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US Para-Dressage Displays Readiness in Wellington CPEDI3* for World Equestrian Games

Wellington, FL – January 25, 2018 – U.S. Para-Dressage had one of their most successful showcases at the 2018 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). After earning the Team Gold at the AGDF Week 0 CPEDI3* (Jan 4-7), U.S. riders returned to AGDF Week 2 CPEDI3* (January 18-21) for their second win. Twenty-five horse and rider combinations from the USA and Canada competed over the second week of Para-Dressage competition including riders from Grade I-V. Riders brought forward their best tests in front of the FEI Ground Jury including Elke Ebert (GER) Kristi Wysocki (USA), and Carlos Lopes (POR). Para-Equestrians performed under unseasonable Florida weather in The Stadium attaining high scores over the three days. Team USA included Sydney Collier and Western Rose, Katie Jackson and Royal Dancer, Annie Peavy and Royal Dark Chocolate, and Kate Shoemaker and Solitaer 40. The USA Team was led by Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt with US Equestrian Head of Para-Dressage Coach Development and High Performance Programs Michel Assouline. Securing the high score overall individual award was Rebecca Hart with her new mount El Corona Texel. Obtaining the reserve championship individual was Annie Peavy and Royal Dark Chocolate. The AGDF 2018 shows were a chance for athletes to earn their FEI certificates of capability for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018. USPEA wants to thank all of the sponsors including Mission Control, Rowan O’Riley supporting athletes in the USPEA and US Equestrian, and Cargill. They would also like to acknowledge the staff and volunteers at the AGDF and US Equestrian for their hard work to create two spectacular CPEDI3*.

Hope Hand, President of the USPEA, added, “The above US Para-Dressage Team photo speaks ‘Success’ at all levels. With the support from US Equestrian and USPEA, our Team, which includes everyone involved, no matter how small a part you may have played, was a key contributor to the growth and success of the US Para-Dressage Program. Thank you all for making us proud to be a member of your Team. Keep sharing the ‘Joy’ with your wonderful horses, two hearts are unbeatable.”

Following the successful AGDF riders will prepare for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 Test events and CPEDI3* scheduled April 19-22, 2018, at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina (USA). Athletes will then head to the Invitational Training Event and Mock Competition, June 28 – July 8, 2018, at Wheatland Farm in Purcellville, VA. This will prepare the U.S. Team for the final endeavor of 2018 the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon September 11-23, 2018.

About selection for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018:

Horse and rider combinations have through August 13, 2018, to secure their FEI Certificates of Capabilities and earn an FEI nominated entry.

FEI Nominated Entries will be named after the Invitational Training Event and Mock Competition but no later than August 13, 2018, and based upon the procedures set forth herein, the Selectors, in consultation with the U.S. High Performance Consultant, Chef d’Equipe and Team Veterinarian, and USEF High Performance Human Sports Science and Medicine personnel will recommend a WEG Team of at least four (4) athlete/horse combinations and up to the maximum number of horses and athletes able to be nominated under FEI Rules for the Event for the “Short List/FEI Nominated Entry” subject to recommendation of the USEF Para-Equestrian Sport Committee, and the approval of the Board of Directors or an Ad Hoc Selection Group approved by the Board of Directors. Such list will be submitted to the FEI as the Nominated Entry no later than the closing date for the Short List/FEI Nominated Entry. The Short List/FEI Nominated Entry of at least four athlete/horse combinations will be named as follows in accordance with FEI Rules for Para-Equestrian Dressage Events. Each team consists of four Athletes and four (4) Horses, or three (3) Athletes and three (3) Horses. One (1) team member must be classified Grade I, II or III. A Team may not include more than two (2) Athletes from any one (1) Grade. In a team composed of four (4) Athletes the three (3) best total scores only count for the team result.

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.

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

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