Blainville, Quebec - June 11, 2003 - Blainville Equestrian Park will once again showcase the top athletes in equestrian sport with four distinct weeks of equestrian competition held in Blainville, QC.

Located just north of Montreal, Blainville Equestrian Park will feature international competition for driving, show jumping, reining and dressage. No other facility in Canada offers such a diverse array of horse sport competition.

Kicking off the excitement is the third annual CAI-A Blainville Driving International to be held June 20-22. Sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the competition is the only one in Canada, and one of two in North America, offered at the CAI-A level, denoting the highest possible level of competition outside of a major championship.

Internationally renowned course designer Christian Iseli of Austria has designed the demanding marathon course that includes seven challenging ‘hazards’, or obstacles. In addition to being part of the prestigious FEI North American Driving Challenge, the CAI-A Blainville Driving International will have the honour of acting as a Selection Trial for both the Canadian and the United States Equestrian Teams heading to the 2003 World Pairs Championships in France and the 2003 World Pony Championships in Austria.

From July 2-6, Blainville will once again host the ever-popular CSI-W Blainville Show Jumping International, a five-day hunter/jumper competition that culminates with the $60,000 World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix. As part of the $140,000 in prize money offered to competitors, the Blainville Show Jumping International will feature a $2,500 Jump Canada Talent Squad competition for up-and-coming riders on Thursday, Friday’s $15,000 Casino de Montreal Welcome Stake, a $20,000 Desjardins Challenge Modified Grand Prix on Saturday and Sunday’s $60,000 Grand Prix Jumping du Quebec World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix. Luc Musette of Belgium will have the honour of designing the courses on the grass grand prix field.

In addition to world-class show jumping, family members of all ages who attend the Blainville Show Jumping International will enjoy a medieval village, complete with knights and princesses, and jousting competitions on horseback.

From July 11-13, a western spirit will overtake Blainville Equestrian Park as the Blainville Reining International slides into town. Part of the prestigious Saddlesmith Series, the event offers $25,000 in prize money.

The final gem in the 2003 competition calendar at Blainville Equestrian Park is the CDI-W Blainville Dressage International, held July 17-20. The prestigious international event features $20,000 in prize money and will act as the final Selection Trials for the Canadian Dressage Teams headed to the 2003 Pan American Games in the Dominican Republic and the 2003 European Championships in England.

As always, the Dressage Musical Freestyle Extravaganza on the evening of Saturday, July 19, will be the highlight of the weekend. In order to accommodate the overwhelming spectator demand, the Dressage Musical Freestyle Extravaganza will once again be held outdoors in order to allow for more seating.

“We are very proud to bring the beauty and fascination of the horse direct to the people,” said Jean-Pierre Arvisais, President of the Blainville International. “Each of the four disciplines are unique in their technical requirements, but all demonstrate the age-old art of communication between man and horse.”

Added attractions throughout all four weeks of competition will ensure that family members, young and old, enjoy all that Blainville Equestrian Park has to offer. For more information, please contact Blainville International at tel: (450) 434-8202, fax: (450) 434-8209, or e-mail: info@classiqueblainville.com.

Blainville Equestrian Park – 2003 Calendar of Events
CAI-A Driving June 20-22
CSI-W Show Jumping July 2-6
Reining International July 11-13
CDI-W Dressage July 17-20