Growth Of Dressage Festival Serves As Biggest Reward For Dedicated Sponsors

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) has grown into one of the most renowned dressage circuits in the world. Now in its sixth season, it has surpassed expectations and continues to draw riders of diverse nationalities to Wellington for the winter season. This year’s AGDF competition began Jan. 12 and continues through Saturday, March 25 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center’s Equestrian Village site on South Shore Blvd.

Adequan (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) returns as the title sponsor for the entire circuit, serving as one of the most influential sponsors and supporters of the sport in the past decade. The commitment that Adequan has displayed to the sport of dressage has revolutionized the popularity and interest in the sport, helping to make Wellington one of the most iconic destinations for dressage.

The first week of the festival (Jan. 12-15) welcomed AMCI Group in benefit of Brooke USA as title sponsors of the week’s CDI-W competition. AGDF 1 was the first of four highly anticipated FEI World Cup Qualifiers. The 2017 FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha, Neb., is one of the only major championship-caliber competitions of the calendar year. Mtica Farm, an original AGDF founding sponsor, presented the FEI Grand Prix and FEI Grand Prix Special.

Alongside the seven FEI CDI weeks, the AGDF is proud to welcome back para-equestrians, hosting two CPEDI 3* events during the 2017 season. The first CPEDI 3*, presented by Mission Control, Mane Stream, courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Nutrena and Adequan, offered competitors the opportunity to compete Jan. 20-22 at the Stadium, in preparation of the atmosphere horse and rider combinations will face in major championships around the world. The second CPEDI 3* of the season will be hosted March 9-12.

CDI-W competition returned to the venue during AGDF 3, held Jan. 26-29, as the U.S. PRE Association presented the second Friday Night Stars FEI Grand Prix Freestyle of the season, while Yeguada de Ymas sponsored the FEI Grand Prix and FEI Grand Prix Special. Chesapeake Dressage Institute recognized combinations as the week’s FEI Small Tour presenting sponsor.

Serving as one of the annual highlights of the AGDF season, the only CDI 5* hosted in North America graced the grounds Feb. 8-12 and featured CDI 3* and CDI 1* competition. The CDI 5* was presented by Diamante Farms, while Wellington Equestrian Realty presented the CDI 3*, which ran simultaneously throughout the weekend. The Small Tour had Engel & Völkers lead as presenting sponsor.

AGDF 7 was another CDI-W, presented Feb. 22-26 by the Axel Johnson Group. The Axel Johnson Group sponsored all three large tour classes, including the FEI Grand Prix, FEI Grand Prix Freestyle and FEI Grand Prix Special. Wellington Regional Medical Center had presenting honors of the FEI Small Tour during the week.

The historic Palm Beach Derby CDI-W will be held March 2-5. The fourth and final FEI World Cup Qualifier, the derby is a staple of the circuit for the dressage community. Everglades Dressage presents the week of competition and the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, while Peacock Ridge is set to take presenting honors for the FEI Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special. The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center will sponsor FEI Small Tour competition for the week.

Havensafe Farm will honor riders during the AGDF 10 CDI 4* set for March 15-19, presenting both the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, as well as the FEI Grand Prix and FEI Grand Prix Special. The Dutta Corporation will recognize combinations competing in the CDI 3*, which will run in conjunction with the CDI 4* during the week. CaptiveOne, a new sponsor this season, will honor riders as the Small Tour presenting sponsor.

The 2017 AGDF season will be capped with the Nations Cup, a team competition where riders represent their home country, presented by Stillpoint Farm. The FEI Nations Cup at the AGDF is the only team competition in North America or South America for dressage riders outside of championships. The week will also feature the first Under 25 Nations Cup competition to be hosted outside of Europe. Harmony Sporthorses will present the CDI 3*, while Yellow Bird Farm will present the FEI Small Tour to conclude competition.

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival would not be possible without the continued and dedicated support of the sponsors that help to make the annual circuit one of the most successful dressage competition destinations in the world.