Tuesday, September 20 2011 / Published in What's Happenin'

Wellington Classic Dressage Set to Host World Dressage Masters Through 2013

Wellington, FL- September 20, 2011 – As the only North American leg of the prestigious World Dressage Masters CDI5* circuit, the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach CDI5* presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach will take place January 26 – 29, 2012. Wellington Classic Dressage will once again bring this world-class dressage spectacle to the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, FL, close to the nearby Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington.

Wellington Classic Dressage has secured exclusive rights to host the renowned World Dressage Masters Palm Beach through 2013, making this premier dressage event an integral part of the Wellington area’s action-packed winter equestrian offerings. Spectators will have the chance to view some of the most impressive dressage exhibitions in the world, while also relaxing in the fun, social atmosphere that characterizes this event.

The Axel Johnson Group will again sponsor the entire World Dressage Masters circuit, which spans several nations and invites the globe’s top dressage Horse/Athlete combinations to compete against one another. Last year, the World Dressage Masters circuit included CDI5* competitions in Munich, Germany and Falsterbo, Sweden. These elite CDI5* events were also held at Hickstead in Great Britain as well as in Palm Beach. Launched in 2008, the World Dressage Masters awards over €100,000 in prize money per show to its famed participants.

Tinne Vilhelmsson Silfven, Steffen Peters, and Tina Konyot, triumphant last year at World Dressage Masters Palm Beach. Photo Credit: Susan J. Stickle

In addition to bringing the World Dressage Masters back to Palm Beach, Wellington Classic Dressage also produces a full array of exciting dressage events throughout the year. The Wellington Classic Autumn Challenge takes place in October, while the Holiday Challenge occurs in December, and then the Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge I kicks off high season Jan 7-8 , 2012. Following the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach CDI5* presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach in late January, Wellington Classic Dressage will also present the following International Dressage competitions: the Wellington Classic Spring Challenge CDI3* in February, Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge II CDIW in March, and their Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge III national show in April. For more information and a full calendar of Wellington Classic Dressage events, please visit www.wellingtonclassicdressage.com or call 561-227-1570.

The International Polo Club Palm Beach is South Florida’s premier polo club, attracting thousands of fans each week during the winter polo season. The 2012 season officially kicks off January 8 in Wellington, FL. For more information, please visit www.internationalpoloclub.com or call 561-282-5334.

WELLINGTON CLASSIC DRESSAGE FAST FACTS:

What:

Wellington Classic Dressage hosts a variety of dressage events throughout the year in the Wellington, FL area. From the Fall and Spring Challenges to the prestigious World Dressage Masters CDI5*, the dressage shows and competitions presented by Wellington Classic Dressage are must-see displays of this challenging sport. The World Dressage Masters CDI5* Palm Beach, one of the richest international dressage shows, is presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach.

When:

Wellington Classic Dressage presents events throughout the year, with over 17 weeks of competition in Palm Beach. Highlight events for 2011-2012 include:

October 23, 2011: Wellington Classic Autumn Challenge

December 10-11, 2011: Wellington Classic Holiday Challenge

January 6-8, 2012: Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge I

January 26-29, 2012: Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CDI3*

January 26-29, 2012: World Dressage Masters CDI5* Palm Beach

February 9-12, 2012: Wellington Classic Spring Challenge CDI3*

March 8-11, 2012: Wellington Classic Challenge II CDIW

April 21-22, 2012: Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge III

July 21-22, 2012: Wellington Classic Dressage in Tropics I & II

September 15-16, 2012: Wellington Classic Fall Challenge I & II

For a full calendar, please visit www.wellingtonclassicdressage.com.

Where:

These events take place at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, FL, just minutes from the heart of horse country inWellington. The address is 7500 Forest Hill Boulevard (Okeeheelee Park South),West Palm Beach, FL 33414.

Contact:

Noreen O’Sullivan