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Monday, December 31, 2007

Don't Miss Out! Be sure to reserve your VIP Table

For 25 years the Palm Beach Dressage Derby has offered spectators the opportunity to watch the best horses and riders in North America compete in front of the most prestigious judging panels. The twenty-fifth edition of the event not only will showcase world-class competitors, but three full days of celebration of the show that has become a must-do for serious dressage aficionados. Where else can you watch Olympians like Klaus Balkenhol and Ulla Salzgeber coach their protégés while Lisa Wilcox and Lars Petersen compete? And this year’s Phelpssports.com Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W/Y, held February 28-March 2, 2008, features top-notch shopping, an art show reception, the Taste of the Derby and the once in a lifetime “An Olympic Tribute” celebration.

“I cannot believe this year is our 25th anniversary,” says show manager Evelyn O’Sullivan. “Each year the event has grown. We are very excited about all of the celebrations that we have planned for this year.”

The Markel Inspection Reception - Thursday, February 28, 2008, 4:30-6:00 p.m

The fifth annual party kicks off the 25th Anniversary of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W/Y is one of the Dressage in Florida season highlights.

Following the CDI Veternary Inspection the party will again be hosted by the Derby's official photographer Mary Phelps, also a Markel Equine Insurance Specialist and owner of DressageDaily.com and HorsesDaily.com.

Additional sponsors lending their support are Mushroom Matrix and Thin Line and DressageDaily.com. Competitors, officials and guests will be treated to a buffet by Paradise Cafe.

The Derby Art Show and Reception—Friday, February 29, 2008, 4:30-6:00 p.m

Each year the Derby program showcases the artwork of an exceptional equine artist. This year, several of these artists will be honored at a reception on Friday afternoon. The event will feature an art show, reception with the artists and refreshments.

Among the artists whose work will be showcased are Beverly Zimmer, Gisela Pferdekaemper, Michele Hundt, Patricia Powers and Marilyn Fallon. O’Sullivan continues, “We are very grateful to the wonderful artists that have made the Derby special each year. This is our way of celebrating all of them and also giving a spectators and exhibitors a real treat.”

The Taste of the Derby—Saturday, March 1, 2008, 4:30-6:00 p.m.

In addition to the great horseflesh and magnificent riding, a major draw of the Derby is the incredible dressage and equestrian-themed shopping available at The Boutiques at the Derby. In 2008 for the first time these vendors will offer hospitality and refreshments during The Taste of the Derby. Musical entertainment will round out the festive atmosphere. You won’t want to miss this!

An Olympic Tribute—Saturday, March 1, 2008 during the lunch break

The Palm Beach Dressage Derby is one of the few events in North America that draws the depth of competitors usually only seen in Europe. It’s not uncommon at the Derby for a class to have a dozen Olympic riders. In addition, in 2008 the Derby once again serves as a USEF High Performance Qualifier for the USEF National Grand Prix Championship / Olympic Games Selection Trials; USEF National Intermediaire I Championship; FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final; FEI North American Junior and Young Riders' Championships; USEF National Junior, Young Rider, and Brentina Cup Championships; Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program; and USEF National Developing Horse Dressage Championships.

In celebration of the Derby’s rich Olympic heritage, the Derby will host “An Olympic Tribute” on Saturday afternoon during the lunch break. During this once in a lifetime experience, a large group of Olympic riders will gather for a group photo and autograph signing. “We always have so many Olympic riders at the Derby,” O’ Sullivan explains, “and we wanted to honor them for their support as well as wish some of them good luck at the 2008 Olympics.” Be sure to visit the Derby’s website the week of the event for more information and schedule.

Entertainment Abounds at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby

The show includes classes for all levels of horses and riders, but the big spectator draws are the international and freestyle classes. Dressage is one of the few Olympic sports where men and women compete against each other. It is also one of the rare events that older competitors are often more successful than their younger and less experienced counterparts.

Horses and riders are judged not only on the precision of their movements, but on their athletic ability and quality of the performance. The freestyles, which are set to music and choreographed by the competitors, are crowd favorites much like figure skating.

The Palm Beach Dressage Derby is located at the Horse Park at Equestrian Estates in Loxahatchee. Parking and admission are free on all days. A very limited number of VIP seats are available Friday-Sunday. VIP tickets include seating in the Grand Prix tent, continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments. All proceeds from the VIP tickets benefit the USET Foundation. An order form, map, complete schedule and additional information can be found at www.pbderby.com.

25th Anniversary of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W/Y Schedule at a Glance

Thursday February 28, 2008
National horse shows classes begin at 12:00
Friday February 29, 2008
International horse show classes begin at 8:00 a.m.
Vaulting demonstration during lunch break
Art show and reception 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Saturday March 1, 2008
International horse show classes begin at 8:00 a.m.
Vaulting demonstration and An Olympic Tribute held during lunch break
A Taste of the Derby 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Sunday March 2, 2008
International horse show classes begin at 8:00 a.m.

Lunch break features the PhelpsPhotos.com Leadline class and Spanish Horses Exhibition Presented by Medieval Times
Grand Prix Freestyle begins at 12:30

About the Palm Beach Derby
The Palm Beach Dressage Derby is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The show attracts the best riders from around the globe, including Betsy Steiner, Leslie Morse, Robert Dover, Cesar Parra, Lars Peterson, Arlene Page, Ashley Holzer and many more of the Who’s Who of the dressage world. The PhelpsSports.com Palm Beach Dressage Derby is the main event in a two-show series that includes Dressage at Equestrian Estates in April as well as educational programs.