New Venue, Same Exciting Competition At The 2027 Global Dressage Festival
By Fiona Slusarev
As the winter season returns, dressage competitors and fans alike are preparing for another dazzling year at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF).
Top dressage riders from across the globe will flock to Wellington for 10 weeks of dressage competition spanning four months, featuring FEI classes and qualifiers for the World Cup, Pan American Games, North American Youth Championships, and other national and regional competitions. Qualifications also open this January for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
AGDF Director of Sport Thomas Baur ushers in a season promising more than $500,000 in prize money, a spectacular array of Friday Night Stars freestyles, para-dressage classes, and competition across multiple levels and age groups — all at the new home of the Global Dressage Festival at Wellington International South. The new venue offers more space, a covered arena, fresh footing and modern stabling.
“Simply put, we will offer the best dressage circuit in the world, in a beautiful, brand-new venue with the absolute best conditions for horses and riders, and all dressage lovers,” Baur said.
The masterclass will return this year during Week Three with dressage legends Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, Kyra Kyrklund and Jan Brink. With last year’s debut masterclass selling out all 2,000 tickets, this year promises another informative and action-packed evening that gives riders a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the sport.
A perennial favorite, the Friday Night Stars, returns every Friday of the competition season. Riders and dressage enthusiasts can get up-close to the pinnacle of dressage during this weekly Grand Prix that showcases the best horses and competitors from around the world. The new venue provides 500 general admission seats, live music, food and beverage vendors, and shopping options for a lively evening.
Each Friday Night Stars is free to attend, with parking costing $25 or $35 for valet. Doors open at 6 p.m. and competition officially begins at 7 p.m. under the lights. Harmony and athleticism come together during each freestyle, where the rider’s choice of music accompanies intricate dressage movements.
Weekly competition runs Wednesday to Sunday, with most competitions finishing and vendors usually closing in the late afternoon. In between class times, riders and spectators can sample some of the culinary offerings, having a sit-down meal or grabbing a snack to go. There are also plenty of opportunities to grab some official AGDF and WEF merchandise, or do a last-minute pick up of any spurs, gloves or other accouterments forgotten at the barn.
Week 1 of competition celebrating the partnership between horses and riders kicks off on Jan. 13. The exciting schedule holds a CDI-W, a French term meaning Concours de Dressage International, which is a World Cup qualifying class that is recognized by the FEI. The week also includes national classes and the Lloyd Landkamer Memorial.
Week 3 of AGDF presents a CDI5*, the highest level of international dressage competition recognized by the FEI. These competitions include three parts: the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle. The week also holds a CPEDI3*, a para-equestrian event that consists of two Grand Prix tests and one Grand Prix Freestyle.
Week 5 follows with an additional CDI-W, drawing competitors from around the world and more national class offerings. Week 6 focuses on more national classes, bringing riders of all ages from across the U.S. to compete.
Week 7 offers another opportunity for competitors to qualify for the World Cup with the third CDI-W. National classes round out the rest of the schedule for the final week in February.
Excitement ratchets up the with Week 8 of competition. A CDIO3* event will be held, which is a team-based qualifier for the World Cup. The Mary McPhail Memorial and national classes also join the roster.
Another CPEDI3* graces dressage fans during Week 9, with additional national classes. Week 10 brings the first CDI4* of the season, which includes a Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle. More national class offerings fill the week.
Closing out March is Week 11 with another CDI4* and national classes. The final week of competition bids the season farewell during Week 12 with national class offerings.
Seasoned dressage fans and newcomers can enjoy horses and riders moving in harmony while performing athletic feats for free during every competition day this season. Daytime parking is free or $20 for valet.
Baur’s personal season highlight is the Week 8 CDIO, during which he suggests spectators keep an eye out for key international competitors likely preparing for the Pan American Games.
“Spectators should come and experience dressage to witness the unique and special partnerships that riders have with their horses,” Baur explained. “When dressage is well done, it looks effortless and harmonious and is true poetry in motion.”
To learn more about the upcoming Adequan Global Dressage Festival season, visit www.wellingtoninternational.com/global-dressage-festival.
