Being held for the 9th time, the “Internationaux de dressage” of Compiègne are fast approaching! From the 17th to the 19th of May, more than 200 riders and their 250 horses will be travelling to the Grand Parc Equestrian Stadium for a sublime weekend of sport. Eight sections are on the programme at this international dressage show, which is hosting the 2nd leg of the FEI Nations Cup circuit (CDIO5*). If the official list of entries is as yet unknown, a certain number of the masters in this discipline have already confirmed that they will be attending this unmissable event.
Helen LANGEHANENBERG & DAMSEY FRH, 2017 © Agence Ecary
The Internationaux de Dressage is an adventure that started in 2010 with a Junior and Young Riders event. Following its success, the competition has grown, attaining CDI3* level in 2011, which resulted in the Compiègne Équestre Association being awarded the organisation of the 2013 European Junior and Young Rider Championships, an event acclaimed by all! The meeting received a fourth star in 2015, then a fifth in addition to the Official « O », thus becoming a CDIO5* in 2016.
For the fourth year running, it’s with enormous pride that Compiègne is listed on the World calendar as the only leg of the FEI Dressage Nations Cup to be held in France. The public can take advantage of free entry to three intense days of competition that take place in the sand arenas located deep within Compiègne’s forest. From ponies to 5 star, there will definitely be something for everyone.
The first competitors will enter the rings and launch festivities at 8am on the 17th of May 2019. Precision, elegance, performance… from Friday to Sunday, the days will be punctuated by riders warming-up, tests being ridden, moments of joy, and also of disappointments, moments shared with spectators, victories and prize-giving ceremonies. Excellence and the exceptional will come together Sunday for the Crédit Mutuel Nord Europe CDIO5* grand finales, with the Grand Prix Special and the Freestyle Grand Prix, which will see the leading nation crowned, a moment not to be missed.
Amongst the big names in dressage who have already confirmed their presence, Compiègne will have the pleasure of welcoming Helen Langehanenberg (GER), 3rd at the 2018 Paris World Cup Finals; winner of an individual silver and a team gold medal at the 2014 Caen World Equestrian Games; team silver medallist and 4th as an individual at the 2012 London Olympic Games; and Carl Hester (GBR), team gold medallist at the London Olympic Games and team silver medallist at the Rio Olympic Games.
The latter will defend the British flag in the CDIO5* with Hawtins Delicato, alongside his talented compatriots Gareth Hugues / Classic Briolinca, Richard Davison / Bubblingh and Charlotte Fry / Dark Legend.
The first nation to declare their team, the Netherlands, who by sending four well known horse and rider combinations, will be formidable opponents: Patrick van der Meer and Zippo; Danielle Heijkoop and Badari; Emmelie Scholtens and Desperado; Tosca Visser van der Meulen and Asther de Jeu.
Monique Marini, orchestrating this event, and Raphaël Saleh, President of the ground jury, confided to Dressprod and Cheval Magazine : « This year, even if it depends on the health of the horses, we hope to have Charlotte Dujardin (GBR, World number 7, Olympic Champion at London in 2012 and at Rio in 2016, and World record holder for the highest scoring Freestyle, editor’s note), as well as two riders from the winning Swedish team in 2018, Patrik Kittel (a member of the 4th placed team, and 5th as an individual at the 2018 Tryon World Equestrian Games ; 4th at the World Cup Finals at Göteborg in 2016 and again at Paris in 2018, editor’s note) and Juliette Ramel (25th on the World rankings, editor’s note). »
On the home nation front, the names selected by the French federation staff will not be known until after the CDI3* at Saumur taking place from the 3rd to the 5th of May. Morgan Barbançon Mestre and Stéphanie Brieussel, with performances over 70%, are already considered serious contenders to represent France.
Noteworthy is amongst the 22 judges making up the jury this year, no less than half of them will be officiating at the European Championships being held in Rotterdam this August and/or at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo (including the German Katrina Wuest who will preside over these same Games).
Sport, thrills, entertainment… Get ready to enjoy three unforgettable days!
Free admission and parking / Catering on-site.