International high performance dressage will take centre stage at the 2015 Vilamour Atlantic Tour in sunny Portugal on 8 - 12 April 2015. The Vilamoura Atlantic Tour is a high profile show jumping circuit which closes with a top quality CDI 3* dressage event for the second time after its inauguration in 2012. The 2015 CDI 3* Vilamoura will be the final show on this well attended circuit in the prestigious sunshine resort town in the Portuguese Algarve.
Action Guaranteed
The 2015 CDI 3* Vilamoura boasts a full programme with classes of all FEI levels. During the three days of competition, there will be FEI young horses tests and the full three-class range for pony, junior and young riders. The small tour is going to be filled with famous Spanish and Portuguese riders and the big tour is promising to be the highlight of the show.
Top judges and stewards are officiating at Vilamoura. Three 5* judges will be on the ground jury: Francis Verbeek-van Rooy (NED), Susan Hoevenaars (AUS), and Cara Whitham (CAN). They are joined by 3* and 4* judges Carlos Lopes (POR), Kristi Wysocki (USA), Sandra Smith (ARG), Freddy Leyman (BEL), Dushyant Bali (IND) and Claudia Mesquita (BRA). Luis Pedro Machado will be chief steward, assisted by Philippe Blard, Antonio Lopes Mateus, and Armindo Caixinha.
Competition starts on Friday 10 April 2015 with the Prix St Georges and Grand Prix, the Team Tests for the Pony, Junior and Young Riders and the preliminary tests for the 5 and 6-year old. Vilamoura is also hosting a medium tour and it begins on Friday with the Intermediaire A.
VIP Competition for Riders and Spectators
The 2015 CDI3* Vilamoura will give riders, grooms and spectators a VIP feeling. The Vilamoura show grounds boasts five arenas with Otto Sport footing, 850 stables, a clinic and spa for horses, as well as a massage facility. Spectators can enjoy a luxury treatment as there is hairdresser, two restaurants, two bars, several shops and a tourist office at hand.
The wonderful location with its excellent sport conditions, renowned hospitality and easy access for tourists and spectators makes the CDI Vilamoura a competition where the sun and horses are kings.
Vilamoura is right near the Atlantic ocean and beach parties are prepared for visitors. The city has been proclaimed "Marina Of the Year 2015" and is a stone's throw away from Faro airport.
Trofeu Iberico
The 2015 CDI 3* Vilamoura also features the "Troféu Ibérico" which are special trophies awarded to the best performing riders on Iberian bred horse, either PRE Andalusians or PLE Lusitanos. The Trofeu Iberico is set up to encourage riders on Pure Lusitano bred and Pure Spanish bred horses to promote the cultural identity of their breed at high performance level.
The Trofeu Iberico consists of a cash prize awarded to the rider of the highest scoring Iberian bred horse at four levels: Grand Prix Kur, Intermediaire I Kur, the FEI 5-year old division and FEI 6-year old division.
The 2015 CDI 3* Vilamoura is organized by Clube Hípico de Vilamoura. Renowned dressage trainer Paulo Caetano is the dressage director for the CDI.
"The recognition that our Portuguese riders and our horses have achieved
internationally, our rich equestrian tradition, and the efforts we have
made in Portugal to reach new heights bears rich fruits," Caetano explained. "This is our opportunity to open our doors and welcome riders to our fabulous event."
For more information, visit the 2015 CDI Vilamoura official website, or its Facebook page
Related Links
Eurodressage "On the Scene" at the 2015 CDI Vilamoura
Scores: 2012 CDI Vilamoura
Maria Caetano Wins 2014 Portuguese Dressage Championships
Castelo and Ralao Duarte Win 2014 Portuguese Junior and Young Riders Championships