Galway Downs Equestrian Center

Stay On Site!

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Do you like the idea of doing night check in your PJs?

But you don’t have your own RV or living quarters trailer to park in our reserved spots?

Galway Downs’ on-site housing options are getting rave reviews from guests, including me.

The Ranch Houses

Ranch Houses at Galway Downs
One of 15 Ranch Houses

Fifteen Ranch Houses are the premiere housing option at Galway Downs. They sit at the south end of the permanent barns. You can see them from Los Corralitos Road while approaching the Galway Downs Equestrian entrance.

The Ranch Houses are all four-bedrooms with a full kitchen, and can accomodate 10 people. Each bedroom has its own bathroom and direct outdoor access. They all have two outdoor patios and varying amounts of outdoor space. Ranch House #4 has a hot tub, and all have access to the Club House and its BBQ area.

The Ranch House kitchens add super value to this accommodation. Making your own meals can save money and the time of driving into town to dine.

Complimentary wi-fi is included with all accommodations and all have heating, air conditioning and TVs.

The Pony Houses

During the Ingrid Klimke clinic last December, I booked a Pony House (aka a “Tiny House”) for the weekend and I loved it.

You’ve likely seen the Pony Houses because they line the road between the racetrack and the Grand Prix warm-up and Sycamore arenas. They are called Pony Houses because they’re small! Two bedrooms, one bathroom and a shared living area.

The bedrooms have a luggage stand and clothing hanger, and they’re a little tight if you have a lot of gear. The beds are super comfortable, with luxe linens and it was deliciously quiet all night, including during my pajama and puffy jacket-clad stroll to check on a friend’s horses.

A coffee maker, small refrigerator, sink and microwave comprise the kitchenette. Food-wise, the Pony Houses are a great option for those with access to the VIP Pavilion. You can have your main meals in the Pavilion, and keep snacks at the Pony House.

During the Klimke clinic, friends from Northern California packed four people into their Pony House. They brought homemade lasagna and wine and had a proper, cozy party on the eve of the clinic.

Clockers House

In the spring, I had the opportunity to stay in the master suite at Clockers House, sharing the luxury three-bedroom, three-bathroom, resort-appointed home with two other officials for the Spring International.

The Clockers House is so named because it was built in place of a clock tower and it overlooks the race track. It’s on the West side of the Grand Prix Arena, with a beautiful back deck overlooking the racetrack. You can enjoy your coffee watching horses run their early morning paces and spectacular sunsets at day’s end.

Comfortable beds and luxury linens
Comfortable beds, luxury linens and quiet nights.

Clockers House is often reserved for long stays, but it can be booked for show weekends if available.

The Ranch Houses can be booked online here. For the Pony Houses or Clockers House, call 877 899 1751. Discounts available for the Pacific Coast National Dressage Show March 7-10. Use the code “PCND24” when you reserve.

Sponsor Spotlight – Pyranha Animal Health

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Flies and other insects can be much more than an annoyance for horses and their people. In Southern California, that became clear last spring with the outbreak of the vesicular stomatitis virus. Black flies, mosquitoes and biting midgets are among the flying insects believed to transmit the disease.

An upside of the outbreak emerged in heighted horse owner awareness of the danger these pests pose and the fact that not all insect control products are created equal. 

In helping owners protect their horses against the outbreak, the California Department of Food and Agriculture recommended insect control products made with a high pyrethrin content. Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide derived from the chrysanthemum flower.

Galway Downs sponsor Pyranha Animal Health leads the way when it comes to insect control products with high pyrethrin content. For example, pyrethrin and its synergizing ingredients comprise 15% of Pyranha’s Equine Spray N’ Wipe.  “That’s huge,” notes Christina Gindt, a long-time Southern California horse owner and the company’s Western Account Sales Executive. Three percent is the norm in most competitor’s products, she explains.

Pyranha’s formulas combine pyrethrin with permethrin, a synthetic compound known for its outstanding insecticide properties. The powerful combination ensures rapid knockdown and sustained control of a wide spectrum of flying insects.

