From the 19th to the 22nd of May, Compiègne’s Grand Parc equestrian stadium will host its’ 11th International Dressage Show, one of the most prestigious events of the season. The disciplines numerous enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy the performances from its’ elite less than three months before the World Championships. Great sport, lots of fun and the assurance of an enjoyable and intense experience with, in particular, as a grand finale, a display by the renowned Jean-François Pignon.
Get your diary out and save the dates, the 19th to the 22nd of May 2022. Eleven years after its creation, the “Internationaux de Dressage de Compiègne” will once again bring together the best horse and rider combinations in the World, notably in the CDIO 5*. The only dressage show in France carrying 5 stars, the event organised by the Compiègne Équestre Association is delighted to be once again part of the prestigious Fédération Équestre Internationale’s (FEI) Nations Cup circuit, along with Wellington (USA), Mariakalnok (HON), Rotterdam (HOL), Aix-la-Chapelle (GER) and Falsterbo (SUE).
A few weeks before the World Dressage Championships in Herning (Denmark), from the 6th to the 14th of August, the Compiègne CDIO 5* will be offering all the riders the opportunity to perfect their performances and to already make an impression on judges and spectators. It is also the opportunity, for undecided selectors, to further hone their choices. ” Since the beginning of the Internationals, we have wanted to play a part in the revival of dressage in our country and to awaken the public’s interest in this discipline,” underlined Monique Marini, Chairwoman of the show. ” Our event must also allow French riders to compete against the best professional riders from Germany, Great Britain, Sweden, the Netherlands, etc.”.
THE GRAND PARC EQUESTRIAN STADIUM COMPLETELY RENOVATED
Recognised as one of the best international equestrian infrastructures, competitors and visitors alike will this year discover an extensively modified Grand Parc Equestrian Stadium, offering even better conditions. Selected as a “base camp for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games” as well as a “Pôle d’Excellence de Compétition Optimum” by the French Equestrian Federation, the site has been redesigned and modernised thanks to major work on the competition arenas as well as on the car parks, paths, reception structures, etc., and this with particular attention being paid to maintaining the quality of the site’s environment and landscaping. “This major investment is part of the policy of preparing for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, to which the Department of Oise and the Hauts de France Region have made a large contribution,” explained Philippe Marini, Mayor of Compiègne and Chairman of the Agglomération de la Région de Compiègne (Compiègne Region Urban Area). “For their part, the town of Compiègne and the Agglomération de la Région de Compiègne have undertaken an ambitious programme, centred on eight disciplines, including equestrian sport. Thanks to the Compiègne Équestre Association we are proud of what has been achieved in World level dressage. The last show saw the participation of a large number of the World’s best, and included many Olympic riders and their horses. With the local public company, the Pôle Equestre du Compiégnois, we are determined to rise to new challenges.”
PONIES, JUNIORS, YOUNG RIDERS AND… JEAN-FRANÇOIS PIGNON
Challenges, horses and riders from around twenty countries will have the opportunity to take-up many. In addition to the flagship 5* CDIO, the equestrian stadium will also be hosting 3* and 2* CDIs, an opportunity for elite riders to bring-on young horses or for young riders to launch their international careers. The discipline’s hopefuls will not be forgotten with the organisation of a U25 CDI (reserved for under riders aged under 25) in addition to a Young Riders competition. The youngest riders will also be able to get a taste of the top level in the Junior classes or even the Pony CDI.
On Sunday the 22nd of May, at the end of competition, the “Internationaux de Compiègne” will also have the pleasure of offering the public a show by Jean-François Pignon. Renowned throughout the World, this equestrian will present his amazing display of horses in liberty. A marvellous way to conclude a weekend eagerly awaited by all horse riding enthusiasts.