Anky van Grunsven, the most successful musical freestyle competitor in the history of dressage, Holland's Edward Gal who captivated American audiences at the World Cup Finals, and USA Olympian Steffen Peters are among riders to confirm their participation in the inaugural $140,000 Exquis World Dressage Masters CDI5* in Wellington Jan. 28-31, 2009.
Olympians Ashley Holzer of Canada and Hans Peter Minderhoud of The Netherlands have also commited to the event at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
Details were released Thursday of three days of the World Dressage Masters (WDM) competition and ticket availability . Ticket prices have been set to enable as many dressage fans as possible to share a unique experience.
The WDM has been created so the world's top dressage riders can compete in the Grand Prix to qualify for the Grand Prix Special or the Grand Prix Freestyle for €100,000 (US$144,000) in total prize money at the spectacular PBIEC, a permanent showcase of the finest equestrian sports.
Twenty riders and horses invited from around the world will compete in the Grand Prix during the day on Thursday Jan. 29 for a purse of €10,000 (US$14,400).
The Grand Prix will be held in the International Arena with its newly constructed spectator areas. There is no charge for admission to the Grand Prix. The complete schedule of rides will be announced when it is available.
Van Grunsven, winner of the World Cup for eight years and three times Olympic individual gold, Edward Gal whose electric performance challenged his compatriot and trainer, van Grunsven, at the 2005 World Cup in Las Vegas and the exciting Olympic combination of Steffen Peters and Ravel from the USA will be among the competitors. So, too, will be three-time Olympian Ashley Holzer and Pop Art of Canada and Hans Peter Mindehoud who helped The Netherlands win silver at the 2008 Games.
More riders will be announced in coming weeks.
Back to the 2009 WDM index