The American leg of the 2011 World Dressage Masters CDI5* is back on. Wellington Classic Dressage and the World Dressage Masters (WDM) are working together to host North America’s only CDI5*in Palm Beach Florida, during the Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge II CDI currently scheduled for March 10-13, 2011.
“The World Dressage Masters would not be complete without a show in the U.S. We belong here,” said Anthony M. Kies, CEO of the World Dressage Masters. “We are very proud that Wellington Classic Dressage, which has an excellent reputation, has offered to stage WDM in Palm Beach for the next three years, starting with this year.”
“The World Dressage Masters CDI5* is the premiere Dressage circuit in the World, open to the top international riders, and offering an unprecedented 100,000 Euros in Prize Money. On behalf of Wellington Classic Dressage, we are honored to have the opportunity to host this very prestigious event,” said Noreen O’Sullivan, show manager for Wellington Classic Dressage.
The World Dressage Masters CDI5*already has strong support from America’s top dressage competitors, including Steffen Peters. Peters is already making plans to compete with Ravel in Florida with the full backing of Ravel’s owner, Akiko Yamazaki.
"It is very important for our riders and audiences to have the first-hand exposure to world-class dressage, which the World Dressage Masters shows provide. I am very grateful for WDM's commitment to keep the show in the U.S. and for Wellington Classic Dressage and the other sponsors who have stepped in to make a 2011 show a reality. Quick actions and decisions were necessary and it all came through thanks to great efforts by all involved," Yamazaki said.
Peters echoed her sentiments saying that he was “very excited about the successful rescue efforts for the World Dressage Masters. A tremendous team effort will assure the momentum for dressage in the United States. I would like to thank the entire WDM team and I'm looking forward to another world class competition in America.”
John van de Laar, managing director of WDM, thanked the U.S. dressage community for its support in making the American leg of WDM a reality. “I am so glad that the US dressage community has pulled together to make this happen. If it weren't for people like Akiko Yamazaki, Steffen Peters and John Wash, president of the International Polo Club, we would have lost WDM for the U.S. They deserve big credit for their support and commitment,” he said.
Support has also come from the International Polo Club Palm Beach, which has pledged to serve as presenting sponsor and plans to bring polo action to the special WDM weekend on the Sunday of the nearly week-long dressage action. John Wash, president of Club Operations for IPCPB, said “ International Polo Club is proud to be a WDM sponsor.”
“This prestigious event belongs in the Wellington area now and in the future,” he said. “Many of the best equestrians and performance horses in the world descend on our region each winter for world-class competition in dressage, polo and show jumping. International Polo Club is pleased to be a part of this and we look forward to our continued working relationship with the equestrian world.”
The World Dressage Masters CDI5* Palm Beach will be held at the Palm Beach County Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, pending final approvals, making it one of four Masters competitions being held in 2011. The other three are Munich June 2-5 (also the final Nürnberger WDM Rider Ranking,) Falsterbo July 7-11 and Hickstead July 29-31.
Van de Laar proudly announced that WDM has found a new presenting partner until 2014. “The name of the company will be presented during WDM Palm Beach,” he said.
While WDM and dressage supporters give much credit to Wellington Classic Dressage for stepping in to host the Florida Masters competition, O’Sullivan called it a group effort. “This will be the only CDI5* in North America and it is a great undertaking and a tremendous effort to host this prestigious event. We are honored that Akiko Yamazaki and Steffen Peters immediately stepped up to offer their support to us in our efforts to host this show, and we are excited that International Polo Club Palm Beach has also joined us as our Presenting sponsor. This truly is a ‘Team Effort’ and we are excited to work together to present the World Dressage Masters CDI5*Palm Beach Florida, pending approval for 2011 and beyond!”
Related Links
2011 World Dressage Masters in Florida Cancelled
Coverage of the 2009 World Dressage Masters