For Immediate Release
Carly Weilminster for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Wellington, FL – January 20, 2015 — A committed sponsor of the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), United States P.R.E., the official association of the Spanish Horse in the U.S., is excited for the beginning of a new season and would like to send a warm welcome to competitors, judges, organizers, owners, and fans traveling to experience dressage in Wellington this winter. This week’s competition at AGDF, which runs January 22-25, is sponsored by US P.R.E. Association for the Large Tour and the Chespeake Dressage Institute for the Small Tour.
A four-year sponsor of AGDF, US P.R.E. is the official 501c3 non-profit organization representing and promoting the Spanish Horse breed in the United States. The Pure Spanish Horse (P.R.E) is a fixture in the sport of dressage, as many of the breed’s top stallions have produced successful offspring, always competitive at the top levels of the sport.
Last year’s AGDF 3 FEI Grand Prix Freestyle winners, Lars Petersen and Mariett, accept their prize from Adequan’s Allyn Mann, Kim Boyer, and representatives of the US P.R.E. Association.
Photo © SusanJStickle.com
“US P.R.E. is the national breed association for the P.R.E. horse and we have experienced huge growth in the past two years, coinciding with the increasing popularity of the breed in the U.S.,” stated Kim Boyer, President of US P.R.E. “We’ve seen a huge interest in them from the equestrian community as riding and pleasure horses, but especially as dressage athletes.”
AGDF has given the organization a platform to promote the breed, as it continues to excel in the dressage arena. “AGDF has absolutely gone above and beyond what we could have ever expected. The growth has been tremendous,” said Boyer. “When you have a location like this and a strong team supporting the competition, the rest of the world wants to follow what is happening here. You give riders everywhere, the entire dressage community, both national and international, a destination. It is the place everyone wants to be.”
The growth of the competition continues to highlight the equestrian community, and Boyer hopes to see that continue. With new competitors and vendors arriving each week, AGDF has become the epicenter for dressage during the winter season. “I hope people see what this event contributes to the community and that what we had originally envisioned for this competition is now coming to life,” she commented.
Janet Richardson-Pearson and Chesapeake Dressage Institute are also proud to announce their continued sponsorship and support of the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and are looking forward to another wonderful year of dressage competition.
As AGDF has continued to grow in size and scale each year since its inception, Richardson-Pearson has felt responsible for helping the sport she loves find a permanent home. “After seeing the incredible success of the Winter Equestrian Festival, I felt that there was nothing but good things to come for AGDF under the watchful eye of Mark Bellissimo,” she said. “I’ve always thought it would be wonderful to give dressage a permanent home in Wellington, and AGDF has given it the platform it has needed to attract the superstars of the sport.”
Not only has AGDF strengthened the sport by giving it a permanent winter location, but it has also provided competitors, sponsors, and owners with a sense of camaraderie, helping to bond dressage-enthusiasts alike. “I enjoy being able to share my love for horses and dressage with like-minded people,” said Richardson-Pearson. “I am so proud to be a part of this venue and the way it supports the sport that we love.”
The quality of competition AGDF continually hosts has played a major role in the growing number of international riders who wish to spend their winters in Wellington. While seasoned veteran riders continue to strengthen the level of performance throughout the season, Richardson-Pearson is most proud of the up-coming young riders who have been able to showcase their talents.
Janet Richardson-Pearson awards last year’s AGDF 3 FEI Prix St. Georges winners, Juan Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas. Photo © SusanJStickle.com
“There have been some wonderful moments for us as sponsors, but one moment that stands out was when we awarded Juan Matute, Jr. last year,” she commented. “He was obviously having such a good time competing, he was serious, but in such a light-hearted way. He is such a strong reminder of how fun this sport can be.”
Proud to be a part of the show’s continued growth, Richardson-Pearson and Chesapeake Dressage Institute are excited for the beginning of a new season and would like to wish all competitors a healthy and fun 2015 season. “I once read a statement that said, ‘Never watch bad riding,’ and that has stuck with me ever since. This competition helps to elevate the sport and makes everyone want to be better. We feel that we are supporting the overall quality of dressage through our sponsorship here at AGDF.”