2015 CCI3* National Champion Tamra Smith will return to Galway Downs competing 2 horses in the CIC3*, and 2 horses in the CIC2*.
Fifty-two horse and rider combinations are set to compete in the International Divisions with Dressage beginning Friday at 8:20am Pacific Standard Time. Show Jumping will followFriday afternoon beginning with the CIC1* division, culminating with the CIC3* division, where riders will be looking to add valuable points toward the top purse of forty thousand dollars in the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series. Competitors are also gaining valuable qualifications for the North American Junior Young Rider Championships and getting final runs in before the CCI4* at Rolex Kentucky later this month.
Spectators from across the country and globe will be able to enjoy Dressage and Show Jumping Coverage via the live stream thanks to Ride On Video at www.rideonvideo.com.
Course Designer Ian Stark of Great Britain will test horse and rider combinations over his CrossCountry course Saturday beginning at 8:30am pacific time, where spectators will enjoy the thrill of watching the final competitors compete in reverse order of standing, putting all the pressure and all eyes on division leaders.
Stark’s first course design in the United States was at Galway Downs, and he is enthusiastic about the venue stating, “Galway Downs is a special place. I have enjoyed watching this facility grow and develop, and look forward to some new things I have up my sleeve for the courses in the coming months and years.”
In addition to the FEI divisions, nearly 300 National competitors will also compete over the weekend at the newly renovated Galway Downs Event Center.
Now home to weddings and numerous events, The Galway Downs Event Center continues to unveil exciting venue improvements including its newest addition, The Village at Galway Downs set to open soon. This weekend’s International Event offers much more than equestrian action. Attendees will enjoy visiting local vendors throughout the weekend, watching live music Saturday, and eating from the mouth-watering food trucks beginning Thursday including a Belgian waffle truck, smoothie truck, and various other award winning sensations.
Galway Downs invites all competitors to attend a welcome party featuring live music, dancing and more Thursday evening at 6 pm pacific time.
General admission for the Galway Downs International Event starts at $15 with children under 12 getting in free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Patron's passes include seating in the ringside tent, lunch and a full selection of beverages. They are available for $55 per day on Friday and Sunday, $75 for Saturday, or $150 for the weekend in advance. For advance reservations, visit the spectator information page at www.galwaydowns.net.
For more information on the Galway Downs International Event, visit www.galwaydowns.net or call 951-303-0405.
To learn more about eventing, visit the U.S. Eventing Association's website www.useventing.com. Media Credentials may be requested through the Press Officer.