Friday, January 12, 2007

Gold Coast Opener CDIW Rescheduled for Feb 16-18
New Closing Date February 1

As a result of the overwhelming response from both competitors and USEF officials, the Gold Coast Opener CDIW, canceled for January due to the EHV1 outbreak, is now on, and rescheduled for February 16-18, at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. Manager and Gold Coast president Noreen O’Sullivan-Flanagan, after conferencing with Jennifer Keeler, Lyn McCoy, and Leah Anne Claywell from USEF, have the dates and officials in place. Gold Coast had the dates at the new Jim Brandon Equestrian Center located a short distance east of the Wellington community in West Palm Beach for a schooling show.

Manager Shelley Van Den Neste has been working all winter enhancing the footing and developing other amenities while the entire community has been on hold due to the EHV1 Virus outbreak. Since no horses are housed on the facility, which offers permanent stabling, and a covered arena, the facility is brand new, safe, and excited about the opportunity to be hosting a CDI. FEI competitor Arlene “Tuny” Page visited the center with Noreen, and was clearly impressed with the facility.

But this event, critical to the FEI qualifying season for both the Pan American Games, and the FEI World Cup Final, Las Vegas, will need the support of our community. With five weeks to prepare, O’Sullivan-Flanagan is confident that her team can be ready. “This also gives competitors plenty of time to get down here and to prepare for a CDI.” She added. “I get a strong sense that people are feeling safer now, and are chomping at the bit to get to Florida and begin showing.

The support of the Dressage community has begun as a result of this recent decision. We encourage all trainers, riders, and businesses to participate as sponsors, advertisers, and contributors. Sponsorship and important information is all linked here HorsesDaily On the Scene at the 2007 Gold Coast Opener CDIW

Important Info

• For those already entered in the Opener, they do NOT need to resend entries, just confirm classes & they may make changes as needed.
• They WILL have to complete the Requirement for Entry to Show Grounds and bring this with them to the show. The form is linked here
• New entries will have until Feb. 1st to enter, but we will limit the entries to 3 show rings, so don't plan to wait until the last minute to enter
• Class list & fees will be the same as for the original Opener show, so you may use that prize list for information.

DressageDaily and PhelpsPhotos has a fondness for this show, as this was the very first event we reported on and posted scores in 1998, with the help of show secretary extraordinaire Monica Meyers Fitzgerald.The Gold Coast dressage Club is responsible for helping many of the dressage shows in the Wellington area supplying volunteers, and staff for the busy season.

It is an honor to be involved in helping this show become a huge success, and we encourage all who can contribute to dig deep, pull together, and make it happen.

HorsesDaily On the Scene at the 2007 Gold Coast Opener CDIW