Eventing Championships At Galway Downs Draw Crowds Amid LA28 Bid

TEMECULA, CA—The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs were set to conclude Sunday, spurred by news of the venue's ongoing bid for the LA28 Olympic equestrian competition. The Championships began Wednesday, Oct. 30, and conclude Sunday, Nov. 3, at the location just east of Temecula, at 38801 Los Corrallitos Road. The event is free to spectators, though there is a $15 parking fee.

During the three-day eventing championship, the equestrian sport included in the Olympics is the triathlon of equestrian sports, according to a Galway Downs spokesperson in a recent news release.

In the first phase, dressage, the horse and rider complete a prescribed dressage test, which is like a compulsory figure staking performance. This phase tests the effectiveness of silent, often invisible, communication between horse and rider. On Saturday, the international divisions of the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs conclude with the third component, show jumping in the Grand Prix Arena. Fitness, stamina, and responsiveness are the tests here.

On Sunday, watch the horses and riders galloping over open terrain and jumping natural obstacles, including large logs, water complexes, mounds, brush fences, and ditches.

"The goal is to complete without jumping faults and within a set time. This phase tests courage, fitness, and athleticism," they said.

The Championships are the final major equestrian competition of the year, and the end goal of many of the sport’s top athletes. “This is really the highlight of our year,” notes professional equestrian and competitor Taren Hoffos of Ramona, California. “We put this on our calendar at the beginning of the year and always look forward to coming here.”

Having the chance to host events in LA28 puts Galway Downs in the public spotlight.

During Saturday's cross-country competition, spectators gathered for a “Bridle Brunch” on the banks of a challenging water complex as horses and riders splashed their way through.

Molly Duda, rider of Disco Traveler, a 15-year-old gelding, spoke on the energy.

“When everyone cheered for us, that gave us a little bit of extra energy,” said Duda. Duda is currently leading the highest division after safely navigating cross-country. “The horse and riders really feed off the energy the crowd provides.”

Galway Downs hosts equestrian competitions throughout the year. Spectators are welcome, and volunteer opportunities abound – even for those without equestrian experience.

For more information, please visit www.galwaydownsequestrian.com