VDF 2015, dressage not to be missed!

During the first two weeks of March the Domaine Equestre des Grands Pins (DEGP) will be playing host to the world’s top dressage riders during the Vidauban Dressage Festival. Once again, this competition combines two events unique in France:

• From 4 to 8 March : a leg of the FEI Nations Cup circuit (CDIO3*, 7 events worldwide)

• From 11 to 15 March: a leg of the World Dressage Masters circuit (CDI5*, 4 events worldwide).

Two weekends devoted to high level sport. Bernadette Brune, the creator of the DEGP is proud to be hosting this show for the sixth consecutive year: «It’s a huge pleasure to organise the VDF and welcome the best riders and horses to the South of France. We are constantly striving to improve the quality of our infrastructures and services available to the competitors and visitors. The live results display is the big addition for this year. As we are hosting the European Dressage Championships for Young Riders, Juniors and Children in July, we felt it was important to introduce this system for this year’s VDF. We hope it will help our visitors to understand dressage, and enable insiders to sharpen their analysis of each movement. »

In 2014 the VDF drew over a hundred riders, including Patrick Kittel (SWE), Ulla Salzgeber (GER), Valentina Truppa (ITA), Diederik van Silfhout (NED), Matthias Alexander Rath (GER), Arnaud Serre (FRA) and many more. The FEI Nations Cup was won by the Dutch team of Tommie Visser, Laurens van Lieren and Diederik van Silfhout, followed by Belgium and Sweden. After two consecutive wins the Dutch will certainly be aiming for a third victory in 2015! The team rankings will be decided on the results of the Grand Prix (Friday 6th March) and the Grand Prix Special (Saturday 7th March).

The CDI5*, World Dressage Masters, will be the second high point of the VDF 2015. The successful first edition last year, with the notable wins of Patrik Kittel and Watermill Scandic H.B.C, pave the way for some top sport to come!

The VDF is also a CDI3* and 1*, with classes for ponies, children, juniors, young riders, under 25’s and young horses. Something to suit all dressage lovers.

Alongside the competition there is a trade village and a restaurant which overlooks both show arenas. There is no entry charge, and parking is free.

There will also be live streaming. Further information on Click here or on Facebook: Domaine Equestre des Grands Pins.