Pulse-racing Del Mar National Horse Show in San Diego

In its 67th year, the 2012 Del Mar National Horse Show will run Thursday, April 19, through Sunday, May 6, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Arena. The Del Mar National Horse Show continues to be among the most respected, distinguished and popular equestrian events on the West Coast. Consisting of three distinctly different equestrian disciplines – Western, Dressage, and Hunter/Jumper – the Del Mar National represents the best in competitive opportunities for serious and world-class equestrians and is unrivaled in its entertainment appeal for everyone.

Western Week runs April 19-22, Dressage Week is April 26-29, and Hunter/Jumper Week concludes the show May 1-6.

Western Week

Each week of competition features its own signature Saturday night event: During Western Week, the”Night of the Horse” on Saturday, April 21, promises an evening full of action, celebrities, color and top-notch entertainment. A variety of equestrian disciplines will demonstrate the theme of the evening, “Why We Love Horses.” Bo Derek, actress and talented horsewoman, will bring dazzle and glamour to an already star-studded evening.

Also featured during the “Night of the Horse” will be Ramon Becerra’s dramatic liberty act magnificently illustrating the history of man and horse through a graceful performance, including elegant and difficult maneuvers. The Horse Whisperer satirical comedy routine will have the audience rolling in the aisles as they watch a horse train a dog!

There will also be Sandy Collier, the only woman to ever win the National Reining Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity; riding her horse Stressolena and will do dizzying spins, slides, and an array of fast moves, all choreographed to music. After the show, everyone will have a chance to meet the performers and get autographs and photos. This promises to be a “Night of the Horse” to remember!

Dressage Week

Dressage Week will be from April 26th to 29th, 2012. You needn’t be an expert in the sport to be astonished and awed by the “Evening of Musical Freestyles” dressage competition on Saturday night, April 28. Olympic and World Champion pairs demonstrate the artistry, athleticism and awe-inspiring collaboration between horse and rider to the delight of your eyes and ears! Local resident, Olympian and World Cup Champion, Steffen Peters, will bring his nearly flawless horsemanship to the arena once again, riding Akiko Yamazaki’s magnificent horse, Ravel, along with other stellar mounts such as Weltino’s Magic. Among other notables attending this year’s show are World Class competitor, local resident, and former Olympian, the legendary Guenter Seidel.

Hunter/ Jumper Week

Hunter/ Jumper Week, May 1-6, features the $100,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar, which caps off the three weeks during an evening filled with exciting speed, agility and nail-biting competition on Saturday, May 5. Some of the best riders and horses in the nation will have you on the edge of your seat as they negotiate a difficult course of jumps exceeding five feet in height and width.

Make sure, you do not miss this exciting event on your vacation to San Diego. The success of a vacation depends a great deal on hotel. Try to find a San Diego hotel from where you can commute to different locations easily.

To enjoy Del Mar National Horse Show thoroughly, preferably stay in a San Diego lodging from where Del Mar Fairgrounds is nearby. California Suites Hotel is a leading budget hotel in San Diego which is centrally located and offers fine services. From the California Suites Hotel, Del Mar Fairgrounds is hardly a short distance away. Hence it will be convenient for you to reach the venue on time and find easy parking.

Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel provides impeccable services and facilities which include continental breakfast, heated large swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more at affordable prices.

Source: http://equestremagazine.com/blog1/2012/02/03/67th-annual-del-mar-national-horse-show/

Photo Courtesy: gellens.com

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