Wellington, FL – January 20, 2015 – A committed sponsor of the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), United States P.R.E., the official association of the Spanish Horse in the U.S., is excited for the beginning of a new season and would like to send a warm welcome to competitors, judges, organizers, owners, and fans traveling to experience dressage in Wellington this winter. This week’s competition at AGDF, which runs January 22-25, is sponsored by US P.R.E. Association for the Large Tour and the Chespeake Dressage Institute for the Small Tour.
A four-year sponsor of AGDF, US P.R.E. is the official 501c3 non-profit organization representing and promoting the Spanish Horse breed in the United States. The Pure Spanish Horse (P.R.E) is a fixture in the sport of dressage, as many of the breed’s top stallions have produced successful offspring, always competitive at the top levels of the sport. The US P.R.E. Association is the sponsor of this week’s Large Tour CDI-W classes, the FEI Grand Prix, FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, and FEI Grand Prix Special.
“US P.R.E. is the national breed association for the P.R.E. horse and we have experienced huge growth in the past two years, coinciding with the increasing popularity of the breed in the U.S.,” stated Kim Boyer, President of US P.R.E. “We’ve seen a huge interest in them from the equestrian community as riding and pleasure horses, but especially as dressage athletes.”
AGDF has given the organization a platform to promote the breed, as it continues to excel in the dressage arena. “AGDF has absolutely gone above and beyond what we could have ever expected. The growth has been tremendous,” said Boyer. “When you have a location like this and a strong team supporting the competition, the rest of the world wants to follow what is happening here. You give riders everywhere, the entire dressage community, both national and international, a destination. It is the place everyone wants to be.”
The growth of the competition continues to highlight the equestrian community, and Boyer hopes to see that continue. With new competitors and vendors arriving each week, AGDF has become the epicenter for dressage during the winter season. “I hope people see what this event contributes to the community and that what we had originally envisioned for this competition is now coming to life,” she commented.
Janet Richardson-Pearson and Chesapeake Dressage Institute are also proud to announce their continued sponsorship and support of the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and are looking forward to another wonderful year of dressage competition. Chespeake Dressage Institute sponsors this week’s CDI-W Small Tour classes: the FEI Prix St. Georges, FEI Intermediaire-1, and FEI I-1 Freestyle.
As AGDF has continued to grow in size and scale each year since its inception, Richardson-Pearson has felt responsible for helping the sport she loves find a permanent home. “After seeing the incredible success of the Winter Equestrian Festival, I felt that there was nothing but good things to come for AGDF under the watchful eye of Mark Bellissimo,” she said. “I’ve always thought it would be wonderful to give dressage a permanent home in Wellington, and AGDF has given it the platform it has needed to attract the superstars of the sport.”
Not only has AGDF strengthened the sport by giving it a permanent winter location, but it has also provided competitors, sponsors, and owners with a sense of camaraderie, helping to bond dressage-enthusiasts alike. “I enjoy being able to share my love for horses and dressage with like-minded people,” said Richardson-Pearson. “I am so proud to be a part of this venue and the way it supports the sport that we love.”
The quality of competition AGDF continually hosts has played a major role in the growing number of international riders who wish to spend their winters in Wellington. While seasoned veteran riders continue to strengthen the level of performance throughout the season, Richardson-Pearson is most proud of the up-coming young riders who have been able to showcase their talents.
“There have been some wonderful moments for us as sponsors, but one moment that stands out was when we awarded Juan Matute, Jr. last year,” she commented. “He was obviously having such a good time competing, he was serious, but in such a light-hearted way. He is such a strong reminder of how fun this sport can be.”
Proud to be a part of the show’s continued growth, Richardson-Pearson and Chesapeake Dressage Institute are excited for the beginning of a new season and would like to wish all competitors a healthy and fun 2015 season. “I once read a statement that said, ‘Never watch bad riding,’ and that has stuck with me ever since. This competition helps to elevate the sport and makes everyone want to be better. We feel that we are supporting the overall quality of dressage through our sponsorship here at AGDF.”
About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. 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.
www.globaldressagefestival.com | www.equestriansport.com
Source: Press release
