June 27, 2006 – Blainville, Quebec – The best Canadian dressage competitors dance into the Blainville Equestrian Park as the international equestrian facility plays host to the CDI3* Blainville Dressage International from June 28-July 1, 2006.

A record number of equestrian athletes will descend on the Blainville Equestrian Park to compete in one of the country's most prestigious equestrian events with a purse of $20,000 in prize money. The four-day Blainville Dressage International culminates in the 'Freestyle Extravaganza' on Saturday evening, July 1. A sold-out event since its inception eight years ago, the 'Freestyle Extravaganza' sees the top Grand Prix and Intermediaire competitors performing their musical freestyles, required movements choreographed to the music of their choice. The incredible evening, a favourite with fans and competitors alike, is held under the lights with two VIP tents and a grandstand accommodating the thousands of fans that pack the Park for this dressage spectacular.

One athlete that the crowd is sure to be cheering for is hometown hero Evi Strasser. Hailing from Ste-Adele, Strasser is the defending champion of the Grand Prix Freestyle. The Canadian Olympian will use the Blainville Dressage International as her final Canadian competition before departing for Europe to represent Canada at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany.

"I love competing at Blainville," enthuses Strasser who is also competing for valuable World Cup Qualifying points in her quest to be Canada's representative at the 2007 World Cup Final in Las Vegas. "The atmosphere is like no other show, and it is incredible how many passionate fans come out to support us. The fact that I am competing in front of a home audience only makes it better."

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.

"It is very gratifying that so many competitors continue to support our event year after year," noted Arvisais. "The number of entries are bigger than ever this year, and we are looking forward to some very exciting competition. It will be especially thrilling to watch Quebec favourite Evi Strasser defend her title in the Grand Prix Freestyle."

The CDI3* Blainville Dressage International is one of only five dressage competitions sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation, and is the longest running annual World Cup Qualifier held in Canada, with the notable exception of the Canadian League World Cup Final which takes place each November during the Royal Horse Show in Toronto.

Dressage, derived from the french word 'dresser' meaning 'to train', is an Olympic sport where riders give subtle cues to their horses to perform elaborate and impressive movements. The result is horse and rider moving in unison, leading to dressage being described as 'ballet on horseback'.

And the action doesn't stop when the CDI3* Blainville Dressage International ends. The show jumpers move in for the CSI-W Blainville Show Jumping International running July 5-9 and featuring Sunday's $70,000 Grand Prix Jumping du Quebec World Cup Qualifier.

Located just north of Montreal, Blainville Equestrian Park features a variety of attractions that ensure all family members enjoy their visit. For more information, please visit www.classiqueblainville.com or contact Blainville International at tel: (450) 434-8202 ext. 108, e-mail: classiqueblainville@videotron.ca.