Where the Surf Meets the Turf

Double Decker Busses

Del Mar, CA. The perfect views, perfect weather, horse mecca of San Diego. Home to riders such as Stephen Peters, vet hospital Helen Woodward, and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Where I found my heart horse, Riesling. This place is where my dreams would come true.

 

As a girl I competed in the GSDHJA circuit. The week long end of year show was hosted here at horse park. It was always my dream more than anything to have my horse in the temporary stall, wake up early to salty beach air, and spend my birthday week (coincidence?) doing what I loved most. 

Unfortunately, soon after my parents divorce, my showing came to a screeching halt and I would never find myself showing here. But it is something I always dreamed of. 

La Mundial was there! 

My mom grew up riding in Rancho Santa Fe, a close second to my favorite place. What Rancho Santa Fe didn't have was my favorite tack store and my favorite event of the summer, the San Diego County Fair. 

My favorite flower, the Dahlia

Apparently these were for equestrians?

The fair is my must do every summer. I've gone every year since I can remember, and it always brings me positive memories. We always got to take a friend with us and had unlimited ride wristbands. One of my first memories at the fair is sitting in the garden show area and my mom pulling egg salad sandwiches for us to eat out of her Winnie The Pooh backpack. 

Carne Asada Fries mmm

Bacon Bomb

My grandpa worked at the fair every summer as well. He ran a handwriting personality test booth. One year, he was able to give me a GIANT white tiger stuffed animal to take home; the ones that cost over $20 in games to win. I still wish I had that tiger today.

Saddleseat horse show

If I had the choice to live anywhere in the world it would be Del Mar. Yeah the traffic sucks and it is ridiculously expensive, but the nostalgia and beauty is unparalleled. Someday, I will find myself showing at Horse Park. Even if I'm only living in a hotel room for a few days, my life dream will be fulfilled. 

Horse Display 

Equestrian Adventures: Dartmoor Derby

Starting a new series on my blog where I look at Equestrian Adventure Destinations. As I am developing my career I see a beneficial opportunity for study abroad, internships, and adventures. While this place specifically is more an adventure place, I do believe all travel is beneficial to learning. I came across this freaking awesome adventure by looking into study abroad experiences and while I also want to share those on here, this is a more open opportunity for everyone.

This article popped up on my google search about a first time derby to take place in Dartmoor based off of the Mongol Derby. The Mongol Derby, located close northern China, attempts to recreate the postal system developed by Ghengis Khan. The race is 1000 km (~621 miles) where you switch horses every 40 km (~25 miles). The race lasts ten days and costs around $12,200 dollars. It is unclear whether or not this includes food/lodging. They round up around 14,000 Mongolian ponies for the race. Reading anecdotes, it appears that while the horses are "trained" they are very green and need experienced riders. While this sounds absolutely exhilarating (tbh just added to my bucket list) it is also pricey.

The Dartmoor Derby , hosted by Liberty Trails, appears to be a more tame version of this. Dartmoor is located in Devon, England (southwest England). The terrain (I would assume) is definitely different than Mongolia. This area is very scenic and inspired Steven Spielberg's award winning movie War Horse. The duration is only 3-4 days as well compared to 10. Instead of being a race, the event is centered around an enjoyable romp through the English countryside. However, all riders are recommended to be fully experienced and comfortable in all gaits; this certainly isn't for Joe Tourist who has ridden on the beach in Coasta Rica in flip flops and board shorts.

This event also allows you to bring your own horse to the event or hire a pony trained for the event. While there is a demand to finish each day's ~24 miles before the sun sets, this isn't a competition. You travel in groups and have the option of "glamping" or staying in a luxury hotel at night. Food is provided as well as full medical and veterinary support. The price also suggests a luxury excursion (or at-least it should, ha!). With the option of bringing your own horse or camping versus hotels, the cost ranges from $1,800 - $4,300.

While plane fair will be expensive, it seems like a fun equestrian excursion that doesn't seem too far fetched.