2012 CDI Vidauban Gathers the Stars for Olympic Qualification Attempt

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 11:25
French Dressage News

The 2012 CDI Vidauban at Bernadette Brune's prestigious Domaine Equestre des Grands Pins near St. Tropez is gathering the dressage stars of the world in their final attempt to obtain Olympic Minimal Eligibility scores as well as a good placing on the FEI Riders Ranking before the final cut off date of 1 March 2012.

The 2012 CDI Vidauban promises two weeks of world class dressage action with confirmed international Grand Prix stars such as European team gold and double silver medal winning Carl Hester and team gold medallist Emile Faurie, Frankfurt World Cup qualifier winner Valentina Truppa, Dutch Olympian Marlies van Baalen, Australian dressage team riders Mary Hanna, Hayley Beresford, Brett Parbery and Lyndal Oatley, as well as a big Belgian delegation including Julie De Deken, Claudia Fassaert, Philippe Jorissen, and Ronny Coenraerds. Riders can still enter for this event and more participants from Spain, Germany and France are expected.

The two weeks of competition at the 3-star CDI in Vidauban starts on 22 - 26 February 2012, where 5*-star judges such as Maribel Alonso, Mariette Withages, Andrew Gardner, and Peter Holler will be assessing the tests. The event continues with a second CDI week on 29 February - 4 March, where 5* judges Jean Michel Roudier, Maribel Alonso, Francis Verbeek, Isobel Wessels, Peter Holler, Wojtek Markowski will be on the panel amongst other top international dressage judges.

The Grand Prix classes for both weeks will all be held within the Olympic qualification period (final day 1 March 2012) so Vidauban will be the last European international dressage show where riders can obtain Olympic scores and points for the FEI Riders Ranking.

The CDI Vidauban encompasses competition on all levels, from young horses and youth riders classes (pony, junior, young riders) to an under 25 show circuit as well as Test of Choice riding in front of three FEI judges. This event will also host unique tests: a small tour for 7 - 9 year olds and a Big Tour restricted for horses between the ages of 8 and 10.

Set in mild temperatures at the French Riviera, the CDI Vidauban had over 220 entered horses last year and is expecting combinations from countries all over the globe (South Africa, Caribbean, Armenia, Japan, Australia).

The show venue is an ideal location to smooth your horse into the 2012 competition show season. With three massive show rings and three warm up and training arenas, the 60 hectare Domaine Equestre des Grands Pins provides the perfect setting for competition. Two racing tracks for hacks and many paddocks are available for rent to the participants.

Guests can indulge themselves into visits to St. Tropez with a helicopter service available between the show and the St. Tropez hotel. The airport in Nice is only a 1 hour drive away and the event is 30 minutes from the renowned 5-star hotel Chateau de Berne. Participants can entertain themselves in between classes and events by going to the golf club Saint Endreol in Le Muy just 20 minutes from the show grounds.

More information at:

Domaine Equestre Des Grands Pins
Chemin de la galante
83340 Le Cannet des Maures
France
www.vidauban-competition.com

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