Send this story Print this story

Adjust text size

Equestrian challenge returns to Horse Park

Peninsula residents need not travel to London to watch Olympic-style, "3 Day Eventing" equestrian competition. The fourth annual Woodside Preliminary Challenge returns to the Horse Park at Woodside, located at 3674 Sand Hill Road, Friday through Sunday, May 25-May 27.

Some three dozen horses are expected to participate, said event spokesperson Nan Chapman. Prize money totals $30,000.

The event starts Friday morning with dressage, the cross-country phase begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, and the final show-jumping competition starts at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Dressage and show jumping events will move to a newly resurfaced Grand Prix arena. "The footing is especially good because it has purchase and is cushiony," said Tom Livermore of Woodside, co-chair of the new footing project. "You can ride on it in the rain, and it doesn't clump up in the horses' hooves."

Donations paid for importing 110 truckloads of sand and 116,000 pounds of Germany textile footing, which were mixed into three arenas on the property, he said.

On Saturday, spectators can watch an entire day of cross-country for $10 per person, including parking and a program. The advanced and intermediate divisions compete in the afternoon.

Then, fans can watch the final phase, show jumping, from a heated ringside platform while being served a dinner catered by Cahoots Catering of Paso Robles. Music and a silent auction are included in the heated arena seating.

A gala party starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, with check-in starting at 5:15. Tickets are $55 per person, or $475 for a table of 10.

Visit horsepark.org for more information.