Making it look easy is the art of hospitality and Chris Bullard is a master at that. As Galway Downs’ hospitality coordinator, Chris is the friendly face greeting people at the Grand Prix Arena’s VIP Pavilion throughout the year. Or, at the new bar in the tented viewing area right next to it.

When there isn’t an event going on, Chris might be found updating inventory for the bar or the generous volunteer snack supply or reviewing menu options and bartender resumes. She might be tackling the considerable task of ensuring spectator and VIP seating is clean and tucked away. She might be at Costco, scouring for the best deal on things that are mundane but important — like garbage bags.

In between, she maintains the swag supply of embroidered and branded Galway Downs gear and manages reservations for the 49 RV spots that are usually sold out for eventing competitions.

In short, Chris is kept busy handling the many details and preparations that make things look effortless and elegant by the time competitors and guests arrive on the property. 

An Expansive Perspective

She works for all three of Galway Downs’ key people – facility manager and eventing competition organizer Robert Kellerhouse; hunter/jumper show organizers Ali and Francie Nilforushan; and Galway Downs owner Ken Smith. Led by Smith’s vision, they’ve all been instrumental in transforming the property into a world class equestrian competition and special event venue.

Chris began playing her part in that transformation in 2020.  Early in the year, she’d brought her corporate hospitality experience to a Temecula winery as general manager of their special event center. Literally one or two days after she started, COVID hit. 

Around the same time, Chris moved to Galway Downs. Living on site with a firsthand view of the daily goings-on, she casually asked Robert Kellerhouse if he might need a little help. He did. And so did the Nilforushans and so did Ken Smith, leading to the multi-faceted responsibilities she now fulfills so well.

“They’ve all done a fantastic job,” Chris observes. They all work well together and are “cut from the same cloth” in their vision for Galway Downs.

Working especially closely with Ali on the extensive hospitality plans for his eight weeks of hunter/jumper shows, Chris praises his vivid vision for details large and small — from the color of the decor to the installation of the new individual restrooms that have received rave reviews. And that’s outside of the concerts, cocktail hours and game nights that are part of the Nilforushans’ commitment to elevating the horse show experience. “It’s been really fun and interesting to work with Ali because he is always doing something innovative.”

An Expansive Perspective

As hospitality coordinator, Chris interacts with the different horse people who enjoy Galway Downs. “They all ride different disciplines and are different people, but they’re all very nice.”

The VIP experience was new to the eventing community a few years ago and has now been embraced to the point of sell-outs during the last few competitions. Managing the VIP Pavilion, Chris has seen the evolution from eventers initially balking at the upfront cost to recognizing the benefits of all-day access to hot meals and snacks and a lovely place for themselves, their clients and guests to enjoy the event.

Working during the Masterclass in the Wine Country with Ingrid Klimke exposed Chris to yet another segment of the equestrian community — passionate fans of the German Olympic eventer and dressage rider. “It was huge and they were so excited to be here,” Chris exclaims. Organized by Entrigue Consulting, the early December educational weekend drew between 700 and 800 fans, including a sold-out VIP area that showcased Galway Downs at its dressed-up, holiday best.

Chris’ horsey background is centered on Arabians. Her daughter Keeley competed on the Arabian Youth circuit and now trains professionally. Keely recently moved back to Southern California after six years in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her training business, KK Equestrian, is thriving. Three of Keeley’s youth horses enjoy retired life at Green Acres. It’s right across the street from Galway Downs and Chris usually visits them twice a day.

Living at the 242-acre property is “lovely,” Chris shares — especially during the off weekends. “When there’s no shows going on, I can sit with my coffee overlooking the racetrack and watch the babies run in the morning. It’s beautiful and very peaceful.”

Living on site also makes her a go-to girl for impromptu requests to check on this or that. “That’s OK,” she laughs. “It’s all part of the deal.”

Ready For Prime Time

Getting back to the art of hospitality, Chris says organization is the key to making it look easy.  She takes pride in having a space or place for everything, keeping everything clean and anticipating and juggling the many details involved in upcoming events.

Galway Downs is ready for discovery by the general public, Chris asserts. She observes that many locals have little idea the full scope of activity going on throughout the year. “They might know about the youth soccer, the wedding venue or the equestrian competitions, but they usually only know of one of those. You can’t see us directly from the main road, so there are still a lot of people who have no idea we’re out here.

“It’s all about keeping people happy and I think we do a really good job of that,” Chris concludes. “I think we have a great team out here, with fearless leaders and we all work well together.”