Para-Equestrian Dressage launched for the first time in Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Sept. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in Haiti's history, Para-Equestrian Dressage was formally launched during the Haiti Equestrian Dressage Classic CDN2* held at the Athletic Club Equestrian Center on August 31.   Thirty-seven horse and rider combinations competed in international dressage tests ranging from Introductory to FEI Prix St. Georges levels. With five nations represented and participation from all three active Haitian equestrian clubs, Haitian riders rode to the top of the ranks and proved that hard work and dedication does lead to victory.

Lisette Vega de Purcell, a Central American & Caribbean Games and Pan-American Games judge who judged the event, noted enthusiastically,  "I am very impressed by the quality of the Haitian riders and look forward to seeing top performances in upcoming 2014 Dressage competitions."

Haiti Equestrian, the organizing association has been supporting and promoting the equestrian sport in Haiti with a specific focus on job creation and the expansion of secondary sustainable sectorial development. General Secretary, Ximena Vidal, remarked, "I am very pleased with the rider turnout which was twice the number of riders normally entered in dressage competition in our region."  She added, "the scores earned during Haiti's first National Dressage competition were exceptional with over one third of horse and rider combinations earning scores above 70%. We are delighted with these results and will continue our efforts to promote the development of the equestrian sport in Haiti."

USEF Professional Equestrian Trainer, Elizabeth Landers, couldn't have been happier with the performances of her Haitian riders. "For months, our riders have worked tirelessly to prepare for this event. Each rode very challenging horses, most of which required extensive retraining.  Their hard work paid off and our riders proved that they are indeed excellent Dressage riders."

The grand finale was a special demonstration of Para-Equestrian Dressage by four talented riders from the Notre Maison Orphanage for disabled children. Cadet, Christina, Roseline and Jean-Daniel executed the FEI Para-Equestrian Dressage Novice1B test, led by their teachers and volunteers from ACCE and Haiti Equestrian.

This event was made possible thanks to local sponsors (Bongu, Haiti New Horizon Foundation, Tortug'Air) and International sponsors (Premier Equestrian, Heritage Gloves, Lazcar International, Susan Hutchison Stables, Tenerife Stables, and Daniele Allen).

Two National CDN2* Dressage Competitions will conclude the 2013 Dressage season in Haiti: October 5-6, 2013 and November 18-19, 2013.

Contact Information

Haiti Equestrian
Henri Paul
haitiequestrian@gmail.com 
+509 34411303

SOURCE Haiti Equestrian