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.
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.
Friday and Saturday will present two days of unprecedented dressage festivities in the United States with the entire International Arena including the International Club catered by Equestrian Club by Tavern on the Green, VIP boxes and general admission seating available for reservations.
On Friday, van Grunsven will host a clinic with a group of selected riders in the International Arena under lights, an environment that is similar to the 2008 Olympic equestrian venue in which van Grunsven won her third straight Olympic individual gold medal.
The riders in the clinic include young riders, small tour competitors and Grand Prix combinations.
Saturday will be the WDM highlight with the:
* €30,000 ($40,000) Grand Prix Special and,
* €60,000 ($80,000) Grand Prix Freestyle.
Ticket options for WDM are:
-International Club $750 for a table of six per night on Friday night or Saturday night or $1,350 for both nights. Dinner and open bar included. For reservations, call Kiki Umla at 561 793 5867 or 904 607 5541.
--International Club individual seats $125 per night on Friday night and Saturday night or $225 for both nights. Dinner and open bar included. For reservations, call Kiki Umla at 561 793 5867 or 904 607 5541.
-VIP boxes $50 individual seats on Friday night and Saturday night or $90 for both nights. For reservations, call Annette Goyette at 561 793 5867.
-General admission is $20 per night or $35 for two nights. Seating options will be available through equestriansport.com.
The Wellington competition is the inaugural and only U.S. event in the first WDM series. The other competitions are Salzburg Austria, (May 1-3), Munich, Germany, (May 21-24) and Hickstead, Great Britain (July 23-26).
The 2009 WDM Calendar
Palm Beach USA - January 28, 2009 - 31, 2009
Salzburg AUS - May 1-3, 2009
Munich GER - May 21-24, 2009
Hickstead GBR - July 23-26, 2009
WDM is sponsored by Exquis, Moorland Stables and Moorland Investments.
For more information visit - www.worlddressagemasters.com
