Wellington, FL - Last week's Dressage Under the Stars was a crowd favorite, as four former dressage young riders competed to fantastic popular music in exciting dress. Riders last week were Mica Mabragana from Argentina, Kasi Barteau who did a rendition of the Lion King, winner of the evening Jocelyn Wylese, and Mary Lauthorio who made her horse into a rocket ship in honor of the final NASA spaceship launch. Neil Hirsh, owner of the Player's Club which hosts the evening remarked "It was wonderful, last week really stepped it up a notch. Really well done!"

Film Documentarian Ron Davis served as the artistic judge for the evening, and commented, "Until now I thought Dressage is normally so serious. Last Wednestday was beautiful and fun!"

This week PRO Derby Cross will present a special evening of Dressage Under the Stars as it will showcase the talents of strictly Eventing riders.

The program ties into this week's highlight event at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, PRO Derby Cross held on Saturday, March 5. This unique competition features five teams of five riders who compete individually over a three-minute course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O'Connor. The teams consist of top level eventers, jumpers, and polo players, and are captained by international three-day eventing riders. The eventers and jumper riders will compete over the course, and the guest polo rider on each team will jump a challenge jump to earn bonus points for the team.

"We are so excited to combine efforts with those in town for Derby Cross and do something fun for our event riders," noted Dressage Under the Stars producer Steve Williams. "They never get the chance to do a freestyle so I'm sure tomorrow night is one not to miss! I know these riders will be really into it and I can't wait to watch the performances."

This week's rider list is made up of strictly event riders, featuring Sara Kozumplik, Marsha Kulak and Ronald Zabala-Goetschel, all top-level eventers who never get the chance to perform a musical freestyle. Olympian Karen O'Connor will serve as one of the judges for the evening.

Sara Kozumplik is an ICP Level 3 coach, achieved A rating in pony club, and competes at the four star level in Eventing. She has competed her horse, Somerset, at the highest level, where they were awarded top placings together. After an injury, they were unfortunately not able to compete at the WEG, but hope to make a bid for London in 2012.

Ronald Zabala-Goetschel was the first Ecuadorian to qualify for a WEG, with Wiseguy. In 2008, he was named The U.S. Eventing Association's 2008 Adult Amateur Rider of the Year. Zabala-Goetschel has recently developed a new line of saddles, and also has written a children's book.

Marcia Kulak is a top three-day event rider and trainer based in Scotia, NY, and Wellington, FL. As an international rider for 25 years, she has successfully competed on the world's biggest stages: Rolex Kentucky, Burghley, Blenheim, Boekelo, and Fair Hill. In addition, she has been short listed for two Olympic Games.

Each Wednesday during the winter equestrian season in Palm Beach, the elegance of dressage is showcased under the magic of starlight. In only its third season, DRESSAGE UNDER THE STARS has become one of the winter equestrian calendar's most anticipated events. Horse and rider combinations perform weekly for cash prizes and the opportunity to return to the eighth week's Championship round where the winner takes away a grand prize consisting of lavish gifts and a very large check. This event consistently attracts the BEST international caliber riders in South Florida.

ENDS