Dressage-News

TRYON, North Carolina, Sept. 14, 2018–The World Equestrian Games organization announced Friday night the intention to move the dressage Grand Prix Freestyle to Monday from Sunday because of the forecast of heavy rain from Hurricane Florence.

No time was set for the freestyle of the top 15 combinations from the Grand Prix Special if it is moved to Monday. The freestyle was originally scheduled for early Sunday following two days of Grand Prix and the Special.

Saturday was to be a rest day for dressage.

The organizers said the latest weather forecast from the National Weather Service, which has a weather station onsite at the Tryon International Equestrian Center shows heavy rain starting Saturday evening through Sunday.

Saturday’s cross country will start as scheduled at 11am, but the interval between horses will be reduced from four to three minutes. The cross country distance is unchanged at 5,700 meters but there are modifications to two fences.

The final jumping phase for eventing will be moved to Monday..

Saturday’s individual reining final was brought forward to 3pm.

“Depending on further official weather updates, it is the intention to reschedule Sunday’s dressage freestyle to Monday,” according to an official statement. “The dressage horse inspection for the 15 horses qualified for the freestyle will remain unchanged at 8am Saturday”.

Starting times for the freestyle, eventing horse inspection and eventing jumping will be confirmed as soon as possible.

Ticket holders will be notified by email and social media.