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Del Mar Fairgrounds Historic Jewel in the Crown of Show Jumping


Horse Shows


are used as the hallmarks of the Del Mar National Horse Show, they are not kidding. Being one of the oldest and most prestigious equestrian competitions in the Western United States, the Del Mar Fairgrounds lends itself to those very terms.


W hen the terms elegance, excitement, excellence


mark their April and May calendars for the Del Mar National Horse Show, at the Fairgrounds in the beautiful seaside town of Del Mar, California. Del Mar is a wonderful place to show top hunters and jumpers. The superb coastal weather and the show’s proximity to the storied thoroughbred racetrack founded by a legendary, stellar group of friends, Bing Crosby, Desi Arnaz, and Jimmy Durante, only heighten the charm.


annual San Diego County Fair, which happens each June at the Fairgrounds. By the late 1970s, the Del Mar National had grown so large, it outgrew the confines of the county fair and became a separate event. Bringing equestrian excellence to San Diego County, the Del Mar National stands among the handful of horse shows in this country to reach its golden years. However, retirement isn’t even under consideration for this golden oldie or some of its riders.


The Del Mar National began in 1946 as part of the For more than 60 years, equestrian sports aficionados


and grown so large, it outgrew the confines of the county fair and became a separate event for the first time. The show and the venue have continually evolved over the years. At one time it occupied a small arena with character, near the racetrack grandstand; then it moved onto the racetrack in front of the grandstand and finally the existing facility was built as Del Mar’s unique character took shape and grew into the icon it has become.


Many of today’s horse show superstars rode here as juniors, amateurs, and lead-line competitors. While watching young riders compete, it dawns on you as a spectator, that you may actually be witnessing tomorrow’s Champions in the making.


The exceptional facility and horse shows have become a mainstay of the West Coast Shows. Some of the highlights of its history are exceptionally interesting, and the names speak for themselves:


92 By 1979, the Del Mar National had become so popular


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