Category Archives: Desert Circuit

VDL Edgar has been around the block a few times. Under the saddle of Brazil’s Marlon Modolo Zanoteilli between 2018 and 2023, the Dutch warmblood gelding (Arezzo VDL x Marlon)...

When world no. 16 Conor Swail (IRL) and Count Me In rode onto the derby field at Desert International Horse Park for the the CSI4* Whittier Trust Grand Prix on...

Of the 132 classes and counting that Conor Swail (IRL) has won since 2015, Sunday’s Marshall & Sterling CSI4* Grand Prix at Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) is one that...

Theo 160 isn't the top horse in Conor Swail’s string. He’s not even in the Irish rider's top three. But you wouldn't know it from the results the Holsteiner gelding...

“Plan your work for today and every day, then work your plan.”  Former U.K. prime minister Margaret Thatcher uttered those words. American show jumper Jeffrey Fields is putting them into...

Desert International Horse Park announced that the property has been closed to daily haul-ins and horses from local farms in the area for the duration of the 2023 Desert Circuit...

Conor Swail logs a lot miles in the victory gallop. You don't get to be no. 6 in the world without making frequent trips to the winner's circle. But, as...

Gregory Wathelet’s upcoming Grand Prix mount Ace of Hearts has always shown the athleticism to be an international horse. Now he’s gaining the consistency. The 13 year old, former-dressage horse...

Variety is the spice Un Diamant Des Forets' life. At 15-years old, the Selle Francais stallion, piloted by Canada’s Jim Ifko, "isn't a fan of homework" and gives the impression...

James Chawke’s Gamble spends most of his days in the paddock of the Calgary farm he calls home. But like a true snowbird, he’s making himself at comfortable in the desert...

Y'all ready for this?! Desert Circuit 2023 is heading into the homestretch. With just two more weeks of competition at the equine oasis that is Desert International Horse Park in...

“I haven't sped him that much," said Katie Laurie (AUS) of her top mount Django II. "He's normally such a big jumper or a bit slow and whenever I try...

Irishman Conor Swail has a new mount and a good problem. Casturano, previously campaigned by Canada's Samantha Buir, is a 10-year-old German Warmblood with a tendency to over jump—and consistently....

Ali Ramsay has never had a horse quite like 10-year-old Conrado 12. “He's my type. Like, if you think of [my top horse] Bonita [Vh Keizershof Z] and my horse...

"So Carmela's a little bit of a unique story…” shared Vanessa Mannix. The sensitive mare came into the Canadian rider’s string at the beginning of the pandemic and was an...

March madness begins with this week at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, CA. The battle between World No. 5 Conor Swail (IRL) and Belgian Olympic medalist Gregory Wathelet rages...

Fast, careful and powerful are just a few of the shining characteristics that make Kent Farrington's (USA) 11-year-old mare Orafina a modern show jumping marvel. Though the KWPN mare has...

No matter where you are in the world, Irish course designer Alan Wade's name is synonymous with greatness. Designing his first track at age 12, he's now built courses for...

Theo 160 is a winner. At just 11 years of age, Conor Swail’s liver chestnut gelding has collected 34 podium finishes—half of them victories—and more in career earnings than most...

Most riders, upon entering the ring for a big class, will show their horse a tricky turn or a potentially spooky obstacle. Watch Gregory Wathelet (BEL) and you'll see him...