That’s why Galway Downs enlisted Pyranha power to treat manure piles and stalls during the Nilforushan Equestrian Events hunter/jumper shows last spring. And it’s why Pyranha Spraymaster® mister systems are part of Galway Downs’ year-round insect control efforts.

“In the case of an outbreak, you definitely want to make sure you’re using a product that will prevent an adult fly from laying more larva,” Christina explains. As an insecticide, Pyranha’s sprays eliminate and repel insects, setting them apart from products that only repel insects.

Effective from First to Last Spray

Emulsifiers that maintain suspension of the insecticide also set Pyranha apart from the competition. Whether dispensed from a bottle or a misting system, the solution is equally effective from first spray to last. Bottles don’t need to be shaken and mister wells don’t need to be agitated.

When other products suddenly become ineffective, it’s often because the active ingredients settled at or near the bottom and were already drawn out through the tubes that connect to the spray or mist dispenser.

Even without an outbreak, effective everyday insect control is critical to health, performance and relaxation for our horses.

Established in 1972, Pyranha Animal Health is a family-owned, horse health company that corners this market with sprays, grooming products, Odor Eliminator and the Pyranha SprayMaster® Misting System.

Christina gets ready for a rush of inquisitive horse owners at the Fundraiser Clinic party last month.

As a horse owner herself, Christina urges proactivity in maintaining a fly-free environment. Educating fellow owners is a gratifying aspect of her work and Pyranha’s range of products provides solutions for individual horse’s different needs.

In addition to insect control options, Pyranha has innovative and price-conscious grooming products. These range from a luxurious, skin-friendly aloe concentrate shampoo and the new Essential repellent conditioning shampoo to the non-slip coat conditioner and tail strengthening Shine Baby Shine spray and Detangler that dries instantly. “No more goopy hands,” Christina says.

Options For All

Pyranha’s Wipe N’ Spray comes in a familiar yellow bottle. Its oil base enables the formula to kill and repel over 70 species of flying and biting insects through sweat, dirt and water.  Its fly fighting performance is rivaled only by the lustrous shine it leaves on the horse’s coat. Pyranha-protected horses enter the ring looking their best and ready to perform without the distraction of flying pests.

The blue-bottled Equine Spray N’ Wipe and the white-bottled Legacy are water-based, versus oil-based, fly control options that deliver the same protection as Wipe N’ Spray. Using a water base, rather than oil, they don’t attract dirt to the horse’s coat and are good options for horses with sensitive skin.

Zero-Bite® fights flies with wholly natural ingredients – geraniol (from geraniums), peppermint and clove. These natural oils are suspended in more than 90% water, so it’s not oily or greasy.

Christina is excited about the new Legacy formula. This uses the same natural ingredients found in Zero-Bite, with micronized silicone that helps it stick to the coat longer and to resist sweat and water.

Enhancing the Stable Environment

Fly masks and sheets and a roll-on product for eyes, ears and wounds round out Pyranha’s insect control approach for individual horse owners. For stable and property wide control, pyrethrin and permethrin formulations, and the all-natural counterpart, come in concentrated form for 30-gallon and 55-gallon spray mister systems. They’re ideal for use in Pyranha’s SprayMasters and in misting systems designed by other companies.

SprayMaster is a programmable system that releases a fine mist at predetermined intervals. This consistent and highly effective approach ensures a virtually fly-free environment, in which horses and humans can relax, focus on other aspects of horse care and enjoy their time together.

Scan to determine what size system best suits your needs.

Built for the rugged stable environment, SprayMasters feature robust construction and their user-friendly design makes them easy to manage. Determining system size is easily accomplished by answering simple questions accessed through the QR code here.

SprayMasters can be ordered through retailers including Big Horse, Mary’s Tack & Feed, Carters Feed, Inland Vet Supply and many others. Shipping is free and all systems come with a complimentary refill of Pyranha insecticide.

Christina has a long history in the California and national horse community. She enjoys consulting individual horse owners and stable managers to find insect control approaches best suited to their needs.

