On behalf of the Fédération Equestre Internationale, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the CPEDI2* and CPEDI3* here in Waregem. It is a true honour to come together at Quadrille, a club founded in 1981 by Anne Van Neste-d’Ieteren, Belgian Dressage Champion from 1977 to 1982. Built on passion, excellence and unwavering dedication, this remarkable venue has grown into a cornerstone of equestrian sport in Belgium and beyond.
This year is especially meaningful, as Quadrille proudly celebrates 45 years of history, commitment and love for horses and riders alike. At the same time, we mark another important milestone: it has been 30 years since the organisation of the very first CPEDI here in 1996 which I personally supported and attended and was also made possible thanks to the invaluable support of Belgian NF President Jacky Buchmann together with the FEI. Since then, Quadrille
has continued to play a key role in the development and recognition of Para Dressage on the international stage.
Para Dressage truly gives us an insight into the close bond between horse and human, the level of trust and communication needed to perform at this level, highlighting just how receptive horses are towards their rider. Athletes are divided into five grades based on their level of impairment and will compete in the Grand Prix, the Freestyle, and the Team Test. Once again this year, Waregem welcomes a strong and diverse international field, and we look forward with great anticipation to seeing which athletes will rise to the occasion and emerge as this edition’s laureates.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and best wishes for a successful event to Anne d’Ieteren, Honorary President of the Belgian Paralympic Committee and Managing Director at Quadrille, along with her highly experienced Organising Committee. I want to take this occasion to congratulate her with her title of Baroness, which was granted to her by His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium. It is a well-deserved recognition of her work for the Belgian Paralympic Committee and for Para Equestrian sport in particular. My gratitude also goes to all the athletes,
breeders and owners, trainers, officials and their support staff. Your expertise and dedication are truly deserving of our respect.
I would also like to thank the sponsors, partners, volunteers, media, and everyone who has generously devoted their time, energy and support to make this event possible, giving people the opportunity to experience FEI Para Dressage up close.
In wish all the athletes and their entourage the best of luck! And to the fans, I hope that you enjoy every moment of this fantastic event conducted in the spirit of great horsemanship.
Ingmar De Vos
FEI President
