Donor support is critical to growing international para dressage competition opportunities in Canada
Equestrian Canada (EC) is proud to announce the launch of the CPEDI Competition Development Fund, a new national initiative designed to expand access to international para dressage competition opportunities for Canadian athletes. As para dressage continues to experience meaningful growth across the country, donor support is essential to ensure athletes, organizers, and officials have the resources required to sustain and grow CPEDI competitions in Canada.
Canadian para dressage athletes continue to demonstrate strong international competitiveness, achieving success on the world stage despite limited domestic competition opportunities. A significant barrier to further athlete development is the shortage of CPEDI (Concours Para-Equestre de Dressage International) competitions in North America. This lack of access increases travel and participation costs, restricts opportunities to achieve required qualification scores, and limits critical international exposure.
The CPEDI Competition Development Fund is intended to address this gap by providing targeted financial assistance to support the inclusion of CPEDI competitions alongside existing EC Gold or Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) sanctioned events, while also helping athletes access these vital competitions.
Building a Stronger Para Dressage Pathway
The purpose of the fund is to support the growth and sustainability of CPEDI Para Dressage competitions in Canada by reducing financial and operational barriers for both competition organizers and athletes. Through donor support, the fund aims to:
- Increase the number of CPEDI competitions hosted in Canada
- Reduce the financial burden on organizers and athletes
- Improve access to high-quality FEI competition opportunities for Canadian para dressage athletes, coaches, and officials
- Strengthen the domestic high-performance pathway aligned with international performance benchmarks
Eligible competitions must include CPEDI 3* classes and be run in conjunction with an EC Gold or FEI sanctioned competition, while fully complying with FEI and EC regulations, including accessibility requirements.
Funding of up to $50,000 per competition may be awarded to support costs directly related to CPEDI inclusion, including FEI officials and classifiers, facility accessibility adaptations, stabling, logistics, and other technical or administrative requirements.
Donor Support Makes the Difference
The success of the CPEDI Competition Development Fund relies on the generosity of donors who believe in inclusive sport and high-performance excellence.
Donations can be made through the Equestrian Canada donations platform, with all contributions earmarked specifically for the CPEDI Competition Development Fund. Funds will be administered in accordance with EC program criteria, and tax receipts will be issued for eligible donations in compliance with the EC Gift Acceptance Policy and Canada Revenue Agency requirements.
By contributing to this fund, donors play a direct role in expanding competitive opportunities, reducing barriers to participation, and strengthening Canada’s para dressage pipeline from grassroots to international podiums.
Applications from Organizers
The fund will operate on an annual application cycle. Applications from organizers are reviewed on a rolling basis, subject to available funds.
Questions?
Please contact:
Christine Peters
Senior Manager, Dressage Olympic/Paralympic Program
cpeters@equestrian.ca