The 27^th annual Kentucky Dressage Association’s (KDA) Spring Warm Up & Dressage Show, demonstrating the highest expression of horse training, returns May 23-26, 2013, to the Kentucky Horse Park!

Dressage, commonly referred to as horse ballet, is a graceful and disciplined sport where rider and horse perform a series of predetermined movements with minimal direction while maintaining a relaxed posture.  At the KDA’s Annual Dressage Show, viewers can experience firsthand the fine art of dressage performed by such elegant creatures – horses.

The competition begins with the KDA Spring Warm Up on May 23-24 preceding the annual Dressage Show on May 25-26.  The KDA spring shows will conduct all CDI3*/CDI*/CDIY/CDIJ/CDIP classes and many others in the Rolex Stadium, which was the site of dressage and show jumping for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.  KDA is expecting more than 230 riders during the four-day show that attracts competitors domestically as well as internationally.  Last year, during the 2012 competition, there were riders from Canada and Spain.

The Kentucky Horse Park, in conjunction with the KDA, will present a special World of Horses show on Saturday, May 25.  Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, which teaches riding to the physically and mentally handicapped, will be introducing their horses to the public and promoting their mission.  There will also be a KDA-hosted cancer walk in memory of Mary Kearney, a former KDA member, horse lover and dressage enthusiast.  The community is invited to participate in the walk at 6:00 pm, and then to stay to watch an exciting dressage freestyle competition in the evening.  Shuttles will take participants to the run/walk course at Mt. Brilliant Farm behind the Kentucky Horse Park and then bring them back to the park afterwards for the Dressage Freestyles in the Rolex Stadium.

Dates & Time:

May 23-26, 2013 – 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday, May 25, 2013 – 6:00 pm – KDA Kearney Cancer 5K & Fun Walk (Mt. Brilliant Farm/Rolex Stadium)

Admission:

Included in Kentucky Horse Park general admission, horse show-only rate available

Location & Parking:
Dressage Complex – Parking is available in the Main Parking Lot

For more information about the 2013 KDA Spring Warm Up & Dressage Show, please visit www.kentuckydressageassociation.org. 

Dressage lovers don’t have to wait until summer’s warm weather to enjoy their favorite sport. They have the Snowbird Winter Dressage Series at the Kentucky Horse Park to enjoy when they itch for that special “dance” between horse and rider.

The Snowbird Winter Dressage Series is a Kentucky Dressage Association and Mid-South Eventing Dressage Association sanctioned series for training, novice and USDF B and C open introductory level competitors that will be held on Saturdays on December 15, February 23 and March 23, from approximately 8:00 am to 5:00 pm each day.

Learn more at www.kentuckydressageassociation.org.

Admission:

Included in Kentucky Horse Park visitor admission, available at the Visitor Information Center

Parking: 

Main Visitor Parking Lot

Location:      

Covered Arena

Dates: 

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Times:

8:00 am to 5:00 pm, approximately

Dancing horses, summer evening, outdoor dining.... sound irresistible?

Then join us for "Party at the Park" presented by the Kentucky Dressage Association and Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, May 26 at the Rolex Stadium to watch FEI and CDI*** Dressage Freestyle.

Doors open at 5:30. $10 for adults; children 12 and under admitted free of charge.

www.kentuckydressageassociation.org