Del Mar CA— The 72nd annual Del Mar National National Horse Show starts its three-week run on April 18 with Western competition, and includes the exciting and family-friendly event “Night of the Horse,” presented by Mary’s Tack and Feed. This performance at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 22 is an action-packed equestrian variety show featuring unique, top-notch entertainment designed to make even the most casual horse enthusiast jump out of their seat. Tickets for this event at the Del Mar Arena can be purchased for both reserved seating and ringside dinner boxes with gourmet catered food, at delmarnational.com or at the O’Brien Gate Box Office located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays or at 858-792-4252.
From Tuesday, April 18 through Saturday afternoon on April 22, the Horse Show is free to spectators. Each day there are competitions featuring skilled riders of all ages winning trophies and tri-colored ribbons. Saturday evening events are the only paid admission events at the three-week horse show. Food and beverage concessions as well as equestrian specialty shops are available to the public during the entire horse show within the Del Mar Arena.
Saturday night’s “Night of the Horse” performers include the 15-year winner of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association specialty act, John Payne, better known as the notorious One Arm Bandit. The Bandit is known to keep spectators on the edge of their seats as he makes it look easy to herd longhorn steer around the Arena. His performance at the Del Mar National will be filmed for a documentary movie about his professional cowboy life, as he is considered to be one of the best horsemen in the world.
Recently acclaimed star of Cavalia, Sylvia Zerbini, will return for the second time to Night of the Horse. A gifted horsewoman, Sylvia will orchestrate 8-10 Arabian Stallions in a breathtaking At Liberty performance. Akin to horse whispering, she makes it look very easy as she directs her horses with subtle cues and gentle voice commands.

In the true cowboy tradition, top-ranked professional horsemen, Aaron Ralston, will dazzle the audience with his amazing reining skills which demonstrate the unique and powerful partnership between rider and horse. He has earned a number of accomplishments around the world, including at the World Equestrian Games in Germany. This will be his debut at Del Mar National Horse Show.
Native of Mexico City, Tomás Garcilazo, with his family will perform a unique traditional act, debuting at this event. Representing his Mexican heritage, Tomás and his family will perform “Día de los Muertos,” an act which shares with the audience their ancestral tradition of celebrating life in a colorful and joyful atmosphere using his roping skills with an Escaramuza team. Escaramuza, or “skirmish,” describes daredevil horseback ballet, ridden sidesaddle at top speed.Tomás’ proficiency as a skilled horseman and rope artist has earned him a place as one of the finest Charros presenting La Charrería today.
Spencer Rose began as a rodeo rider and combined her skills with circus experience from the Cavalia stage to create her spectacular Roman Riding and Trick Riding performance. She will present a mixture of fire, whips, lasso and trick riding in a unique trick and daredevil demonstration of skill and horsemanship.
To cap it off, the Arizona Mini Mystique will show off their miniature horse driving skills exposing the small horses’ beauty and versatility; and some of the world’s largest horses, Belgians and Clydesdales, will demonstrate their powerful abilities in the arena.
About the Del Mar National Horse Show
The Del Mar National Horse Show is a showcase of equestrian sports. It includes the distinct disciplines of Western, Dressage and Hunter/Jumper in world-class competitions for three weeks from April 18 through May 7. Now in its 72nd year, DMNHS has earned international recognition as one of the most prestigious and historic equestrian events. Nearly 1,500 horse and rider teams compete to win in excess of $300,000 in cash and prizes. DMNHS is one of the few remaining horse shows offering multiple traveling perpetual trophies, in addition to individual class trophies and prize money. The show attracts nationally and internationally acclaimed horses and riders year after year. The Del Mar National Horse Show is produced by the 22nd District Agricultural Association, a State of California agency, which owns and operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Find more information at delmarfairgrounds.com