Galway Downs Equestrian Center

Meet Our Sponsors – Land Rover Mission Viejo

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Marketing is an inexact science when it comes to what works and what doesn’t.  When Land Rover Mission Viejo general manager Steve Rudkin pulls into a Southern California equestrian event, however, reassuring feedback on the company’s horse world investment abounds.

“Land Rovers, Range Rovers and Defenders are all perfectly aligned with this community,” Steve says. “That’s clear from just looking at the parking lot.”

Through his daughter Adelaide’s successes and involvement in eventing, Steve has a clear perspective on the commitment involved in owning, caring for and excelling with horses.

“A desire to go above and beyond is required to succeed in the equestrian space,” he confirms. “Land Rover’s commitment to this sport includes sponsorship of world class competition and the engineering of refined and capable vehicles, which enable the equestrian community to make more of their world.”

The relatively new Defender 130 is especially well suited for equestrians – those who participate in the sport and those who participate in the lifestyle. Land Rover Kentucky 5* winner and local star Tamie Smith embodied this reality when she made several victory laps in the beautiful vehicle after her many victory laps on Mai Baum.

Tamie already owns a Land Rover and she earned keys to a new one with her history-making victory in Kentucky in April.

Defending The Lifestyle

The Defender 130’s long wheelbase and 8,200-pound hauling capacity make it ideal for pulling a two-horse trailer, with a tack room, or an Airstream-style trailer. This newest of several Defender models seats 8 and has oodles of room for saddles, tack trunks, feed, and the other gear involved in traveling with horses.

Thanks to Land Rover’s title sponsorship of the Kentucky 5* on a national level and Land Rover Mission Viejo’s sponsorship of Galway Downs, the brand seems ubiquitous in the equestrian world. Steve reports that dealers throughout the country are newly encouraged to consider partnering with equestrian events. The Mission Viejo dealership’s sponsorship of the Blenheim EquiSports CSIO Nations Cup in May was a first-time partnership. Steve describes it as a great addition to their long-standing Galway Downs support – aligning with the best in eventing and show jumping competition.

Best Seat in the House – A Defender at the ready as Jordan Linstedt competes in the Spring Horse Trials. PC – Tina Fitch Photography

As a Presenting Galway Downs Equestrian Sponsor, Land Rover Mission Viejo has big plans for the culmination of this year’s West Coast eventing calendar – the Galway Downs Fall International, Nov. 1-5.

In addition to the placement of beautiful new vehicles in the showcase competition arenas, Steve hopes to have staff and vehicles on site in the vendor area. There’s no substitute for sitting behind the wheel to experience the luxury and comfort that characterize all models.

Mission Viejo Land Rover, which also represents Jaguar, is a Top Rated Dealer per both Carfax and CarGurus 2022 standings. Located at 28701 Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo, the dealership maintains a full line of new and used cars, and it’s the only AAA-authorized Land Rover store in Southern California for sales and service. Their extensive inventory is available online and test drives are available daily.

Ready For Anything

Land Rovers, Range Rovers and Defenders are omnipresent enhancements to the Southern California freeway landscape with their elegant, classic designs. But these cars were built for adventures beyond the beaten path.

To experience that, customers who’ve narrowed down their preferred model are invited to off-road events held throughout the year. With the most demanding terrain conditions, the events let buyers experience and enjoy the full capabilities of full-time four-wheel drive, Terrain Response Systems and the many other unique characteristics of these cars.

From a safety and comfort standpoint, these vehicles are over-qualified for the work most equestrians will ask of them. Just as riders want a horse with more scope than needed, a Land Rover, Defender and Range Rover are cars to count on every day and especially when the inevitable unpredictables of the equestrian lifestyle arise.

Sponsor Spotlight – Devoucoux’s Chiberta Enara Saddle

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The winner of the Preliminary Challenge’s Rider Division, Jillian Newman, described the Chiberta Enara saddle she won as an “insane” prize!

She’s right.

Jillian Newman with her new Enara saddle – PC Tina Fitch PHotography

Introduced by Devoucoux in July of 2022, the Enara is a new hybrid saddle, explains the saddle-maker’s Estelle Maunmoury. “It has the feel of a monoflap saddle in a double flap saddle and a dynamic tree made of carbon fiber, kevlar and fiberglass.”

A V-shaped split in the back of the saddle seat is one of several unique features. “That helps it follow more the movement of the horse’s back and, for the rider, it helps absorb more shock when they land after a jump – especially the bigger jumps.”

The saddle was designed for eventers and is also popular with show jumping riders.

“I have a trainer in San Francisco who was using a martingale and other equipment to help his horse use its back more,” Estelle shares. “We found his previous saddle was not fitting properly. When we put him in the Enara, the horse could really use his back properly.”

Estelle says there’s a lot of curiosity about the unique design, and that California riders have been quick to embrace it. “They always get excited about new things that help their horses and their performance.”

Additional benefits of the Enara include three-dimensional padding to improve the distribution of pressure on the horse’s back. And a three-point girthing system assures more stability.

Making terrific equipment based on saddle-making savvy and horsemanship knowledge is only part of Devoucoux’ process. Identifying the ideal saddle for each horse and rider’s individual physical characteristics, athletic pursuits and preferences is an equal priority. So is fitting the saddle to both athletes’ need, as in the horse’s needs and the rider’s.

The process starts by consulting with a Devoucoux expert. Estelle welcomes inquiries and the company has representatives around the country who can make in-person visits. Estelle can be reached at e.maunoury@devoucoux.com.