Compiègne, an Olympic rehearsal for the World’s best dressage riders

Compiègne (FRA), 12 February 2020 – From the 14th to the 17th of May Compiègne’s Internationaux de dressage will take place for the 10th time, welcoming the best horse riders combinations stemming from more than 20 nations. Taking place a little over two months before the Tokyo Olympic games, the CDIO5* also hosts one of the five legs that make up the FEI Nations Cup circuit, and will be followed closely. With numerous other classes scheduled in parallel and various attractions programmed throughout the event’s four days, it promises to be an intense and fun festival.

The meeting has become unmissable. Started thirty years ago, firstly established for eventing enthusiasts, then changing direction to dressage in 2011, the Internationaux of Compiègne is firmly placed among the big events on the equestrian season’s calendar.

Special Welcoming

Each year, in the spring, dressage lovers gather around the Grand Parc Equestrian Stadium’s arenas to enjoy the performances of the biggest names in dressage. 2020 will not be any different. From the 14th to the 17th of May, the Compiègne Équestre association will again have the pleasure of welcoming some of the best specialists in this discipline. The large number of medallists at the biggest global championships on the list of past winners here is proof in itself of the sporting excellence found at the show.

For the tenth edition of these Internationaux de dressage, the nations that dominate the sport will wish to make an impression. A little over two months before the Tokyo Olympic Games (the Dressage taking place between the 25th and the 29th of July), the Compiègne CDIO5* will indeed have a determining effect for numerous nations. Jan Bemelmans, the French team selector, has chosen this meeting as one of the two final events in his quest to choose the three riders who will represent France in Japan.

Fei Dressage Nations Cup

Second leg out of the five that make up the prestigious FEI Nations Cup, following Wellington (USA, 11 – 15 March) and just before Aix-la-Chapelle (GER, 2 – 7 June), Rotterdam (HOL, 18 – 21 June) and Falsterbo (SWE, 9 – 12 July), the Compiègne CDIO5* will also grant top nations the possibility of accumulating precious points to count towards the final results of a circuit last year won by Sweden.

Victorious at Compiègne last year, Great Britain, one of the favorites for an Olympic medal this summer, will be keen to come and defend their title. The guarantee of a superb spectacle and fabulous sporting performances.

Dressage Lovers

In parallel to the CDIO5*, dressage lovers have the possibility of enjoying the performances of high-level international competitors in the three arenas of the equestrian stadium during the CDI3* and the CDI2*.

Up and coming young talents will confront each other in a U25’s CDI, a Young Riders CDI and a CDI for Juniors (14-18 year olds), before meeting up again for their respective European Championships this summer (Hartpury, GB, from the 27th of July to the 2nd of August for the Juniors and Young Riders; Budapest, HUN, from the 18th to the 23rd of August for the U25’s). Finally, the Pony CDI will offer a showcase for the younger generation and the chance to compete at the top level before the European Championships at Strzegom (POL, the 15th to the 19th of July).

And because sport means an opportunity to share good times and festivities, plenty of attractions for all the family will punctuate the show’s four days.

Les Internationaux de dressage – Compiègne Press Release