HISTORY

The Del Mar National began as part of the annual San Diego County Fair. In 1946, 350 competitors rode for their chance to win a slice of the $20,000 pie and to earn points toward becoming ultimate show champions.

By 1979, the Del Mar National had become so popular, it eventually outgrew the county fair and became a separate event. The show and the venue have continually evolved over the years. The rings and locations, along with the breeds and variety of disciplines have changed over the years as Del Mar’s unique character took shape and grew into the icon it has become. Today, the show hosts three distinctly different weeks of competition; Western, Dressage, and Hunter/Jumper.

Del Mar now offers more than $350,000 in prize money and attracts more than 3,000 horses during the three weeks of competition. The show takes place in the multi-million-dollar Del Mar Arena which received an extensive makeover in 2009, including the addition of a roof. Much of the ‘outdoor’ quality has been retained through the use of half- and three-quarter walls where none existed previously. Del Mar holds quite a few “firsts” in its history and in 1992, it was the first venue in the western states to host a World Cup Competition.