2028 Olympics: Equestrian Competition Still Planned For Temecula Area

TEMECULA, CA — "In every way," Galway Downs, just outside Temecula city limits, is a world-class venue, ideally suited to host the 2028 Olympic equestrian events, according to several lawmakers from Riverside County.

In a letter Tuesday, six lawmakers sent a unified message to the Los Angeles City Council and the International Olympic Committee, expressing strong support for the council's recent decision to include Galway Downs as the proposed venue for equestrian events during the 2028 Summer Games.

The letter was signed by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Temecula; Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona; Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington; Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez, R-Murrieta; state Sen. Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta; and Temecula City Councilman Matt Rahn.

"In every way, this international destination for the disciplines of dressage, eventing and jumping is the ideal location for the equine activities," according to the April 8 letter.

"Equine culture has especially deep roots in the Temecula Valley, and the Southern California community has prepared for years to amplify and sustain the momentum generated by the tourism, viewership and celebration that comes with hosting the Olympic Games," the letter states. "Temecula, Riverside County and the region have also made the community commitment and long-term investment in equestrian sports that will leave a lasting legacy that honors the Olympic movement."

The correspondence was in response to the Los Angeles City Council's unanimous vote on March 28 to add Galway Downs to the "Venues Plan" for equine contests scheduled during the 2028 Games, as well as the jointly held Paralympic Games. Los Angeles is the host city for the 2028 Games.

The letter was addressed to Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, and Los Angeles Paralympic Organizing Committee Chairman Casey Wasserman.

"The choice of Temecula presents unique advantages in that it is the only equestrian venue in the greater Los Angeles region with the existing infrastructure to accommodate all equestrian disciplines, including a full-length cross-country course," the letter said. "The leadership at Galway Downs and this region are ready to showcase Temecula Valley to the world through these events, growing the Olympic experience and building upon the Los Angeles base."

The Olympic equestrian and para-equestrian 2028 competitions were expected to be held in the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area in Los Angeles County, but are now targeted for Galway Downs. In a cryptic June 21, 2024, press release, the Olympic organizing committee known as LA28 announced the equestrian portion of the Games would move to "an exceptional existing facility in Temecula, CA, that is the only such facility in Southern California large enough to accommodate all required disciplines in one location."

It was later confirmed that Galway Downs was the proposed spot.

The Riverside County leaders hope they can secure final approval on the proposal.

"We urge your continued endorsement of Galway Downs as the venue of choice for LA28’s equestrian events," the April 8 letter concludes.

Equestrian competition comprises three disciplines at the Olympic Games — dressage, show jumping and eventing — with men and women competing on equal terms.

With its size and existing infrastructure, Galway Downs can host them all.

The nearly 250-acre equestrian facility situated just east of Temecula Wine Country is studded by oak trees and offers expansive open-space views. Tucked away off 79 South at 38801 Los Corralitos Road, the venue features 400 permanent horse stalls, a 1-mile race track, a 5/8-mile training track, 14 competition arenas, 15 miles of riding trails, 49 RV hook-ups and other amenities.

Events are held at Galway Downs year-round.