may19-00

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 June 2nd-4th, 2000 at the NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC.

Proceeds benefit the North Carolina Therapeutic Riding Center.

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 the United States Equestrian Team championships.

In addition to the competition, the show offers visitors a:

	variety of evening programs and exhibitions, including an "Introduction to Dressage" for the uninitiated
	free children's festival Saturday 10 am - 2 pm, where young enthusiasts can learn about horses.
	sumptuous Saturday evening ringside buffet on Grand Prix Freestyle night
	trade fair offering a variety of wares from saddlery to fine art, from sportswear to used tack
	silent auction of tack, artwork, stallion breeding certificates, and more

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 Margie Muenzer at 919-929-1797). For information during the show, call 919-828-9478.

The North Carolina Therapeutic Riding Center, this year's beneficiary, is an accredited program where instructors, therapists and trained volunteers work together to provide horseback riding lessons to persons with a variety of

disabilities. Therapeutic riding benefits these riders in countless ways, including improving balance and coordination, social skills and self-esteem. NCTRC, a non-profit organization, is supported by private donations, grants, class fees and annual fundraisers.