Date: April 21 – May 8, 2016
Price: Daytime Shows – Free
Night Shows – $10-$19
Venue: Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Del Mar, CA 92014
858.792.4288
http://www.delmarnational.com/
For nearly three-quarters of a century, equestrian sports aficionados have marked their calendars each April and May for the Del Mar National Horse Show, held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in the beautiful seaside town of Del Mar, California.
The Del Mar National began in the mid-1940s as part of the annual San Diego County Fair, which occurs each June at the Fairgrounds. By the late 1970s, it had grown so large that it outgrew the confines of the county fair and became a separate event. Western and Hunter/Jumper competition comprised the then two-week show until the early 1990s, when the Dressage competition made its debut, adding a third week.
Each year the Del Mar National attracts more than 1,500 horses representing many breeds across three distinctly different disciplines. Spectators will see world-class performances in reining with its famous spins and sliding stops, elegant and athletic dressage moves choreographed to music, and nail-biting daredevil show jumping! Evening events feature trick riders, comedy acts, thrills and spills, and breed demonstrations, among many other exciting acts. The competition for prize money, trophies, and ribbons is fierce! Don’t miss out – come and join us!
Western Week – April 21-24
Four AQHA and PCQHA shows and NRHA classes are the hallmarks of Western Week.
The Del Mar National has challenged elite reining, pleasure, and trail horsemen for over 50 years. Inscribed with the names of Hall of Famers, our stunning perpetual trophies immortalize their achievements over the decades. Aspire to be among them and make your mark on history!
Dressage Week – April 28 – May 1
Many past Olympic, international and national champions will be on hand competing for the chance to represent our country.
Additionally, competitors have the opportunity for their scores to help qualify for:
2016 Official Qualifying Competition
2016 Olympic and 2017 World Cup Selection Trials
The Dutta Corp./USEF National Grand Prix & Intermediaire Championships
Adequan FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North
AGCO/USEF Junior & Young Rider National Dressage Championships
USEF Young Adult ‘Brentina Cup’ National Dressage Championships
Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage Championships
2016 USEF National Championships at both Grand Prix and Prix St. Georges
USEF National and International Young Horse Championships
USEF Developing Horse Championships and both the National and North American Junior and Young Rider Championships
Evening of Musical Freestyles, featuring Olympic and World Champion level horses and riders
The highlight of Dressage Week is the exquisite “Evening of Musical Freestyles” on Saturday night, April 30 at 7:00 PM.
Hunter/Jumper Week – May 3 – 8
On Friday, May 6 at 6:30 PM, the $25,000 Surfside Grand Prix presented by iJump Sports, will host as many as 65 riders horses and riders who will compete for the chance to ride in our must-see crown jewel, the $100,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar. Don’t miss the fast and furious, $5,000 Ride & Drive Classic, presented by Competitive Equestrian Magazine, that same night!
We are honored to offer special classes on both the Hunter and Jumper sides, the World Championship Hunter Rider and the North American Junior Young Rider Championship Selection Trial, and the prestigious North American Junior Young Rider Championship Selection Trial, a leading competition run under the rules of the FEI, allowing top young riders to test their skills against other top juniors.
