February 5, 2010

All 16 horses that were presented for veterinary inspection were passed to start in this week's $US138,000 Exquis World Dressage Masters at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Three German combinations, three Dutch, six from the US, three from Canada and one pair from Denmark will perform in the €10,000 (US$14,000) Nurnberger Versicherungsgruppe Grand Prix at 1pm. It is the only CDI5* competition - the highest level of dressage competition - in the Western Hemisphere.

Eight pairs will go on to the €30,000 (US$42,000) Moorland Grand Prix Special on Saturday afternoon and the other eight will compete in the €60,000 (US$84,000) Exquis Grand Prix Freestyle to Music under the lights on Saturday night.

Germany's Ulla Salzgeber on her 10-year-old mare, Wakana, will be first to go in the Grand Prix to kick off the second year of the globe's richest lineup of dressage events.

A gala celebration will be held in the centerpiece International Arena tonight featuring the training of the freestyle horses and riders along with equestrian entertainment.

Grand Prix competitors:
1:00pm - Ulla Salzgeber and Wakana, Germany
1:10pm - Belinda Trussell and Anton, Canada
1:20pm - Elisabeth Austin and Oliver, USA
1:30pm - Anja Plonzke and Le Mont d'Or, Germany
1:40pm - Leslie Morse and Tip Top, USA
1:50pm - Ashley Holzer and Pop Art, Canada
2:00pm - Isabell Werth and Satchmo, Germany
2:10pm - Aat van Essen and Premier, The Netherlands
2: 35pm - Mikala Munter Gundersen and Leonberg, Denmark
2:45pm - Pierre St. Jacques and Lucky Tiger, USA
2:55pm - Christa Laarakkers and Ovation, The Netherlands
3:05pm - Michael Barisone and Olympus, USA
3:15pm - Diane Creech and Devon L, Canada
3:25pm - Staffen Peters and Ravel, USA
3:35pm - Anky van Grunsven and Salinero, The Netherlands
3:45pm - Tina Konyot and Calecto, USA