For Immediate Release                     Contact:     Dawn Weniger
April 14, 1998                                                        919-387-9266

World Class Dressage in Raleigh

Raleigh, NC -- The East Coast's top dressage competitors will appear in Raleigh this spring when The North Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association presents "CDI-W Raleigh and Capital Dressage Classic" on May 29 - 31, 1998 at the NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC. Proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina.

Dressage, a system of skilled horsemanship drawing on centuries-old traditions, is now one of the fastest growing equestrian disciplines in the United States. Dressage requires the horse and rider to combine the strength and agility of gymnastics with the elegance and beauty of ballet. As in figure skating and gymnastics, the musical freestyle is the highlight of competition.

The competition at the CDI-W will include performance classes at the very beginning levels all the way to the Grand Prix level, which is the level ridden in the Olympics. Riders will be trying to qualify for several international competitions, including the World Cup and World Equestrian Games.

In addition to the competition, the show offers visitors a free children's festival Saturday 10 - 2 where young enthusiasts can learn about horses.  A variety of evening programs, including an "Introduction to Dressage" for the uninitiated, sumptuous Saturday evening ringside buffet on Grand Prix Freestyle night,  a trade fair offering a variety of wares from saddlery to fine art, from sports wear to used tack, a silent auction of tack, artwork, stallion breeding certificates, and more, including a Southern States Percheron draft horse hitch demonstration and a N.C. Search and Rescue Dog Team Association demonstration.

Tickets at $6 will be required for admission to the show on Friday evening, all day Saturday, and Saturday evening and are available at the door. Tickets for Saturday night's Grand Prix Club, which includes hors d'oeuvres, bar, and a ringside table, cost $30 (advance registration only - contact Marlene Whitaker at 910-426-3683.) For information during the show, call 919-828-9478.