For Immediate Release:
Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Wellington, FL – January 6, 2015 – Dressage competition at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) for the 2016 winter season will begin Friday, January 8, with the first CPEDI 3* of the season presented by Mane Stream, Mission Control, Adequan®, and Nutrena and will showcase talented riders from across North America in The Stadium at PBIEC. The competition will mark the first time a CPEDI 3* is to be hosted in the Global International Ring at the grounds, providing riders with an excellent opportunity to fine tune their skills in a world-renowned international competition venue. CPEDI 3* competition will continue through Sunday, January 10. The CPEDI competition is the kick-off to the winter season, which will feature CDI and National competition at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF).

AGDF has hosted CPEDI 3* competition for para-dressage athletes since 2014 and continues to welcome gifted athletes back to Wellington each season. Para-dressage is the only form of para-equestrian competition included in the Olympic Games, and many riders competing at AGDF this season will set their sights on this year’s championship competition being hosted in Rio de Janeiro. A second CPEDI show will be held on January 21-24. Both CPEDI 3* competitions hosted at PBIEC over the next two weeks will serve as final qualifiers for athletes vying for a position on their respective teams for the 2016 Paralympic Games.

“We are extremely pleased to be hosting the first CPEDI 3* in The Stadium this year and are honored to give these athletes an opportunity to compete in the same atmosphere where many of the world’s best also compete,” said Thomas Baur, Director of Sport for the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. “It is important for us to continue offering CPEDI 3* competitions to our para-athletes as they are on the same road to international qualification as many of the other riders competing throughout the circuit. We look forward to the future of para-dressage at AGDF.”

Both CPEDI 3* events will offer Grade 1-IV classes. A press conference for media attendees will host a panel of riders, trainers, and sponsors and is to be held after the final awards ceremony on Sunday, January 10, in the VIP Tent at the AGDF grounds.

For a full schedule of competition as well as ride times, please visit www.GlobalDressageFestival.com.