The Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) Holiday / Pre-Circuit Shows are a key year-end fixture on the West Coast hunter/jumper calendar. Held annually during the final week of December in Thermal, California, these competitions provide an elite yet approachable environment for riders preparing for the upcoming winter circuits.
Widely viewed as the bridge between the fall season and the winter show calendar, the Holiday / Pre-Circuit Shows attract leading professionals, competitive juniors, and ambitious amateurs looking to sharpen performance, earn final-year points, and settle horses into the Thermal show atmosphere.
Desert International Horse Park Holiday / Pre-Circuit Shows Overview
Dates: December 26–31
Location: Desert International Horse Park, Thermal, California, USA
Duration: Six days of USEF-rated hunter/jumper competition
Audience: Professional riders, juniors, amateurs, trainers, owners, families, and equestrian spectators
The Holiday / Pre-Circuit Shows operate as a standalone year-end competition while also serving as a strategic lead-in to the major winter circuits hosted in Thermal.
About Desert International Horse Park the Holiday / Pre-Circuit Shows
The DIHP Holiday / Pre-Circuit Shows are designed to combine high-quality sport with practical preparation. Riders benefit from championship-caliber footing, thoughtfully built courses, and a professional show environment without the peak-season intensity of mid-winter circuit weeks.
Many competitors use this show to:
- Reintroduce horses after a seasonal break
- Debut young or developing horses
- Finalize training adjustments before winter circuits
- Compete for USEF points before the year closes
The atmosphere is focused yet relaxed, making it ideal for both serious competition and confidence-building rounds.
Desert International Horse Park Competition Format
The Holiday / Pre-Circuit Shows are typically United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)-rated, featuring a full schedule of hunter, jumper, and equitation divisions.
Disciplines Featured
- Hunters (Junior, Amateur, and Professional divisions)
- Jumpers (from lower-level jumpers through open divisions)
- Equitation (Junior and Amateur classes)
Typical Weekly Schedule
- Wednesday–Friday: Hunter, equitation, and jumper classes
- Saturday: Feature jumper classes and highlight events
- Sunday: Championships and concluding divisions
Each competition day is structured to allow horses and riders to progress comfortably while maintaining a championship-level standard.
Desert International Horse Park Connection to the Winter Circuit
The Holiday / Pre-Circuit Shows are closely tied to preparation for the HITS Winter Circuit, one of the most prominent hunter/jumper circuits in North America.
Riders frequently remain in Thermal following the Holiday Shows, using the week as:
- A schooling and acclimation period
- A benchmark for winter fitness and readiness
- A low-pressure introduction to the venue before circuit crowds arrive
Venue & Facility Highlights
Desert International Horse Park is known for:
- Multiple international-quality competition arenas
- Premium all-weather footing
- Spacious stabling and warm-up areas
- Professional show management and exhibitor amenities
The desert winter climate provides mild temperatures and consistent conditions, making late December an ideal time to compete outdoors.
Spectator Experience
The Holiday / Pre-Circuit Shows are:
- Family-friendly and welcoming
- Less congested than peak winter circuit weeks
- Ideal for spectators wanting close access to top hunter/jumper sport
Visitors can enjoy relaxed viewing, on-site food vendors, and an intimate look at West Coast professionals preparing for the season ahead.
Why the Desert International Horse Park Holiday / Pre-Circuit Shows Matter
- Strategic Timing: Final chance to compete and earn points before year-end
- Top-Level Preparation: Ideal warm-up for winter circuits
- Elite Venue: One of the most advanced equestrian facilities in the U.S.
- All Levels Welcome: Professionals, juniors, amateurs, and developing horses
For riders, trainers, and fans alike, the Desert International Horse Park Holiday / Pre-Circuit Shows represent the perfect blend of competition, preparation, and seasonal momentum—setting the stage for a successful winter in Thermal.
