CDI-W Mexico 2025: A Celebration of Passion, Excellence, and Unity

The 2025 CDI-W Mexico held at Rancho St. Vincent on 7 - 9 November 2025 became far more than an international dressage competition — it was a celebration of passion, culture, and a renewed vision for the sport in Latin America.

A Week of Learning and Inspiration

Over five days, riders, judges, trainers, and families from across eleven nations came together in an atmosphere of learning and camaraderie. The week began with an inspiring theory session led by Lendon Gray (USA), followed by a warm welcome dinner where riders shared experiences with top figures such as Julio Mendoza, Kevin Kohmann, and Devon Kane.

Educational sessions led by Dr. Bernanda Hinojosa on horse conditioning and Frederico Pinteus on judging principles enriched the following days, while one of the most anticipated moments arrived with the Meet & Greet with Ingrid Klimke, whose humility and insight deeply resonated with the audience.

Sport, Culture, and Excellence

Throughout the weekend, the arena came alive not only with top-level competition but also with vibrant displays of Mexican culture — music, art, and color that reflected the spirit of unity and joy.

In the CDI-W Grand Prix and Freestyle, Matthias Alexander Rath (GER) and Destacado FRH achieved a remarkable double victory, followed by Ingrid Klimke with First Class 92 and Julio Mendoza (ECU) with Jewel’s Goldstrike.

Among the guests, the world’s number-one rider Justin Verboomen personally congratulated the winners — a gesture that filled the audience with pride.

An unprecedented purse of 300,000 euro in prize money was up for grabs in the World Cup tour, the money to be distributed to all riders over two classes. Winner Rath took home 90,000 euro with his two first places.

Inspiring the Next Generation

One of the event’s most meaningful milestones was the inclusion of the Borrowed Horses Project, an FEI educational initiative allowing Children and Juniors to compete on borrowed horses. Introduced for the first time in the Americas within a CDI-W, it embodied the values of inclusion, fairness, and horse welfare.

“Watching these young riders enter the arena supported by an entire community is one of the most inspiring moments I’ve witnessed,” said Omar Zayrik, event organizer and FEI Judge. “Bringing this project to our continent shows that dressage can unite us through education and opportunity.”

A Legacy for Latin America

Thanks to the vision and commitment of Pamela and Waldemar Franco, and the invaluable support of sponsors, CDI-W Mexico has become a regional benchmark — blending world-class organization with culture, education, and community.

A heartfelt highlight of the week was the Skulls Auction, which raised USD 8,700 for six grooms whose horses were recognized as best presented during the veterinary inspection — a touching tribute to the people whose daily work sustains the sport.

As the event concluded, one sentiment united everyone present: the certainty that something meaningful is growing — a movement that combines sport, diversity, and deep respect for the horse.

CDI-W Mexico 2025: Many nations, one heart — united by dressage.

-- press release - Photos © Lukasz Kowalski

Related Links
Scores: 2025 CDI-W Lerma
Success of the First CDI-W in Mexico: A Celebration of Equestrian Brotherhood, Tradition, and Elite Sport