Two Official Paralympic Equestrian Qualifying Competitions in January 2016
Photos and press release by: Lindsay Y. McCall
Wellington, FL – November 30, 2015 – After the successful 2015 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships in October riders are looking forward to heading to Wellington, Florida, this Winter show season. The 2016 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), presented by Mission Control, Mane Stream, courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Adequan®, and Nutrena, will host two CPEDI3* events in January. The Para-Equestrian Dressage Tour first $10,000 CPEDI3* is scheduled for January 7-10, and the second $10,000 CPEDI3* is January 21-24, 2016. The AGDF takes place at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, from January 14 through April 2, 2016. The ADGF CPEDI events will be the first look at each horse and rider combination aiming for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Annie Peavy at the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) Para-Dressage CPEDI3*. Photo by Lindsay Y. McCall
The ground jury for January 7-10, includes Kristi Wysocki (USA), Carlos Lopes (POR), and Marco Orsini (GER). The ground jury for January 21-24, includes Sarah Leitch (GBR), Marc Urban (BEL), and Dr Jan Holger Holtschmit (GER). Each competition is coordinated by Thomas Baur with Manager Monica Fitzgerald. Each show will have the FEI jog around 3 PM on that Thursday followed by the Team Test competition on Friday, Individual Test on Saturday, and the Freestyle on Sunday. Para-Equestrian Dressage Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV will be participating. Online entries are accepted at www.equestrianentries.com with the closing date for the Jan 7-10, CPEDI3* on December 23, 2015. Closing date for the January 21-24, show is January 4, 2016. Official Prize List posted on www.globaldressagefestival.com
“With the Holidays fast approaching we are also closing in on the final competitions to the road to Rio,” said President of the USPEA and Paralympian Hope Hand. “Our Para Dressage athletes are making their way to Florida, sacrificing family time to fulfill a dream.”
Hand acknowledged, “It’s the time of the season to give thanks to the many friends and family members who have supported our athletes through this journey. If you can, join us to cheer our US Para Dressage Team on their Road to Rio. I promise an exciting competition.”
2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) Para-Dressage CPEDI3*. Photo by Lindsay Y. McCall
The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival is the world’s largest international and national dressage circuit featuring seven CDIs, including four CDI-Ws, one 4* and one 5*, the only non-championship CDIO Nations’ Cup in the Western Hemisphere, as well as weekly U.S. National events. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area. For more information please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com .
