Monthly Column by Carol Dean-Porter |
INDIO
The Desert Circuit series of horse shows is
held each year at the Desert Horse Park in Indio, California. This is the largest group of
hunters and jumpers together at one show grounds west of Florida! Over 2,000 horses are
entered for each of the series of 6 horse shows, which start the last week in January.
Exhibitors come from California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico,
Illinois, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Nebraska, Canada and Mexico. The circuit consists
of 3 shows in a row, then a week off, followed by the final 3 shows.
The Desert Horse Park is a nearly 100 acre facility with 10 show rings, 8 warm-up rings
and 24 tents of temporary stalls, plus 8 permanent barns. The centerpiece of the facility
is the grass grand prix field, a sunken amphitheater, with a spectator tent running the
length of one side. The grand prix field has it's own warm up ring, which is the size of a
practice polo ring. Behind the grand prix field is a grassy park area with benches, trees
and a lake. There is a berm with a food vendor, covered seating and judge's gazebos
running down the center of two side-by-side jumper rings. There is a fourth jumper ring in
one corner. All these rings have very good sand footing and have Footings Unlimited Nike
shredded tennis shoe footing material added. The two main rated hunter rings are
side-by-side with a large spectator tent running down the center. There is another ring in
the corner of the rated area in what used to be a huge warm-up area. "Sandland"
is the nickname for the lower level hunter rings, situated side by side with a tent in the
middle. One final ring is located across the walk way from the two side-by-sides.
There is another food vendor tent in this area, offering a variety of meals ranging from
pasta salads to burritos, and everything in between.
The horse shows offer classes for all levels of horses and riders, ranging from World Cup
Qualifier Grand Prix events to baby green hunters, with 4 age groups of adult amateur
hunters, every equitation class you can possibly imagine, short stirrup, and many levels
of jumpers.
The office staff is friendly and cheerful, with check-ins and check-out procedures
computerized and efficient. The office is large enough to seat 6 at a time for entry
taking. The feed office is efficient, with feed and bedding being delivered on time, an
amazing feat in itself.
The showgrounds has hookup facilities for hundreds of camper trailers and RVs, all with
electrical power, telephones and sewer pumping service.
Vendor's row is an amazing collection of assorted horse-related tack, equipment, clothing,
stables, horse trailers, embroidery, golf carts, chap makers, photographers, videographers
and both equine and human masseuses.
A study done a few years ago determined that the Desert Circuit series of horse shows
added more than 10 million dollars to the economy of the Coachella Valley. This included
hotels, restaurants, and all manner of other businesses in the vicinity.
This circuit is a once a year extravaganza, with competition at the highest levels. Any
ribbon won is well-earned!
Carol's
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