USPEA President Hope Hand (Sitting), Coach Kai Handt (Standing), and Grade Ib winner at the 2011 Dressage Affaire CPEDI3*Jonathan Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale (Lindsay Y McCall for USPEA)

Del Mar, CA - Kim Keenan Stordahl and the team at Keenan Productions Events Inc. added to their outstanding horse show the first CPEDI3* at the Del Mar Horsepark in Del Mar, CA. In 2012 the Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CPEDI3*, will once again host the international para-equestrian dressage riders March 8-11. Adding to the excitement this year for the CPEDI3* will be $1,000 divided among the top five riders in the freestyle competition in each of the five Grade divisions. Para-equestrian teams and individuals will have the opportunity to showcase their best Team Test, Individual Test, and Freestyle in front of the CPEDI3* Jury Hanneke Gerritsen 5* (NED), Kathy Amos Jacob 5* (FRA), and Ulf Wilken 5* (SWE). There are only two CPEDI3* events left in the in United States for riders to earn their individual 60% Certificate of Capability for the 2012 London Paralympics. This is the first horse show followed by the Houston Dressage Society CPEDI3* April 26-29. In addition to the horse show there will be a rider's clinic with dressage trainer Mette Rosencrantz and an F.E.I Para-Equestrian Dressage judge course.

Kim Keenan Stordahl's positive attitude and dynamo work ethic has produced one of the finest international dressage shows in the United States. She noted, "Having the para-equestrians back to the Dressage Affaire is like family coming home! It has been a pleasure to be part of the para-equestrian sport. We hope to have riders representing many countries so that we may hold a true team competition. We are excited to be able to offer $1,000 for the freestyle competitions and we are delighted that 20% of our grandstand ticket sales that day and 20% of the proceeds of a special auction will be donated to the USPEA. We are also looking forward to co-hosting the clinic with Mette Rosencrantz after the CPEDI3*."

President of the USPEA, Hope Hand responded, "We look forward to the Del Mar competition every year, but it is especially important this year to encourage not only United States participation, but riders from other countries. This will give para-equestrian dressage riders the opportunity to ride in one of the last competitions prior to the 2012 London Paralympic Selection Trials."

Entries for the Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CPEDI3* close on February 17, 2012 and can be completed online at www.dressageevents.com.