Thermal, Calif. – Oct. 7, 2021 – The Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) Fall and Winter schedule now includes three weeks of World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) competition, including the first event of the new competition year during Desert Holiday II in December.
“We are beyond thrilled to add two additional weeks of WCHR competition to our original one week held during Desert Circuit VIII,” said Steve Hankin, President and CEO of DIHP. “We have invested significantly in our hunter program and believe these additions will further raise the level of hunter competition here in the desert for many seasons to come.”
Expect to see top west coast hunter riders, including Nick Haness, pictured above, with the addition of WCHR Member Events in 2021 and 2022. Photo by ESI Photography.
In total, three WCHR Member Events will be held throughout the winter at the DIHP, allowing hunter riders to earn points toward National and Regional year-end awards and qualifications for events including the Capital Challenge Horse Show. In order to be eligible for WCHR National and Regional Awards, riders and owners must be enrolled in the WCHR program.
The final WCHR week in March also includes the second year of the $100,000 USHJA West Coast Hunter Spectacular, which premiered last year in the Grand Prix Arena on Saturday night of the final week of Desert Circuit.
WCHR Member Events span the following competition weeks:
• Desert Holiday II – December 8-12, 2021
• Desert Circuit IV – February 9-13, 2022
• Desert Circuit VIII – March 16-20, 2022, including the $100,000 USHJA West Coast Hunter Spectacular
The new December WCHR Member Event adds to the exciting competition program which includes the second week of CSI5*/CSI2* show jumping competition as well as the final leg of Major League Show Jumping in the brand-new grass arena at DIHP.