Houston, TX -January 24, 2012 - January 21, 2012 - As the 2012 London Paralympics approach, the opportunity to qualify individually as a para-equestrian dressage rider is down to just six months. Before time runs out para-equestrians should consider adding to their schedule the Houston Dressage Society 2012 Spring Classic CPEDI3* scheduled for April 26-29 in Katy, TX. The Houston Dressage Society (HDS) has masterfully planned to produce an impressive CPEDI3* event at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center. From the remarkable facilities to the carefully executed show schedule, the HDS is looking forward to hosting many international level para-equestrian dressage riders.

As President of HDS and the Recognized Show Chair, Kathy Jones is thrilled to showcase Texas hospitality. She noted, "I am delighted to offer the para-equestrian dressage riders one last chance to qualify for the 2012 London Paralympics. In early 2011, para-equestrian dressage rider Jonathan Wentz of North Texas Equestrian Center approached our team to produce a CPEDI3*. Within an instant I knew that a competition that has this caliber of horses and F.E.I. athletes would fit right in with our goals as a dressage society. With the help of North Texas Equestrian Center and Kai Handt this show has been made possible."

The CPEDI3* will commence with the F.E.I. jog on Thursday April 26, followed by three days of international para-equestrian competition and awards on Sunday April 29, 2012. The multi-million dollar equestrian facility features a large covered arena that fits 3,000 people, a covered warm-up, and a covered ten-minute ring. "A rider and horse can walk from their12' X 12' stall to the warm-up ring, and to the main arena all undercover. We enjoy this feature so we may eliminate weather being a factor for our horse show." The facility also includes two outdoor Otto-Sport footing rings and two outdoor sand rings for further use. In addition to the amenities is a six-foot compound fence for ultimate safety and hand grazing areas for the horses.

With phenomenal amenities and top preparation the Houston Dressage Society is looking forward to hosting the final CPEDI3* held in the United States before the Paralympic Selection Trials. Included in the final 2012 London Paralympic qualifiers held in the United States are the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3* (January 25-29 Wellington, FL), the Dressage Affaire 2012 CPEDI3*(March 8-11, 2012 Del Mar, CA), and finally the Houston Dressage Society 2012 Spring Classic CPEDI3* (April 26-29 Katy, TX).

For more information about the Houston Dressage Society or for sponsorship opportunities please e-mail Kathy Jones at [email protected] or call 832-722-6121. You may also visit http://www.houstondressagesociety.org/ for additional reference.

Prize lists will be available soon at http://www.showsecretary.com.

For more information about the upcoming CPEDI3* events please visit www.USEF..org or contact Pam Lane at [email protected].