Temecula, Calif. – June 18, 2019 – Held at picturesque Galway Downs, the Temecula Valley National Horse Show recently completed its second annual series, which featured four weeks of exciting competition and entertainment under the banner of Nilforushan Equisport Events. Following a series of property enhancements during the off season, the horse show returned in the spring with a new series of champions crowned across multiple rings, each of which received deserved attention thanks to the competition’s live streaming and video library capabilities. Now with two years of the horse show completed, the Nilforushans are taking what they have learned to heart and already planning for even better future horse show experiences in Southern California.
“I think from where we started last year to where we are this year, there has been so much improvement. We couldn’t have done this without amazing and generous sponsors. Operationally, everything is a lot smoother and the amount of people coming to the shows has increased so much. As far as competition goes, the level of riders kept improving and our final grand prix had 48 starters, which was a really big deal for a California horse show,” reflected Ali Nilforushan, one of the founders of Nilforushan Equisport Events.
With horse shows across the nation competing for numbers, many East Coast events have recently taken precedence on many equestrians’ schedules, but the masterminds behind the Temecula Valley National Horse Show aim to change that by attracting more individuals and their horses to the Golden State.
“California has been a huge producer of great sponsors and riders for the American show scene. I don’t like seeing the trend of people leaving and I really want to reverse that. I want to bring our riders home and I want to let everyone know how worthwhile it is to train and compete here,” noted Nilforushan. “It’s the best place to live. I want people to come experience this lifestyle. It’s a beautiful area with the best climate and we have incredible competition here. I would love to get East Coasters and Europeans here.”
As part of their strategy to bring exhibitors to Temecula, the show management implemented a number of unique initiatives aimed at offering cost-saving, entertaining and memorable opportunities. One such popular program included cutting class fees for off-the-track Thoroughbreds and horses under the age of six to help rookie horses and riders gain experience in the ring, while a low-cost photo package allowed competitors to relive all their favorite moments. Additionally, weekly welcome parties spotlighted impressive performers and Friday Game Nights added another degree of camaraderie. All combined, the innovative offerings helped to result in an overwhelmingly positive experience for attendees.
“The biggest standout for me is how you can hear and feel the energy from the people here. I can feel how we’re affecting peoples’ experiences, and that excites and motivates me even more because it’s so heartfelt what people are saying. To be able to implement special things and have people appreciate and love it so much means a lot to me. Those are the things that I will take away from this,” said Nilforushan.
For competitors already looking towards next year, Nilforushan Equisport Events has good news. Armed with seven weeks of successful horse showing under their belts, the management behind the Temecula Valley National Horse Show is planning on returning in 2020 for another installment of the series with additional improvements and other ideas in store.
“I think that anyone who knows me and my character knows that I’m never satisfied and this show will be much improved. I already see so many things that I would love to see different for next year. That’s the thing for me – I never just want to sit on what we did this year. I’m already thinking about the things we can change and improve for next year. There will be big improvements and hopefully we can add some really cool classes,” commented Nilforushan.
Nilforushan Equisport Events is a horse show management company owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team of Ali and Francie Nilforushan. Their mission is to produce world-class events that will make California a top show jumping destination, as well as attract local residents to a number of entertainment experiences and world-class performances. Exhibitors can expect great sport, a first class VIP area and affordable showing options at every event thanks to the inventive style of the Nilforushan management team.
For more information, please visit www.jump-nee.com
