2022 CDI Lier Brings Competition Back on the Calendar with Packed Programme

Dressage

Belgium

The 2022 CDI Lier on 1 - 6 March will be bringing back international competition on the FEI calendar as the second CDI of 2022 after Covid-19 forced the cancellation of the majority of indoor shows this autumn and winter.

CDI Lier at equestrian centre Azelhof near Antwerp, Belgium, features an action-packed programme with a 4* and 3* big tour, all youth divisions from ponies to Under 25, as well as a senior small and medium tour.

The organizers also proudly announce that brand new permanent stalls will be available to all competitors.

Lier, Bigger and Better Each Year

The CDI Lier is a fixture on the FEI calendar as one of the most liked and well attended indoor dressage competitions at the start of the year.

Hosted for the first time in 2015 and under the show direction of Wim Verwimp's Belgium Dressage Events since 2017, the CDI Lier continues to grow and improve, in a bigger and better format. Grand Prix trainer Verwimp manages the event with his team including Joyce Lebon, Annemiek van der Vorm and Linda Peek. The Azelhof equestrian center has expanded, boasting two big, heated indoor arenas, permanent stalls and top catering ringside, in the restaurant, and in the VIP section.

This year's newest perk are the 520 newly built permanent stalls which guarantee comfortable stabling and night rest for all horses with CCTV installed.

Full Programme

The 2022 edition of the CDI Lier has the full programme of classes, giving riders the opportunity to bring two horses after having had to miss out on international shows this entire winter due Covid-19.

The 4* and 3* Grand Prix tour will both have room for 30 athletes, while the small tour can cater to 30 combinations, and the medium tour to 10. Over 50,000 euro in prize money is up for grabs across the levels.

Youth classes will be held 1 - 3 March, while the senior classes take place on the weekend from 4 - 6 March. An entry fee for the public will be charged on the weekend, but during the week entry is free.

The panel of judges includes four 5* judges (Nivelle, Colliander, Baarup, Roudier), seven 4* judges (Van der Heijden, Van Daele, Smeets, Kessler, Van Twist, Wolfs, Leyman and Prain) and two 3* judges (Wolfs, Fälth).

Thrilled to be Back

This will be the fifth time that Wim Verwimp is staging a well-attended CDI at Azelhof in Lier. Only in 2021 they were forced to call off their show as covid hygiene measures were too strict at the time.

Rebooting with new energy and inspiration, Verwimp is sure that the 2022 edition will be a great one.

"The heated indoor arenas are big, the footing is excellent everywhere, and we now have over 500 permanent stalls so I'm sure all riders will be very happy with the conditions we provide," said Verwimp. "With everything being cancelled this winter, this is an attractive show for riders. That's why we have expanded the programme to a 3* so senior riders can bring two horses."

The FEI schedule can be viewed here. Entries close on 14 February 2022.

Visit the official website at www.belgiumdressageevents.be