Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Phelpssports.com Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W/Y
RELEASE: December 20, 2007
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: By Christine DeHerrera
For 25 years the Palm Beach Dressage Derby has offered spectators the opportunity to watch the best horses and riders in North America compete in front of the most prestigious judging panels. The 25th edition of the event not only will showcase world-class competitors, but three full days of celebration of the show that has become a must-do for serious dressage aficionados. Where else can you watch Olympians like Klaus Balkenhol and Ulla Salzgeber coach their protégés while Lisa Wilcox and Lars Petersen compete? And this year’s Phelpssports.com Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W/Y, held February 28-March 2, 2008, features top-notch shopping, an art show reception, the Taste of the Derby and the once in a lifetime “An Olympic Tribute” celebration.
“I cannot believe this year is our 25th anniversary,” said Show Manager Evelyn O’Sullivan. “Each year the event has grown. We are very excited about all of the celebrations that we have planned for this year.”
The Derby Art Show and Reception—Friday, February 29, 2008, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Each year the Derby program showcases the artwork of an exceptional equine artist. This year, several of these artists will be honored at a reception on Friday afternoon. The event will feature an art show, reception with the artists and refreshments. Among the artists whose work will be showcased are Beverly Zimmer, Gisela Pferdekaemper, Michele Hundt, Patricia Powers and Marilyn Fallon. O’Sullivan continues, “We are very grateful to the wonderful artists that have made the Derby special each year. This is our way of celebrating all of them and also giving spectators and exhibitors a real treat.”
The Taste of the Derby—Saturday, March 1, 2008, 4:30-6:00 p.m.In addition to the great horseflesh and magnificent riding, a major draw of the Derby is the incredible dressage and equestrian-themed shopping available at The Boutiques at the Derby. In 2008, for the first time, these vendors will offer hospitality and refreshments during The Taste of the Derby. Musical entertainment will round out the festive atmosphere.
An Olympic Tribute—Saturday, March 1, 2008, during the lunch break The Phelpssports.com Palm Beach Dressage Derby is one of the few events in North America that draws the depth of competitors usually only seen in Europe. It’s not uncommon at the Derby for a class to have a dozen Olympic riders. In addition, in 2008 the Derby once again serves as a USEF High-Performance Qualifier for the Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Grand Prix Championship/Olympic Games Selection Trials; Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Intermediaire I Championship; FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final; FEI North American Junior and Young Riders' Championships; USEF National Junior Dressage Championship, USEF National Young Rider Dressage Championship and the USEF "Young Adults" Brentina Cup Dressage Championship; Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program; and USEF National Developing Horse Dressage Championships.
In celebration of the Derby’s rich Olympic heritage, the Derby will host “An Olympic Tribute” on Saturday afternoon during the lunch break. During this once-in-a-lifetime experience, a large group of Olympic riders will gather for a group photo and autograph signing. “We always have so many Olympic riders at the Derby,” O’ Sullivan explained, “and we wanted to honor them for their support as well as wish some of them good luck at the 2008 Olympics.” Be sure to visit the
Derby’s website the week of the event for more information and a schedule.
For the second consecutive year, the Derby’s title sponsor is Phelpssports.com. This innovative subscription equestrian sports website offers equestrians and fans of equestrian sports a single web address for the latest breaking news of the hunter, jumper, dressage, eventing and other high-performance disciplines. Not only is Phelpssp