Skip to content Skip to footer
Close

FAQ

GALWAY DOWNS EQUESTRIAN

Galway Downs Equestrian is the West Coast’s premiere equestrian competition facility. Its 242 acres host events in all three Olympic equestrian disciplines – eventing, dressage and show jumping – and competitions in other horseback riding styles. Plus, dog agility!

Visit our event calendar for descriptions, spectator and volunteer opportunities for each event.

Many equestrian events offer free general admission and parking. Several offer ticketed VIP opportunities. Check each event’s description on the calendar.

Galway Downs visitors will see horses up close in many places – both competing and while warming up. At our eventing competitions, this includes watching them tackle the cross-country course, where volunteers are positioned to guide you to safe viewing areas. Please ask permission of the horse’s handler before approaching any horse.

Yes! Many volunteer positions require zero previous horse experience and all are wonderful introductions to equestrian sports. Check the calendar for each event for volunteer opportunities.

Galway Downs is owned by Ken and Tina Smith. They purchased the property in 2010, saving it from likely housing development and transforming it into a venue now poised to host Olympic equestrian events. Read more about the Smiths here and about Galway Downs’ history here.

LA28 OLYMPICS

In June of 2024, the Los Angeles City Council proposed Galway Downs Equestrian as the site for LA28 Olympic Equestrian and Paralympic Para Equestrian competition. The Galway Downs team began working on this bid four years before the announcement. We expect a formal confirmation soon. Read about Galway Downs’ journey to Olympic host consideration here.

The entire LA28 Olympics will be held July 14-30, 2028. Watch LA28.org for the Equestrian and Para Equestrian schedule.

The United States Equestrian Federation determines the selection process. It starts many years in advance with various horse/rider development pipelines and close monitoring/advising of those with potential for Olympic consideration. Every country has their own process for selecting teams, and all prospects must meet minimum eligibility requirements.

THE SPORT OF "EVENTING"

There are three Olympic equestrian disciplines. They are called “Eventing,”
“Dressage” and “Show Jumping.” Eventing is an equestrian triathlon in which horse and rider compete across three distinct phases: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. It tests the
versatility, endurance, and skill of both the horse and rider.

1) Dressage: Riders perform a series of pre-determined movements (a “test”) in an arena. It evaluates the horse’s obedience, suppleness, and partnership with the rider. Like figure skating, horse and rider are evaluated for technical skill and artistry. 2) Cross-Country: Horse and rider navigate a course with a series of natural obstacles like logs, water, and banks within a set time limit. This phase tests the horse’s endurance, bravery, and athleticism. 3) Show Jumping: In an arena, horse and rider jump over a series of fences without knocking them down. This phase requires agility and accuracy, testing the horse’s stamina after the demanding cross-country phase.

Eventing uses a penalty-based scoring system. In each phase, penalties are added to a rider’s score: Dressage: Riders start with a perfect score and penalty points are subtracted for any deviations in the performance. Cross-Country: Penalties are added for refusals, run-outs, falls, and exceeding the time limit. Show Jumping: Penalties occur for knockdowns, refusals, and exceeding the time allowed. The competitor with the lowest total penalties across all phases wins.

Eventing levels range from introductory to advanced, including levels like Beginner Novice, Novice, Training, Preliminary, Intermediate, and Advanced. Internationally, eventing is categorized by star ratings, from 1* (Intro) to 5* (highest).

A 5-star event is the highest level of competition in eventing, involving the most challenging dressage tests, longest cross-country courses with the largest jumps, and toughest show jumping rounds. Examples include events at Badminton, Burghley, Kentucky, and Luhmühlen. Galway Downs hosts all levels up to 4-star.

Eventing horses must be versatile athletes with endurance, agility, and courage. Common breeds include Thoroughbreds, Irish Sport Horses, and Warmbloods, though many breeds can excel with proper training.

The United States Eventing Association is the national governing body for Eventing and has terrific information for those new to the sport.

THE SPORT OF "SHOW JUMPING"

Show Jumping is one of three Olympic equestrian disciplines. In an indoor or outdoor arena, show jumping contenders navigate a course of obstacles within a set time.

“Faults” are incurred by knocking down a rail, refusing to jump an obstacle, or exceeding the time limit. In the event of ties, a “jump-off” determines the final standings. The jump-off course is typically shorter, with higher fences and a tighter time allowed.

Levels range from cross-rail classes for beginners up to Olympic and World Championship competition with fence heights up to 5’ high and 6’ wide. The higher the level, the more the courses test horse and rider’s athletic abilities, agility and partnership with each other. International show jumping is governed by the FEI, (the Fédération Equestre International), which classifies events from CSI1* to the most difficult designation - CSI5*.

Horses with power, scope, speed and carefulness are ideal for show jumping. “Warmblood” breeds dominate the international show jumping ranks in modern sport.

Galway Downs hosts several weeks of show jumping competition. These are part of the Temecula Valley National horse shows organized by Nilforushan Equisport Events in the spring and fall. These competitions include “hunter” and “equitation” divisions which are judged on horse and rider form and style, respectively. Show jumping, hunters and equitation are held concurrently during these “hunter/jumper” competitions. The United States Equestrian Federation and the United States Hunter Jumper Association are great resources for show jumping information.

THE SPORT OF "DRESSAGE"

Dressage is one of three Olympic equestrian disciplines. “Dressage” is the French word for “train” and the sport originated as a method of preparing cavalry horses for battle. Today, dressage is used as a foundation for training any horse to work in a balanced, supple, rhythmic manner.

Riders perform a series of pre-determined movements, known as a “test,” in an arena – which is called a “court.” Judges evaluate the horse’s obedience, suppleness, and partnership with the rider. Like figure skating, horse and rider are evaluated for technical skill and artistry. Also like figure staking, the best make very difficult movements look easy!

Entry level dressage tests include simple walk and trot transitions, a 20-meter circle, changes of direction and staying on a straight center line. At the Olympic level, Grand Prix tests include “flying” changes of lead at the canter, the “piaffe” – trot in place – and “passage” -- an elevated, suspended trot -- and canter pirouettes. In the “Freestyle” Grand Prix, horse and rider perform highest difficulty movements choreographed to music and in a sequence of their choosing.

“Warmblood” breeds dominate the international dressage rankings in modern sport. Dressage, however, is considered a wonderful training foundation for any horse.

Galway Downs hosts three dressage competitions through the year as the Pacific Coast Dressage series, highlighted by an international “CDI” in May. The United States Dressage Federation offers great information.

DIRECTIONS

Click here for directions to Galway Downs Equestrian.

VIP EXPERIENCE

All-inclusive ringside catering, drinks and events.

LODGING

Check out our select variety of lodging options.

SPECTATORS

More information for visitors and spectators.

Smart
Waiver

Before coming to the venue, make sure to sign your smart waiver ahead of time!