Nilforushan Equisport Events Closes Out Final Series at Galway Downs for 2021 Show Year
Temecula, Calif. – Oct. 25, 2021 – Competition at Nilforushan Equisport Events’ Temecula Valley National Fall Series, presented by Interactive Mortgage, came to a close on Sunday, October 24. As the final series of 2021, the Nilforushan Equisport Events Team would like to thank our generous sponsors for supporting us in our final two weeks of the show calendar.
This fall, we experienced an overwhelming amount of help and support from our sponsors, aiding us in creating new and exciting prizes for our athletes as well as new and unique prizes for our exhibitors such as the $1,000 Daily Trainer Bonus, also sponsored by Interactive Mortgage, our numerous themed parties and happy hours, as well as our two $1,000 Groom Awards, sponsored by Equine Discounts and Blue Ridge Farms.
We thank all of our loyal exhibitors for returning to Galway Downs to join us for two final weeks of top competition, fun parties, and all of the incredible moments in between. The outpouring of support and camaraderie is what make these shows unique and what drives up to make these series better and better each year. We can’t wait to welcome you all back in the spring of 2022!
Jamie Taylor Tops the Leaderboard in the $25,000 Rider Bonus, Sponsored by Desert International Horse Park
After Week I of the Temecula Valley National Fall Series, Jamie Taylor held the lead for the $25,000 Rider Bonus, sponsored by Desert International Horse Park aboard JT Equine LLC’s 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Quatar. Taylor returned for Week II of the series with a near 100-point lead over Eric Navet and Coronado Blue NF, who took home a second consecutive win in the $10,000 1.35m NEEd for Speed Derby, sponsored by Multi Radiance Super Pulsed Lasers, on Saturday, October 23. Taylor also produced her own repeat performance winning her second-ever grand prix at Galway Downs on Saturday, this time aboard Ali Nilforushan’s 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding, Cocoliche of Greenhill Z.
Taylor and Cocoliche of Greenhill Z accumulated 663.5 points over the two weeks in featured jumper competition. Highlights for the pair included a win in the $50,000 Grand Prix, sponsored by First National Bank of Pasco, and a third place in the $10,000 Welcome Stake, sponsored by Train With Shelby.
Final Farewell to Milano During Emotional Retirement Ceremony
The Nilforushan Equisport Events team was honored to celebrate the retirement of Abigail Archer’s 16-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding, Milano. Over the course of his lucrative career as a top international show jumper, Milano accumulated nearly $750,000 in prize money, taking notable wins over the years at Galway Downs, plus winning the 2017 AIG $1 Million in Thermal and the 2017 Sacramento FEI World Cup Qualifier.
The outcrying of emotion, support, and love in the stands at Galway Downs was palpable during the tear-jerking ceremony. As is tradition, Milano took his final victory gallop in the Grand Prix Arena and was untacked in front of the amassing of spectators. He dawned his ceremonial cooler and sash of roses. In his retirement, Milano will go on to be ridden by owner and Mandy Porter as a pleasure horse and enjoy the slower pace of life.
“He has given us so much, more than we could ever have imagined,” said Porter of Milano. “He owes us nothing.”
Final Saturday Night Party of 2021 – Oktoberfest
The fun festivities at Nilforushan Equisport Events’ Temecula Valley National Fall Series came to an exciting and festive conclusion with a Saturday night Oktoberfest Party. Exhibitors dawned their best lederhosen and dirndls and enjoyed free beer, courtesy of Refuge Brewery, in addition to German food, a beer pong tournament, a face painter, and a caricaturist.
Della White Wins Double in High Jr/AO/AM Jumper Classic at Nilforushan Equisport Events’ Temecula Valley National Fall Week II
Temecula, Calif. – Oct. 24, 2021 – Junior/Amateur-Owner/Amateur (JR/AO/AM) classes kicked off Sunday morning in the Grand Prix Arena at Nilforushan Equisport Events’ Temecula Valley National Fall to close out Week II of competition. Competitors took to the ring one by one, challenging one another in an attempt to take home the victory in the High JR/AO/AMJumper Classic sponsored by Ogilvy, the Medium JR/AO/AM Jumper Classic sponsored by Tack of the Town and the Low JR/AO/AM Jumper Classic, sponsored by CC Fits.
In the end, it was Della White leading the victory lap around the Grand Prix Arena for the High JR/AO/AM Jumper Classic, Michelle Berry and Coco Cento for the Medium JR/AO/AM Jumper Classic and Savannah Carter, and Crash 21 for the Low JR/AO/AM Jumper Classic.
Hunter Competition Concludes at Temecula Valley National Fall Series with Ashley Weiman and Sweet Romance Capturing Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship
Temecula, Calif. – Oct. 24, 2021 – Amateur-Owner Hunters drew the curtain on the Temecula Valley National Fall Series, presented by Interactive Mortgage, taking to the Grand Hunter Arena for the last time in 2021. In hopes of claiming the final division tricolor in the combined Amateur-Owner 3’3” and 3’6” Hunters, riders and their respective mounts put forth their best efforts. Excited to take their turn in the spotlight, Ashley Weiman and Sweet Romance posted the highest scores over the course of the weekend, earning themselves the coveted championship title, while Anna Jacoby and Fiorella came in a close second capturing the reserve championship title.
Nilforushan Equisport Events is a horse-show management company owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Ali and Francie Nilforushan. Their mission is to produce world-class events that will make California a top show jumping destination, attract local residents to a number of entertainment experiences including world-class performances and film nights, as well as fine dining. Exhibitors can expect great sport, a first-class VIP area, and affordable showing options thanks to the inventive style of the Nilforushan management team.
For more information about the Temecula Valley National Horse Show series and Nilforushan Equisport Events, please visit www.jump-nee.com.
