Wellington, FL – August 14, 2013 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP), the management company for the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), is pleased to announce that world-renowned organizer Thomas Baur of Germany has joined the team to help guide dressage events at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. Baur brings experience and know-how from some of the world’s top dressage events to AGDF. Riders and horses alike will benefit at the 2014 AGDF as they find 11 shows – six CDIs and five National shows – in the winter show schedule from January 9-March 30.
“Thomas is one of the world’s top Dressage organizers. His affiliation with the Stuttgart German Masters as well as his membership on the FEI Dressage Committee should bring us a wealth of knowledge and experience as we try to increase both the international exposure and participation at the AGDF. He will work closely with AGDF Horse Show Manager Lloyd Landkamer to upgrade the AGDF dressage experience,” stated ESP CEO, Mark Bellissimo.
The AGDF is held at the beautiful show grounds of The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Photo © Elena Lusenti.
Baur said, “I am very pleased to join the ESP team for the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington. Our common goal is the development of this dressage facility to a world-class product that not only attracts the top dressage riders from North America, but also brings the best dressage riders from around the world to Florida during the winter months. We will present the highest level of dressage in Wellington at a top venue.”
ESP President Michael Stone stated, “We believe Thomas and Lloyd will raise the bar for the production of Dressage in North America and we can together provide an unparalleled experience in 2014 at the AGDF. Our event should also position top riders well for the upcoming Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy.”
As a member of the FEI Dressage Committee, Baur is especially interested in the CDIO 3* event, which hosts the only non-championship Dressage Nations Cup in the Western Hemisphere. “Especially close to my heart is February’s CDIO3 *, where the final format of the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto will be tested for the first time,” he acknowledged.
Last year’s Wellington Nations Cup was the first-ever to have teams comprised of both Grand Prix and Prix St. Georges horses and offered riders a chance to experience the evolving Pan American Games format. The competition was extremely successful and 2014 is sure to be another thrilling presentation of international competition at its finest.
Last year’s Nations Cup teams at the AGDF.
Photo © SusanJStickle.com.
The CDIO 3* is a highlight of the 2013 AGDF schedule and will be held on February 19-24, midway through the season. Along with the CDIO 3*, the AGDF will host five other CDI events, including a CDI 5*. In between the international events, the AGDF will host national level dressage shows.
The schedule for the 2014 AGDF is as follows:
January 9-12, CDI-W
January 16-19, National Show (which will also include a CDI 1*)
January 22-26, CDI-W
January 30-February 2, National Show
February 6-9, CDI 4*
February 13-16, National Show
February 19-24, CDIO 3*
March 6-9, National Show
March 13-16, CDI-W
March 20-23, National Show
March 27-30, CDI 5*
The schedule is also coordinated to leave the week of February 27-March 2 open for the Palm Beach Dressage Derby in Loxahatchee, FL.
Equestrian Sport Productions is excited to welcome the world’s top dressage riders as well as up-and-coming riders and horses to a season full of international and national showing opportunities at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. For more information, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com
About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 6 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only non-championship CDIO Nations’ Cup in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $275,000 in prize money for the six 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 the International Arena fully catered for relaxing and having an enjoyable experience.