to #SeeYouInTheDesert in the Fall!

About the Desert International Horse Park

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 multiple weeks of world-class equestrian 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.

Roseboom Takes Top Honors in $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, sponsored by AIG

Emily Randolph — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:09:54 +0000

Roseboom Takes Top Honors in $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, sponsored by AIG

For Immediate Release:

THERMAL, Calif. – March 1, 2020 – Saturday welcomed the $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, sponsored by A IG, to Hunter Five as part of the Marshall & Sterling Insurance Hunter Derby Program at the Desert International Horse Park.

Shiloh Roseboom (Corona, CA) and Heavenly Patch of Blue take top honors in the $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, sponsored by AIG, with a combined score of 170.5. Tessa Buchanan (Pasadena, CA) and Elite Hollywood Smoke, owned by Katalina Considine-Rickard, received a combined score of 169 for a second place finish. Paige Walkenbach (Paradise Valley, AZ) piloted her own D’Artagnan to a third place finish with a combined score of 159.

Roseboom has ridden the 13-year-old Welsh Pony, owned by Enchantment Farms LLC, for six years. Anna, as she is known in the barn, has shown Roseboom the ropes through the Pony Hunter Divisions.

“My first show with Anna was here in Thermal. We competed in the Short Stirrup Division and after a few months, we did the Children’s Pony Division. I had a clean sweep so we went onto the Small Pony Division,” shared Roseboom.

The Derby featured a special set of ribbons and a cooler this year: “I really liked the cooler’s pretty colors and how all the ribbons had bright, neon colors; it was fun,” Roseboom noted.

The pair will wrap up Desert Circuit Week VI competing in the Small Pony Division. Roseboom will also compete in the Medium Pony Division and Equitation classes with her other mounts.

About the Desert International Horse Park