Wellington, FL - Canadian Paralympic competitor Lauren Barwick and her mount Off To Paris had a stellar day of competition the $15,000 Wellington Dressage Classic CDI***, presented by the Chesapeake Dressage Institute, held March 15-18 at the Global Dressage Festival (GDF)Stadium show grounds in Wellington, FL.

Barwick was an avid equestrian from a young age, growing up riding in Pony Club, three-day eventing, fox hunting, and competing in jumpers. In 2000, a one-hundred-pound bale of hay fell ten feet, landing on her back. She had two broken vertebra and a severed spinal cord. She was left paralyzed from the belly button down, with no feeling or movement.

Barwick regularly competes in international shows, including Athens 2004 summer Paralympics and the 2010 World Equestrian Games. She was named the 2004 Canadian Equestrian of the Year. Every victory is a hard won battle, but Barwick is grateful for her horses and the opportunity to compete at this level.

Anna Marek, Morriston, FL, rode Voyager to victory in the Intermediare 1 Open class with a score of 68.816. The pair was Reserve High Score winner. Voyager, a 10 year old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Belinda Nairn-Wertman, gave Marek a consistent and solid ride in a hotly contested class to garner the award.

The veterinary horse inspection took place at 4:00 pm in the warm-up area next to the GDF International Arena. It proved to be a great opportunity to see the international horses and riders as they presented before the jury.

Riders from the United States and several nations will be competing at the GDF. International competition being Friday, March 16 with the FEI Grand Prix and the FEI Prix St. Georges. On Saturday, March 17 the FEI Intermediare I takes place in the morning, and the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle class will once again be held under the lights in the evening. Sunday, March 18 features the FEI Olympic Grand Prix Special and the FEI Intermediare Freestyle.

The best place to enjoy international competition at the GDF is in the Global Pavilion. There are a limited number of tickets available for tables where guests are treated to a breakfast buffet and lunch with an open bar. The Pavilion will also be open on Saturday evening during the Freestyle. A reserved table for 6 guests during the three days of international competition is $1,500. To make reservations, please call Annette Goyette at 561-784-1120.

For more information please visit the Global Dressage Festival website at: www.globaldressagefestival.com under the link of dressage show information and ride times on the main homepage.