Pyranha Animal Health is proud to support various industry partners, including Galway Downs. Christina’s equestrian background includes eventing and working with Thoroughbreds, both of which are a big part of Galway Downs’ past and present. She’s enjoyed seeing Galway Downs emerge as a world class equestrian venue and knows that Pyranha’s support will further that impressive evolution.

Visit Pyranha Animal Health for more information, or contact Christina Gindt at Christina@pyranhalife.com or (281) 382-2946.

Volunteer Spotlight – Mickey Sanchez

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 At 175.25 hours, Mickey Sanchez topped Galway Downs’ 2023 volunteer leaderboard. That’s no surprise for regular competitors who saw Mickey’s smiling face at six competitions last year and at many events for the six years before that.

Volunteering here and at Twin Rivers, Mickey also topped the standings for the US Eventing Association’s Area VI. On the organization’s 2023 national rankings, Mickey is the highest-placed California resident at 31st on the list.

Wow!

Not that Mickey’s keeping track. He was introduced to eventing through his equestrian sister Selena Sanchez. Even though she’s not competing currently due to being in college, he was happy to spend the equivalent of 4.5 working days volunteering this year because he loves it.

He started out “doing anything they needed me to do.” Which meant stewarding warm-up rings, scribing, helping in hospitality and anywhere else. Most often these days, Mickey finds himself assigned to hospitality tasks and loves it. Cruising cross-country or the rest of the grounds in search of volunteers who need water or lunch is a frequent assignment.

“I like going around to make sure everyone is taken care of,” says Mickey, who lives in the Corona/Norco area about 45 minutes from Galway Downs. “We always want to make sure our volunteers are up and running.”

Friends In Fun Places

Over the years, his volunteer work has led to many friendships – with fellow volunteers and with riders. He’s good friends with Galway Downs competitor and sponsor and vendor coordinator, Katy Robinson, and with the Carabajal Eventing family whose members are also regular and longtime volunteers.

As part of Galway Downs Volunteer Incentive Program, Mickey’s hours entitle him to an enticing array of prizes. Rather than cash them in for a cool cap, shirt or jacket for himself, Mickey uses his credits to get entry vouchers for the Carabajal team. When his sister returns to riding, she’ll have some credits ready to use, too.

A trail rider himself, Mickey is happy to leave the galloping and jumping to the exhibitors. As a volunteer, he enjoys the front row seat to terrific equestrian sport, often involving some of the best in the world – like last year’s Land Rover Kentucky winner Tamie Smith.

He encourages everyone to try volunteering, even those who are hesitant about what the experience will be like.

“Just try it,” he says. “You’ll be surprised how much you love it.”

Meet Our Exhibitors – Over The Moon Equestrian

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Conversations about the future of equestrian sports emphasize the “base of the pyramid.” This is the entry level where, ideally, people have a great experience and get hooked on horses for life.

Over The Moon Equestrian in Moorpark is doing exactly that.

Owners Jenna McEwan and Vivian Hall came from a former equestrian hub and funnel for the sport – Mill Creek Equestrian in Topanga Canyon. Vivian is a third-generation horsewoman with experience in several riding styles. Jenna earned an Equine Science degree from Centenary College and brings solid experience in jumping and dressage.

Focused on eventing, dressage and, above all, horsemanship, Over The Moon offers affordable access to horses and learning opportunities to those with and without their own horse.

“Our main emphasis is our riding school,” explains Jenna. “We are fostering all aspects of horsemanship, not just the time in the saddle.” All students begin with lessons that include horse care and building knowledge. The goal is to prepare students to become responsible, self-sufficient horse owners.

“We foster an environment in which people can ask questions and understand why we are asking them to get their own horses ready,” Vivian says. “We hope to create riders who eventually don’t need us. We want them to be educated enough to prepare and warm their own horses up.” Grooming basics and the purpose and proper use of tack are part of their riders’ lesson plans. Health basics and signs a horse isn’t feeling well are part of their education, too.

Fostering Horse-Human Friendships

PC: Tina Fitch

In short, “We want our riders to be educated enough that they can be safe and enjoy a friendship with a horse.” Jenna and Vivian consider daily progress and/or show ring success the ideal reflection of that friendship between horse and rider.

