Equestrian Estates: March Shows at Equestrian Estates Feature High-Performance Dressage

Source: News Release/Sue Weakley for PMG Inc.

March Shows at Equestrian Estates Feature High-Performance Dressage

West Palm Beach, FL--Dressage action is just heating up in the Palm Beach County area with more exciting shows yet to come at the IHS Champions Park at Equestrian Estates.

The area is the hot spot for dressage in North America during the winter show season and the March shows are sure to deliver high-performance riders on top horses.

"Equestrian Estates is where you want to be with three big shows: The Dressage Derby, Champions Cup and Dressage at Equestrian Estates," said Noreen O'Sullivan, managing partner and show manager for International Horse Sport, organizers of the events. "It's an up-and-coming venue and making its mark in the community. It's an anchor for the area and there is a lot of interest there."

March comes in like a lion with The Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDIW, celebrating its 30th anniversary February 28-March 3, 2013, at the IHS Champions Park at Equestrian Estates (Derby Showgrounds).

Todd Flettrich and Otto at the 2010 Palm Beach Dressage Derby

"We are very excited to be celebrating the Derby's 30-Year Anniversary this year at the IHS Champions Park," O'Sullivan said. "This year's show is sure to be a highlight of the Florida season."

This year also marks the final year as an FEI judge for the legendary Axel Steiner who has judged the Palm Beach Dressage Derby for many years. "It was my first exposure to judging with European judges," Steiner said. "This year is very important for me."

Later in the month is The International Horse Sport Champions Cup CDIW, sponsored by Blue Hors, scheduled for March 21-24 at The Horse Park at Equestrian Estates, now known as the IHS Champions Park.

"It's interesting that the biggest sponsor for the event is an international horse breeder from Denmark, Blue Hors," said John Flanagan, managing partner and sponsorship coordinator for the Champions Cup. "I think it demonstrates that this show is important to the international dressage community."

Dressage action continues with the March 28-31 Dressage at Equestrian Estates CDI3*. The show is a USEF High Performance Qualifying Competition, an official qualifying competition for FEI North American Junior and Young Riders' Championships and Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Junior, Young Rider and Brentina Cup Championships, an official qualifying competition for Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program and USEF National Developing Horse Dressage Championship, sponsored by the Dutta Corp and PSI, and a BLM Qualifying Competition.

All three CDIs will feature classes for every competitor from training level to Grand Prix, lots for spectators to see, shopping and food in a laid-back setting with green spaces and wildlife to enjoy.