What is Dressage?

Dressage, pronounced dre-sazh, is a system of skilled horsemanship which draws its foundations from the earliest link between horse and rider. A centuries-old tradition in the fine riding academies of Europe, dressage is now the fastest growing equestrian discipline in the United States.

The Venue

The Hunt Horse Complex at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds is the perfect venue for this world-class event. Its spacious indoor facility houses the main competition ring with seating for 4500, the Trade Fair, a cafeteria and a dining room. Another covered ring, numerous outside competition and warm-up areas plus extensive stabling, make this one of the best show facilities in the country.

How to be a good spectator

Watching a dressage show is unlike watching most other sporting events. Click on the "Spectator" button to your left for hints and tips that will help make you a more informed and better participant in the show's activities.

Who's running the show?

The manager of the CDI-W/Y/J Raleigh is Janine Malone but she couldn't do it without an army of NCDCTA volunteers. Click on the "Volunteers" button to your left to  see who's who and learn how to become a part of the action!

What is the NCDCTA?

The North Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association (NCDCTA) is a non-profit organization with the purpose of promoting knowledge and enjoyment of dressage and combined training through competitions and sponsorship of educational activities throughout North Carolina. For information on other NCDCTA-sponsored competitions see the NCDCTA Web Site.

Ticket Information and Reserved Tables

Tickets are required for admission to the show this year. Pricing and Purchase information is available under the "Ticket Info" button to your left. All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to The North Carolina Therapeutic Riding Center. A number of reserved tables are also available. Details are also under the "Ticket Info" button. Tables in the  Grand Prix Club are $500 (cash only) for a table for 6 and may be ordered ahead of time from the Show Manager or purchased in the show office during the show.

The Raleigh, NC Area

For more information on the Raleigh area to help you with your stay, visit the RTP Links web site.

Photo Credits

Unless otherwise specified, the photos on these web pages for competitions prior to 2000 were taken by Susan Sexton. Visit Susan's web page at http://www.susansexton.com. 

Web Changes

Welcome to our web site! Please let us know of any suggestions and/or comments you may have to make it better and more useable for you! Send comments to the webmaster, Sandi  Piazza.

This is where we'll announce the most recent additions to our web site. If you've visited us before and want to know what's changed, take a look here first.

Updated the following pages for 2009 shows:

Press Releases

These are the press releases we've issued over the last year.

Recent Media Coverage of CDI-W Raleigh