Thermal, Calif. – Sept. 28, 2021 – In a first for California equestrians, Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) is thrilled to host two weeks of CSI5*/CSI2* competition with over $800,000 in prize money each week during the Desert Holiday circuit in December of 2021. Set to feature the first ever consecutive CSI5* events on the West Coast, the Desert Holiday circuit seeks to increase the level of FEI competition by bringing top athletes from across the nation. Entries are open now, so secure your spot to be a part of history!
The two CSI5* events will showcase the last two weeks of the Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) League inaugural 2021 season, including the season finale. During Week I of Desert Holiday, the $200,000 MLSJ Team Competition will be on Saturday evening, December 4th, under the lights in the new Grand Prix Arena. During Week II of Desert Holiday, the team competition will move to Desert Horse Park’s new grass arena, on Saturday, December 11th. Competitors and spectators alike will enjoy DIHP’s unparalleled hospitality while watching world-class athletes, including the DIHP Roadrunners, vie for the title.
In addition to the MLSJ competition, the CSI5* highlights for each week of the Desert Holiday circuit include:
- $36,000 1.45m Speed CSI5*
- $72,900 1.50m CSI5*
- $72,900 1.45m Winning Round CSI5*
- $200,000 Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) Team Competition
- $230,000 MLSJ 1.55m-1.60m Grand Prix CSI5*
Competitors of the CSI2* events will have the opportunity to compete alongside the nation’s top horse-and-rider combinations, many of whom are making their first trip to DIHP. DIHP has developed an exciting CSI2* lineup offering ranking points in each of the four classes during the two weeks of Desert Holiday. Highlights include:
- $9,100 1.40m Two Phase CSI2*
- $36,600 1.45m Speed CSI2*
- $36,600 1.45m Winning Round CSI2*
- $72,900 1.45m Grand Prix CSI2*
While the CSI5*/CSI2* competition will take center stage, DIHP has also expanded hunter, jumper and equitation programs to offer exciting competition for riders of all levels and ages. Other schedule highlights include the $25,000 National Grand Prix, $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, and a new $10,000 DIHP Equitation Pro Challenge.
In anticipation of the 18 weeks of upcoming high performance competition set to take place during the 2021/2022 show schedule, DIHP has been hard at work improving every aspect of the horse show, from the physical facility upgrades and quality hospitality to the increase in prize money and level of competition. Submit your entry today before space runs out!
Desert Holiday I
Stall reservations open Sept. 20 and must be completed by Nov. 1.
Entries close Nov. 15.
Desert Holiday II
Stall reservations open Sept. 20 and must be completed by Nov. 1.
Entries close Nov. 15.