The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs are stacked with more reasons to ride than ever. And the new Diesel Relief Program rewards eligible Galway Downs supporters with a $50 per-ride credit to offset travel costs.
Set for Oct. 28-Nov. 1, the Championships offer new Short formats for the 3* and 4* levels and a new Intermediate level. “Team Challenges” for collegiate, high school and middle school eventers build momentum toward the inaugural USEA Western U.S. Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Eventing Championships at Galway in 2027.
The venue’s new 44,250-sf covered arena will be christened with festivities fit for Galway’s reputation as the place to be this fall.
The USEA Area VI Championships return to celebrate the region’s stars from Starter level on up. Five-star course designer Clayton Fredericks brings his worldly perspective to help upper-level pairs hone their partnerships. He’ll have fresh new fences, options and looks to work with thanks to expert builder Rob Mobley. And designer Alessandra Allen-Shinn continues to challenge and inspire 2* and 1* teams.
Cross-country’s grass expanses are growing, too, thanks to the ongoing and mutually beneficial partnership between Galway’s management and the soccer entities that share the space.
Diesel Relief Program
With fuel and related travel costs ever on the rise, the new Diesel Relief Program offers a $50-per ride credit for riders who have shown consistent support for Galway Downs throughout the year. The program is open to all – no application is required – and eligibility will be determined by information in Galway Downs’ existing database.
Click here for full details.
“We’re grateful for the continued support of our competitors and look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 Eventing Championships at Galway Downs,” said Galway Downs organizer Robert Kellerhouse. “Thank you, too, Taren Hoffos Eventing, Michelle Cameron-Donaldson, Southern California Equestrian Sports, and any future contributors toward this cause. Please contact us about programs available for those who are interested in sponsoring this effort.”
Short Stories
New Short formats at the 3* and 4* levels add development and qualifying opportunities for pairs throughout the region. “The sport is changing and we need more opportunities for riders out here to earn qualifications for moving up,” explained Kellerhouse. The CCI4*-S is also a qualifier for the U.S. Equestrian Open of Eventing in 2027. Adding an intermediate division also suits Galway’s ongoing efforts to meet the needs of its constituents. “This is 100% about the riders getting more opportunities out here,” Kellerhouse added.
5* Course Design Perspective
Australian Olympic eventer Clayton Fredericks began designing Galway’s upper-level cross-country courses in 2020. He lifted an already high bar set by Ian Stark and has continued to set horses and riders up for success with new challenges while maintaining the fair and educational tracks for which Galway is known. “Always in the forefront of my mind is that horses mostly go to Galway developing their career at 4*,” Fredericks stated. “I always approach it with a view of helping the riders develop their horses at the level and giving them a true feel for what they can expect moving onto championship level.”
As a former competitor and a course designer, Fredericks brings experience from around the eventing world to bear on Galway’s courses. His designation as designer for the Adelaide CCI5* in Australia adds highest level international experience to his perspective and tool kit. “Designing and assisting around the world – especially this busy year – gives me the opportunity to have a good understanding of what’s needed at that level – or really at all levels. It’s exciting to try to bring that experience to Galway and show it through the courses we’re going to produce.”
Team Challenges for Collegiate, High School & Middle School Eventers
A “Team Challenge” for collegiate, high school and middle school eventers jumps onto the Championships agenda this year. It’s a precursor to the inaugural Western U.S. Championships that will debut at Galway Downs Nov. 4-7 of 2027.
Competing as part of a team is a great experience for all student-age eventers. Especially at the collegiate level, team competition is viewed as a conduit for staying in the sport into adulthood. Plans for camaraderie and spirit-building festivities during the Galway Team Challenges are in the works now.
To participate in a Team Challenge at the upcoming Eventing Championships at Galway Downs, first submit your entry for the competition. Then, email Kim Goto at [email protected] with your team roster or ask to be placed on a “scramble” team if you are not yet on a team.
For general information on these programs, please visit the links below:
- USEA Intercollegiate Eventing (collegiate eventers)
- USEA Interscholastic Eventing (high school & middle school eventers)
Area VI Championships
The USEA Area VI Championship returns for its fourth year at Galway’s season finalé eventing tournament. “I’m feeling really good about this year,” said Area VI Chairman Andrea Pfeiffer. Over the past three years at Galway, the Championships have grown in popularity as an ideal opportunity to confirm and celebrate accomplishments at all levels.
Initially, the idea of a “Championships” may have intimidated some, Pfeiffer shared. But now it’s well known that distances, fence heights, etc, are the same for each level as they are throughout the season. Prize money, beautiful ribbons and the chance to shine on Galway’s international stage are exciting incentives. Qualification for the Area VI Championships simply requires completion of two events at the level, and it’s open to riders from any USEA Area.
“It’s great fun and everyone deserves the right to be in that spotlight,” Pfeiffer added. “We really appreciate Robert (Kellerhouse) and the Galway team. They do so much to make the Championships very special.”
The Grass is Growing
Creating a parklike setting continues to be a top priority for Galway Downs owners, Ken and Tina Smith. Their vision is reflected in hundreds of trees, lush landscaping and expansive grass stretches that look beautiful and have the traction and give needed for the sports they support – namely equestrian and soccer.
Managing Galway as an equestrian-focused multi-use facility enables long-term financial viability and funds the investments required to maintain a premier equestrian competition and training venue.
Soccer tournament manager Greg Ion is proud of the long-standing soccer-equestrian partnership. “We’re now in phase three of continuing to build out a better grass experience,” he explained of grass going in on Polo 3, the space inside Galway’s conditioning track. Whether or not Polo 3 is used for horse events, the new grass further reduces the amount of dirt – and dust – on the property and enhances the overall visitors’ experience.
Although common on the East Coast, grass cross-country tracks are rare in the West. They require careful maintenance, cooperation among the managers who use them and lots of water.
“We love equestrian and we truly want Robert Kellerhouse’s events to be successful,” Ion said. “We’re both running programs and we cooperate to make them successful. What we’re doing helps with the beautification of the whole property and that’s good for everybody.”
See You Soon!
Entries are open through October 13 for the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs. From the increasingly popular Starter level on up to CCI4*-L, the Championships offer something for every eventer in the region.
On top of challenging and educational competition in each phase of the sport, Galway Downs is famous for its fun festivities and great hospitality. The VIP Experience is a hot spot for competitors, owners, sponsors, guests and spectators. VIP Tent guests enjoy a full breakfast bar, carving station during lunch, refreshments, beer and wine. Here’s the link for VIP tickets.
More information:
Competitors – The Championships at Galway Downs
Spectators – Galway Downs Equestrian
