Thursday, January 19, 2006

Gold Coast Opener Festival CDI*** Starts Off The Busy Dressage in Florida 2006 Season

The Gold Coast Opener has been moved to Walter and Mary Anne McPhail's Equestrian Estates this year, home of good times, great rides, and a community dedicated to Dressage. This CDI marks the first of three spectacular international competitions being held at this location, west of the hustle and bustle of Wellington, where Dressage rules in the community know as White Fences. Added to the community will be two shows at Ingred Pollak's White Fences, to be held later this season.

The CDI jog on Thursday was located near the stabling, and horses were schedules in small groups at 15 minute intervals, eliminating the drama which usually comes with a crowded horse inspection as riders wait to present their mounts to the ground jury. There was an "Inspection Reception, following the jog, hosted by DressageDaily's Mary Phelps, and her husband JJ. Hathaway of Markel Insurance, and PhelpsPhotos.com, the show's official photographer. Janne Rumbough hosted a fabulous competitor's party on Staurday evening, with a full Italian dinner, music and fashion show hosted by Sho Clothes.

The Gold Coast staff headed by Organizer Noreen O'Sullivan-Flanagan (pictured here with FEI O Judge, Stephen Clark), with show secretary Monica Fitzgerald had the support of the Gold Coast Dressage Club, celebrating their Silver Anniversary season, handling the four rings which were busy from 7:45 AM to 5:30 PM for three full days of top quality dressage.