April 5, 2005 – Blainville, Quebec – International Dressage and Show Jumping competition will once again return to Blainville, Quebec, with the CDI***-W Blainville Dressage International taking place June 29-July 2 and the CSI-W Blainville Jumping International held July 6-10 at Blainville Equestrian Park.

Both competitions, which are World Cup Qualifying events, are sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and will feature the world’s top athletes competing in the two Olympic disciplines of dressage and show jumping. The Classique Internationale de Blainville organizing committee, headed by President, Jean-Pierre Arvisais, and Event Manager, Louise Thibault, will once again produce the popular equestrian competitions.

Dressage Features Freestyle Extravaganza

Well-established as Canada’s premiere dressage competition, last year the CDI***-W Blainville Dressage International hosted the final Olympic Selection Trials for the Canadian Dressage Team. In 2005, those Athens Olympians are sure to be back to face the high level of competition that Blainville is known for, and with the same strong desire to win. With $20,000 in prize money on the line in addition to World Cup Qualifying points, the stakes are high for these masters of harmony and subtlety.

Throughout the four days of competition, the world’s top international judges will evaluate competitors at all levels. The CDI*** Blainville Dressage International culminates with the Casino de Montreal Freestyle Extravaganza on Saturday, July 2. A sold-out event since its inception seven years ago, the Casino de Montreal Freestyle Extravaganza sees the top Grand Prix and Intermediaire level riders performing their freestyles, required movements choreographed to the music of their choice, under the lights in front of thousands of fans.

Show Jumping in Style at Blainville Equestrian Park

Five days of world-class show jumping follows the dressage competition with the return of the CSI-W Blainville Show Jumping International, now in its 17th year. Olympic Gold Medallist Conrad Homfeld of the United States will serve as the course designer, setting tracks that require obedience and rideability from horses and careful planning from the riders.

Over $160,000 in prize money is offered over the five days of competition, which culminates with the $60,000 Grand Prix Jumping du Quebec World Cup Qualifier on Sunday, July 10. Fresh off an appearance at the 2005 World Cup Final, Eric Flameng of Belgium will be on hand to defend his title, facing the top show jumping challengers from around the globe.

Last year’s investment in the grass footing in the Grand Prix Field, as well as the change to all-weather footing in the Annex Jumper Ring, met with rave reviews from the competitors. This year, the Blainville organizing committee will continue to make improvements to the facility.

“The Classique Internationale de Blainville is proud of its tradition of hosting one of the longest running World Cup Qualifiers for show jumping, as well as the reputation we have developed as Canada’s premiere dressage competition,” noted Jean-Pierre Arvisais, President of the Classique Internationale de Blainville. “Countless hours and resources have gone into making Blainville Equestrian Park a world-class equestrian facility, but the result is that we have created an attractive and welcoming venue for competitors and spectators alike.”

Located just north of Montreal, Blainville Equestrian Park features a variety of attractions that ensure all family members enjoy their visit. For more information, including prize lists, please visit www.classiqueblainville.com or contact Blainville International at tel: (450) 434-8202, e-mail: classiqueblainville@videotron.ca.