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.

Following weeks of work, all-new pavement and streetlights have been installed on all the main roads throughout the property. With the prior roadways completely stripped down and new surfaces being laid, attendees can enjoy a smoother, dust-free experience for your drive through the park.

The addition of abundant streetlights along the park’s roads brings greater visibility and safety after dark. Exhibitors heading out for early morning schooling, checking on horses late at night or walking back after the final class of the day will now have well-lit routes throughout the property.

These improvements are part of a broader vision for the future of equestrian sport in the Greater Palm Springs area. While the development of DIHP’s future home at Thermal Ranch represents an exciting new chapter for the region, DIHP’s ownership team remains committed to investing in the current Desert International Horse Park property and ensuring that it continues to offer a top-tier experience today.

To continue to see the latest updates on social media before they hit your inbox, follow Desert International Horse Park on Facebook and Instagram.

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

The 2026 NAL Finals are set to return Desert International Horse Park during National Sunshine Series 1, October 28 – November 1, 2026.

The 2026 NAL Finals lineup will include:

• $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

By popular demand, both the $10,000 1.15m Junior Jumper Final and the $10,000 1.15m Amateur Jumper Final will again take place under the lights of the Grand Prix Stadium! Last year’s finalists called competing under the lights “one of the most unforgettable experiences of the season,” and 2026 promises the same electric atmosphere.

To compete with the best in the West, first reserve your stalls at DesertHorsePark.com and then enter the NAL Finals classes online here. From those entered, the top combinations in the West Coast Standings will be accepted.

• 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.

Paddock waitlist registration is also now open here, and full-season RV reservations can be made here.

Additional key reservation dates include:

• August 15 – Entries and weekly stall, RV, paddock and VIP Palm Club reservations all open for National Sunshine Series. National Sunshine Series entries will close October 5.
• September 1 – Entries and weekly stall, RV, paddock and VIP Palm Club reservations all open for Desert Holiday.
• October 15 – Entries and weekly stall, RV, paddock and VIP Palm Club reservations all open for Desert Circuit.

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