In the second season of the popular dressage series being held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian in West Palm Beach, $15,000 in prize money for the FEI Divisions, and an innovative Amateur Championship which also honors the top trainer for high scoring amateurs kicks off the Dressage in Florida Winter series at the Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge Series I, January 12-13.

John Flanagan sponsor coordinator of the show series reports a “tremendous interest in our series and our January 12-13 show, is already a high caliber FEI level show and may run into four rings for the weekend.”

The Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge of Champions offers a $10,000 prize for Grand Prix and $5,000 for Prix St George to the same horse and rider combination who wins all classes in the three shows:

The Markel/Wellington Classic Dressage 2008 Winter Amateur Championships

Sign Up Form - Deliver to HorsesDaily RV at the January 12-13 - 2008 Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge I

The Markel/Wellington Classic Dressage 2008 Winter Amateur Championships presented by DressageDaily.com and Mary Phelps, a Markel Equine Insurance Specialist will be awarded to amateur competitors with the highest average who have declared their participation in the 2008 classes in their level, First 4, Second 4, Third 3, and F.E.I. Level.

All participants must compete in all three shows to qualify with the same horse and rider combination. All entries must be registered with Mary Phelps at the HorsesDaily RV at the Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge I.
Sign Up Form

Additionally, the Markel/Wellington Classic Dressage Amateur Winter Championship offers a special award for the leading trainer. Sponsored by Thin Line, the award is determined by the best results in the Amateur division. "We are glad to show our support for this important dressage series, and have found it to be a great value as a sponsor." said Mary Phelps a Markel Equine Insurance agent. "Markel has been tremendously supportive in our efforts to honor the amateur rider who are truly the backbone to the success of dressage in our country. By focusing on the three core shows of the winter season during the Wellington Classic Dressage series, we have the opportunity to support a group which has worked hard to bring quality shows at this lovely facility.  Additionally, their show program is a collector's item, and has offered advertisers and vendors an excellent package for their participation and support."

Introducing the Markel/Wellington Classic Dressage Trainers' Award Sponsored By Thin Line

"We wanted to add recognition to the leading trainers in Florida who have done so much to help and support the amateur dressage rider." said Mary Phelps, a Markel Insurance Agent and owner of DressageDaily.com. We asked Elaine Lockhead, President of ThinLine Inc and member of our HorsesDaily Virtual Vendor Village is she would like to participate, and she agreed without hesitation. The winner of this award will receive among other gifts a Thin Line Saddle Pad, and additional Thin Line products. The unique patented performance technology of the Thin Line pads moves shock, weight, and heat laterally across the pad. Top equine stars such as Betsy Steiner, Steffen Peters, and Arlene "Tuny" Page endorse the product.

PhelpsPhoto: Olympian Carol Lavell shops at the USDF Convention with Thin Line's Elaine Lockhead

Diane Sasscer, owner of Saddle Fit By Diane, and year long resident of Wellington Florida carries the full line if Thin Line Products and will be participating in this award.

The amateur rider is the backbone of the dressage industry, and their trainers are the muscle which supports that backbone. Many of the leading trainers in the sport call South Florida home and many others come to the West Palm Beach area for the winter months with clients, filling the local stables and boosting the economy.

Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge of Champions Winter Series 2008
January 12-13
2008 Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge I
February 16-17
2008 Wellington Classic Spring Challenge
March 8-9
2008 Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge II

Related Links
HorsesDaily "On the Scene" at the Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge Series 2008
wellingtonclassicdressage.com
HorsesDaily Virtual Vendor Village
Mary Phelps - Markel Equine Insurance
ThinLineInc.com