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Para-Dressage Riders Kick Off $10,000 CPEDI3* Paralympic Qualifier in Wellington

Coach Wes Dunham jogs his horse Western Rose who is ridden by Sydney Collier (USA). Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall.

Wellington, FL- January 21, 2016 – Nineteen horse and rider combinations presented themselves on Thursday at the FEI Jog for the $10,000 CPEDI3* occurring January 22-24, 2016, at Week Two of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). The $10,000 CPEDI3* is presented by Mission Control, Mane Stream, courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Adequan®, and Nutrena. Para-Dressage riders from both Canada and the USA will step into The Stadium on Friday for their Team Test competition, followed by the Individual Test on Saturday, and the Freestyles on Sunday. Athletes in Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV will be competing in front of FEI ground jury of Sarah Leitch (GBR), Marc Urban (BEL), and Dr Jan Holger Holtschmit (GER). This is the final part of the 2016 Para-Equestrian Dressage Tour and the last opportunity in the United States to qualify for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The USA dominated during the January 8-10 $10,000 CPEDI3* and a repeat performance would be crucial for the USA Team and individuals.

U.S. Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt noted, “It may be a little tougher than last week. Our riders just have to keep up the momentum. This is an important show for us. I see no problem in each rider cranking it up by three or four percent. Last time was the first time these athletes were all in the big arena and now they know what to do and what to expect. There should be no problem for each of them to perform well.”

United States Equestrian Federation Director of Sport Programs Will Connell said to the riders, “Your job is to go out there and be professional athletes – that is what you are. Go out and do your best.”

Para-Dressage competition begins at 10 AM in The Stadium at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival.

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. The AGDF takes place at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, from January 14 through April 2, 2016.

By: Lindsay Y. McCall

To view an online version of this press release with more photos, please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/.

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.

The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.

Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline. From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.

In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand by e-mail: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.

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