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FEBRUARY 23 , 2016 | 2 NOTES

OF PALM TREES AND PONIES: AWINTER EQUESTRIAN HEAVEN IN

PALM SPRINGS

T S G EQUESTRIAN

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For the 1000+ equestrian competitors who make the HITS THERMALWINTER CIRCUIT their home from January ­ March, there’s nowhere elsethey’d rather be. And whether you are a rider or simply a winter snow birdlooking for some sun, there’s plenty of great reasons to head south to theresort­minded locale of Palm Springs, California to experience the winterseason Fresh off her own trip to the desert, TSG Equestrian editor Molly

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season Fresh off her own trip to the desert, TSG Equestrian editor MollyKnott supplies her tips for a trip to this equestrian paradise.

Where to Stay

Only 15 minutes from the HITS DESERT HORSE PARK, the historic town ofLa Quinta is the ideal place to stay for a trip to the Thermal horse show.

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Nestled under the Santa Rosa mountains and established as a deserthideaway for early Hollywood celebrities (think Garbo and Gable), the LAQUINTA RESORT & CLUB is a favorite amongst equestrians, celebrities, andthe golf and tennis set. It is impossible to not be enchanted by La Quinta’shacienda­style adobe casitas, manicured grounds fragrant with the scent oforange blossoms, and exceptional service. It is also a PET FRIENDLYRESORT ­ with miles of trails, comfortable in­room doggie amenities, andeven the option for doggie massage.

The nearby LEGACY VILLAS AT LA QUINTA offers one, two, and three

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The nearby LEGACY VILLAS AT LA QUINTA offers one, two, and threebedroom villas, an 11,000 sq. ft clubhouse, state of the art fitness facility, and9 salt water community pools. In nearby Indio (also a great location for horseshow­goers), the INDIAN PALMS COUNTRY CLUB & RESORT features atranquil boutique hotel situated on our 27 hole championship golf course

Food & Wine

If you are staying at the La Quinta Resort, several favorite dining options are

just a short stroll across the grounds: fine dining at MORGAN’S IN THEDESERT, outstanding bistro fare at TWENTY6, and inventive Mexican at theADOBE GRILL. (Room service features the Twenty6 menu, so if you’re toospent to go out, dining in­room is a great option.)

ARNOLD PALMER’S is an institution for classic steakhouse fare and an arrayof the golf great’s memorabilia. And CUISTOT, in nearby Palm Desert, turnsout delicious French cuisine by Bernard Dervieux, former executive chef atthe Beverly Hills Hotel.

If you want to kick up your heels like the horsey set, don’t miss the TACKROOM TAVERN at the Empire Polo Club. Order an Empire Manhattan and

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ROOM TAVERN at the Empire Polo Club. Order an Empire Manhattan andcut a rug to local bands. You’ll see riders still in their boots and breeches, butyou don’t need them to climb onto one of the saddles flanking the bar. Openfor lunch and dinner, until 12:30 am.

Shopping

A stylish sun hat is a must and maybe a new swim suit too. The shops at LaQuinta Resort are impeccably curated and it’s worth it to drive into PalmSprings to, at the very least, window shop the luxury boutiques that glitteralong Palm Canyon Drive. The El Paseo shopping district in Palm Desertis a bit closer to your home base and offers similar options.

At the horse show itself you’ll find “Vendor Row,” offering both equestrianequipment and stylish riding wear like boots, belts, breeches, and more.

Sporting Life

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Competitors flock to the HITS THERMAL DESERT CIRCUIT as a mecca ofequestrian sport, featuring eight weeks of competition from January ­ March,7 competition arenas, and 43 barns. A family atmosphere permeates the showand grand prix horse and rider combinations compete in arenas adjacent toclasses for amateur competitors of all ages, from beginner to advanced. For2016, week IV features the $100, 000 FEI Longines World Cup Qualifier andweek VIII features the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix.

On TSG Editor Molly Knott’s don’t miss list: Head to the EMPIRE POLOCLUB for Sunday polo from January ­ April. The VIP for a day ($25/person)includes brunch services on the club’s patio overlooking the polo field. Orpack a picnic and tailgate on the field’s east side ($10/car). Even a seasonedequestrian can’t help but feel the thrill when the ponies come thunderouslyclose to the boards, mallets cracking as they pursue a little white ball.

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For horsepower of another variety, thrill seekers can book a program at theBMW PERFORMANCE DRIVING SCHOOL at The Thermal Club. Sessionsrange from two hours to two days. The M Track Drive puts you behind thewheel of a 425 turbocharged horsepower M car to handle the twists and turnson one of The Thermal Club’s world class road courses. After 6 exhilaratinglaps in a BMW M3 or M4, you’ll hop in the passenger seat with your BMWprofessional driving instructor to experience the true capabilities of an M caron a Hot Lap.

For an experience of a decidedly slower speed, golfers have a myriad ofoptions in one of the world’s most renowned meccas for the sport. Both

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resort and public guests can take advantage of the legendary courses ownedby La Quinta Resort & Club ­ click HERE for details. Nearby SILVERROCKRESORT also offers public tee times.

Cuistot photo courtesy of CUISTOT restaurant; arena photo courtesy ofKATE HOULIHAN; all other photos by Molly Knott.

#visit #hits thermal desert circuit #palm springs #horse show

#hunter jumper #la quinta #bmw #thermal club #empire polo

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Notes

KATEHOULIHAN reblogged this from TSGEQUESTRIAN and added:

Love this editor. She does such a great job! Thanks for using one of myshots in your post!

TSGTAMPABAYFLORIDA liked this

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