Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) — Thermal, CA
Quick snapshot
-
What it is: A major, full‑service equestrian showgrounds that hosts top‑level hunter/jumper and dressage competition (including FEI weeks) during the winter “show season.”
-
Scale: “Nearly 1.6 million square feet of competition and riding space,” described as one of the largest equestrian facilities in North America.
-
Season: DIHP describes ~18 weeks of competition (Oct–Mar), drawing riders from around the world.
What it is (plain-English)
Desert International Horse Park is essentially a winter equestrian “sports campus” in the Coachella Valley: multiple competition rings, warm‑up areas, stabling, vendors, dining, VIP hospitality, and spectator viewing—built around high-level horse sport.
DIHP’s stated mission is to help build West Coast equestrian sport at an internationally recognized level, with an emphasis on horse welfare, footing, and biosecurity.
History and how it became “DIHP”
2007: Built in Thermal (as Desert Horse Park / HITS era).
A local report notes the “first horse unloaded” at HITS Desert Horse Park in 2007, after the circuit outgrew its former home at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, and that the park was built on ~240 acres of leased airport land in Thermal.
2019: New ownership + the DIHP name.
In August 2019, four West Coast equestrian families formed Apex Equisport to acquire the HITS West Coast circuits and the Thermal facility, and announced the venue would be known as Desert International Horse Park going forward.
2020–2024: Facility upgrades + bigger sport.
DIHP has publicized ongoing investment in footing and venues—such as a multi‑million‑dollar project to improve the Grand Prix Arena and add a new grass competition field (with additional ring/footing/bridle path work).
2025: Leadership/ownership shift, and relocation planning.
The Chronicle of the Horse reported that co‑owners Steve and Lisa Hankin stepped down in 2025, the remaining partners bought out their share, and the group’s future plans included moving the venue to a larger, purpose-built facility about two miles away.
What’s offered today
1) Major show circuits (what you’ll see)
DIHP hosts top-level hunter/jumper and dressage competition during its Oct–Mar season.
You’ll commonly see:
-
Hunter rounds (judged on style/way of going)
-
Jumper classes (timed, faults matter)
-
FEI weeks (international-level classes)
-
Dressage (including CDI levels during “Desert Dressage”)
2) Big-ticket “headline” sport (examples)
DIHP has hosted/announced multiple FEI 5* weeks and a World Cup qualifier at “Thermal.” For example:
-
DIHP announced a new CSI5 week* during Desert Circuit 3 (Jan 20–25, 2026), leading into the *CSI5-W Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ – Thermal (Jan 31, 2026)**.
-
DIHP has also published that it was selected as host venue for a Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifier at the CSI5* level (Thermal).
3) On-site experience beyond the arenas
-
VIP hospitality: “The Palm Club” VIP experience with Contemporary Catering, with table reservations and chef-driven menus.
-
Vendors/shopping: DIHP promotes on-site vendor shopping (with a vendor map).
-
Shuttle service: On-property shuttle with a published call number.
-
Facility tours: Paid tours for spectators/visitors (details below).
How someone can attend (spectator guide)
Step 1: Check what’s happening
-
Start with DIHP’s schedule/events pages to see what week you’re visiting (Desert Circuit, Desert Holiday, Desert Dressage, etc.).
Step 2: Get an Access Pass (important)
DIHP states that anyone wishing to enter the horse park needs a valid Access Pass, including spectators and children over age 12.
Step 3: Choose how you want to experience it
-
Show up and watch: Many featured Grand Prix/night classes on DIHP’s calendar are listed as “Free” (always verify the specific event listing and current policies).
-
Book a guided Facility Tour: Tours are $75 and include a guide, shuttle service, gift bag, visitor guide, meal voucher, drink ticket, an activity, and reserved seating for a night class.
-
Upgrade to VIP: Reserve a table at the Palm Club for a hosted food-and-viewing experience.
-
Watch remotely: DIHP provides a “Watch Live” page, including a stream option via ClipMyHorse TV for the Grand Prix field.
Step 4: Parking + getting around
-
Standard parking: varies by show week; check current visitor info.
-
VIP reserved parking: DIHP offers reserved zones with posted pricing (example: $1,200 season or $150/week for Desert Circuit), reserved via email.
-
On-site shuttle: DIHP posts a shuttle phone number for rides around the property.
Step 5: Lodging (if you’re staying overnight)
DIHP lists lodging partners, including La Quinta Resort & Club as an official partner for exhibitors and guests.
Horse welfare and biosecurity (a big part of DIHP’s identity)
DIHP publicly emphasizes “horses first,” including footing quality and biosecurity.
A few notable items:
-
DIHP states it has a dedicated biosecurity officer (and calls it unique in the U.S.).
-
DIHP posts detailed biosecurity protocols; for Desert Circuit 2026 it announced EquiTrace “EventPass” for uploading/verifying health documents and scanning at the gate.
-
Industry reporting has discussed DIHP’s approach after disease concerns, including the use of on-site point-of-care PCR testing (with confirmatory testing referenced) as part of evolving protocols.
The future: potential relocation to “Thermal Ranch” (bigger, purpose-built home)
There’s clear public reporting and public-agency documentation pointing toward a new, permanent, larger facility concept near the current location.
What’s been proposed (per Riverside County documentation)
Riverside County issued a public CEQA notice for the Thermal Ranch Specific Plan and related applications describing:
-
A Specific Plan on ~619 acres (currently agriculture)
-
Including a 223.1±‑acre equestrian center
-
Mixed-use components including up to 1,362 dwelling units (varied housing types)
-
~275,000± sq ft of retail/other commercial space (including 75,000± sq ft equestrian event-related retail)
-
A 150-room hotel
Approval momentum
A law-firm case update states the Riverside County Board of Supervisors gave unanimous approval (Dec 17, 2025) for the project to proceed, describing it as a permanent home concept for DIHP within a broader mixed-use development. (This is a stakeholder source; the County’s own final approvals/conditions are the ultimate authority.)
What DIHP leadership has said publicly (via equestrian media)
The Chronicle of the Horse also reported the remaining owners planned a move to a larger, purpose-built facility about two miles away from the current location.
FAQ
Do I need a ticket?
You need a DIHP Access Pass to enter the park (including spectators and kids 12+). Specific events may have their own ticketing/VIP options.
Is there a “best time” to visit?
DIHP’s main season runs Oct–Mar; weekends and “night classes” tend to be the most spectator-friendly.
Can I tour the facility?
Yes—DIHP sells guided Facility Tours ($75) with reserved night-class seating and other inclusions.
Where do I find results and daily schedules?
DIHP links out to ShowGroundsLive for entries/results and posts schedules online.
