The World Dressage Masters Palm Beach got off to an auspicious start on Thursday, when all 15 horses presented at the FEI horse inspection were accepted as fit and ready to compete in the WDM Palm Beach CDI5*, which will begin with the Grand Prix test at 2 pm on Friday at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Centre.
The World Dressage Masters presented by Axel Johnson Group is the world's richest and most prestigious dressage series, with prize money totalling €100,000 ($130,000) at each individual event.
The list of entries for the WDM Palm Beach includes several of the world's top ranked dressage horses and riders. Defending 2011 WDM Palm Beach champions Steffen Peters of the US and Ravel will attempt to repeat their record breaking performances of last year. Among their stiffest rivals is Great Britain's Charlotte Dujardin, who was a member of Britain's gold medalist team at the 2011 European Championships riding the young but incredibly talented 10-year old gelding Valegro.
The WDM Palm Beach is a completely sold out event with 1,700 spectators filling the Jim Brandon Center to capacity over the next two days of competition.
Live streaming video will bring the action to fans around the world. USEF Network will provide live streaming coverage at www.usefnetwork.com. For the first time ever, the USEF live feed will run on smart phones as well as tablet devices and computers. Eurosport will also broadcast a feature on the WDM Palm Beach on the February 22nd episode of Wednesday Selection.
Competitors' List
- Jacqueline Brooks (CAN) - Gran Gesto
- Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) - Valegro
- Todd Flettrich (USA) - Otto
- Carl Hester (GBR) - Wie Atlantico
- Adrienne Lyle (USA) - Wizard
- Ashley Holzer (CAN) - Pop Art
- Tina Konyot (USA) - Calecto V
- Yvonne Losos de Muñiz (DOM) - Dondolo Las Marismas
- Steffen Peters (USA) - Ravel
- Anja Plönzke (GER) - Le Mont d'Or
- Pierre St. Jacques (USA) - Lucky Tiger
- Per Sandgaard (SWE) - Lomumba Havdal
- Minna Telde (SWE) - Deinhardt
- Tinne Vilhelmsson-Silfven (SWE) - Favourit
- Victoria Winter (CAN) - Proton
In addition, the two top placed horses from Thursday's CDI3* Grand Prix will be invited to compete in the WDM Palm Beach CDI5.
Photos © World Dressage Masters
Related Links
European Horses Arrive in Florida for 2012 World Dressage Masters Palm Beach
Homeside Hero Steffen Peters Arrives in Florida for 2012 World Dressage Masters