Photo Report: European Invasion at 2023 Global Dressage Festival

Thu, 02/09/2023 - 16:43
2023 CDI-W Wellington
Belgian based Thai rider Suphakamol Vuntanadit trotting up Dreamboat BCN at the 2023 CDI-W Wellington :: Photo © Lily Forado

The fifth week of competition at the 2023 Global Dressage Festival has started on 8 February 2023 and the show circuit is finally picking up speed. A true European invasion has happened this week, boosting the starters' field with almost a double amount of entries. 

European Affair

At the horse inspection on Wednesday it was European affair with riders, trainers and horse dealers all gathered near the stable area to witness the trot up.

This big field of competitors is reminiscent of the glory days of the GDF circuit between 2014 and 2016 when many Europeans tried out coming over and competing there. 

Asian Presence

For the first year since the start of the Global Dressage Festival a considerable Asian delegation has shown up.

France's Morgan Barbançon with Deodoro
British based Singaporean Olympian Caroline Chew is already out of the starting gate, this week the Belgian based Thai Vuntanadit sister duo as well as german based Japanese Kiichi Harada will begin their campaign, and in a few weeks Korean Dong Seon Kim is expected to make his show debut on newly acquired Bohemian. 

Spanish photographer Lily Forado always winters in Florida for the entire season and snapped these candids from the trot up.

Photos © Lily Forado

Related Links
Bohemian, Cathrine Dufour's 2021 European Reserve Champion, Sold
Barbançon's Habana Libre A Posts Personal Best at 2023 CDI Wellington - Paris 2024 on the Horizon
Look Who's Back: Blue Hors Zatchmo
Wandres and Bluetooth Head European Sweep of 4* Tour at 2023 CDI Wellington