The Dressage competition has officially begun at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.   At 2.30 pm (in Spain), the first leg of the Grand Prix began with Spanish rider Rafael Ortiz in the arena with Gnidium, owned by Yeguada Azores.   This event is divided, with the second group beginning at 8:00 pm (2.00 pm in Kentucky) with rider Claudio Castilla and Jade MV in the arena.   All other participants from Spain, including Juan Manuel Muñoz riding Fuego XII, owned by Miguel Á. Cárdenas and José Antonio García Mena with Norte owned by Yeguada Lovera will be competing tomorrow, the 28th.  

Wednesday, the 29th, has been reserved for the Grand Prix Special while the Kür will be held on Friday, the 31st.  The scores earned by the participants in Grand Prix today and tomorrow will contribute to the team results. 

In the past few days, prior to the Games, the horse have adapted well to their surroundings, as expected.  All of the Spanish participants and their mounts passed the FEI pre-competition veterinarian inspection with no problems.  Riders and horses were able to warm-up for 20 minutes in the impressive stadium where the Dressage Competition will take place. The Spanish National Team is accompanied by a group of equestrian enthusiasts, including a number of horse owners, who are excited and hopeful about the good results their horses will reap. 

This is the first edition of the World Equestrian Games in which the Spanish National Dressage team has a majority representation of PRE Horses. Let’s hope that the results are satisfactory and that Spain places among the top countries of the 24 competing in Kentucky.

Competition Schedule: September 27. Grand Prix
Rafael Ortiz - G-Nidium: 9:44 am local time / 15:44 in Spain
Claudio Castilla - Jade de MV: 3.23 pm local time / 21:23 in Spain

To watch the Kentucky WEG live, go to: www.alltechfeigames.com/results
Dressage will be broadcast today by Eurosport as of 10 pm (in Spain).