The Challenge of the Americas

The Challenge of the Americas (COTA) presented by THE PINK HATS invites you to join in the excitement of the most eagerly anticipated, one-of-a-kind equestrian event of the 2024 season. Elite riders from around the world will participate in a world-class dressage quadrille competition to assist the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, through their partner Play for P.I.N.K., in raising much needed funding for lifesaving research to prevent and find a cure for breast cancer.

Having evolved over the years from an afternoon dressage exhibition/luncheon in 2002, COTA has grown into an under-the-lights international equestrian extravaganza and gala. Its success and continued growth is due to its partnership in the fight against breast cancer, as well as its unique and highly entertaining format that features the ever-popular musical Grand Prix Quadrille Team Challenge – forever to be recognized as “dancing for women and men around the world.”

Showcased at the Global Dressage Festival Showgrounds in Wellington, Florida, the Challenge kicks off with pas de deux exhibitions and choreographed jumping from some of the top showjumpers in the world. Immediately following is the eagerly anticipated Grand Prix quadrille competition featuring six teams of six dressage riders and their highly trained horses. These dedicated teams practice together months before the event and choreographers and coaches for each team work closely with them at practices to ensure that the horses, riders and music flow together in harmony. A friendly, but serious rivalry develops between the teams as each group strives to win the title of COTA Champion. 

There are few, if any, places throughout the globe where an audience can delight in the performances of such a large and distinguished group of riders and their magnificent partners. The Challenge of the Americas presented by THE PINK HATS is a truly spectacular event.

The Challenge Gala, enjoyed under the ringside tents, is an elegant evening of dinner with an ideal view of the competition. After the featured awards presentation, guests have the chance to meet and socialize with riders and judges during the Gala, after which they top off the evening dancing into the night.

COTA has raised over $3.3 million to assist in finding a cure for breast cancer through our beneficiary, Play for P.I.N.K.(PFP), a partner of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge), is a 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research through sporting and lifestyle events.  Play for P.I.N.K.’s commitment is to contribute 100% of all proceeds to their sole beneficiary, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. To date, Play for P.I.N.K. has raised nearly $70 million for lifesaving research through BCRF.