Wellington, FL – December 1, 2011 – At the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, FL, dressage is poised to take center stage this January. Among the many high-level competitions that will occur at the venue this winter will be a Para-Equestrian CPEDI3* qualifier for the 2012 Paralympics. This exciting three-test qualifying competition will serve as an inspiring opener for both the Gold Coast Dressage CDIW and the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CDI3*, both of which now offer the chance to see talented para-equestrians compete alongside their peers.
The first para-equestrian dressage qualifier is going to be hosted at the Gold Coast Dressage Association CDIW, January 19-22, 2012. The second qualifier will be the following weekend, which is at the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge, CDI3*, January 26-29, 2012. The second event will run concurrent with the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach CDI5*, the only North American leg of the prestigious World Dressage Masters circuit.
“People forget that this is an Olympic qualifying year for para-equestrians as well,” said Noreen O’Sullivan, owner of Wellington Classic Dressage in Wellington, FL. “It’s just as important for them as it is for the traditional dressage riders.” She added, “We wanted to be able to help the para-equestrians this year as well. We have held classes and have had the para-equestrians competing at shows in the past, but we’ve never hosted a qualifier before, so we’re excited to bring such an inclusive event to our shows this January. It’s very inspiring, something we can all appreciate.”