For nearly three-quarters of a century, equestrian sports aficionados have marked their calendars each April and May for the Del Mar National Horse Show, held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in the beautiful seaside town of Del Mar, California.
Each year the Del Mar National attracts more than 1,500 horses representing many breeds across three distinctly different disciplines - Western, Dressage, and Hunter/Jumper. Spectators will see world-class performances in reining with its famous spins and sliding stops, elegant and athletic dressage moves choreographed to music, and nail-biting daredevil show jumping! Evening events feature trick riders, comedy acts, thrills and spills, and breed demonstrations, among many other exciting acts. The competition for prize money, trophies, and ribbons is fierce! Don't miss out - come and join us!
Western Week: April 16-20
Western Week features four AQHA/PCQHA/NSBA Shows, a Youth State Qualifier Circuit and All-Around Awards, a PCHA Open Horse Show, and NRHA Classes. Unlike most horse shows today, the Del Mar National awards beautiful, traditional perpetual trophies. Western Week is back-to-back with the Double Feature Show where exhibitors can show in front of 12 AQHA judges in 11 days.
Relive the Wild West of the 1800’s at the Del Mar National Horse Show’s acclaimed Night of the Horse at 7 p.m. April 20. The show features a 36-horse drill team, an original 1860 Concord Stagecoach, cowboys and cowgirls showing off daring feats and tricks while riding, and more.
Dressage Week FEI CDI-W: April 25-28
Dressage week is both a National and International competition, offering official qualifying events for many USEF finals, including the National Grand Prix and Intermediaire, Young Adult, Young and Developing Horse Championships, as well as the National Junior/Young Rider Championships. Designated a 2020 World Cup Qualifying event, the Del Mar National is one of the most highly regarded dressage competitions in the US, consistently attracting the world’s finest horses and riders. Many riders note that the Del Mar National is among their favorite venues and they compete here year after year.
You needn’t be an expert in the sport of Dressage to be captivated by the Evening of Musical Freestyles at 7 p.m. April 27. Olympic, World and National Champions demonstrate the artistry, athleticism and awe-inspiring collaboration between horse and rider in a perfect display of strength and elegance set to music in a choreographed routine.
Hunter/Jumper Week FEI CSI3*: April 30-May 5
Hunter/Jumper week will feature Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) classes at this year’s show – a prestigious designation which tracks points for every registered rider from around the world. The new category level for the FEI classes is CS13*. In addition, world class horses and riders will vie for more than $300,000 in prize money. Competitors from throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico travel here to compete at the historic Del Mar National Horse Show.
Three rings accommodate a full roster of classes which features the $30,000 Surfside Grand Prix at 1 p.m. May 2 where horses and riders will compete to qualify for one of the 30 coveted spots in the prestigious $100,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar at 6:45 p.m. May 4.
Del Mar Fairgrounds 22nd DAA
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Del Mar, CA 92014
858-755-1161
info@delmarnational.com
Apr 16 - May 5, 2019
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday evenings are featured events
$15+
Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.
For the ultimate guide to planning your San Diego vacation, view and download the San Diego Visitor Planning Guide, packed with useful information that will help you plan the perfect San Diego getaway.