Over The Moon has nine school horses and it’s one of few programs where students can take them off property for clinics or competitions.

In fact, Jenna and Vivian have several horses coming to this weekend’s Kick Off Horse Trials, including those campaigned by students. Many prepared by participating in the Fundraising Clinic last month. The considerable rain and mud did not deter them. “Nobody’s made of sugar,” Jenna notes in true eventer style.

Over The Moon offers Interscholastic Equestrian League hunter/jumper and dressage teams for middle and high school riders. There’s a place for all ambitions. One of their longest time students is a 70-year-old woman who is very happy to work on walk and trot.

Continuing A Legacy

Jenna and Vivian

Jenna and Vivian started Over The Moon in 2020, and with the advantage of having several clients from the now-gone Mill Creek Equestrian Center come with them.  The pandemic closures were a boon to many riding schools, including theirs. Families sought safe, outdoor physical activities for their kids who suddenly had the time and schedule flexibility that’s ideal for diving into a life with horses.

Vivian and Jenna’s own riding ambitions take a back seat to those of their students. Competing fits in with their desire to develop nice horses for amateurs. They have schooled horses up through Training Level and currently compete mostly at Beginner Novice. Figuring out what a horse wants to do is key to their development, Vivian comments. Whether it’s jumping or dressage, wherever the horse feels most comfortable is where they’ll be the safest and most suitable and enjoyable partner.

“A wonderful thing about riding is that there’s a space for everyone,” says Vivian.

Over The Moon’s owners and clients are big fans of Galway Downs. To start with, it’s a reasonable distance from their Moorpark base north of Los Angeles. And, it has an ideal combination of being a big, competitive atmosphere and a fun place to be.

Over the Moon student at Galway Downs
A little bit of mud and rain is no match for an Over The Moon student at Galway Downs’ fundraising clinic.

For many of their students, a trip to Galway Downs is their first experience with the “outside” horse world. “It’s great because it’s busy enough that they get the feel of a big show, yet it has a local, friendly feel.

“We send even our youngest students off on their own to pick up their show packet at the office,” Jenna continues. “Sometimes it’s the first thing they’ve done on their own. Everybody who works at Galway is so nice. And the venue is beautiful. It’s so fun to have people who are new to the sport come down and watch us ride.”

Meet Our Officials – Alessandra Allen-Shinn, course designer.

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Alessandra Allen-Shinn is outstanding in her field.

Literally.

As in, she’s happiest while out standing in the field – ideally, a cross-country field. Designing the course, building the obstacles, working the ground or galloping across it, the 3* eventer and USEF and FEI certified course designer and course builder is a rising star in the West Coast eventing world. She’s set on building 5* tracks and has the talent, determination and industry respect to get there.

“Ali” lives in Kalispell, Montana, where she is assistant trainer for Olympian Jil Walton. Jil’s stable, JARBA Farm, winters at Galway Downs and Ali comes with, caring for the horses, including her own. When she’s not riding or tending to them, she’s plotting new tracks, building new obstacles, and helping horse and property owners with range of small construction tasks.

Building jumps and related materials falls under Ali’s Ride-Sharp enterprise.

While based at Galway Downs, Ali loves her daily mix of running the barn, then hopping out onto cross-country with venue manager and competition organizer Robert Kellerhouse to plot next steps and possibilities.

Having earned her small “r” course design license from the US Equestrian Federation in 2018, Ali has been creating Preliminary and lower-level courses for Galway Downs for three years. Last fall, she earned her FEI Level 1 credentials, allowing her to design at the CCI1* and 2* levels, too.

She’s a regular in USEA Area VII, too, where she builds and designs for Arrowhead Horse Trials, Herron Park and private facilities. The Spring Gulch Horse Trials in Colorado and the Mill Creek Pony Club Horse Trials in Missouri are more events for whom Ali is designing courses.

At Galway Downs, Ali is excited about new fences for the lower-level tracks. The FEI routes have undergone constant additions and upgrades in the look, type and construction of the fences and now it’s the lower levels’ turn. Look for horse head rolltops to match those on the Advanced and Intermediate tracks this season and more nice additions.

