2020 CDIO Compiègne, an Olympic Rehearsal for the World’s Best Dressage Riders

Thu, 02/13/2020 - 21:29
2020 CDIO Compiègne
Dutch team rider Emmelie Scholtens won the GP Kur to Music at the 2019 CDIO Compiègne :: Photo © Astrid Appels

Compiègne’s international dressage competition will take place for the 10th time on 14 - 17 May 2020, welcoming the best horse and rider combinations from more than 20 nations. About two months before the Tokyo Olympic games, the CDIO5* will be hosting one of five legs that make up the FEI Nations Cup circuit.

With numerous other classes scheduled coincidingly and various exhibitions programmed throughout the event’s four days, this highly celebrated annual competition promises to be an intense and fun festival.

Thirty Year History, Tenth Edition in Dressage

The competition in Compiègne has become unmissable. Started thirty years ago and firstly established for eventing enthusiasts, the show changed direction in 2011 switching to dressage. Nowadays the "Internationaux de Compiègne" is firmly placed among the big events on the equestrian calendar.

Each year, in the spring, dressage lovers gather around the Grand Parc Equestrian Stadium’s arenas to enjoy the performances of the biggest names in dressage. 2020 will not be any different. From14 - 17 May, the Compiègne Équestre association will again have the pleasure of welcoming some of the best specialists in the discipline. The large number of Championship medal winning riders that return to Compiègne each year is proof that  sport excellence is found at the show.

Tokyo Dress Rehearsal

Team GB won the 2019 Compiègne Nations Cup
For the tenth edition, the nations that dominate the sport will wish to make an impression. With little over 60 days to go until the Tokyo Olympic Games , the Compiègne CDIO5* will indeed have a determining effect as a team observation trial for numerous nations. Jan Bemelmans, the French team selector, has chosen this meeting as one of the two final events in his quest to choose the three riders that will represent France in Japan. 

The entire ground jury, that will officiate at the 2020 Olympic Games, will also be judging at the 2020 CDIO Compiégne. Katrina Wust (GER), Andrew Gardner (GBR), Francis Verbeek (NED), Hans-Christian Matthiesen (DEN), Janet Foy (USA), Susie Hoevenaars (AUS), and Magnus Ringmark (SWE) will all be judging at Compiègne so this is the best opportunity for riders to expose themselves at this event.

Furthermore Compiegne will also be hosting an IDOC judging seminar in attendance of Dieter Schüle and Judging Supervisory Panel members David Hunt (GBR) and Uwe Mechlem (GER).

FEI Nations Cup Leg

Compiègne will be the second leg out of five that make up the prestigious 2020 FEI Nations Cup. The series kicked off in Wellington (USA, 11 - 15 March) and will continue in Aachen (GER, 2 - 7 June), Rotterdam (HOL, 18 - 21 June) and Falsterbo (SWE, 9 - 12 July). 

Compiègne CDIO 5* will grant top nations the possibility of accumulating precious points that count towards a final ranking, which was won last year by Sweden.

Victorious at Compiègne last year, Great Britain, one of the favourites for an Olympic medal this summer, will be keen to come and reclaim last year's victory. It guarantees a superb spectacle and fabulous sport performances.

Action Packed Programme

Morgan Barbançon on Sir Donnerhall II
Parallel to the CDIO5*, dressage lovers have the possibility to enjoy the performances of high level international competitors in three arenas during the CDI3* and the CDI2*.

Up and coming young talents will face each other in an U25 CDI, a Young Riders CDI and a CDI for Juniors (14-18 year olds), before facing each other again at their  respective European Championships this summer? Finally the Pony CDI will offer a showcase of the younger generation and a chance to compete at top level before the European Championships at Strzegom.

Because sport means an opportunity to share good times and festivities, plenty of attractions for the entire family will spice the show’s four days. An exhibition show of La Garde Républicaine performing the "carrousel des lances" is programmed.

For more information, visit www.compiegne-equestre.fr

Related Links
Team Great Britain Wins 2019 CDIO Compiegne Nations Cup with Stellar Hughes Hitting 77%
Scholtens and Desperado Exceed Expectations to Win 2019 CDIO Compiegne Grand Prix Kur to Music
Kittel and Well Done win 5* Grand Prix at 2019 CDIO Compiègne
Wahlkamp-Nilsson and Eddieni Win 3* Grand Prix at 2019 CDIO Compiègne