Wellington, FL – The 30th Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W kicked off with all the horses passing the FEI jog on the beautiful International Horse Sport Showgrounds in Loxahatchee, FL. There was a friendly camaraderie in the air as well as a bit of welcome relief from the heat on a sunny South Florida day as the competitors settled into their routines and vendors arranged their wares for a busy shopping weekend. There was concern about the recent positive cases of the EHV-1 virus in Florida but the organizers of the Derby, International Horse Sport Palm Beach, announced an increase in biosecurity measures and a ban of any horses entering the grounds from the Ocala area.”We have put the necessary protocols in place for the safety of the horses,” said Show Manager Noreen O’Sullivan. She added that the well-being of the animals was the No. 1 priority for the show management team, who strive to be open and transparent with the owners and riders about the status of the virus in the area.

Caroline V. Roffman and Her Highness O, 2013.

The health concerns didn’t dampen the excitement for the 30th anniversary of the Dressage Derby. Historic photos displayed in the show office document some of the events from the Derby’s beginnings, when dressage was just taking hold in the area, and people stopped to remember the early years as they checked in.

Out on the pastoral grounds, competitors chatted amiably as they waited for the jog, which all the FEI horses passed. Cheryl Meisner of Canada withdrew Paganini, a 16-year-old dark bay KWPN stallion, during the jog, but is slated to compete with Tango in the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special.  Competition begins on Friday, March 1 and features FEI classes including the Grand Prix Open as well as Intermediaire I and II, Prix St. Georges, Pony Team Test Qualifier, and Young Rider tests as well as a cadre of USEF tests. The classes continue all weekend with the Grand Prix Special on Saturday and the Grand Prix Freestyle on Sunday.

Canada’s David Marcus and Don Kontes, 2013.

Palm Beach Dressage Derby Presented By Blue Hors of Denmark Fast Facts:

• USEF High Performance Qualifying Competition for the 2013 World Cup
• Over $20,000 in Cash and Prizes
• 2013 USEF National Grand Prix & Intermediaire I Championship
• 2013 Massy Ferguson/USEF North American Junior & Young Rider’s Championship
• USEF National Pony Rider Championships, USEF Developing Horse Championships
• Markel/USEF Young Horse Championships, USEF National Brentina Cup Championships
• USEF Level 5 Competition- USDF Musical Freestyles; USEF First thru Fourth Levels;
• FEI PSG thru Grand Prix, including FEI Musical Freestyles, JY/YR, FEI Five- & Six-Year-Old Tests.

Where: IHS Champions Park-Equestrian Estates3700 Hanover CircleLoxahatchee, FL

When: Feb.28- March 3