THERMAL, Calif. — October 4, 2026 — Desert International Horse Park is expanding its commitment to dressage on the West Coast of the United States with new competition, educational and competitor-focused programming surrounding the 2026 U Equestrian Open Dressage Final from November 12–15 in Thermal, Calif.
Designed to make the championship weekend a destination for dressage riders at every level—not only those competing in the international divisions—the expanded programming will bring together CDI competition, national competition, education and new opportunities for riders to participate throughout the weekend.
As part of that effort, Desert International Horse Park has partnered with equestrian event agency Entrigue to develop new programming and experiences around the Dressage Final. Among the additions are a special masterclass with Olympic medalist and 2026 FEI Dressage World Cup Final champion Becky Moody, as well as the inaugural Desert Dressage Pro-Am Tournament, sponsored by Four Winds Farm, offering cash prizes and a new team competition opportunity for national competitors.
DIHP is also making it easier for competitors to bring multiple horses to Thermal with special multi-horse stabling discounts, creating greater opportunities for riders to compete with additional horses and bring schooling and young horses to experience the world-class facilities and atmosphere at Desert International Horse Park. The expanded stabling incentives are part of DIHP’s broader effort to encourage participation across all levels of dressage and make the U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage Final weekend a destination for the entire dressage community.
“Bringing Becky Moody to Thermal is part of a much broader commitment to making Desert International Horse Park a premier destination for dressage competition, education and community,” said Matt Morrissey, General Manager, Desert International Horse Park. “We want riders to have more reasons to come to Thermal- not only to compete at the highest level, but to bring additional horses, participate in new programs, learn from some of the best in the sport and be part of an exciting weekend for dressage.”
BECKY MOODY TO HEADLINE NOVEMBER 14 MASTERCLASS
One of the weekend’s marquee educational events will take place Saturday, November 14th at 2 p.m., when British Olympic medalist and 2026 FEI Dressage World Cup Final champion Becky Moody leads a special masterclass at Desert International Horse Park.
The masterclass will be complimentary to attendees, expanding access to world-class dressage education for West Coast riders, trainers and fans. A limited number of premium VIP experiences will also be available for purchase.
Moody will work with selected horse-and-rider combinations representing different stages of training, giving spectators insight into her approach to developing horses from the foundational stages through Grand Prix.
The masterclass will lead into an evening of championship sport featuring the CDI5* Grand Prix Freestyle and the crowning of the 2026 U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage champion.
FROM HOME-BRED HORSE TO THE WORLD STAGE
Based in Yorkshire, England, Moody has established herself among the leading riders in international dressage alongside her home-bred gelding, Jagerbomb.
Moody made her Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where she and Jagerbomb helped Great Britain earn team bronze after Moody stepped into the British team from the traveling reserve position.
Their success has continued on the international stage. In 2026, Moody and Jagerbomb captured the FEI Dressage World Cup Final Championship in Fort Worth, Texas, producing a personal-best 88.330% in the Grand Prix Freestyle. In August, Moody represented Great Britain at the FEI World Championships in Aachen, helping the British team earn the silver medal.
Together with her sister Hannah, Moody operates Moody Dressage, their family-run training and breeding program in Yorkshire. Her journey with Jagerbomb, from breeding and developing him at home to competing together on the Olympic and championship stage, gives Moody a distinctive perspective on the long-term development of both horse and rider.
BUILDING DRESSAGE AT DESERT INTERNATIONAL HORSE PARK
The expanded 2026 programming reflects Desert International Horse Park’s continued investment in the growth, visibility and accessibility of dressage in the western United States.
The U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage Final will take place alongside a USDF and USEF national competition, allowing international and national riders to share the same destination while spectators experience multiple levels of the sport throughout the weekend.
Through its partnership with Entrigue, DIHP is also building on the growing demand for high-level dressage education and spectator experiences in California. Entrigue has produced and promoted international masterclasses in California featuring leading riders and trainers including Carl Hester, Ingrid Klimke and Isabell Werth.
“As demand for educational experiences continues to grow, the success of Entrigue’s masterclass series has demonstrated that riders and fans are eager for greater access to world-class expertise on the West Coast,” said Jeremy Smith, Managing Partner, Desert International Horse Park. “Our goal is to continue creating opportunities that elevate the sport while giving riders, owners and fans more reasons to make Thermal a destination for dressage.”
With international and national competition, the Becky Moody masterclass, the new Pro-Am Tournament, cash prizes, competitor stabling incentives and opportunities to bring additional horses all taking place during the same weekend, DIHP is developing the U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage Final into an experience that extends beyond championship competition to encompass education, participation and community.
U.S. EQUESTRIAN OPEN DRESSAGE FINAL WEEKEND
The U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage Final weekend will take place November 12–15, 2026, at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California.
Saturday, November 14 will feature the complimentary Becky Moody masterclass followed by an evening of top-level sport, including the CDI5* Grand Prix Freestyle and the crowning of the 2026 U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage champion.
The weekend will also feature the inaugural Desert Dressage Pro-Am Tournament, sponsored by Four Winds Dressage Farm, national competition and special stabling opportunities designed to encourage competitors to bring additional horses and experience the full weekend at Thermal.
For tickets, VIP experiences, competitor information, the schedule and additional details, visit deserthorsepark.com/desert-dressage.