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.
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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.