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.
Caroline V. Roffman and Her Highness O
“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.
Canada's David Marcus and Don Kontes
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 Specialon Saturday and the Grand Prix Freestyle on Sunday.