Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) is expanding its commitment to dressage on the West Coast of the United States with new competition, educational and competitor-focused programming surrounding the 2026 U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage Final from November 12–15 in Thermal, California.
As part of that effort, Desert International Horse Park has partnered with equestrian event agency Entrigue to develop new programming and experiences around the Dressage Final. Among the additions are a special masterclass with Olympic medalist and 2026 FEI Dressage World Cup Final champion Becky Moody, as well as the inaugural Desert Dressage Pro-Am Tournament, sponsored by Four Winds Dressage Farm, offering cash prizes and a new team competition opportunity for national competitors.
A Destination Dressage Weekend
DIHP is making it easier for competitors to bring multiple horses to Thermal with special multi-horse stabling discounts, creating greater opportunities for riders to compete with additional horses and bring schooling and young horses to experience the world-class facilities and atmosphere at Desert International Horse Park. The expanded stabling incentives are part of DIHP’s broader effort to encourage participation across all levels of dressage and make the U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage Final weekend a destination for the entire dressage community.
“Bringing Becky Moody to Thermal is part of a much broader commitment to making Desert International Horse Park a premier destination for dressage competition, education and community,” said Matt Morrissey, General Manager, Desert International Horse Park. “We want riders to have more reasons to come to Thermal- not only to compete at the highest level, but to bring additional horses, participate in new programs, learn from some of the best in the sport and be part of an exciting weekend for dressage.”
A New Pro-Am Experience for National Competitors
New for 2026, the Desert Dressage Pro-Am Tournament will bring professionals and amateurs together in a team format during the U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage Final weekend’s National competition running alongside the CDI.
for top level competition, education and lifestyle
The Pro-Am is part of DIHP and Entrigue’s efforts to ensure the weekend extends beyond the international championship itself and creates meaningful opportunities for the broader dressage community to participate.
“We’re really excited to introduce this Pro-Am Tournament as another way for combinations at all developing stages to be a part of this important weekend. I think we’ve created a fun, integrated team competition that can bring professionals and amateurs together during the National Competition.” says Kelly Artz, president of Entrigue.
Building Dressage at Desert International Horse Park
The expanded 2026 programming reflects Desert International Horse Park’s continued investment in the growth, visibility and accessibility of dressage in the western United States.
U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage Final
Through its partnership with Entrigue, DIHP is also building on the growing demand for high-level dressage education and spectator experiences in California. Entrigue has produced and promoted international masterclasses in California featuring leading riders and trainers including Carl Hester, Ingrid Klimke and Isabell Werth.
“As demand for educational experiences continues to grow, the success of Entrigue’s masterclass series has demonstrated that riders and fans are eager for greater access to world-class expertise on the West Coast,” said Jeremy Smith, Managing Partner, Desert International Horse Park. “Our goal is to continue creating opportunities that elevate the sport while giving riders, owners and fans more reasons to make Thermal a destination for dressage.”
With international and national competition, the Becky Moody masterclass, the new Pro-Am Tournament, cash prizes, competitor stabling incentives and opportunities to bring additional horses all taking place during the same weekend, DIHP is developing the U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage Final into an experience that extends beyond championship competition to encompass education, participation and community.
U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage Final Weekend
The U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage Final weekend will take place November 12–15, 2026, at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California.
The weekend will also feature the inaugural Desert Dressage Pro-Am Tournament, sponsored by Four Winds Dressage Farm, national competition and special stabling opportunities designed to encourage competitors to bring additional horses and experience the full weekend at Thermal.
One of the weekend’s marquee educational events will take place Saturday, November 14th at 2pm, when British Olympic medalist and 2026 FEI Dressage World Cup Final champion Becky Moody leads a special masterclass at Desert International Horse Park. The masterclass will be complimentary to attendees, expanding access to world-class dressage education for West Coast riders, trainers and fans. A limited number of premium VIP experiences will also be available for purchase.
For tickets, VIP experiences, competitor information, the schedule and additional details, visit DesertHorsePark.com/desert-dressage.
Photos © private - Megan Giese