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Two Official Paralympic Equestrian Qualifying Competitions in January 2016

Annie Peavy at the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) Para-Dressage CPEDI3*. Photo 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.

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.”

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.

By: Lindsay Y. McCall

To view an online version of this press release, 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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