Out & About: Del Mar National Western Week

For nearly three-quarters of a century, equestrian sports aficionados have marked their calendars each April and May for the Del Mar National Horse Show, held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in the beautiful seaside California town. 

Western Week, April 17-21, is a favorite of cowgirls, where featured events include barrel racing, NRHA competition, AQHA and PCQHA Shows, as well as the newly added National Snaffle Bit Association and Appaloosa Horse Club classes.

The Del Mar National began in the mid-1940s as part of the annual San Diego County Fair, which occurs each June at the Fairgrounds. By the late 1970s, it had grown so large that it outgrew the confines of the county fair and became a separate event. Western and Hunter/Jumper competition comprised the then two-week show until the early 1990s, when Dressage made its debut, adding a third week. 

Each year the Del Mar National attracts more than 1,500 horses representing many breeds across three distinctly different disciplines. Spectators will enjoy world-class performances in reining with its famous spins and sliding stops, elegant and athletic dressage movements choreographed to music, and nail-biting daredevil show jumping!

Evening events feature trick riders, comedy skits, thrills and spills, and breed demonstrations, among many other exciting acts. 

Learn more about the National by visiting delmarnational.com.