While we await the imminent final approval of the list of sports and venues by the International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the likelihood of Galway Downs hosting the Equestrian and Para Equestrian competitions has dramatically increased.
Galway Downs approved by LA28 Olympic Committee
On March 26th 2025, the Ad Hoc Olympic and Paralympic Committee of the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved LA28’s proposal that six venues outside the city limits host competition in various sports. Proposed venues were initially announced in June of 2024, as amendments to the LA2028 Games’ venue master plan. This included proposing Galway Downs as host of Equestrian and Para Equestrian events.
The LA28 Ad Hoc Olympic Committee’s vote to approve new venue proposals was ratified by the entire Los Angeles City Council on March 28th with final approval by the International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board expected in early April.
Galway Downs to host all three equestrian disciplines
The Galway Downs Equestrian Centre in Temecula, California began its pursuit of the LA28 Equestrian and Para Equestrian competition four years ago and its ability to host all three equestrian events, along with meeting requirements in sustainability, legacy and fiscal responsibility, has led to its approval by the LA28 Committee.
This year, the International Equestrian Federation bestowed international CSI3* status on show jumping events at Galway Downs, completing the Galway trifecta of hosting highest-level events in all three Olympic equestrian disciplines.
Located in the Temecula Valley’s Valle de los Caballos – “Valley of the Horses” – Galway Downs embodies the 242-acre property’s “A Legend Reborn” motto.
“Temecula is a great tourist town and an attractive place to host an event like this,” asserts Ken Smith, Citizen of the Year nominee and recipient of the Temecula Chamber of Commerce’s Welty Award for Tourism Professional of the Year.
“And I think it’s going to help the equestrian world come together. I hope it helps us work together more going forward – between the different disciplines that often don’t talk to each other. I hope it can be a way to protect and advance the equestrian lifestyle for everybody.”
