Dressage-News

June 27, 2024

Temecula horse show grounds in Southern California has been selected for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.

The decision to move equestrian and para equestrian events to Temecula, 100 miles/160km southeast of Los Angeles so as to to be able to accommodate dressage, eventing and jumping at the same venue was announced Thursday.

The FEI, the International Equestrian Federation, supported the decision to use an existing purpose-built facility that it said emphasizes “sustainability, legacy, and fiscal responsibility.” Equestrian events had previously been penciled in for Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area in Encino, about 20 miles/32 km north of Los Angeles.

“The plan to relocate equestrian competitions to the existing Equestrian Center in Temecula is a positive development for the sport and the equestrian community,” FEI President and International Olympic Committee member Ingmar De Vos said.

It achieved what he described as significant cost savings by eliminating the need to construct an expensive, entirely temporary venue at Encino.

Temecula, where the show grounds are named Galway Downs, is on 240 acres/97 ha. with 400 permanent horse stalls, a race track of one mile/1.6 km, 5/8 mile/1 km training track, 14 competition arenas, 15 miles/24 km of riding trails, 49 RV hook-ups and other amenities.

“The FEI has worked closely with the Organizing Committee to evaluate and choose a venue capable of hosting all equestrian and para equestrian events with the aim of managing the overall costs and complexity.

“Importantly, the venue can also accommodate Eventing competitions which was a condition of the IOC Executive Board to include this discipline in the program of the LA28 Olympic Games. The reasoning behind the venue change also fits well with equestrian sport’s sustainability ideals and aims, and will create lasting legacies for the local community. With this important announcement we can now start working with LA28 on the field-of-play design and organization of the equestrian competitions.”

LA28 revised its venue plans to use more existing venues, and fewer temporary fixtures so as to make the Olympic and Paralympic Games more sustainable while elevating the experience for athletes and fans. The new venue assignments will create more than US$150 million in combined cost savings and revenue increases for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The change of venue, already approved by the IOC Executive Board, will go to Los Angeles city council for formal approval, as the proposal involves relocating the competition outside the city limits and differs from plans initially submitted.

“We are thrilled a venue has been chosen that can host all the equestrian events,” said Bill Moroney, chief executive officer of the U.S. Equestrian Federation.

“The announcement of the equestrian venue aligns with the IOC requirement stating all equestrian events must be held at the same location. The Equestrian Center for the LA28 Games in Temecula will be a world class international experience on the field of play for the athletes, horses, and their support teams as well as for fans and spectators alike.

“US Equestrian is proud to support equestrian sport’s inclusion in the Olympic and Paralympic programs for 2028 and is eager to work with the FEI, LA28 Organizing Committee, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee to bring an extraordinary event to the USA. The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games hold immense potential to elevate the visibility and popularity of our sport nationwide.”

The IOC Executive Board will finalize the events, athlete quotas and competition formats for the LA28 Olympic Program following the Paris Olympic Games, with a final decision expected in 2025.

Olympics in Los Angeles will take place July 14 to 30 followed by the Paralympic Games Aug. 15 to 27 2028.