Wellington Classic Dressage Set to Host 2009 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships

Sep. 9, 2008 - Wellington, FL - Next year's Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships will be hosted by Wellington Classic Dressage and that means a guaranteed good time for competitors.

Wellington Classic Dressage has gained a world-wide reputation for hosting some of the best-managed and most fun dressage shows of the Florida winter circuit and Wellington Classic is planning nothing less than the best for the 2009 Region 3 Championships. When it comes to hosting dressage shows, Wellington Classic organizers say they believe that their shows will "raise the bar regarding the level of the competition, yet still allow the competitors to have fun."

The U.S. Dressage Federation's regional championships are held throughout the U.S. in the fall season for each of the USDF's nine regions. Region 3 includes Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee. The USDF recently announced that the 2009 Region 3 Championships will be held in conjunction with the Wellington Classic Dressage Autumn Challenge, scheduled for Oct. 22-25 at the beautiful Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, FL.

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The regional championships serve two purposes. One is to recognize the outstanding efforts of riders in each USDF region. And the other is to provide dressage fans and spectators with an opportunity to see the best riders and horses from each region in one venue. Great American Insurance Group has been lead sponsor of the regional championships for several years.

"By being the title sponsor, we are able to help USDF showcase these commendable individuals and provide them with the recognition they so greatly deserve," said Kathy Stringer, of Great American.

Noreen O'Sullivan, manager of Wellington Classic Dressage, said the organization was honored to be chosen as host for the 2009 Region 3 Championships.

"In past years, it was thought that West Palm Beach, Florida might be too far south to be considered for the host site and it seemed that the Championships would always be either in northern Florida or one of the more northern states of Region 3," she said. "Personally, I am honored that I have been chosen to manage this prestigious event on behalf of Wellington Classic Dressage, and we look forward to making the 2009 Region 3 Championships the best ever!"

This year's upcoming show season will be the third year for the Wellington Classic series of shows held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, which opened just two years ago. In that short period of time, the Wellington Classic Dressage shows have grown in popularity drawing competitors to the West Palm Beach region from throughout the U.S. and abroad. O'Sullivan said the choice of Wellington Classic as host for the 2009 Region 3 Championships is a win not only for Wellington Classic but the entire surrounding region. O'Sullivan is also the President of Gold Coast Dressage and oversees and manages several of its events, also hosted at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

"We feel this will continue to showcase West Palm Beach, Florida as one of the premiere locations for equestrian sports and will be a major benefit to our local community as well," she said. "We invite everyone to join us as a competitor, spectator, volunteer or staff member to celebrate the 2009 regional championships!!

Sponsorships are still available for businesses or individuals interested in being part of the fun. To learn more, contact jflanagan@wellingtoclassicdressage.com.