Del Mar International Horse Show coming this October

Exciting competition, world-class athletes, a fantastic setting and an incredible atmosphere are what San Diegans can expect at the Del Mar International Horse Show coming up in October.

This world-class equestrian show-jumping competition will take place Wednesday, Oct. 7 to Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, one of Southern California’s finest horse show venues.

Part of the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup Jumping North American League, the Del Mar International Horse Show is one of only seven World Cup qualifiers on the West Coast. Del Mar encompasses multiple weeks of the highest echelons of show jumping, showcasing the sport’s most elite competitors and providing spectators the chance to watch the best of the best in action.

Olympic veterans, world class Grand Prix riders and up-and-coming athletes make up the elite field of competitors at the Del Mar International Horse Show.

All participants work all year - competing at events such as Del Mar - to qualify for the finals, which will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2016. In addition to the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping, other specific competitions that will take place at October’s Del Mar include the 2015 GGT-Footing Grand Prix Series, sponsored by GGT-Footing; the 2015 PCHA/Equine Insurance Children’s/Adult Hunter and Jumper Championships; the 2015 Onondarka Medal Finals; and the 2015 Grand Prix Hunter Derby Final presented by Mark and Julie Hancock of Camelot Homes.

“We strive to deliver events that cater to top-level equestrians while also serving the needs of the amateurs, juniors and children who love and compete in our sport,” said Danielle Ballard, marketing and event manager for West Palms Event Management, which is coordinating the Del Mar competition.

The show’s setting provides easy access to a bounty of local amenities that spectators and participants alike can enjoy. The Del Mar Fairgrounds is minutes from San Diego and is near golden beaches, luxurious resorts and upscale shopping and dining. San Diego’s mild year-round climate is perfect for any equestrian event.

The event also supports important causes by hosting noteworthy fundraisers. The Del Mar Charity 1.50M presented by Davlyn Farms, which will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct 16, will include the “Saving Lives Two at a Time” fundraiser put on by Shelter to Soldier in the Arena Room. It will include silent and live auctions and live painting and music to support the charity, which works to match a newly adopted shelter dog that has been trained as an assistance dog with a veteran at no cost to the veteran.

In the Charity Woof Cup Challenge on Saturday Oct. 17, teams compete on behalf of noteworthy charities including Shelter to Soldier, Best Friends Animal Society, Compton JR. Posse, Wounded Warrior Project and Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation for Disabled Jockeys. Elite Grand Prix and celebrity riders, including Olympic veteran Will Simpson, international superstar Grand Prix rider Richard Spooner and the talented actress and equestrian athlete Kaley Cuoco will be paired with an agility dog and their handler to complete a relay course for their charity. Team sponsorships are available and will support the fundraising efforts.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy top international equestrian competition with all of the thrills, excitement and breathtaking action elite show jumping has to offer.

Spectators are welcome; additional information and tickets are available at jumpdelmar.com, or follow West Palms Events on Facebook. To find out about sponsorship opportunities, including the charity teams, email Danielle@WestPalmsEvents.com.

Source: DiscoverSD