(Jennifer Wood Media) – As the Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W presented by US P.R.E Association at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) begins this week, entries are up in both National and International competition. Due to the large number expected in the $20,000 FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, competition will begin at 7 p.m., with opening ceremonies at 6:45 p.m. As a special bonus for spectators on Friday night, special prizes will be handed out, so don’t miss all of the exciting competition!

There are 24 entries in the $6,000 FEI Grand Prix on Thursday with some of the biggest names in dressage going for the win. David Marcus of Canada will attempt to defend last week’s victory, this time with Don Kontes, and top Swedish rider Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven will bring out Divertimento and Don Auriello, who is number seven on the FEI World Individual Dressage Ranking. Other top combinations expected are Mikala Munter Gundersen and My Lady, Olympian Tina Konyot and Calecto V, and Catherine Haddad-Staller and Hotmail 2.

“With such a strong lineup this week, it is exciting to see more and more people coming to AGDF. They are getting to experience an amazing facility in addition to having greater competition opportunities,” expressed Michael Stone, President of Equestrian Sport Productions.

On Wednesday, February 13, at 6:30pm, the PRE-Show Party will take place at the Global Pavilion. The special event will welcome Spanish dressage riders Juan Manuel Munoz and Daniel Martin Dockx. The PRE-Show Party is an annual Paella dinner and Spanish festival hosted by the United States PRE Association. All participants and exhibitors of the Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W are invited, and in keeping with prior years, the dinner and festival are free of charge.

Competition begins on Thursday, February 14, and concludes on Sunday, February 17. Highlights of the FEI Large Tour, sponsored by AGDF First Founding Sponsor the US P.R.E. Assocation, include the FEI Grand Prix, the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, and FEI Grand Prix Special. Founding Sponsor Havensafe Farm is sponsoring the FEI Small Tour consisting of the FEI Prix St. Georges, FEI Intermediaire, and FEI Intermediaire Freestyle.

For full results and more information on the AGDF, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.