One of Galway Downs’ ongoing missions is to make the “lower part” of the property – the cross-country course – as nice as the “upper part,” the Grand Prix Arena, VIP Pavilion and surrounding amenities. Ali’s ongoing work is a big part of that transformation.

Ali in competition mode. PC: Ride On Photo

How It Started

Course design and building doesn’t often arise as a career dream for kids. However, Ali knew what she wanted to do even before she knew it was a professional option.

She traces the earliest inklings for her career path to tagging along with her mom who volunteered as a steward. “I often went with her, putting out flags, whacking weeds and all that stuff. I loved that part of it, but I didn’t realize courses were actually planned. I kind of thought you just threw jumps out in a field and went and jumped them.”

As her riding advanced through lessons and clinics, she began to see the rhyme and reason behind the placement of fences, the tracks between them and the construction, materials and look of the obstacles. “Especially riding with course designers and others who were serious about it, it all started to make sense.”

As she realized that “This was a thing!,” Ali investigated the educational and certification path to becoming a course designer. The more she pursued educational tracks, “the more I got into it.”

Earning certification is not for the faint of heart or the impatient. “It takes a long time because you have to get apprenticeships with different people,” Ali explains. “You ask if you can follow them around while they’re working and ask them questions, and they must fill out paperwork afterward.” In the early days, Ali was sometimes mistaken for a not-very dedicated applicant looking to pad their resume. A few apprenticeships in, however, word got round that she was the real deal and getting “yes” from licensed designers became easier.

Over The Hump

“I feel like I might be over the hump,” says Ali with her characteristic self-effacing humor. “The course designer I’ve ask to apprentice with might call a contemporary and ask, ‘This annoying girl is bugging me. Is she worth it?’ Now, they hear, ‘Yes, let her hang out with you.’”

Adri Doyle is one of Ali’s favorite mentors. “It’s nice to have another girl to talk to and it’s unusual.” Adri is also a technical delegate, which increases the odds of working together. “We help each other setting stuff up and that’s fun. And she’s always honest with me.”

Rob Mobely, FEI course builder, USEF licensed designer and Galway Downs builder, is another favorite mentor.

Shadowing Olympic course designer Derek DiGrazia at the Land Rover Kentucky 5* last year was a learning curve high point for Ali. Given the option of tagging along several weeks before the event or during the week before set-up, Ali chose the latter and was thrilled with the experience.

“That week before, they are adjusting things just a tiny bit. Like the placement of trees as a visual element on the course. Even just by a couple of feet. It’s awesome to know all that information, then watch what happens during the competition.”

A View from the Saddle

Like most of her course design colleagues, Ali rides and competes herself. So she has no problem when riders inquire about some of her decisions. “They always say, ‘Why the heck did you do that? How could we ever make it from here to there?’ But actually, it’s often the case where I’m setting the course up to do something for them. When I set something off a turn, that is just balancing the horse for you. If you are going to a coffin jump, you need a packaged canter, so that turn has stopped you from having to haul on your horse’s mouth. I did that for you.”

Ali began plotting her tracks for the Kick Start Horse Trials this weekend back in November, during the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs. At every competition, she prioritizes changing things up. “I don’t want anybody – horses or riders – to think, ‘Oh, I just did that three months ago.’”

She happily puts plenty of thought into every detail – especially during the months based at Galway Downs. “I know the property well and I think about it a lot. I spend a lot of time on the tractor working on the footing, too. Between that and visualizing everything, I like to change my plans for each event as it gets closer. Sometimes riders try to find out what’s in store for an upcoming course, but until I’ve set it and it’s staked, it could still change.”

In her own riding, Ali’s main horse now is 7-year-old Banksy, who she is prepping for his first CCI2*. As a course-designer, builder and rider, it can be hard to focus on riding while competing, especially over a track designed by someone else. “Sometimes it makes me crazy because I over-analyze elements of the course as I’m going around.”

On balance, however, Ali loves her life of juggling related activities. It keeps her beyond busy, which reflects the constant demand for her many talents.

Look for Ali at this weekend’s event or learn more here.