My Show Experience at DIHP - Part One
This year, I was fortunate enough to be in exactly the right place in life to take the opportunity to show my horse down south. With my contract job ending in December 2024 and the gentle start of my new remote role (yes, I still have a daytime job!), everything aligned perfectly to allow me to take just under a month away from the “real world.”
Although I was initially apprehensive about planning and coordinating logistics for both myself and—let’s be honest—a giant toddler (my horse), things seemed to fall into place more smoothly than I ever expected. I was lucky that my own coach was also attending the show, which took a huge weight off my shoulders. She handled all the horse-related logistics—stall, shavings, hay, transport, vet paperwork—so I was free to focus on coordinating my own accommodations.
I decided to brave staying in the show park’s on-site RV park. I had heard plenty of stories from friends about how complicated on-site accommodations at other show parks could be—everything from losing reserved spots at the last minute to hidden fees. But to my surprise, booking through C3RV (the official RV partner for the park) was pleasantly simple. Dwane, who assisted me over email (thankfully, because I’m not a fan of phone calls!), made the process easy and seamless.
Although I ran out of propane twice (and shivered my way through a couple of nights—deserts do get cold!), I absolutely loved the experience and would recommend it to anyone. Staying on-site was truly a game-changer. When I originally looked into hotels and Airbnbs, I couldn’t find anything closer than a 20-minute drive. For me, that would mean 40 minutes round trip if I forgot something, needed a snack, or wanted to change. I loved the freedom of being able to pop back to my "hut" to get work done or take a break, especially on the warmer days.
One of the best decisions I made was booking a golf cart! Even though I studied the park map obsessively before arriving, nothing prepares you for how massive DIHP is in person. While I still averaged 30,000 steps a day (and my body misses that amount of exercise now!), it was a lifesaver to have the golf cart to give my feet a break and zip around when needed.
Another highlight was the 24/7 vending machine area—honestly, I’m pretty sure I was their best customer! They had everything from healthy, gluten-free snacks and meals (shoutout to my new breakfast fave, MUSH overnight oats) to laundry soap, Band-Aids, and electrolyte drinks. The first week, I didn’t realize that most food vendors are closed Monday/Tuesday and everything shuts down early on Sundays—so those frozen meals and rice packs really saved me!
Of course, what is a show park without top-notch equestrian amenities? DIHP is truly the Disneyland for horses and riders alike. Dexter loved every second of it. He would often pause and gaze off into the distance during our long walks, taking in the atmosphere. Some of my favorite moments were the quiet ones—bonding time with him in the grassy fields, basking in the sun, and taking long walks and trots along the beautiful trails near the RV park. We even enjoyed a little gallop—it was so peaceful and special.
Riding in such world-class facilities was an incredible experience. Every ring, including the schooling rings, felt like something out of a dream. The jumps were beautifully decorated, and you could see the care and pride DIHP takes in maintaining their facility. What impressed me most was how everything was done with the horse in mind. For example, on a chilly day when I went to wash Dexter’s legs, I noticed the wash rack water was warmed up—a thoughtful detail that did not go unnoticed.
Finally, I can’t finish this post without mentioning how professional and kind all the staff were. Every person I interacted with—from the friendly gate staff who radioed a shuttle to help me with my luggage, to the team at checkout—was welcoming and helpful. Maybe it’s the desert sun, but there was such a warm and relaxed vibe everywhere.
Overall, it was a life-changing show experience that I will never forget. I feel so grateful to have had the chance to attend, and I truly hope to return in the future!
Photo credit to my dear friends at With Love Photography.
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